Mike Holland's journey into powersports represents a calculated leap from corporate America to entrepreneurial success. After working for a large apparel company, Holland entered the dealership world, acquiring Big Country Powersports in Bowling Green, KY during 2020.
As COVID-19 threatened to reshape the powersports landscape, Holland acquired a competing dealership—a decision that not only helped his business survive but positioned it for long-term growth. This acquisition strategy reflects Holland's broader business philosophy: when faced with challenges, proactively strengthen your position rather than simply weather the storm.
What sets Holland's dealership apart is its commitment to customer experience – instead of traditional sales tactics that put high pressure on potential customers, Mike’s approach centers on allowing customers to test multiple units across different brands, ensuring they make informed decisions about the best vehicle for their needs. This approach prioritizes long-term customer relationships over quick transactions.
Holland's success extends beyond sales figures to creating a workplace culture that reflects his values. He's implemented comprehensive employee support systems, including healthcare plans, 401(k) programs, and competitive wages—investments that demonstrate his commitment to his team's long-term success.
His management philosophy centers on empowerment: Holland describes it as "building a strong team and allowing employees to make decisions to solve customer problems." This creates a service-oriented culture where staff members feel invested in customer outcomes.
When it comes to digitizing business, Big Country Powersports is quick to adapt. While many dealers view e-commerce as a threat, Holland sees an expansion opportunity. His dealership has successfully embraced online sales as a way to reach customers far beyond their Kentucky location. "E-commerce is an opportunity to reach a broader market and sell across the nation," Holland notes, describing how his operation uses multiple logistics providers to deliver everything from jet skis and boats to motorcycles and power equipment nationwide.
Holland credits his location in Bowling Green, Kentucky, as a significant factor in his success. The area's diverse, growing community provides a strong customer base, and Hollands’ professional involvement in community events creates a connection that goes both ways—Big Country Powersports gives back to the area that has supported his business growth.
Mike Holland's multi-brand approach, combined with both physical and digital presence, positions his dealership to serve customers however they prefer to shop. By focusing on experience over pressure, community over competition, and empowerment over control, Holland has built more than just a successful dealership—he's created a model for how powersports businesses can thrive in an evolving marketplace.
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