Just a couple of months after announcing the $685 million sale of Park Place Dealerships, founder Ken Schnitzer and former Park Place CEO Neil Grossman are getting back into the game. Credited with building one of the most recognized dealership groups, the duo has formed Avondale Group.
Named after the cross-street at Oak Lawn Avenue, where Park Place Dealerships was founded in 1987, Schnitzer says he created Avondale Group to take personalized client interaction to the next level. “This elevated experience is a part of every touchpoint, regardless of how a client wants to purchase or service a vehicle,” he says.”
Based in Grapevine, the company hosts nine luxury brands across Dallas-Fort Worth: Mercedes-Benz Grapevine, Porsche Grapevine, Sprinter Grapevine Avondale Collision & Repair, Avondale Select, and the Premier Collection, which features Aston Martin Dallas, Bentley Dallas, Koenigsegg, McLaren Dallas, Maserati Dallas, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dallas.
“We are proud of the organization we built and the culture we created at Park Place,” said Grossman. “Avondale is a new opportunity to build a brand with an experienced team in the best facilities. We will focus on serving clients, supporting the communities where we live and work, and fostering our team to learn and grow.”
In addition to Schnitzer as chairman and Grossman as chief executive officer, former Park Place chief strategy officer Hesham Elgaghil will serve as president of the company, which employs more than 350 people.
Avondale already has jumped into supporting the community with a sponsorship of the Southlake Carroll Dragons stadium, the PLG Cares Golf Tournament benefiting Kidd’s Kids, and Dwell with Dignity Thrift Studio, among others.
