BRENTWOOD, N.H. -- Two bus industry fixtures, James "Spike" Michaud and his son, Jim, owners of Michaud Bus Sales Inc., have decided to change the focus of their business.

For nearly two decades the Michauds have sold pre-owned buses nationwide from their base here, which is not far from Boston, and Manchester and Portsmouth, N.H.

Now, theyre splitting their services, hoping to utilize their knowledge and experience in new ways.

Spike Michaud will be providing bus appraisals through a newly formed company called Michaud Bus Appraisals LLC, while Jim Michaud will focus his attention on his web-based sales outlet called BusesOnline.com.

In the mid-1990s, before the internet gained its present popularity, Jim Michaud developed what has become one of the industrys leading websites for buying and selling buses: BusesOnline.com. While the website has evolved and changed over the years, Michaud says he knew there was more that could be done with it.

"Ive always felt we could help our industry further," he said. "This is the next step, and the timing is perfect. We recognize the need for a fresh and innovative way for the industry to not only buy and sell buses, but search for ways to improve their bottom line, be more efficient and stay competitive. We are excited to be introducing a totally new website to help the entire bus industry do just that."

Michaud says the "new" BusesOnline.com offers a way for buyers and sellers to communicate directly through inexpensive listings with maximum exposure throughout the web. Shoppers can choose from motorcoaches, conversion coaches, transits, minibuses, trolleys, school buses and limousines.

"There are no commissions, no hidden fees and an easy-to-use format. There is also a very helpful area to search for services within the industry, such as insurance, finance, repairs, parts and much more," he says.

"One of the most exciting areas of this site is the free listings for bus parts, bus collectibles and even an area exclusively for industry employment.

"Most companies have surplus or outdated parts -- taking up valuable space and tying up capital -- they would like to get rid of. Why not sell those parts and recover some of the original cost, while helping another company or individual in need of those parts?

"The collectibles section is for some fun.

"And industry employment is an area that is very important to me. We all know how difficult it is to find quality employees and/or employment today. This is an opportunity to reach out and find people in an industry that strives to find the best, most-qualified personnel no matter where they are located," he explained.

Spike Michaud has spent his entire life in the bus industry. While he is probably best known for selling buses, he also has been providing bus appraisal services for years through Michaud Bus Sales.

He says there is a need among his clients and the industry for expert appraisal services, so he has decided to focus entirely on providing appraisals by starting a new company: Michaud Bus Appraisals LLC.

"Im excited about this next chapter in my career," he says. "Ive been doing appraisals for over 30 years but never exclusively. I enjoy it very much."

He will offer his services to individual bus owners, bus companies, insurance companies, financial institutions, law firms and others.

Spike Michaud has a new website, www.BusAppraiser.com, or contact both Michauds at (877) 642-4283.