David R. Melton:

Automotive 1031 Advisor

Retail and Aftermarket

“The Hardest Working Man in the Car Business”

From the Desk of David Melton

Consultant Services | Founder & CEO, Pointe Automotive

As Founder and CEO of Pointe Automotive, I serve as a trusted Automotive Dealership Consultant to owners of auto dealerships across the country. My role is to help clients unlock the full value of their dealerships and real estate through a focused combination of M&A advisory services, succession planning, and strategic real estate guidance.

With over four decades of experience in the automotive industry, including years as a chief operating officer at a dealership, I have firsthand knowledge of the complexities of ownership, brand alignment, and operational continuity. Whether you’re preparing for a sale, planning a generational transition, or seeking to optimize your real estate for maximum return, I provide hands-on, confidential support to help you achieve the right outcome for your situation.

Every client engagement is tailored. I work one-on-one with you to evaluate options, mitigate risks, and execute a strategy that not only preserves your legacy but delivers measurable results, on your terms and timeline.

How I Help Dealers Maximize Value

Unlocking Value Through M&A Advisory Services

A well-executed M&A transaction can be one of the most powerful tools for unlocking the full value of your dealership. Whether you’re looking to sell, acquire, or merge, I provide hands-on guidance throughout the entire process, ensuring that every move is aligned with your financial goals and long-term vision.

When I advise on a dealership M&A transaction, my objective is to:

  • Maximize total enterprise value through strategic deal structuring

  • Create a competitive process that attracts the right buyers or targets

  • Protect confidentiality while positioning your business for optimal terms

  • Navigate manufacturer requirements, partner buyouts, and goodwill valuation

  • Coordinate timing, due diligence, and negotiations with absolute precision

From pre-market planning and valuation to buyer engagement, term sheet negotiation, and closing, I lead every step of the transaction. My role is to ensure that the deal not only closes—but that it closes on your terms, with nothing left on the table.

Real Estate Bifurcation in Buy/Sell Transactions

Many dealers don’t realize they can separate the sale of their business from the sale of their real estate—and that decision can significantly increase their return. I work with sellers to determine whether real estate bifurcation makes financial sense, allowing them to either retain ownership and become the landlord, or sell the property separately at a more favorable cap rate.

Here’s how I support bifurcated transactions:

  • Provide a standalone real estate valuation, separate from goodwill and fixed assets

  • Structure long-term lease agreements that align with buyer operations

  • Market the real estate independently to institutional or 1031 investors when appropriate

  • Help sellers generate rental income or maximize exit value through strategic timing

By optimizing the real estate portion of the deal, I help dealers walk away with stronger outcomes—whether they’re selling a single rooftop or multiple locations.

Driving Growth Through Strategic Acquisitions

Acquiring a dealership isn’t just about expanding your footprint—it’s about finding the right opportunity that fits your brand, your operational model, and your long-term strategy. I work directly with dealers, consolidators, and investor groups to identify, evaluate, and execute acquisitions that deliver real, sustainable value.

When I advise on acquisitions, my focus is to:

  • Source qualified opportunities—on and off the market

  • Assess operational and financial performance with an eye toward post-closing upside

  • Align real estate and lease terms to support long-term occupancy and scalability

  • Navigate OEM requirements, franchise transfer protocols, and facility compliance

  • Structure the deal to reduce risk and optimize return on investment

Whether you're acquiring your first store or expanding a multi-rooftop platform, I help you move forward with clarity and confidence. From initial evaluation through negotiation and closing, my goal is to protect your capital, avoid costly missteps, and ensure the transaction supports your broader growth strategy.

My approach is tailored, data-driven, and rooted in decades of hands-on experience. When the right opportunity arises, I ensure you’re prepared to seize it.

Succession Planning for Dealerships and Collision Centers:

Planning for succession isn’t just about retirement—it’s about protecting the legacy you’ve built, preserving your dealership’s continuity, and maximizing the value of your exit. I work directly with owners and their families to develop strategic, confidential plans that align business operations, real estate, and financial goals.

When I advise on succession planning, my focus is to:

  • Design a step-by-step transition strategy that avoids disruption

  • Evaluate all exit options—from family succession to third-party sale

  • Coordinate the timing of business and real estate transfers for tax and value efficiency

  • Structure internal buyouts, management transitions, or external acquisitions

  • Ensure real estate holdings are positioned to generate long-term income or be sold at a premium

Whether your timeline is 12 months or 5 years, I help you make informed decisions today that set the foundation for a successful, stress-free transition. My approach is discreet, personalized, and built to protect what you’ve worked a lifetime to create.

About Me

I’m an Automotive Dealership Consultant with a strategic advantage rooted in real-world dealership experience. As Founder and CEO of Pointe Automotive, I work exclusively with auto dealers across the country—guiding them through high-stakes decisions involving their business operations, real estate, and long-term succession goals. I’m licensed in all 50 states and bring over 40 years of industry experience to each engagement. As a former dealership COO, I understand the operational demands, franchise complexities, and financial pressures that come with owning and exiting a dealership.

My focus is on three core pillars: M&A advisory, succession planning, and real estate strategy. Whether you're preparing for a strategic sale, transitioning to the next generation, or realigning your real estate for long-term value, I offer one-on-one, expert guidance to help you make informed, confident decisions.

Through Pointe Automotive, I help clients:

  • Execute M&A transactions that align with both business and real estate objectives

  • Strategically position real estate holdings to maximize valuation and flexibility

  • Navigate succession planning with a clear, actionable roadmap for owners and families

  • Coordinate transaction strategies that protect the integrity and legacy of the business

I’ve led numerous successful transactions nationwide, and my approach remains consistent: protecting confidentiality, delivering results, and ensuring that no value is left on the table.

“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”

– Abraham Lincoln

Let’s Talk

If you’re considering selling your dealership, unlocking equity in your real estate, or planning a strategic exit, I’d be happy to have a confidential conversation.