Q&A with Bill Shawn, Founding Partner, Exclusive Automotive Group
As Exclusive Automotive Group (EAG) prepares to move into our new facility, we know some of you have questions about why we are moving and what to expect when we do. To get you answers and give you the inside story of EAG’s move to Ashburn, we asked Bill Shawn, Founding Partner of Exclusive Automotive Group, for his insights and analysis.
When and why did Exclusive Automotive Group (EAG) decide it needed a new facility?
We have always wanted our own home to control our destiny while building our own nest egg just like owning versus renting your own home. When we first landed our Aston Martin franchise, we only had a matter of two or three months to find a showroom and service facilities, so there was no time to find land and build our own facility. Our friends Andy and Jonathan Cherner had a vacant showroom and service facility available, so we quickly took it and modernized it to Aston Martin and later Bentley specifications.
What were the criteria for the new location?
We wanted a premium location on which we could build a world-class facility. We also wanted a convenient location for our customers and our incredible staff. Frankly, I think we picked the best spot imaginable, especially when you understand our brands are magnet destinations, unlike mass-produced auto brands where location can be key. Of course, we’ve designed such attractive amenities that many of our customers will undoubtedly want to spend leisure time with us. After all, having one or more of our incredible cars makes an owner or lessor a member of a pretty exclusive club.
What was the process like choosing a location?
Finding a location took years and much hard work. Given the criteria I mentioned, we needed a premium site at a fair price, so we ruled out many marginal sites. Zoning and permitting land use issues were also important. Ultimately, after considering locations in Northern Virginia, we found Loudon County’s economic development officials eager to welcome us and very helpful in navigating the complex issues commercial development always entails.
Why did Exclusive Automotive Group choose Ashburn?
Ashburn is where the action is. It’s not only a highly-prosperous area, the energy is palpable as Ashburn becomes a world-class destination. We immediately felt a part of that excitement.
How will the move to Loudoun County align with EAG’s long-term goals?
Our move is a key component for our goal of automotive excellence in the ultra-luxury and exotics market. By owning our own home in one of the most dynamic areas in the United States, we have advanced our original goals we envisioned over a decade ago.
When will the new facility open and how do you think it will be received by EAG’s customers and the Ashburn community?
We will move into our new home April 30th, and we’ll open for business soon after that. Our grand opening will come later-on June 25th when we’ll have a major celebration.
Our customers are excited to be part of our new home, especially with the state-of-the-art audiovisual and other amenities we will offer. Having brands like Aston Martin, Bentley, Karma, and Koenigsegg should be a strong endorsement of Ashburn’s arrival as a top DMV community, so we think we’ll be welcomed by our friends and neighbors in Ashburn.
Will EAG become an active member in the Ashburn community, and if so, how?
Of course. We look forward to getting to know our community and helping it grow and prosper. We already know some of our neighboring businesses like Silver Diner, and we look forward to supporting and even partnering with important causes, as we now do in Tysons.
What about the new facility are you most excited?
For me, it’s the showrooms. Our cars are works of art, and they’ll be shown at their best in our new showrooms where they can also be seen on Route 7, thanks to our architect’s creative glass designs.
I’m also excited about our modern service area and our entertainment space. It’s really hard to pick a favorite when something is so well designed and built.
“Ashburn is where the action is.”
