Performance Brokerage Services, North America’s highest volume dealership brokerage firm, has dialed in another dealership deal as Ken and Jeff Conston have sold Dutchess Recreational Vehicles in Poughkeepsie, New York to former shop rat turned tech magnate, Jim Batterton. The dealership has served Hudson Valley customers since 1971… and will continue to do so long into the future according to Batterton.
“When the opportunity to acquire Dutchess Recreational Vehicles came up, I was very excited because they have a great reputation and have served the Hudson Valley and tri-state area for decades,” he says. “Their involvement with and support of the rider community is excellent. The other big key to their success has been a great group of enthusiastic employees. We are honored to be taking over for the Conston family and hope to carry on the Dutchess Recreational Vehicles legacy.”
Batterton brings extensive senior leadership experience from IBM and Kyndryl, along with specialized knowledge in powersports from his involvement with his family’s pre-owned dealership, Kent Road Motorsports. Passionate about the industry, Jim and his wife Emily, along with their family, are dedicated powersports enthusiasts and customers.
Batterton added, “While the transaction was not simple with eight OEM lines involved, we would have had a much more difficult time without the aid of Courtney Bernhard and the Performance Brokerage team. We found Courtney to be a great advisor as we went through it, and she quickly helped us build a great partnership with the sellers that enabled the transaction to proceed. She was also instrumental in introducing us to some other professional services firms that were experienced in buy-sell transactions, which aided us greatly.”
Ken Conston purchased the then-single line Honda dealership in 1988. He expanded the product lines offered and brought brother Jeff on board in 2000 after he bought out the last remaining partner. Since then, the Conston brothers have enjoyed a strong partnership over the past 24 years. Ken and Jeff will remain involved for a transition period to ensure a smooth changeover, providing customers with continuity and familiar faces during this time.
“Thanks so much to Courtney Bernhard and her team at Performance Brokerage Services for helping out with the sale of our dealership,” says Ken. “Courtney was involved and helpful all the way to the finish line at the closing! Thanks again!”
“It was truly a pleasure working with Ken and Jeff throughout the entire transaction. It became very apparent why the duo has been successful in their dealership and has such a committed, long-tenured staff. Ken and Jeff were extremely helpful working with the buyer through all the challenges of a buy-sell. I have no doubt that Jim Batterton and his family will be set up for success for many years to come. I appreciate Jim’s positive attitude and tenacity working through the manufacturer applications, dealer licensing and the many other hoops that came up until the very end. Thank you to everyone involved!”
Over the past 5 years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of over 300 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. George C. Chaconas, Senior Partner, and Courtney A. Bernhard, Partner of the Harley-Davidson & Powersports Division for Performance Brokerage Services were the exclusive sell-side advisors for this transaction.
George Chaconas added, “It was an honor and a privilege to exclusively represent the sellers of Dutchess Recreational Vehicles, Jeff and Ken Conston. I would like to thank both the buyer and seller for working together to help facilitate a smooth transaction. In addition, I am very proud of my partner, Courtney Bernhard, as she demonstrated hard work, determination, and professionalism with managing this buy-sell to the finish line. I would like to congratulate all the parties and wish everyone great success.”
Dutchess Recreational Vehicles will remain at its current location at 737 Freedom Plains Road in Poughkeepsie, New York.
