Richard Nourse recently sold three of his dealerships, all located on the border of Ohio and West Virginia, to Thomas and Ashley Peden, announced the Tim Lamb Group, which brokered the sale.
The transaction included Pioneer Chevrolet and Family Ford Lincoln in Marietta, OH, and Pioneer Honda of Parkersburg, WV. The deal, which closed Oct. 17, provides the Pedens with the opportunity to continue their vision of growing their dealership platform.
Pioneer Honda, at 1920 Garfield Ave. in Parkersburg, will be named Parkersburg Honda. Pioneer Chevrolet, at 1315 Pike St. in Marietta, will keep its name, and Family Ford Lincoln, at 909 Pike St. in Marietta, will become Pioneer Ford Lincoln.
With the sale of three dealerships, Nourse, who has been in the market for more than 35 years, will focus his efforts on his remaining five dealerships, which include the Ford, Honda, Lincoln, Nissan and Toyota brands all situated in Chillicothe, OH.
“I hadn’t contemplated selling, but when I was presented with the opportunity to sell to the Pedens I really had to consider it,” said Nourse. “I’ve heard great things about the Pedens and the accomplishments they have achieved in the Zanesville market, and I knew they would be great stewards to continue what we have built in the community.”
Thomas Peden II, a native of West Virginia and a third-generation car dealer, purchased his first two dealerships in Zanesville, OH, in June 2020 and is thrilled with the addition of these three new stores. Thomas brought his sister, Ashley, in to run his Zanesville Honda Toyota dealerships in 2020. She is now a partner in his latest endeavor.
The dealerships, which are all 15 miles from each other and approximately 45 minutes from where the Pedens grew up, will retain their employees and continue to be involved in the community organizations important to Nourse.