PHOTO COURTESY ALOHA MARINESmith Automotive Group, which operates nine car dealerships throughout the Southeast, has acquired Aloha Marine in Holly Hill, Fla., from Dave and Kathy Rusler, who founded the business in 1973.
Dave Rusler said that Performance Brokerage Services, a commercial real estate firm, was selling BMC Boats, a dealership that a friend of his owned. Then Performance Brokerage asked him if he was interested in selling. The realtors introduced the Ruslers to several potential buyers and they chose Smith Automotive Group.
“As my partner, Kathy, our family, and I have owned and operated Aloha Marine for over 50 years, we wanted to partner with a buyer who appreciated the legacy and commitment to our employees, customers and the local marine and boat industry,” Dave Rusler said in a statement. “We are excited to be a part of the new ownership for the foreseeable future, and we sincerely appreciate and are very grateful for Performance Brokerage Services’ professionalism, hard work and commitment to helping facilitate this transaction.”
Smith Automotive Group was established in 1938 and is currently being run by third generation president John Smith, Jr., who is the grandson of the company founder. Smith Automotive operates nine dealerships through the southeastern U.S.
Aloha Marine will remain at its location in Holly Hill, Fla.
