Port PowerSports in the News
Welland Tribune Staff Photo: Kaesha Forand
Former GM dealer evolves as Port PowerSports
Posted By KAESHA FORAND/Tribune StaffPORT COLBORNE — May 26 is a day Bill McGee isn't likely to forget.
It's the day he found out that General Motors was cancelling franchise agreements with 337 GM dealerships and McGee's Port Pontiac was on the chopping block. But instead of ending his car dealership career, he transformed his business into a power sport store, used car lot and also secured a Tech-Net automotive service professionals franchise. It's now called Port PowerSports. After McGee received the news from GM, he had until Dec. 31 to eliminate the franchise. He continued to service vehicles while he was planning a new beginning and had a smooth conversion, without having to close the dealership. He brainstormed ideas for converting his property into a car dealership or a wholesale parts store. But power sports remained in his thoughts. "I thought of Victory (motorcycles) as a toy to sell. I thought it would be a nice little addition to what I was doing." Although power sports are seasonal, McGee believes if there's enough variety under one roof it's possible to fill the seasonal gaps. "I find myself reinventing the place," he said of his 1,620-square-metre dealership. Yamaha, Victory and Polaris watercraft wave runners, side-by-sides utility vehicles (UTV), motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs will fill the showroom floor. He also expects to carry Yamaha lawn mowers, snow blowers, generators and pumps in the near future.
"It's been well-received even though it's the off season." Port PowerSports' used cars include Pontiacs, Chevrolets, Nissans and even a Porsche. As the stock dwindles, it will be replaced by larger pre-owned vehicles such as trucks and SUVs with more towing capabilities. McGee will also be selling trailers to tow all the fancy toys purchased at Port PowerSports. To help fill the service void, he brought in Tech-Net automotive service professionals to service vehicles in Port PowerSport's shop. His GM certified staff continue to service GM models while additional staff with marine, ATV and motorcycle expertise were brought in. "It's a main stream approach to independent repair shop needs." For $79 an hour, staff will service all makes and models of vehicles as well as all motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, personal watercrafts and outboard motors on a drop-in basis. At this time, appointments are not necessary. "The loyal GM customers keep coming." Port PowerSports is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It can be found online at www.portpowersports.com. kforand@wellandtribune.ca 
Port Colborne, Ontario 
