Strategic Advisor to Dealer Principals

Experienced Counsel for the Decisions That Matter Most

For more than 40 years, I’ve worked in and around automotive dealerships—as an owner, operator, executive, COO, advisor, broker, and investor. That experience has given me a perspective on the decisions dealer principals face that goes well beyond any individual transaction.

I understand that owning a dealership is not simply about operating a business. It is an operating company, a significant investment, a source of family wealth, and often a legacy built over decades. Decisions involving growth, acquisitions, succession, capital, and real estate can affect cash flow, borrowing capacity, enterprise value, family relationships, and ultimately what the owner creates and preserves.

Throughout my career, I’ve owned and operated dealerships, led dealership organizations, evaluated acquisitions, negotiated transactions, managed capital and real estate, and worked through the decisions that accompany owning and growing dealerships. I’ve also advised dealer principals through acquisitions, dispositions, ownership transitions, succession planning, and eventual exits.

I work directly with dealer principals evaluating acquisitions and expansion, ownership transitions and dealership sales, financing and capital allocation, facility investments, real estate strategy, and other significant ownership decisions. The relationship often begins with a single decision and evolves as the dealer’s business, family, and objectives evolve.

“I’ve spent most of my life around dealerships, and I understand that the biggest decisions are rarely just about the numbers. My job is to understand what the dealer is trying to accomplish, evaluate the alternatives, and provide the perspective I would want if I were sitting in the owner’s chair.”

— David R. Melton

“I know what it feels like when the stakes are high, the decision is personal, and everyone around you has an agenda. My job is to tell you the truth—about your options, your timing, and what I would do if it were my business.”

— David Melton

Trusted by Dealership Principals Nationwide

David Melton works directly with dealer principals as an independent, confidential advisor on decisions that carry real financial and personal consequences—growth, leadership, acquisitions, succession, real estate, and eventual exit—providing experienced judgment tailored entirely to you and your objectives.

Not a methodology. Not someone else’s agenda.

Why Dealers Choose David Melton

  • 40+ Years in the Business

    I've spent my career inside automotive retail—as an owner, operator, executive, COO, advisor and broker.He has navigated the same transitions, managed the same real estate, and made the same capital decisions his clients are facing.


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  • Counsel to Owners

    David Melton works exclusively with dealer principals and automotive retail ownership groups. This is not one practice area among many — it is the only work he does, and that focus produces a depth of market knowledge and relationship access that generalist advisors cannot replicate.


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  • Experience Over Methodology

    What no process can replace is the judgment to evaluate a transaction the way an operator would — to assess not just the numbers, but what they mean for your specific situation at this specific moment. That judgment comes from experience, not methodology.

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  • Complete Discretion

    The conversations dealer principals need most are often the ones they can have with the fewest people. Buy-sell, real estate, and investment transactions at this level require discretion at every stage. Every engagement — and every conversation — is handled with the confidentiality these decisions demand.

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Testimonials

  • Thank you so much for handling the sale of Kempthorn Motors this past month.

    It was obvious from the beginning that this wasn't your 'first rodeo', and I can't thank you enough for your leadership and professionalism throughout the transaction. 

    So often, egos get in the way of these transactions, and that was NEVER a concern, as you demonstrated a common-sense approach and kept everyone grounded and on task.

    We have now used you for 3 buy/sells and would never consider using anyone else.

    We (the Kempthorn's) wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors and will always be mindful of what a blessing you have been for our family.

    Eric Kempthorn, President, Kempthorn Motors

  • I want to share that this was one of our best buy-sell experiences, and the biggest reason is David Melton. He is a person full of experience and wisdom, with years of putting wonderful families together. 

    I’m thankful that the Kempthorns and David Melton chose us. We are grateful to be part of the Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Mazda, and VW family. 

    Joey Huang, President of Great Lakes Auto Group

  • “David Melton has been a trusted advisor to our family for many years. His deep knowledge of the automotive dealership industry and his ability to understand our vision for the future made this process smooth and rewarding.

    Working with David Melton 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 of Jaguar JLR Akron, and that confidence is rooted in the trust we’ve built with David.”

    Eric Kempthorn, President, JLR of Akron

  • It is with great pleasure that I recommend David Melton to you. Recently, we decided we needed to sell one of our dealerships that was a little too far for us to operate as we expected.

    We spoke to a half dozen brokers and after talking to David on multiple occasions, we decided that he would be our best bet to sell the store in a timely fashion due to his personality and wide range 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…

    Brian M. Heney, CEO, Kelly Auto Group

  • David Melton could not have handled the transaction any better. He was always available through every step of the process.  I will be buying more stores with David’s help and expertise.  

    Dan O’Brien, CEO, Dan O’Brien Automotive Group

  • Mr. David Melton was fantastic throughout the entire process of our purchase of a dealership in Grove City, Pa. We encountered several hurdles during the due diligence period.  With all the laws and regulations that the manufacturer, state, county, and township put in your way when conducting due diligence and purchasing a business, Mr. Melton was an invaluable resource, thanks to his experience and knowledge.  He has run dealerships himself.

    Mr. Melton is the perfect 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!

    Matt Wickwire, President, Grove City Ford

  • "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." –

    Jason Owens, President, Patriot Automotive Group

  • “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.”

    Dan Taylor, President, Jerry Taylor Ford

  • "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 through the sale of my dealership, everything went extremely well, and we all got along great! The pricing structure was right on target, and your fee was very fair.

    Maybe even more than fair, given 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." –

    Jack Lafferty, President, Lafferty Chevrolet

  • 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.

    Lori Guitson, CEO, Sun Buick-GMC

  • “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.”

    Joe M. Shauger, President, Nazareth Ford

  • David Melton is fantastic to work with. 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, ensuring a smooth purchase and transition. David set realistic expectations throughout the process and far exceeded them, including the time required to find the buyer.

    He was able to keep the listing discreet, which was a major concern for us. David also helped us in every aspect, including making sure we received the full value of our dealership.

    We cannot thank David enough for his help and guidance throughout the entire process. He made this a very profitable and smooth sale.

    Chris Rech, President, Rech Automotive Group

When the Decision Matters, Start Here.

Every engagement begins the same way — a direct, confidential conversation with David Melton. Not an associate, not a middleman, not a form on a website. Honest guidance from someone who has built the car business and understands what is actually at stake.

The Conversation Starts Here