ABOUT US

The TWL Story

The year was 1974. Cyril Van Zeeland was running a Ski-Doo, Kawasaki, and John Deere power sports store in Little Chute, WI. Having already navigated the business world through a gas station, a radiator repair shop, and a small-engine repair shop, Cyril was no stranger to hard work and success. Yet, his journey was just beginning. Without realizing it at the time, he was laying the foundation for a legacy that would evolve into what we now know as TWL Powersports & Marine. As a man of vision and determination, Cyril was always seeking new opportunities to better provide for his wife and four children: Lee, Mark, Joe, and Lu. The 1970s were a time of transformation—twelve men had been to the moon, and the Vietnam War was nearing its end. Amid this changing landscape, Kawasaki approached Cyril with a unique opportunity: opening a second location in Oshkosh, WI. With family at the heart of his ambitions, Cyril established Winnebagoland Kawasaki on County A. This marked the true beginning of what would become TWL.

Growth & Relocation

Before the doors of the new store could even open, extensive renovations were necessary. At the same time, an interested buyer approached Cyril with an offer to purchase his original location on Highway 41 in Little Chute. The decision was clear—selling the first location would allow him to reinvest in the new store and spend more time with his family. Team Moving

By 1975, Winnebagoland Kawasaki officially opened, with Cyril and his eldest son, Lee, at the helm. Business thrived, and by 1977, a new era was unfolding. Star Wars debuted in theaters, Apple Computers was making its mark, and Cyril’s second son, Mark, joined the team after high school, bringing the employee count to three. In 1981, the youngest Van Zeeland, Joe, finished school and became a full-time member of the business. With all three brothers on board, Winnebagoland Kawasaki was rapidly expanding. With Cyril focused on expansion, he handed over much of the business’s management to his sons. A new warehouse and extra shop space soon followed. By 1990, Winnebagoland Kawasaki was flourishing enough to acquire the Yamaha franchise from Fun Mobiles in Oshkosh, marking another milestone in the company’s growth. Four years later, the three brothers broke ground on what would become TWL’s current home, constructing a state-of-the-art facility to accommodate their increasing success. This project caught the attention of Polaris Industries, which presented an opportunity to add Polaris ATVs and snowmobiles to their already impressive lineup of Kawasaki and Yamaha products..

The New Building & Continued Success

On June 6, 1995, TWL’s 21,500-square-foot facility officially opened, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the powersports industry. Since then, the company has continued to evolve, adding over 10,000 square feet of showroom and warehouse space to meet growing customer demand. Today, TWL is proudly owned and managed by Lee’s three children: Tom, Nick, and Rachel. Under their leadership, along with a dedicated team of employees, TWL remains committed to enhancing the customer experience through exceptional sales, financing, service, and engaging community events. Today, our store is owned and managed by Lee’s three children, Tom, Nick, and Rachel. With their guidance and a team of more than 30 employees, we strive to enhance the customer experience in any way we can through sales, finance, service, and fun events!

The Future

TWL Powersports & Marine is dedicated to serving Winnebago County and beyond with the latest in powersports and marine equipment. As the industry evolves, TWL is committed to leading the way, ensuring that customers continue to have access to the best recreational vehicles and experiences available. One of TWL’s most exciting ventures is the expansion into the marine industry, with a new facility dedicated entirely to Yamaha jet boats and personal watercraft. With an increasing focus on boating and water recreation in Wisconsin, TWL is positioned to help more people enjoy the waters of Lake Winnebago, Lake Butte Des Morts, and beyond. But the growth didn’t stop there! TWL expanded its primary powersports store and constructing a brand-new detailing center to improve workflow, efficiency, and overall customer satisfaction. These expansions marked yet another chapter in TWL’s incredible journey. Looking ahead, TWL has expanded its footprint into Sheboygan, with both power sports and marine, and, ultimately, across all of Wisconsin. With a legacy built on family, dedication, and a passion for power sports, TWL is poised to continue growing, innovating, and serving communities throughout the state. Stay tuned for exciting updates as TWL continues to reach new heights!