Performance Brokerage Services, North America’s highest volume dealership brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Bob Pforte Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Marianna, Florida from Bob Pforte to Key Auto Group.
Bob Pforte had a vision of becoming an automotive dealer from the time he was a young boy. In 1965, that vision became a reality. Known as the oldest family-owned dealership in the tri-state area, Bob Pforte Motors worked hard to build a strong foundation in the community. Dedicated to his staff and providing exceptional customer service, it’s easy to see why the customers that visited the dealership felt like family. Never one to sit still, Bob was always looking for ways to grow and build upon his thriving dealership. While retirement looks promising, he mentioned he will always be busy doing something.
Following the sale, Pforte commented, “After 57 years as a dealer, it was not an easy decision to sell. I met with George Chaconas and Courtney Bernhard of Performance Brokerage Services after an unsuccessful attempt to sell with a prior broker, and felt they had the reach and commitment to see this through to the finish line. It was a pleasure working with George and Courtney, and I appreciate the efforts they put forth. I wish success to the new owners and look forward to spending more time in our Real Estate development business.”
Over the last 5 years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of over 250 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. In 2021, the company consummated over 72 transactions, marking a record-breaking year. George C. Chaconas, the exclusive advisor for this transaction and the Southeast Partner for Performance Brokerage Services commented, “Bob Pforte reached out to me about helping him sell his dealership so he could retire after 57 years as a Stellantis dealer in Marianna, Florida. Unfortunately, Bob had a bad experience with another broker, so my Associate, Courtney Bernhard, and I immediately went to visit him, and we hit it off! While we had multiple buyers interested, we were able to identify Key Auto Group, who we recently sold another Chevrolet dealership to in Perry, Florida, as the most qualified and strategic buyer. Bob is a great dealer and a true gentleman. He has been around a long time, and I really respect what he has built over the years. It’s always a pleasure to help this type of dealer gracefully exit into the sunset of retirement. I want to thank Bob again for the opportunity and wish him well in his retirement. However, as he said, ‘he’s got plenty to do to keep him busy’. Additionally, it is important that we helped the buyer continue to grow in the Florida market, and we look forward to working with Key Auto Group and their team again in the future.”
Anthony DiLorenzo, owner of Key Auto Group, began his career in the automotive industry in 1986, as a sales associate at Edwards Toyota. Key Auto Group was established in 1994 with the acquisition of Somerset Auto Center, and then added Portsmouth Chevrolet in 1997. Over the past 11 years, the company continued to grow, adding automotive dealerships, collision centers, a brewery, a rental car company, and fitness centers. DiLorenzo has set the vision and mission for the entire group of businesses, which has grown to over 400 employees. The company states that their goal is to be one of the most recognized and well-respected auto groups in the Eastern U.S. and to uphold the following values to help them achieve this vision: Respect, Integrity, Initiative, Value, Responsibility, Transparency, and Peer Development.
Upon the transaction closing, Todd Jackson, Regional VP of Key Auto Group, stated, “We knew we wanted to expand in Florida. After the successful purchase of our General Motors dealership in Perry with Courtney Bernhard and George Chaconas, we quickly entered into our second purchase agreement for Bob Pforte Motors. We look forward to working with George and Courtney on more dealership acquisitions in the near future.”
Following the sale, Courtney Bernhard of Performance Brokerage Services commented, “It has been a pleasure working with Key Auto Group for the second time. I appreciate their entire team who worked diligently, along with the seller and his comptroller, LaShawnda Crews, to get this transaction to a successful closing.”
The dealership will remain at its current location at 2471 Commercial Park Drive in Marianna, Florida and has been renamed Key Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Marianna.
Bob Pforte was represented by Logan Parker of Bass Sox Mercer in Tallahassee, Florida.
Key Auto Group was represented by Stephen Roberts, Partner at Hoefle, Phoenix, Gormley & Roberts, PLLC in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.