Longstanding Family-Owned Business Passes Torch to Statesboro Powersports

Earlier this month, after more than five decades in business, Adams Motorsports of Statesboro shuttered its doors as a family-owned and operated business. The multi-generational dealership finished the book on the story that began in a one-room storefront in downtown Statesboro back in 1968.

Ronald Adams already owned a small car repair shop and had developed a passion for riding and racing motorcycles during the 1960s.  When American Honda began searching for dealers, Ronald took a leap of faith and began selling and servicing the new brand. He would sell bikes and parts by day and repair them by night. His hard work paid off, the store was outgrown, and the operations were eventually passed on to his sons. But after 52 years, the torch has passed on to another local family.   

John and Tiffany Rogers, owners of Statesboro Powersports since 2018, now own what was Adams Motorsports, too. Rogers is a longtime business owner in Bulloch County, having owned X-treem Automotive & Tinting (which is also on land purchased from the Adams family) back in the late 1990s and early 2000s and acquiring what is now Statesboro Powersports after its 20+ year operation in the same location under another name. These days, Statesboro Powersports offers dirt bikes, sport bikes, cruisers, sport ATVs, utility ATVs, UTVs, and personal watercraft from a variety of major manufacturers.

The Rogers have a decades-long friendship with the Adams family dating back to childhood, which includes Matt and John Adams standing in the Rogers’ wedding and Sally Adams teaching them in school. The longstanding friendship made for a good foundation for an acquisition discussion when the Adams sought to leave the industry. 

The 15-acre Adams Motorsports location on Highway 67 will remain closed and what will come of the existing real estate on it is still to be determined, but all of the inventory, service department, and employees from Adams Motorsports can already be found at the Statesboro Powersports location on Highway 80. Post-merge, Statesboro Powersports now employs 24 people. 

Since Statesboro Powersports is locally owned and operated as well, the transition for customers has largely been unnoticeable. The company has a customer service-oriented approach to everything and still offers free pick-up and delivery for service, maintenance, and sales. And there’s still an element of the Adams family at Statesboro Powersports. 

“Brooks Adams is still working with us, as are admins and familiar techs, some of whom have worked in the family business for 40+ years, like Manzy Bower and Lehman Bower. We wanted that experience, we wanted their expertise,” Josh Rogers said. “But more importantly, I just hope people recognize what being in business for 52 years looks like. What Ronald Adams did, it’s something really special and you just don’t see it anymore.”

Tiffany Rogers said they’re really looking forward to expanding on the well-established family tradition. “I’ve had the opportunity to answer the phones and talk to people during this transition and it’s just nice to hear about all the close relationships customers have with the family and the business. We’re just looking forward to building on that.” 

The Statesboro Powersports website is already up to date with inventory and you can browse online or stop by the store, which is currently undergoing an 10,000 square foot expansion to make room for an outdoor showroom and a larger service department.  

If you’re considering buying something this upcoming holiday season, though, Rogers says it’s best to get a move on it now. Like many other things impacted by the COVID-19-induced slow down in the supply chain, waiting until November or December to place an order won’t have your toys here by Christmas. 

Statesboro Powersports is located at 22681 US-80, Statesboro, GA 30461 (Hours of operation)
Visit them on the web.
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