Performance Brokerage Services, a leading firm in dealership transactions, has announced the acquisition of Martin Kia in Bowling Green, Kentucky from Martin Management Group by Don Franklin Auto Group.

IRVINE, Calif., April 18, 2025 — The premier dealership brokerage firm in North America is pleased to announce Don Franklin Auto Group’s purchase of Martin Kia in Bowling Green, Kentucky from Martin Management Group.

Martin Management Group’s story began in 1985 when Cornelius A. Martin acquired his first dealership, Martin Oldsmobile Cadillac, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A Greenville, Kentucky native, Cornelius cultivated an early interest in the auto industry, starting as a lot technician and advancing to general manager. After graduating from the General Motors Dealer Academy in Flint, Michigan, he expanded his business to include a Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep dealership.

The company experienced continued expansion throughout the 1990s and 2000s, adding six Saturn dealerships and entering the motorcycle market with Harley-Davidson Bowling Green. Following the 2008 financial crisis, Martin Management Group diversified its holdings by obtaining new dealership franchises, thereby enhancing its presence in both domestic and import vehicle sectors.

After Cornelius’s death, the second generation assumed leadership. His wife, Gail Martin, became Chief Executive Officer, and his eldest son, Chadwick Martin, became President. Currently, Martin Management Group manages more than 15 dealerships in California, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia, employing over 450 people. The company holds the #122 spot on the 2025 Automotive News Top 150 Dealership Groups, based on 2024 new vehicle retail sales.

Performance Brokerage Services has facilitated the sale of nearly 400 dealerships in the past 5 years, establishing itself as the highest-volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. Paul Kechnie, Senior Partner, Mark Shackelford, Sr., Partner, and Mark Shackelford, Jr., Partner of the Texas & Midwest Offices for Performance Brokerage Services, acted as the exclusive advisors to the buyer in this transaction.

Mark Shackelford, Sr. stated, “We’ve collaborated with Eddie Franklin for more than two years, and we were thrilled to assist him in acquiring Martin Kia when the chance arose. Working with Eddie was a pleasure. He was the ideal buyer and is excited to expand his group into Bowling Green, Kentucky. We appreciate his expertise and professionalism throughout the process, which led to a successful conclusion. We wish Eddie and his family great success!”

Don Franklin Auto’s story began in 1968, when Don Franklin, a self-taught mechanic from Columbia, Kentucky, realized his ambition of owning a car dealership. With his wife Barbara’s support, the Franklins used their life savings to launch Don’s Used Cars in Columbia. Through perseverance, commitment, and a family-oriented approach, Don, Barbara, and their children, Eddie and Dan Franklin, expanded the business into a network of over 25 dealerships throughout Kentucky, employing over 1,000 Kentucky families.

Martin Kia will be rebranded as Don Franklin Bowling Green Kia and will remain at its current address at 2211 Scottsville Road in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

About 

Performance Brokerage Services, Inc. is the leading dealership brokerage firm in North America, specializing in buy-sell transactions for automotive, RV, commercial truck, powersports, and equipment dealerships.

With more than 30 years of experience, 900 dealerships sold, and a 90% closing rate, the company is known for its high ethical standards and integrity.

The company stands out by providing complimentary estimates of value with no upfront fees or retainer, no reimbursement of costs, and only charging a success fee once the transaction is complete.

With its headquarters in Irvine, California, and 12 regional offices across the United States and Canada, clients benefit from national reach with local expertise.

As respected leaders in the industry, the company leverages a wide network of industry-related attorneys, accountants, hundreds of registered buyers, and long-standing relationships with various vehicle manufacturers.

For more information about the services offered by Performance Brokerage Services, visit 

Media Contact: 
Jesse Stopnitzky, Co-Owner
(949) 309-2851

 

SOURCE Performance Brokerage Services, Inc.

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