For the City Times

MARSHFIELD — Power Pac, Inc., a powersports and equipment dealership in Marshfield, has acquired Country Sports Inc. in Wisconsin Rapids.

Power Pac owners, Josh and Mandy Witt have now expanded to three locations — Power Pac, Erv’s Sales and Service, and Country Sports — in just under four years.

The Witts say that growth was always in their plans but the rate of growth was a bit unexpected.

“When opportunities come up, you have to move on them,” Mandy said. “Yes, there is some risk involved, which we carefully examine, but if the right opportunity comes along, you have to make it work. Our teams have pivoted without missing a beat and this growth is a testament to them and their amazing work.”

The Witts said that they look forward to “continuing the legacy that was built by the Haasl family, who founded Country Sports Inc., and John Montgomery, who became part owner with the Haasl brothers in the 1980s. Country Sports, formerly called Country Sports Center, was established in 1969 by Bill and Elaine Haasl who assembled and sold Honda Motorcycles out of a two-stall garage. Expansion was soon needed and in 1971, and a new shop was built in the current location on Hwy 13 South in Wisconsin Rapids. In 1982, stock was incrementally issued to Bill and Elaine’s son Jeff, and longtime and trusted employee John Montgomery. In 1990 they transferred their balance of stock to their youngest son Jason. Jeff, John and Jason, with their team, have taken Country Sports Inc. to what you see today.”

As John and Jeff planned for retirement, they said they had specific criteria in mind as they pursued buyers for the business.

“We wanted to make sure Country Sports continued with owners that had similar values,” says John Montgomery. “Josh and Mandy are team- and family-centered and we are confident they’ll take Country Sports into the future with big goals and the team’s best interests at heart.”

“We’ve worked with John, Jeff, Jason and the Country Sports team a lot over the last few years and didn’t view them as competitors but rather partners,” Josh said. “And when we felt that level of respect returned from them, we knew the partnership would lead to something special. We are honored and grateful they have given us the opportunity to carry on the dream they’ve built, and we will do everything we can to maintain the personalized service people expect from Country Sports.”