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FOCUS: Rosenau Powersports
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| Chip Terrell. |
General Manager, Charles “Chip” Terrell of St. Clair Shores, is originally from St. Petersburg, Florida. About 12 years ago, his life changed drastically when he married Molly, moved to Michigan, and started a new career at Rosenau Powersports in Dearborn Heights.
Terrell, 45, started as mechanic, was promoted to Service Manager, and eventually to General Manager. “It was unusual for a mechanic to become general manager. I wasn’t experienced in numbers at all. But when you’re running a business, you have to learn,” he says.
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| Chip explains how he tracks operations of Rosenau Powersports. |
The Business
There are a total of five Rosenau Powersports stores in four states: Michigan, Indiana, Virginia, and Louisiana. The Michigan location has been in existence for over 20 years. In fact, it used to be Ruttman’s -- owned by the famous racing family. Troy Ruttman (1930-1997) holds the distinction of being the youngest winner of the Indianapolis 500, a feat he accomplished in 1952 at just 22 years old. His son, Troy, Jr., was a resident of Dearborn Heights. He died at the age of 18 during his inaugural race in 1969.
“Some customers have been around since that time,” says Terrell. “They talk about how they sold only Kawasaki, and that Ruttman’s built their own mini-bikes right here in the store.”
Sometime around 2000, Roseneau sold the business, and it is now corporate owned.
“I am the owners’ eyes,” says Terrell, “for them in D.C.”
Products and Services
The core business is street motorcycles, selling about 1,200 units a year. They also stock and sell personal water craft, ATVs, dirt bikes, and scooters. Today, there is more interest in the core business than ever. “Scooter sales are off the charts,” he says.
He sees sales up on items in the $3,000 to $5,000 price range, but the current credit crunch is making it exceedingly difficult for buyers to obtain the bigger-ticket items.
When asked what sets Rosenau apart from the competition, he feels it is that they service what they sell. He says, “We have 10 technicians on staff. Our service commitment is better.”
Rosenau Powersports now sells and services the top Japanese brands: Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki, as well as Italian-made Dukati and U.S. brands: Polaris and Bombardi (parent compay of Sea- and Ski-Doo).
Community
Terrell rarely turns down a request to donate to a good cause. They get one or two requests a week for donations for local schools and churches. They have also made donations for Make-A-Wish, Habitat for Humanity, Thin Blue Line (for fallen police officers) and the McCarty Foundation.
Free advice
When buying a new motorcycle, Terrell advises taking the free 2- to 3-hour New Rider Night information class that Rosenau offers.
“Often new riders can get bad advice; safety and mechanical information,” Terrell warns. “An experienced MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) instructor works with the group and there is usually a speaker. The session covers gear, safety and mechanical aspects.
Location and contact
Rosenau Powersports is located at 24732 Ford Rd. You can reach them by calling (313) 278-5000. Focusdearbornheights.com thanks Rosenau Powersports for their support. Visit their web page.
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