Managing Director: David R. Melton

David R. Melton
Managing Director

As Founder and Principal of Melton Acquisitions & Investments, I deploy capital directly into automotive dealership acquisitions, sale-leaseback transactions, and build-to-suit development nationwide. My work focuses on identifying the right opportunities, structuring transactions that create long-term value, and closing deals with the credibility and speed of a principal with more than 4 decades in this business.

While acquisitions and sale-leasebacks are the core of what we do, our most valuable relationships begin earlier. Most conversations start with a confidential assessment of a dealer's real estate position and enterprise value — giving principals the clarity they need to make major decisions from a position of strength, not pressure. We approach those conversations not as brokers seeking a listing, but as investors evaluating an opportunity.

With more than 40 years of firsthand automotive experience — including operating dealerships, serving as a dealership COO, and executing transactions nationwide — I bring a perspective to every deal that most firms cannot. I have managed the same decisions dealers face from the inside. That experience allows me to evaluate acquisitions, structure sale-leasebacks, and deploy capital with the practical, disciplined judgment of someone who has sat in the same seat.

Unlike traditional dealership brokers, Melton Acquisitions & Investments is principal-led and investment-first. We don't chase listings. We identify targets, deploy capital, and structure deals on our terms — and on the dealer's timeline.

My investment work centers on three integrated areas:

  • Dealership Acquisitions

    For dealer principals open to a conversation about transition, consolidation, or partnership, I approach every opportunity as a direct buyer — not a matchmaker. My role is to evaluate the enterprise, understand the real estate, and structure a transaction that works for both sides. This includes enterprise valuation, deal structure, real estate alignment, and full coordination with legal, CPA, and lending teams through closing.

  • Sale-Leaseback Investments — Real Estate Acquisition & NNN Structuring

    Many dealer principals have significant equity locked in real estate that isn't working as hard as it should. I purchase dealership real estate directly, structuring long-term NNN leases that unlock capital for the dealer while preserving full operational control. This includes real estate valuation, cap rate analysis, lease structuring, and coordination with all parties through close — with capital already committed.

  • Build-to-Suit Investment — Development Capital & NNN Structuring

    Dealership real estate is often the most underleveraged asset on the balance sheet. I fund new dealership construction and facility development as the capital partner — structuring long-term NNN leases that align dealer operational needs with investment-grade real estate performance. This includes site analysis, OEM compliance coordination, cost modeling, and lease structuring that supports both dealer operations and long-term asset value.

My investment work includes close coordination with each dealer's CPA, legal counsel, lenders, and other advisors — well in advance of a transaction. The result is disciplined preparation, clearer strategic options, and the ability for dealer principals to pursue — or defer — transactions entirely on their own terms.

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

    — Florida Honda Dealer

  • “Working with David and Melton
    Advisors 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