David R. Melton Pointe Automotive

Automotive Capital Markets Advisor

As President of Pointe Automotive, I serve as a trusted Automotive Capital Advisor to owners of auto dealerships and collision centers across the U.S. My focus is on helping clients unlock and preserve value at every stage of their business journey—whether they're preparing for a sale, planning a succession, or restructuring their real estate.

With over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry—including my time as a dealership COO—I understand the complexity of transitions in this sector. I’ve sat in the same seat as my clients, and I know how to guide them through high-stakes decisions with clarity and confidence.

My advisory work is centered around three core areas:

  • M&A Advisory Services: I lead strategic sales, acquisitions, and partner exits—ensuring that business and real estate are aligned for maximum deal value.

  • Succession Planning: I help owners create customized, tax-aware succession strategies—whether transitioning to family members, key managers, or outside buyers.

  • Real Estate Advisory: I provide guidance on sale-leasebacks, bifurcation, and real estate disposition strategies—unlocking equity while maintaining operational control.

I collaborate closely with your CPA, attorney, estate planner, and buy-sell advisor to coordinate every aspect of the transaction well before closing. My role is to make sure that nothing is overlooked—and that no value is left on the table.

David R. Melton
Managing Director

Expert in Auto Retail and Dealership Investments

What sets David apart is his ability to think and act like an operator—because he’s been one. As a former COO in the automotive industry, David knows firsthand the strategic, financial, and emotional decisions involved in selling a business or growing through acquisition. That lived experience, combined with Pointe Automotive’s proprietary POINTE Process, makes him a trusted advisor to owners navigating high-stakes transitions.

As Managing Director of Pointe Automotive, I specialize in advising automotive dealership owners and auto dealer groups on strategic M&A transactions, sale-leaseback execution, and long-term exit planning. Whether a dealer is preparing to sell a single rooftop, acquiring additional franchises, or recapitalizing dealership real estate to unlock equity, my role is to help owners make informed, value-maximizing decisions at every stage of ownership.

With more than 40 years of automotive industry experience, including service as a former dealership COO, I understand the operational realities, OEM considerations, and capital pressures that influence dealership performance and valuation. This firsthand perspective allows me to structure transactions that align business operations, real estate strategy, and enterprise value—while preserving continuity and confidentiality throughout the process.

My advisory practice is centered on three core disciplines: Automotive Dealership M&A Advisory, guiding buy-sell transactions and platform expansion; Sale-Leaseback Advisory, helping dealers unlock real estate equity while maintaining operational control; and Exit & Succession Planning, ensuring dealerships are positioned for optimal value—whether transitioning to a third-party buyer, next-generation ownership, or a strategic partner.

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  • “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