Alumni
Entrepreneurs
In conjunction with the launch of Concord’s Entrepreneurship Initiative in 2013, the Alumni Magazine includes this regular feature that spotlights successful entrepreneurs within our alumni ranks.
For these individuals business is thriving and their stories pay tribute to the knowledge and know-how they gained from a Concord education.
The Business of Racing
Makes Kevin Powell ’89 ‘Krazy’ oncord alum Kevin Powell has gone KRAZY. And, yes, that’s KRAZY with a “K”. Since graduating from Concord in 1989 with a degree in business, Powell has become a prominent figure in the world of motorsports both as a dealership owner and on the track. Billing himself as “Krazy Kevin Powell,” this Princeton, W.Va. native has built a successful and multifaceted business while relying on unconventional marketing tactics to move him ahead of the pack. “Our marketing message is centered around my nickname, Krazy Kevin Powell,” he said. “The nickname comes from racing cars and doing all kinds of crazy tricks on motorcycles. “I have a unique way I say, or some would say, I scream my name on commercials on the radio and TV. We really have a lot of fun with them,” he explains.
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“However, we also have an acronym for KRAZY that is posted at the entrance to all our dealerships and it further defines our business philosophy. (See the accompanying photograph.) K is for Kindness, R is for Respect, A is for Action, Z is for Zero Hassle, and Y is for Yes I can help! All the things a customer can expect when visiting one of our dealerships.” Headquartered in Winston Salem N.C., the Kevin Powell Automotive and Powersports Group currently operates four dealerships representing nine franchises: Ford, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Polaris, KTM, Artic Cat, and Kymco. Dealerships include Kevin Powell’s Foothill Ford in Pilot Mountain, N.C. and Kevin Powell Motorsports with locations in Winston Salem, Greensboro, N.C. and Charlotte, N.C. “Our business philosophy is rather unique in that, it is significantly different than what
Kevin Powell '89
most traditional automobile and powersports dealers do,” he said. “It revolves around the premise that we believe, ‘EVERYONE deserves the chance to ride or drive a nicer, newer car or motorcycle’ and ‘we