FAYETTEVILLE OUTDOOR Sports (FOS), formerly Fayetteville Cycle, has been serving Lincoln County and surrounding communities for over 40 years, the last of which has been under the ownership of David Norris and Kerry Norman. The partners are committed to providing exceptional customer service and fostering a strong sense of team within their business.
Norris said, “We changed the name to Fayetteville Outdoor Sports and kept “Fayetteville,” of course, because of the community and the heritage of it being Fayetteville Cycle. Then the word “outdoor” was more reflective of the tractors, zero-turns, and the equipment, which is the Bobcat. And then “sports” reflects some of the things they already had, which were the ATVs, the side-by-sides, the RZRs, and the motorcycles. So that was our thinking in tweaking the name just a little so people wouldn’t think we’re just a cycle shop.”
With brands like Honda, Polaris, Bobcat, Landmaster, ARGO, and Kawasaki engines, FOS offers a diverse range of recreational vehicles and outdoor equipment. When the pandemic confined people to their homes, the demand for outdoor activities skyrocketed, leading to increased sales. However, as the pandemic disrupted the supply chain, obtaining inventory became challenging. Still, FOS has offered varied selections and top-notch customer service to meet most outdoor needs.
FOS aims to distinguish itself in the industry through its after-the-sale service. While some dealerships struggle to find qualified mechanics, they have built a strong service department. Their dedication to providing top-notch service leads the way in all they do.
Continuous growth feeds their success. They have expanded their product lines, adding tractors, zero-turn mowers, and equipment through the Bobcat brand. The Bobcat brand line includes tractors, zero-turn mowers, and equipment, including the Kawasaki engines that power Bobcat’s zero-turn mowers. By diversifying their offerings, they can cater to a broader range of customers’ outdoor needs. In addition, they are considering adding boats and watercraft in the future, further expanding their inventory.
Recognizing the paramount importance of customer service, FOS is determined to set itself apart in the industry.
FOS is investing in upgrades and renovations to accommodate growth. The partners have plans to expand their showroom and build a new state-of-the-art service shop. Future expansions will double the parking lot, providing customers a more enjoyable shopping experience. These improvements benefit the customers and create a comfortable and efficient work environment for their team members.
Norris and Norman take pride in their team, referring to them as “team members” rather than employees. They have fostered a work culture that emphasizes both productivity and enjoyment. They believe a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere contributes to better performance and job satisfaction. As the business continues to flourish, they have increased their team to 17 members and plan to expand further in the coming months.
“Our service shop is attached to the main building, and we’ve just outgrown it. With the addition of the new lines and the bigger equipment, it’s harder to get the bigger things into the current shop. So we’re going to add a new state-of-the-art service shop because we feel like it’s hard to find good service these days. That’s one thing we want to hang our hat on — service. We want to be known for our service, and we want to do a good job,” Norris said.
Fayetteville holds a special place in the owners’ hearts, who appreciate the town’s rich history.
“I love the history of Lincoln County, and I love the town square and frequently eat lunch there. I love the old-time feeling, what our ancestors might have experienced back in the day,” said Norris. Although I live in Alabama, just across the state line, I still feel like Lincoln County is a big part of my life. Even before I bought this building, I spent a lot of time and formed a lot of friendships in the Fayetteville area because it was just as easy to come to Fayetteville as it was to go to Huntsville and with less hustle and bustle.”
The community’s response to the new ownership has been outstanding.
“We have been blessed with an opportunity to operate a great business, meet fine people, and make a difference, and the community’s support has been tremendous,” said Norris.
You really can’t overstate the importance of customer service and their commitment to it.
“We want to be different from the multi-store conglomerates. At FOS, you can still talk to the owners. I try to be the first person or the last to greet each customer, thank them for their business, and give them my contact card. We believe customer service still matters,” said Norris.
Go by and experience firsthand that customer service is still alive. It’s alive and well at FOS. GN
