Nancy Phillips Associates - Blog by SarahNancy Phillips Associates - Blog by Sarahhttps://www.nancyphillips.com/blogs/author/sarahSat, 31 Oct 2026 12:41:15 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Nancy Phillips Associates Announces Sale of Pelletier Automotive Group to Neal Griffeth.]]>https://www.nancyphillips.com/blogs/post/nancy-phillips-associates-announces-sale-of-pelletier-automotive-group-to-neal-griffeth.Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of Pelletier Automotive Group, headquartered in Fort Kent, Maine on September 29, 2026.  ]]>

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of Pelletier Automotive Group, headquartered in Fort Kent, Maine on September 29, 2026. 

The group includes four dealerships representing Ford, Chevrolet GMC and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. The sellers for the dealerships were Steve Pelletier and Glenn Ouellette and for the real estate holdings, Steve Pelletier. The buyer, Neal Griffeth, owns multiple franchised automobile and powersports dealerships throughout Northern Maine.


The founder of the group, Steve Pelletier, came from the lumber industry in Northern Maine, and had been famously featured on the Discovery Channel in a series on American Loggers, when he acquired his first dealership through Nancy Phillips Associates in 2011. Since Steve had no prior automotive experience, the original owner remained in place as Dealer allowing for an approval from Ford Motor Company. Within a year the dealership’s performance had improved significantly, resulting in Pelletier’s appointment as Dealer Principal.


In 2012 the General Motors dealership in Fort Kent burnt to the ground and Steve stepped up to acquire the franchises and build a new facility allowing him to open within a year of the devastating fire. With Nancy Phillips as his advisor, he went on to acquire additional dealerships building a strong group in Northern Maine. After 15 years in the industry, Pelletier, a serial entrepreneur, decided to expand his commercial real estate holdings. This strategy led to his decision to sell the group to another Northern Maine dealer, Neal Griffeth.


During the course of the sale, the Seller worked co-operatively with Ford Motor Company to streamline the dealer network. As a result, one of Pelletier’s two Ford dealerships ceased operating as a franchised outlet while its real estate remained part of the transaction. Griffeth converted the property into a used vehicle center, making it his southernmost automotive location and extending his reach toward Bangor.


With the acquisition of the Pelletier Group, Neal Griffeth now controls an automotive empire that services the entire northern sector of Maine representing all three domestic franchisors, two Japanese automakers and multiple powersports lines.

]]>Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:07:44 -0400<![CDATA[What Buyers Look for in a New England Dealership]]>https://www.nancyphillips.com/blogs/post/what-buyers-look-for-in-a-new-england-dealershipThe value of your dealership depends, in part, on how it fits into a buyer’s plans. A store that no longer fits one owner’s priorities may be exactly ]]>

The value of your dealership depends, in part, on how it fits into a buyer’s plans. A store that no longer fits one owner’s priorities may be exactly what another needs to grow.

As of mid year 2025, New England is serviced by over 1,000 franchised light-vehicle dealerships, generating approximately $31.1 billion in total dealership sales. Within this regional market, each location offers a different opportunity.


For a buyer, the appeal might be a store close enough to share management and resources. In a rural market, it could be a dealership serving a broad geographic area, with established customer relationships and an experienced team. In every market, an operation with room for improvement is attractive to someone with the resources and experience to build on its potential. 


The question is: Who is best positioned to recognize that opportunity and make it work? 


Different goals can create the right match

Nancy Phillips Associates’s recent sale of Grieco Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Methuen, Massachusetts, is a good example. 


Grieco Auto Group preferred to focus its resources on markets closer to its core operations in Southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island with it's premiere management team and labor pool already in place. John Crowley, owner of Best Ford in Nashua, New Hampshire, wanted to expand just across the border into a different demographic area with dense population but still in proximity to his main location.  The Methuen dealership gave each owner a way to accomplish their own strategic plan. 


An owner’s decision to sell doesn’t mean a dealership has exhausted it's opportunity. Sometimes, that opportunity just makes more sense for someone else. 


Finding the right buyer starts with knowing both sides

At Nancy Phillips Associates, we want to understand why you are considering a sale, what matters to you in a buyer, and what you want for your personal future and the future of your store. We know each of our buyers and their specific qualifications from their financial ability, their plans and perimeters for expansion, their franchise preferences and their personal deal making credentials. 


Knowing the local market and the people in it helps us match the right seller to the right buyer early on in the sale process. 


If you are considering selling or are looking for your next dealership, please get in touch to discuss what we can do for you. Contact Carrie@nancyphillips.com or call 603-658-0004. 


Both regional totals are calculated from NADA’s state figures. www.nada.org 

]]>Fri, 16 Oct 2026 15:36:52 -0400<![CDATA[Nancy Phillips Associates Announces Sale of McGee Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Barre to Brian Preston]]>https://www.nancyphillips.com/blogs/post/nancy-phillips-associates-announces-sale-of-mcgee-chrysler-dodge-jeep-ram-of-barre-to-brian-prestonNancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of McGee Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Barre to Brian Preston owner of  Preston's Kia in Ba ]]>

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of McGee Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Barre to Brian Preston owner of Preston's Kia in Barre, Vermont.

