Performance Brokerage Services, the leader in dealership buy-sell activity, announces the sale of Jack Kain Ford in Versailles, Kentucky, from Bob Kain, Vickie Kain Fister, and Pat Kain to O’Brien Auto Team.

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Performance Brokerage Services, North America’s highest volume dealership brokerage firm, is pleased to announce the sale of Jack Kain Ford in Versailles, Kentucky, from Bob Kain, Vickie Kain Fister, and Pat Kain to O’Brien Auto Team.

Jack Kain Ford’s history began in 1953 with the acquisition of a DeSoto-Plymouth dealership in Frankfort, Kentucky. Facing a highly competitive local market, Jack Kain acquired two nearby competitors, becoming one of the original “six-pack” dealers in the United States. The Ford dealership relocated to Versailles, Kentucky, in 1979, where it has served the community for nearly five decades. The Kain family later expanded across Kentucky, operating additional Ford, Nissan, Chevrolet, and Chrysler dealerships before returning their sole focus to the Versailles Ford dealership. Jack Kain Ford has earned recognition from Ford Motor Company, including the Salute to Dealers Award in 2013, and has been recognized among Reputation.com’s Top 100 Dealerships for Customer Service Reviews.

On the behalf of the Kain Family, Bob Kain shared, “After 67 years as a family-owned dealership, making the decision to sell was about much more than a business transaction. It was an emotional decision for our family, and Mark Shackelford, Sr., and Mark Shackelford, Jr., of Performance Brokerage Services understood that from the very beginning. As a father-and-son team, Mark, Sr., and Mark, Jr., brought a very personal approach to the entire process. They took the time to understand what was important to our family and were extremely sensitive to what it meant to close this chapter after nearly seven decades. They guided us through every step, were always available when we needed them, and helped us find a buyer who shared our commitment to our employees, customers, and community. Throughout the process, Mark, Sr. and Mark, Jr. demonstrated professionalism, patience, integrity, and, most importantly, a genuine concern for our family. They never made us feel like we were simply another transaction.”

Bob continued, “We would highly recommend Mark, Sr. and Mark, Jr. Shackelford and Performance Brokerage Services to any dealer considering a buy/sell. Selling a dealership after 67 years is something you only do once, and having people you trust beside you makes all the difference. Mark, Sr. and Mark, Jr. started this journey as our brokers, but by the time it was over, they had become our friends.”

Over the last 5 years, Performance Brokerage Services has advised on the sale of nearly 450 dealerships, making it the highest volume dealership brokerage firm in North America. Paul Kechnie, Mark Shackelford, Sr., and Mark Shackelford, Jr., the Texas & Midwest Partners of Performance Brokerage Services, were the exclusive sell-side advisors for this transaction.

“When the Kain family first reached out to us, they weren’t certain what their next step would be — or even if selling was the right decision for their family,” said Mark Shackelford, Jr. “Mark, Sr., and I started by completing an evaluation of the dealership and helping Bob, Pat, and Vickie understand the process, the value of what their family had built, and what a potential transition would look like if they ultimately decided to move forward. After more than 60 years in the automotive business, we knew this was much more than a transaction. Jack Kain Ford represented decades of hard work, relationships, family, and a legacy that meant a great deal not only to the Kain family, but also to their employees, customers, and the Versailles community. We understood how difficult the decision to sell was for Bob, Pat, and Vickie, and we never took lightly the trust they placed in us. Our goal from the beginning was to give them the information and guidance they needed to make the decision that was right for their family, and, once that decision was made, to guide them through every step and help make the transition as smooth as possible. It was truly an honor for us to represent the Kain family and help bring this chapter of their more than 60-year legacy to a successful close, but what we will remember most is the relationship we built along the way. We wish the entire Kain family all the best as they begin this next chapter. We are incredibly thankful they trusted Mark, Sr., and me to be a part of such an important decision for their family.”

Born into the automotive business, Joe O’Brien opened Parkway Mitsubishi in Normal, Illinois, in 1987, establishing the first non-metro Mitsubishi dealership in Illinois. The O’Brien Auto Team has since expanded across Illinois, Kentucky, and California, representing brands including Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Nissan. The group has built its reputation around customer service, organizational excellence, and a commitment to developing its employees, with many team members advancing into management and operating partner roles. Today, Joe O’Brien continues to lead the group alongside Managing Partner Mason Moore, with the acquisition of Jack Kain Ford marking the O’Brien Auto Team’s second Ford dealership in Kentucky.

Jack Kain Ford will be renamed O’Brien Ford and will remain at its current location.

About Performance Brokerage Services

Performance Brokerage Services, Inc. is North America’s highest volume dealership brokerage firm, specializing in buy-sell activity for automotive, RV, marine, powersports, commercial truck, and equipment dealerships.

With over 30 years of experience, more than 900 dealerships sold, and a 90% closing rate, the company’s reputation is unmatched and governed by the utmost ethical conduct and integrity.

The company offers a unique approach by providing complimentary estimates of value with no upfront fees or retainers, no reimbursement of costs, and paid a success fee only after the transaction closes.

Headquartered in Irvine, California and supported by 12 regional offices across the United States and Canada, clients benefit from national exposure with local representation.

As trusted and respected experts in the field, the company utilizes an extensive network of industry related attorneys, accountants, hundreds of registered buyers, and longstanding relationships with various vehicle manufacturers.

For more information about the services offered by Performance Brokerage Services, visit https://performancebrokerageservices.com.

Media Contact:
April Miller
(949) 212-6582
april@performancebrokerageservices.com 

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SOURCE Performance Brokerage Services, Inc.