Kelley and Busse Partner for Dealership Holding Company

You've probably heard the big news around town - Kelley Automotive Group announced Friday that its dealerships have been purchased by a new company called Dealership Holdings, LLC. The owners of the new company include Tom Kelley, President; Keith Busse, the President and co-founder of Steel Dynamics, Inc.; his son, Aaron Busse; Gary Thelen, the former Chief Financial Officer of Kelley Automotive Group; along with Tom Kelley’s children, Jim and Anne Kelley.

Customers throughout our region will notice little change - Dealership Holdings will operate its dealerships and associated businesses as Kelley Chevrolet; Tom Kelley Buick GMC; Tom Kelley Cadillac, Volvo and Saab; and Courtesy Motors along with Courtesy Ford of Decatur. The new enterprise has also purchased the 14/69 Car Wash Supercenter and Midwest Auto Parts. Tom Kelley says:

“This new corporation has the capital necessary to grow and take advantage of opportunities in the automotive marketplace. I have long admired the success of my friend, Keith Busse. His success at Steel Dynamics and his contribution to the revitalization of the Sycamore Hills Golf Club speaks to both his skill as a businessman as well as his community involvement. His commitment, along with that of Aaron, Gary and my children, Jim and Anne, were instrumental in bringing this sale to completion. We are looking forward to building an even stronger automotive platform to serve our neighbors here in northeast Indiana.”

Keith Busse says: 

“As most people know, I have always had a strong interest in cars, especially Chevrolet Corvettes. I have been a friend to the Kelley family for many years and admire Tom Kelley’s business skills along with his work ethic and positive personality. I am especially pleased that our new company will hire all of the current senior management and employees from the Kelley Automotive Group to ensure the same commitment to customer service and satisfaction. I look forward to tomorrow with great enthusiasm for our families and our employees. I am proud to be your partner.”

Strategic financing was provided by Chamber member Wells Fargo Bank.