Motorcycle Land Ballarat celebrates 50 years

1 September 2022

Congratulations to Motorcycle Land Ballarat's Don and Jeanette Brown on 50 years of trading.

First opening the dealership doors on 1 September 1972, Don recalls borrowing a small fortune – $8,000 – from the bank, and the Bank Manager sharing his concern that "there was no future in motorcycle dealing".

Fast forward a few years and Motorcycle Land Ballarat went on to become a Yamaha franchisee for 44 years, and has been a part of the Honda family for 22 years. The business was named Honda National Dealer of the Year in 2020 and Victorian Dealer of the Year in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020, as well as a leading CF MOTO dealer nationally.

As well as a milestone for the business, this year marks a change in leadership for the VACC Motorcycle Industry Division (MID), with Don retiring as Chair of MID Executive Committee – a role he has held for 10 consecutive years. Don will be succeeded by Matt Jones of multi-franchise Matt Jones Motorcycles in Melton.  

Don's best-practice advice for fellow dealers was three-fold: stay across operations in every department, know the hourly rate, and, most importantly, stick to your guns with franchisors. 

A mentor and friend to many, Don and Jeanette's enterprise truly is a family business, with son Matt now taking the lead in day-to-day business operations.

On behalf of Matt Jones and MID, congratulations Don and Jeanette Brown on 50 years of automotive.