Michigan-based Victory Automotive Group has acquired Metro Toyota in Brook Park, Ohio, from Jerry Schneider, his sons Ken and Dan Schneider, and brothers Barry and Jim Greenfield, according to the Tim Lamb Group, which brokered the deal.

The dealership, which will be renamed Victory Toyota of Brook Park, is the 11th Toyota store in Victory’s portfolio, which includes more than 50 locations in 11 states.

The 70,000-square foot facility includes an imaged Toyota showroom with an attached service center and a used car showroom located next door. The Tim Lamb Group said the parts and accessories department offers one of the nation’s largest inventories of Toyota parts as well as hard-to-find regional Toyota parts and accessories.

The dealership is a 20-year recipient of Toyota’s President’s Award.

Jerry Schneider and the late Dick Greenfield opened Metro Toyota in 1969. Schneider’s sons Ken and Dan, and Greenfield’s sons Barry and Jim joined the dealership in 1987 and have worked closely with other family members over the years.

Ken Schneider, who has served as the dealership’s general manager, said the family aspect was an important part of the decision to sell to Victory, which is owned and operated by Jeffrey Cappo, and his sons Eric and Michael.

“Being able to speak directly with Jeff Cappo, president of Victory Automotive Group, was an enjoyable experience and one of the deciding factors in choosing a successor to take over our family business,” Schneider said in a news release.

Victory Automotive Group is a family-owned company, started over 25 years ago by Jeffrey Cappo, and is headquartered in Canton, Mich.

Cappo now works alongside his sons Eric and Michael, who are involved in the daily operations of their 50+ locations, in eleven states including Ohio, Michigan, California, Massachusetts, Florida, Texas, Indiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Illinois. Victory Automotive Group represents 14 of the best automotive brands including eleven Toyota locations with three of those stores located in Ohio. They continue to see the value that the Toyota brand brings to their company and plan to continue to grow the business in the Cleveland market.

Tim Lamb Group has worked closely with Victory Automotive Group and continues to facilitate deals with their team. “I am honored to have assisted both families with this sale and appreciate the trust they put in the Tim Lamb Group,” stated Steve Corle, Director at the Tim Lamb Group. “I wish the Schneider and Greenfield families all the best in their next endeavors.”

New leader of Gulf States Toyota

Eric Williamson has been named president and general manager Gulf States Toyota in Houston, bringing 35 years of experience in leadership roles for GST’s parent company, The Friedkin Group.

Williamson will be responsible for overseeing one of the world’s largest independent distributors of Toyota vehicles and parts, serving 156 Toyota dealerships in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. He’s previously served as GST’s marketing, fleet operations and accessory business development director, and as vice president of human resources.

“Eric has established himself among the most capable and innovative leaders in the automotive industry and will support our highly valued partnership with Toyota Motor North America,” said Dan Friedkin, chairman and CEO of The Friedkin Group and chairman of GST.

“I have had the pleasure of working with him for many years and am confident his leadership skills and strategic vision will position the company for continued success.”

Williamson has been The Friedkin Group’s executive vice president for the past decade, leading GST and the group’s other automotive companies. He’s been a member of the Greater Houston Partnership’s Transportation Committee. helping identify and address mobility issues that affect the region’s transportation industry, network and infrastructure.

“Having spent more than three decades in various capacities at Gulf States Toyota and The Friedkin Group, my passion for this organization runs deep.” Williamson said, “and I am excited about the opportunity to help chart its course into the future. I’ve enjoyed re-engaging with our dealers and identifying opportunities to drive our collective success.”

Sun shines with acquisition of motorcycle, powersports dealerships

Sun Powersports Investments has acquired Sun Harley-Davidson & Sun Enterprises in Denver from Kathleen and JR Simmerman and Ron Lang, broker Performance Brokerage Services announced.

The broker said Sun Harley-Davidson is “an iconic dealership and a legendary name in the motorcycle industry” that has been in business more than 50 years. It operates from a 36,000-square foot facility.

Sun Enterprises is Colorado’s largest powersports, motorcycle, ATV and side-by-side dealership, with a 76,000-square foot facility spanning five acres. In 2018, Sun Enterprises earned the Can-Am National Dealer of the Year Award as the country’s No. 1 Can-Am dealer.

Sun Harley-Davidson will continue operating under the same name, with plans to eventually relocate to a new “state-of-the-art” facility. Sun Enterprises will continue operating under the same name at its current location.