“We have a saying in the motorsports business: ‘families that play together stay together,”  said Lloyd Hildebrand, owner of Macomb Powersports in Chesterfield. “We are literally changing people’s lives.” Having worked his way up from sales positions to management roles in multiple dealerships for many years, Hidebrand would know. His aim, however, was to one day have his own dealership, and he achieved it the day he bought Macomb Powersports.

The facility he acquired, however, was less than ideal. The two story showroom made display difficult, and the lack of true service bays presented an additional challenge. Hildebrand searched online, found the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC) and in turn met Growth Team business consultant Julie Oldham.

“Julie became my mentor and advocate, and through time and hard work together we built a plan that spoke to financial institutions who were open to our project of building a brand new facility we all could enjoy: my family, the staff, the community. Working with Julie and the MI-SBDC was a very good experience – I don’t think I could have done it all on my own. Having an advocate like Julie and the MI-SBDC is just invaluable,” said Hildebrand.

Today Macomb Powersports carries a full line of recreational vehicles from manufacturers Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Hammerhead and Kayo, plus parts and accessories and a sparkling new service bay. According to Hildebrand, “Now that we’re done building the new facility, our plans are to continue to grow. We would love to capture another brand in our industry, and in time would like to bring them in to show them what we’ve built.”

“To anybody that is a business owner, that is questioning anything about growing your business, don’t be afraid to jump in, to ask all the questions that you need to ask, and to get the help you need. There is no-cost to work with the MI-SBDC. They’re there to help you in all different areas of running your business, growing your business, and giving you the assistance and guidance you may need. You just have to donate your knowledge and time. They will embrace you and put you on the path to success. Thank you to the MI-SBDC for making my family’s dreams come true,” said Hildebrand.