Brian Preston's acquisition of Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Barre expands his presence in central Vermont by adding a domestic franchise that complements his existing Kia dealership. The acquisition further strengthens his dealership portfolio and reinforces his commitment to serving customers throughout the region with an even broader selection of vehicles.

 

For Rob McGee, this sale supports his strategic goal of consolidating his Vermont holdings in his primary market area. McGee continues to own and operate the McGee Family of Dealerships. The group, with 13 locations  remains focused on growing and strengthening those operations.

]]>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:27:30 -0400<![CDATA[The Phillips Report - July 2026]]>https://www.nancyphillips.com/blogs/post/the-phillips-report-july-2026

The Phillips Report - July 2026  
​A Mid-Year Perspective for Greater New England

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to present our 2026 Mid-Year Phillips Report. In this edition, we take a closer look at the regional dealership buy/sell market and what today's transaction trends mean for dealership owners throughout New England and Greater New York. As the market continues to evolve, our goal is to provide timely insights that help dealers make informed decisions with confidence.


Download Now
]]>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:48:12 -0400<![CDATA[A Shared Success Story: Grieco CDJR, Methuen, MA ]]>https://www.nancyphillips.com/blogs/post/a-shared-success-story-grieco-cdjr-methuen-ma

Hear from both the buyer and seller on what made this transaction successful.

Every dealership transaction has two sides to the story. While every deal comes with its own challenges and opportunities, the goal remains the same - creating a successful outcome for both buyer and seller. 


We're honored to share feedback from both parties involved in the sale of Grieco Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and grateful for the trust they placed in our team throughout the process.

Get Started Now
]]>Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:57:21 -0400<![CDATA[Nancy Phillips Associates Announces Sale of the Mack, Volvo, Hino and Isuzu  of O’Connor Trucks]]>https://www.nancyphillips.com/blogs/post/nancy-phillips-associates-announces-sale-of-the-mack-volvo-hino-and-isuzu-franchises-of-o-connor-truNancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of the Mack, Volvo, Hino and Isuzu of O’Connor Trucks located in Portland, Ma ]]>

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of the Mack, Volvo, Hino and Isuzu of O’Connor Trucks located in Portland, Maine to Ballard Truck Center, headquartered in Worcester, MA. Ballard Truck Center operates eight locations covering the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine and New Hampshire. 

The company was started in Milbury Massachusetts over 100 years ago when Louis Ballard, a locksmith and a carriage maker, opened a small repair shop.


His legacy has continued,  spanning five generations of Ballards.  Today the company has evolved into a full service commercial truck center and has been awarded the highest level of recognition as Dealer of the Year in the Northeast and North America nearly every year.  At the helm of the company is John Picking, President.

 

With an eye towards the consolidation movement taking place in the commercial truck industry, Randy Hutchins, owner of O’Connor Trucks, implemented a forward thinking strategy to divest of his truck franchises early on. To that end, he has now sold all of his commercial truck franchises. Hutchins remains the owner of his top selling General Motors dealership in Maine and is focusing on further expansion of that business. 

 

The commercial truck industry is undergoing rapid consolidation throughout the United States similar to what is taking place in the collision and tire center industries. Manufacturers are aggressively working towards reduction in dealer count in order to bolster their biggest investors which in turn improves their own financial stability and operational health. 

 

Nancy Phillips Associates, representing the Seller, is the advisor responsible for this transaction.


]]>Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:02:55 -0400<![CDATA[Nancy Phillips Associates Announces Sale of Grieco Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram ]]>https://www.nancyphillips.com/blogs/post/nancy-phillips-associates-announces-sale-of-grieco-chrysler-dodge-jeep-ramNancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of Grieco Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Methuen to John Crowley, owner of Best Ford in Nashua, ]]>

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of Grieco Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Methuen to John Crowley, owner of Best Ford in Nashua, New Hampshire.

This transaction represents a strategic realignment for Rhode Island-based Grieco Auto Group as it continues to refine its dealership footprint and pursue growth across its portfolio. “When we decided to sell this dealership, our goal was to focus our efforts on markets that aligned more closely with our core operations and long-term strategy,” said George Smith of Grieco Auto Group. “Because the store was outside of our primary market area, it made sense to concentrate our resources where we have the greatest strength and opportunity.”

 

For Crowley, the acquisition marks an important milestone. Grieco Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Methuen is his second dealership acquisition, expanding his presence beyond New Hampshire and establishing a foothold in Massachusetts. With a strong track record at Best Ford, Crowley brings an owner-operator approach and a commitment to customer service that will support the dealership's future growth.

