Principal Advisor: David R. Melton

I spent more than 40 years building, operating, and leading dealerships — as a dealer operator, executive advisor, and COO. I have navigated ownership transitions, managed real estate holdings, built leadership teams from the inside, and made the capital decisions that determine whether a dealership grows or stalls. That experience is not a credential on a resume. It is the foundation of every conversation I have with a dealer principal.

My practice is advisory-first. I don't lead with listings or placements. I lead with disciplined guidance — and when a transaction, a capital decision, or a leadership change is the right outcome, I make sure it happens on your terms, not someone else's timeline.

I work exclusively with automotive dealer principals and retail ownership groups on three things: transition services, capital and real estate strategy, and leadership advisory. Every engagement begins with a direct conversation with me — not an associate, not an intermediary, not an intake form.

"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 leadership, your options, your timing, and what I would do if it were my dealership."

Let's Talk

Every conversation starts directly with me.

Office: 423-499-9956
Email: dm@davidmelton.com

David R. Melton
Dealership Advisor

  • “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

    Jaguar Land Rover of Akron

  • 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 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 choose properly as David had our Jeep – Chrysler – Dodge – Ram 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

    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

    Dan O’Brien Automotive Group

  • Mr. David Melton was fantastic through the entire process of our purchase of a dealership in Grove City, Pa.  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 dealerships, himself Mr. Melton is the perfect broker to provide 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

    Boardman Nissan

    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

    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

    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 that 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. Maybe even more than fair due to 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

    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

    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

    Nazareth Ford

  • 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.

     

    Chris Rech

    Rech Automotive Group