From Natural Disaster to Triumph: The Inspiring Journey of Performance Powersports in Houma, LA

Performance Powersports in Houma, Louisiana, has served riders for over 18 years with top brands, expert service, and a community-first mindset. Co-owners John Soileau and Harvey Sharp III rebuilt after Hurricane Ida, emerging stronger. Their team focuses on customer relationships, local impact, and delivering a standout experience for every rider.

Performance Powersports is a prominent dealership for powersports enthusiasts in Houma, Louisiana, co-owned by Harvey Sharp III and John Soileau. With a strong history of excellence and a commitment to customer satisfaction, this dealership has become a go-to destination for riders in the region.

For over 18 years, Performance Powersports has been dedicated to exceeding customer expectations. As an authorized dealership for Can-Am, Polaris, Hammerhead, CF Moto, Slingshot, and Yanmar, it offers an extensive selection of new and pre-owned vehicles. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned rider, Performance Powersports has something for everyone.

Performance Powersports is dedicated to supporting the Houma community, including local schools, sports teams, and charity events. A key initiative the dealership backs is the Blue Boot Foundation, which focuses on educating children about water safety to prevent drowning. Through its annual Blue Boot Rodeo fishing tournament, the foundation raises funds for water safety classes aimed at children and families. Performance Powersports contributes by donating a bike each year to the charity, helping the foundation in its mission to teach life-saving skills and protect young lives from drowning.
“We believe in giving back,” John says. “Whether it’s sponsoring local baseball teams or helping schools or charity events, it’s about making a positive impact in our community.”

What sets Performance Powersports apart is its commitment to outstanding service. The dealership’s friendly and knowledgeable staff are prepared to assist customers at every step—from selecting the perfect ride to providing ongoing maintenance and customization. The seamless collaboration between the sales, financing, service, and parts departments ensures that every customer leaves satisfied. John Soileau emphasizes the importance of building lasting relationships with customers. “Without our customers, we have nothing. We aim to provide a fun and enjoyable buying experience, allowing customers to focus on the excitement of their new vehicles.”

Adaptability is key in any industry, and for Performance Powersports, it was especially crucial after Hurricane Ida devastated Houma in August 2021. The storm, one of the most powerful to hit Louisiana in recent years, left widespread destruction across the region. Homes, businesses, and public services were severely damaged, with power outages lasting for weeks. For Performance Powersports, the hurricane destroyed their primary shop, forcing them to temporarily relocate to Cycle World, their other location. For nearly two years, over 40 employees, along with all their equipment and inventory, were packed into the Cycle World facility. Despite the difficulties, the dealership’s leadership, especially John and Harvey, remained committed to serving the community.
Kristen, the Marketing Director, explains, “The whole town was affected, and we had to adjust to make it work. It was a tough period, but I always say it was a minor setback for a major comeback. And we have definitely seen that comeback.”

Restoring Performance Powersports: A look at the rebuild and recovery efforts following the hurricane.

After two years of rebuilding, the dealership returned to its newly renovated shop, stronger than ever. This experience reinforced the importance of flexibility and resilience—qualities that have been vital to their ongoing success. As John notes, “I’ve been in this industry for over 20 years, and you have to be willing to change. We adapt quickly to meet customer needs, whether it’s adjusting our inventory strategies or enhancing our online presence. Flexibility is essential for success.”

At Performance Powersports, a positive work environment is a top priority. John and Harvey value their employees and believe that a happy team leads to exceptional customer service. The dealership promotes open communication through daily meetings and monthly manager gatherings, where goals are discussed, and challenges are addressed. Additionally, team-building activities strengthen relationships among staff, creating a supportive atmosphere that enhances job satisfaction and performance.

Performance Powersports has consistently demonstrated its commitment to quality and service, earning significant recognition in the industry. The dealership has been honored multiple times with a spot in Dealernews Magazine’s prestigious awards with each OEM celebrating excellence in powersports retailing. This accolade highlights the dealership’s unwavering dedication to providing top-notch service and ensuring customer satisfaction. Being recognized among the best in the industry not only validates the hard work of John, Harvey, and their team but also reinforces their mission to create lasting relationships with every customer.