SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Jon Leonard, the son of Leonard Bus Sales’ former president and owner Mike Leonard, has assumed the company's top leadership position.

In this role, Leonard will have joint ownership of Leonard Bus Sales with his four brothers: Ben, Chris, Dan, and Patrick Leonard, according to a news release from the company. He previously served as the school bus dealer’s vice president, overseeing day-to-day operations.

“I want to thank my parents for having the confidence in me to lead Leonard Bus Sales. I also want to thank them for teaching me about the school transportation business and why it is clearly one of the most important industries in the country,” Jon Leonard said. “The school buses we sell, service, and support for our school transportation partners are carrying life’s most precious cargo. I look forward to working with our team to build upon the foundation of our success which was established by my grandparents and my parents.”

The succession plan for continuing family ownership has been in the works for several years, according to Leonard Bus Sales. From the start, the company said that the goal of the succession process was to implement an ownership, leadership, and management transition plan that supported Leonard Bus Sales and its school transportation partners. To this end, Jon Leonard and his four brothers purchased the company together from their father, with Jon purchasing all of the voting shares, according to the company.

“I am honored that after a long and thoughtful succession planning process, our son Jon decided to purchase the business and assume the leadership role at Leonard Bus Sales,” Mike Leonard said. “Barb, and I couldn’t be prouder of Jon, and our sons Patrick, Ben, Dan, and Chris for the commitment and dedication they have demonstrated over the years.”

He also said that “having Jon at the helm means Leonard Bus Sales will remain a family-owned business” and ensure the company’s culture of making safety a priority.

Leonard’s brothers Ben, Dan, and Patrick will continue their current roles at Leonard Bus Sales, and Chris will continue his career in commercial construction at his company — Leonard Contractors Inc. — which is located in Tampa, Fla.