 

Carrie Forbes at Nancy Phillips Associates was honored to represent the seller and assist both parties in completing a successful transaction.


]]>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:49:15 -0400<![CDATA[Nancy Phillips Associates Announces Sale of Western Star Franchise of O’Connor Trucks]]>https://www.nancyphillips.com/blogs/post/nancy-phillips-associates-announces-sale-of-western-star-franchise-of-o-connor-trucksNancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of the Western Star franchise of O’Connor Trucks in Augusta, Maine to Freight ]]>

Nancy Phillips Associates is pleased to announce the sale of the Western Star franchise of O’Connor Trucks in Augusta, Maine to Freightliner of Maine, Inc., owned by the Cook Family Group of the United States and Canada.


Cook Family Group operates heavy duty truck dealerships with multiple locations across the state of Maine and is also Atlantic Canada’s largest truck and trailer dealership retailer.


With an eye towards the consolidation movement taking place in the commercial truck industry, Randy Hutchins, owner of O’Connor Trucks, implemented a forward thinking strategy to divest of his truck franchises early on.  To that end, he has now sold not only Western Star but also his other four truck franchises.  Hutchins remains the owner of the top selling General Motors dealership in Maine and is focusing on further expansion of that business.

 

The commercial truck industry is undergoing rapid consolidation throughout the United States similar to what is taking place in the tire center and collision industries.  Manufacturers are aggressively working toward reduction in dealer count in order to bolster their biggest investors which in turn improves their own financial stability and operational health.


Nancy Phillips Associates, representing the Seller, is the advisor responsible for this transaction.




]]>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:36:51 -0400<![CDATA[What We’re Seeing ]]>https://www.nancyphillips.com/blogs/post/what we-re seeingThe First Quarter of 2026  Over the past months, our conversations with New England and New York dealers reflect a little less optimism and an inc ]]>

What We’re Seeing 


The First Quarter of 2026 

Over the past months, our conversations with New England and New York dealers reflect a little less optimism and an increase in obstacles to overcome. Between world events, tariffs, the China-Canada threat, and the increasing cost of doing business, this has been a challenging first quarter. However, the upside of volatility tends to be beneficial for the Buy/Sell market, as it often results in more and better priced opportunities becoming available than in previous quarters. 

First Quarter Takeaways: 

More dealers are involved in long-term planning and are taking exit strategies, succession, and estate planning into consideration at an earlier stage than before. Often, this exercise results in decisions to sell sooner than previously expected. 

Franchisor influence remains a key variable, as facility requirements, image programs, and network strategy play a more significant role in how buyers evaluate opportunities and how franchisors assess buyers. 

Well-run dealerships attract more potential purchasers. Dealership groups make up the majority of buyers today. Their most attractive targeted acquisition is a dealership in a good market area that is profitable, brand compliant, and with strong management in place. 

Buyers are highly selective based on their specific market plan. Every buyer has preferred franchises, desired geographic areas, and individualized assessment metrics for determination of upside potential. The job of an expert advisor is to match the right buyer with the seller that best fits their portfolio.

Rural and secondary markets offer once in a lifetime opportunities to the right buyer. These dealerships may fit into a buyer’s sales territory or offer an exceptional chance to grow in an underperforming market. Most small acquisitions turn into much bigger and more profitable dealerships over time and can often be purchased for far less than points located in densely populated areas where many other dealerships of the same brand abound.  

All of these factors reflect a market that is becoming more complex. To get a better sense of how your own dealership fits into today’s market, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. 


Nancy Phillips Associates 

It’s Not Just Business, It’s Personal. 






Contact Us Today
]]>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:04:39 -0400<![CDATA[Your Dealership May Be More Valuable Than You Realize]]>https://www.nancyphillips.com/blogs/post/your-dealership-may-be-more-valuable-than-you-realizeFor many owners, their dealership accounts for the largest share of their personal net worth, yet it's true value is often unclear.   Having a clea ]]>

For many dealership owners, their business is their most valuable asset. Yet, it is often the least understood.

For many owners, their dealership accounts for the largest share of their personal net worth, yet it's true value is often unclear.

 

Having a clear understanding of that value is critical. 

You may be thinking about long-term succession, tax implications, or broader financial strategies. Or you may be working with your advisors on trusts and estate planning.

 

An accurate evaluation provides the clarity needed to make informed decisions.

It’s important to note, an evaluation is not always about selling. It’s a tool to give you clarity, leverage, and control over future decisions. At Nancy Phillips Associates, we provide confidential, data-driven evaluations based on real market transactions and current dealership trends. 

 

Our work is designed to give you a precise, defensible understanding of value.

The market is always shifting and relying on outdated assumptions can be costly. Whenever understanding the value of your dealership becomes important to you, we are here to discuss the process and to address your personal and confidential needs.

 

For inquiries, please contact Carrie Forbes directly at carrie@nancyphillips.com or 603.658.0004



Contact us Today
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