40+ Years Inside Automotive Dealerships

Built on Four Decades of Operating Experience.

I spent more than 40 years inside automotive dealerships — as an operator, a general manager, and a COO — before crossing the aisle to advise dealer principals on the decisions that define their legacy. I have sat in your chair. I know what it feels like when a manufacturer is pushing, when a partner situation is complicated, when you're not sure if now is the right time — and when the people around you all have something to sell. That experience is the foundation of everything I do.

My perspective is grounded in having lived the decisions you face every day. Real estate commitments, facility investments, capital structure, and OEM relationships all carry real operational consequences. That firsthand experience is what separates me from advisors who have only studied the automotive business — not run it.

"I have been in your seat. I know what it feels like when the stakes are high, the decision is personal, and everyone around you has an agenda. My only job is to tell you the truth — about your options, your timing, and what I would do if it were mine." — David Melton

Dealer principals engage me when they want clarity — around real estate holdings, sale-leaseback potential, capital structure, and long-term ownership positioning. My work begins well before a transaction is ever on the table. I do not lead with deals. I lead with honest advisory that gives dealer principals the preparation and leverage to move on their own terms.

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What Makes David Melton Different

I advise automotive dealer principals exclusively — grounded in more than 40+ years of firsthand dealership operating and transaction experience.

  • 40+ years of firsthand dealership operating and transaction experience

  • Principal-led on every engagement — you speak directly with David Melton

  • Exclusively automotive — no divided attention across industries or asset classes

  • No brokerage conflict, no transaction agenda, no side to take

  • Experienced on both sides of the table — as an operator, COO, and trusted advisor

  • Trusted by dealer principals across the country for honest, discreet counsel

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David R. Melton

Founder and Principal

Testimonials

  • “David understands dealerships at an ownership level. He helped us think through capital and real estate decisions without pushing a transaction. That perspective alone was worth the engagement.”

    — Southeast Auto Group, GA

  • “We engaged Melton Acquisitions long before we were ready to make any move. David and Heather helped us organize our thinking around capital structure, rent, and long-term options. There was no pressure—just clarity. When opportunities eventually surfaced, we were prepared and confident in our position.”

    — South Carolina Honda

  • “Melton Acquisitions helped us unlock liquidity without sacrificing control. That balance was critical.”

    — Mississippi Ford

  • “We were evaluating a major real estate and capital decision that would affect our dealership for decades. David’s operating background mattered—he understood the downstream impact on operations, valuation, and flexibility. Heather kept the process disciplined and organized. The guidance was thoughtful, discreet, and aligned with our long-term objectives. We never felt rushed, and that made all the difference.”

    — Indiana Import Group

  • “As a second-generation dealer, succession and control were sensitive topics for our family. David brought calm, real-world experience to the conversation, and Heather made sure nothing fell through the cracks. They didn’t come in with a preset agenda. They helped us think through scenarios, timing, and capital decisions in a way that protected both the business and the family.”

    — Massachusetts CDJR

  • “It is with great pleasure that I recommend David Melton to you. Recently, we decided that we needed to sell one of our dealerships that was a little too far away for us to operate in the manner we expect. We spoke to a dozen brokers and, after multiple conversations with David, decided he would be our best bet to sell the store in a timely manner due to his personality and extensive network of contacts and reach. We chose properly as David had our CDJR Dealership in front of a qualified buyer within days and within two and a half months’ time – Sold and in the capable hands of the new dealer!

    David Melton was there for us as well as the buyer throughout the process. He is very patient, knowledgeable, fair, and pleasant to work and speak with…”

    — Northeast Auto Group

  • “I was not initially looking to sell my dealership but was interested in discovering the value. After meeting with Melton Acquisitions and seeing the value of my store, I decided to take some chips off the table.”

    — Florida Honda Dealer

  • “Working with David and Melton Acquisitions has always been a seamless experience, and we couldn’t be more satisfied with how this transition has been handled. We feel confident about the future, and that confidence is rooted in the trust we’ve built with David.”

    — Ohio JLR Dealer

  • “David Melton did an excellent job! Dave brought plenty of buyers, followed the sale right until the very end and even attended the closing. I am very happy with the whole transaction.”

    — Pennsylvania Ford Dealer

  • “David Melton managed the transaction with exceptional professionalism. He was consistently accessible throughout each stage of the process. I look forward to acquiring additional stores with David’s guidance and expertise.”

    — Tennessee CDJR Dealer 

  • “Mr. David Melton was fantastic through the entire process of our purchase of a dealership in Western Pennsylvania.  We had quite a few hurdles during the due-diligence period.  With all the laws and regulations that the manufacture, state, county, and township put in your way to conduct and purchase a business, Mr. Melton was an invaluable resource with his experience and knowledge.  Having run his own dealerships, Mr. Melton is the ideal broker to provide a realistic, in-depth view of any store.  He can break down a statement at a level that not many can.  I would highly recommend Mr. Melton to anyone who is considering selling or buying a store.  Being in our position, running and owning a dealership, it is difficult to find people to talk to about market conditions, real estate, and expectations, etc.  Mr. Melton was that person for me.  I now call Mr. Melton a friend and look forward to working with him in the future!”

    — Pennsylvania Ford Dealer

  • "This is my first dealership purchase utilizing a broker. I had concerns if this would make the deal too complex. But like anything else, if you do business with great people, the outcome is always great! David and his team were fantastic. Total and complete transparency. David answered his cell phone EVERY time I called and worked extremely hard for seller AND buyer to make a fair and simple transaction. David was there every step of the way and personally saw the closing through until the last document was signed. Very impressed with the company and most importantly, David. I made a deal and I made a friend. Many more to follow. Call me personally for a reference." –

    — Pennsyvania Automotive Group

  • "Dear David, thank you so much for finding me a qualified buyer so quickly. One of my major goals was to have a buyer who would continue what my family built over 59 years. The buyer is truly that person. From our first meeting to the sale of my dealership, everything went extremely well and all of us got along great! The pricing structure was right on target and your fee was very fair. Perhaps even more than fair, considering the short time from start to finish. You understood it was a big step for me and you were patient on my decision. You were very professional, excellent on communication, quick and very helpful. It was a real pleasure working with you."

    — Alabama GM Dealer

  • “It was a pleasure dealing with David Melton. It was a long process, but David constantly checked in to see if I needed anything and was very responsive to my questions. Definitely a professional individual.”

    — North Carolina Buick-GMC Dealer

  • “I want to thank David Melton for his efforts in assisting my sister and I with the sale of our family dealership. Even though the process was long, David was available 24/7 from start to finish. I would highly recommend David Melton for buyers and sellers.”

    — Georgia Ford Dealer

  • “David Melton did an excellent job! Dave brought plenty of buyers, followed the sale right until the very end and even attended the closing. I am very happy with the whole transaction.”

    — Tennessee Ford Dealer

  • David Melton is fantastic. From the first day we met David through the closing, he was amazing to deal with and handheld us through the process. “David worked tirelessly to find us the right buyer and once we found that buyer was in constant communication with their agent to ensure a smooth purchase and transition. David set realistic expectations throughout the process and far exceeded those expectations including length of time to find the buyer. He was able to keep the listing discreet which was a main concern of ours. David also helped us in every aspect including making sure we received the full value of our dealership. Selling a business during COVID was not easy. We cannot thank David enough for his help and guidance throughout the entire process. He made this a very profitable and smooth sale.”

    — Rech Automotive Group