GreatWater enters Kentucky, surpasses 100 stores

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — GreatWater 360 Auto Care has acquired Springdale Automotive Centers' four retail points of sale in Louisville, Ky., expanding the dealership's reach into a sixth state and surpassing 100 stores in the Midwest.

Springdale Automotive Centers — led by founder Kurt Shelton, his wife Karen and most recently, his daughter Lauren Dennison — has operated in the Louisville market for over 25 years.

"We've worked hard to build our business and reputation over the last quarter-century and are proud of the relationships we've created with our customers and the community," Kurt Shelton said.

"When we decided to transition out of the business, we were deliberate in finding a partner that would do right by what we've established. Jim (Dykstra, GreatWater CEO) and the GreatWater team are the perfect fit, and we couldn't be happier to have them continue our legacy," he added.

"Kurt, Karen, Lauren and the incredible team at Springdale have built a remarkable business by doing things the right way," Dykstra said. "We are honored to be charged with continuing their legacy."

"Our mission is simple, follow the values and way of doing business that has made both Springdale and GreatWater successful; treat our customers like neighbors and our team like family."

As is common practice with GreatWater acquisitions, the Springdale team will remain intact and join the GreatWater organization.

This is GreatWater's first foray into Kentucky. With the acquisition, Grand Rapids-based GreatWater now operates 102 locations in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.

As for entering its sixth state in the Midwest, Chief Acquisition Officer Fitz Lassing noted: "It's never been about what state is next or a goal to enter a particular market. It's about finding the shops that are doing it the right way and believe that we can continue to enhance that experience for their customers and team. Springdale was a natural fit for us, so we were more than willing to take the leap into a new state."

GreatWater has been on an acquisition spree the last couple of years, acquiring single shops and small multi-location businesses, but usually retaining the original business names with "A GreatWater garage" added to the signage.