David R. Melton Founder and CEO

Real Estate Advisory for Auto Dealers

As President of Pointe Automotive, I serve as a trusted Capital and Real Estate Advisor to auto dealers across the U.S., with a focus on maximizing value through strategic real estate and capital planning. My expertise lies in structuring sale-leasebacks, guiding 1031 exchanges, and repositioning dealership assets to unlock equity, improve liquidity, and strengthen long-term financial performance.

With over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, I understand firsthand the balancing act between running a dealership day-to-day and planning for growth, succession, or recapitalization. Having sat in the same seat as my clients, I know how to navigate these high-stakes decisions with clarity, confidentiality, and precision.

My advisory work centers on three key areas:

  • Sale-Leasebacks
    I structure sale-leaseback transactions that convert real estate into working capital while allowing dealers to maintain full operational control of their stores.

  • 1031 Exchanges
    I guide dealers through tax-deferred 1031 exchanges, ensuring real estate investments are repositioned into higher-performing assets.

  • Asset Repositioning
    I develop strategies that maximize the value of dealership properties through repositioning, bifurcation, or reallocation of real estate holdings..

I collaborate closely with CPAs, attorneys, OEM representatives, and estate planners to ensure each strategy is executed seamlessly and structured for maximum value. My role is to help dealers unlock capital, reduce risk, and secure their long-term success through smart, integrated real estate and capital strategies.

David R. Melton

Founder & CEO

Expert in Automotive M&A and Real Estate Investments

I work exclusively within the automotive sector, representing auto dealers, family-owned groups, and high-net-worth investors who seek to preserve and grow their capital through strategic real estate and exit strategies.

If you own dealership real estate or are planning for growth, succession, or sale, let’s have a confidential conversation about how we can help you maximize your position.

At Pointe Automotive, I’ve successfully executed sale-leaseback investments, as well as completed both dealership and aftermarket acquisitions, reinforcing my expertise and long-term commitment to the automotive sector. This firsthand experience allows me to provide practical, actionable guidance that reflects a deep understanding of how each transaction impacts day-to-day operations and overall enterprise value.

Whether you’re navigating an ownership transition, seeking to unlock capital, or preparing to sell a portfolio of assets, I offer the strategic support needed to move forward with confidence. With a comprehensive approach and a proven record of results, Pointe Automotive remains the trusted partner for dealers and aftermarket operators who want to maximize the value of their business and real estate holdings.

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

    — Florida Honda Dealer

  • “Working with David and Pointe Automotive 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

  • “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…”

    — Northeast Auto Group

  • “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."

    — Georgia 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