LEWISBURG, WV- The West Virginia State Fair is right around the corner and the event features a plethora of things to do year after year, and each year something different makes its appearance to appeal to the crowd.
This year, the attendance has the potential to smash the all-time record if the weather cooperates. The popular concert lineup and some new activities are the driving force behind that prediction.
Attendance records would also be great news for businesses that bring their inventory and set up around the grounds. One business, Mohawk Powersports, relies on fairgoers to drive up their sales, and this year will not be any different.
After 20 years in business as ATV Parts Plus, the small parts store was purchased by new owners, Robert and Randa Faulkner, and son Tanner Bowles. Relocating to the old Beckley Southern States building and changing the name to Mohawk Powersports, and adding a line of CFMoto ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles, the business accelerated to new heights. Mohawk Powersports of Beckley and Lewisburg is now one of the top CFMoto dealerships on the east coast. The Mohawk Powersports lineup includes CFMoto, SSR, Spartan Mowers and tractors, in addition to parts, service and accessories.
“We can directly attribute the addition of a second Mohawk Powersports location, to being a vendor at the WV State Fair,” Randa Faulkner said.
“We have been a vendor at the fair since our first year of ownership in 2014. It was that first year that we realized the great opportunities Greenbrier County had to offer,” Randa said.
Randa said she noticed through talking with citizens and hearing comments from others, that Greenbrier County could be a hotbed for a powersports company.
“Every year it seemed more evident that there was a great demand for a powersports dealership in the area. In March of 2020, we purchased the Ruby Rooster property on 219 north in Maxwelton, opening our doors as Mohawk Powersports of Lewisburg. We can thank our Lewisburg staff for making the Lewisburg location such a success. Tom Scott – Sales, Izak Workman-Parts and Sales and Carl Spencer- Technician,” Randa said thankfully.
Randa’s husband Robert Faulkner retired from the USDA in 2016 and the three live on a family farm in Princeton WV, and each one credits the State Fair environment for a lot of their success.
“The WV State Fair is the perfect fit for our business and allows us the opportunity to interact with the crowds and meet new friends, while educating the public about our equipment and vehicles. We love the WV State Fair,” Randa exclaimed.
However, it is not just during the Fair that sales skyrocket, but immediately after. Randa says the post-Fair business has started to be relied upon after these last several years, and they make sure they have enough inventory in stock to keep customers happy.
“During and after the fair, both of our locations experience a marked increase in sales. This is an increase we have grown to count on, and we typically increase our inventory on everything from UTVS, ATVs, kids pit bikes and quads, in addition to mowers during the Fair season,” Randa explained.
When asked how many people stop by the location in a days’ time during the Fair, Randa insisted she has no clue, and it is too many to count.
“So many it is hard to estimate,” Randa said.
“We generally have two to four Mohawk Powersports representatives working our display and oftentimes, people are browsing or waiting to speak with a team member. I wish I could say our line is as long as the “cinnamon roll” line, but maybe one day,” she added with a laugh.
So, is Mohawk Powersports at the Fair here to stay?
“I can’t imagine not having a display at the WV State Fair. In addition to the increase in business, our Mohawk Powersports employees enjoy the crowds, concerts, and food. Mohawk Powersports is committed to being a vendor every year at the WV State Fair,” Randa concluded confidently.
