About David Melton

For more than 40 years, I’ve worked with automotive dealerships—as an owner, operator, executive, COO, advisor, and broker. I understand the decisions dealer principals face because I’ve spent my career making many of those same decisions myself.

My connection to automotive dealerships goes back even further. I started washing cars at my father’s dealership when I was 12 years old. More than 50 years later, I still enjoy what first drew me to the industry: working directly with dealer principals and helping them make important decisions about their dealerships, their people, and their future.

Throughout my career, I’ve owned and operated dealerships, led dealership organizations, evaluated acquisitions, negotiated transactions, managed dealership real estate, and worked through the capital and strategic decisions that come with owning and growing dealerships. I’ve also worked directly with dealer principals through acquisitions, leadership changes, succession, and eventual exits. That experience isn’t simply a credential on a résumé. It’s the foundation of the judgment and perspective I bring to every advisory relationship.

My practice is intentionally different. I don’t bring a standardized playbook or cookie-cutter consulting program into your dealership. I don’t have layers of associates or a staff of people you’ve never met. When you call, you work directly with me. I work personally with a select number of dealer principals, taking the time to understand the dealership, the people, the family, the objectives, and the issues that matter most to the owner.

If you’re considering an acquisition, dealing with a leadership or succession issue, evaluating a major capital or real estate decision, thinking about the future of your dealerships, or simply want an experienced and independent perspective before making an important decision, I’d welcome a confidential conversation.

“I know what it feels like when the stakes are high, the decision is personal, and everyone around you has a perspective. My job is to give you an independent one—to tell you what I see, challenge you when necessary, and tell you what I would do if I were in your position.”

— David R. Melton

Let's Talk

I work directly with owners and operators across the automotive retail and aftermarket sectors nationwide. Every conversation starts directly with me.

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

David R. Melton
Dealership Advisor

  • 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 and NAMAD

  • “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 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

    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 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 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. 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