Supercharge Your Dealership Growth Potential with The Dealer Growth Conference 

September 11-12, 2023 

Questions?  

Contact Laura Lemco at (303) 994-6919 or [email protected] 

Immediate Strategies and Tools to Grow Your Dealership 

As a dealership owner, you want to grow, but competition is fierce and it can be difficult to know whether investing both time and money into expansion is the right move. It’s hard to decipher what industry experts are saying and weed out outdated strategies versus the ones that will actually work for your business.

You know that working with experienced professionals to provide insights on how to expand your dealership could be invaluable – but where do you find them? How do you make sure they really understand the unique challenges of owning a dealership?

The Dealer Growth Conference gives you access to a team of legal, tax, finance, M&A and valuation experts who specialize in working with dealerships. Our conference provides immediately actionable strategies and tools to help you grow your dealership within its current footprint and by adding locations.

By attending this conference, you'll gain the knowledge and resources you need to grow your dealership today and into the future.

  • Valuable, focused information to drive quality growth.
  • Enhance your industry knowledge and become more profitable.
  • Experience the thrill of flying in an Epic Aircraft E1000 GX.
  • Enjoy the amenities of Central Oregon’s premier Golf resort.

Watch the video

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What you’ll Learn

Part 1

Legal considerations to support growth and protect your enterprise

Part 2

Considerations and strategies for optimal tax mitigation

Part 3

Capital Funding / Financing strategies for growing your business.

Part 4

Nightmares & Home-runs – Case studies of deals and valuations

Part 5

Epic Aircraft: How plane ownership can enhance your growth

Part 6

Open panel discussion and Q&A with all Presenters

Ready to Supercharge your dealership growth?

About Sunriver Resort

Sunriver Resort offers a stunning natural setting with breathtaking views of the majestic Central Oregon Cascade Mountains. Its state-of-the-art conference center, premier golf courses, wide-ranging accommodation choices, and endless recreational possibilities have made it the go-to destination for successful and memorable events for over three generations.

To secure your accommodations for the upcoming event, please call: (855) 420-8206 

Meet Our Speakers

Attorney at Bass Sox Mercer

Robert Bass

Robert attended the Florida State University (FSU) College of Law, where he graduated in 1995 with high honors and was selected to the Order of the Coif.Since graduating, he has continued to support the College of Law and has served as president of the College of Law Alumni Association. Robert manages the Firm’s transactional group, which focuses on dealership mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate transactions, dealer business planning, dealer succession planning, and business law. Robert has represented motorcycle, automobile, and heavy-truck dealers, and he and his team have closed dealership transactions in over 40 states.

Attorney at Tonkon Torp LLP

Michael Millender

Michael is Co-Chair of Tonkon Torp’s Business Department and is active in the areas of tax and employee benefits. His tax practice focuses on the federal, state, and local taxation of businesses, with an emphasis on the structuring of business transactions and the taxation of corporations, partnerships, and LLC's. In the benefits area, Michael advises clients on a wide range of issues involving retirement plans, equity-based plans, and fringe benefit plans. Michael frequently represents clients in tax and benefits controversies involving the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor, and state and local tax authorities.

Managing Director of Capital Markets at US Bank

Chris Zinn

Chris Zinn is a highly experienced and skillful Managing Director of Capital Markets at US Banks. With eighteen impressive years in the financial sector, Chris is a master of building relationships, solving complex issues related to transactions and engaging in business development. His ability to quickly learn new industries, roles and products has served him well in numerous key positions such as deal execution lead, client relationship management and underwriting analyst.

Relationship Manager - Dealer Commercial Services at US Bank

Jaclyn Harty

Jaclyn Harty is a Relationship Manager at US Bank, specializing in Dealer Commercial Services. Highly organized and detail-oriented, she has a demonstrated ability to provide strategic advice that helps her clients navigate the complexities of their risk management. She also brings extensive experience from her role as Business Risk & Control Associate at Well Fargo, where she was responsible for the roll out of a scenario analysis program that encompassed policy and procedure adherence, risk data analysis and the presentation of results to senior management. Her creative problem-solving skills have helped her build strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike.

Co-Founder & Chief Investment Officer - Legacy Automotive Capital

Todd Marcelle

Todd is an experienced entrepreneur and executive with over 25 years of expertise in software, finance and real estate. He recently launched a $1.5B fund through Legacy Automotive Capital to support growing new franchised car dealers.  He has led companies to success, including GoMoto which was acquired by Reynolds and Reynolds in 2020. His background includes senior executive positions at Frontier Strategy Group, Luxola, Multimedia Research Group, and the Corporate Executive Board among others.

President, Co-CEO National Business Brokers

Brady Schmidt

Brady Schmidt joined National Business Brokers, Inc. in 1991 and has been the company’s President and CEO since 2004. NBB’s sales volume, gross revenue and geographic reach have consistently and significantly surged under Mr. Schmidt’s leadership, making it the largest new car dealership brokerage firm in the country, transacting more than $10B in value for dealership sales and surpassing the 850-deal mark in 2020.Mr. Schmidt is an expert in the retail automotive industry with 30 years of experience personally handling more than 450 sales, mergers and acquisitions of new franchised dealerships.

President, Dealership Valuation Services

Laura Lemco

Laura is an accomplished professional with a diverse portfolio of experience and education. She brings over 25 years in the motorcycle and automotive industries, a Bachelor's of Arts in Business Administration, a Master's in Business Administration, significant experience owning, managing and consulting dealerships, as well as over 10 years' experience valuing businesses. As an Accredited Member of the American Society of Appraisers and a Certified Valuation Analyst, Laura provides invaluable insights to clients seeking her expertise for business mergers & acquisition, legal disputes, financing, gift and estate tax returns with appraisals relevant to automotive, powersports, RV, marine and implement dealerships.

Sales Manger, Epic Aircraft

Craig Sabina

Craig Sabina is a highly esteemed Sales Manager at Epic Aircraft – the world-renowned manufacturer of luxurious, state-of-the-art single-engine turboprop aircraft based in Bend, Oregon. With almost two decades of experience in the aviation sector and an eye for extraordinary design, Craig has been instrumental to Epic Aircraft's success in crafting some of the most technically advanced and aesthetically pleasing planes on the market. Craig is a passionate advocate for aerospace innovation, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what modern aircraft can offer.

Take a demo flight in Epic Aircraft's E1000 GX!

Experience the thrill of flying in Epic Aircraft's E1000 GX, the fastest, most fuel-efficient, single-engine turboprop. Conveniently located at Sunriver Airport, demo flights will take place Monday (prior to the conference start) or Tuesday (after the conference concludes).

To reserve your seat, please contact Epic Sales Manager Craig Sabina at 503.810.8894.

Equip Yourself with the Knowledge You Need

At the Dealer Growth Conference, you will glean wisdom from high-level advisors with cutting edge experience fueling dealership growth. Take part in interactive sessions and workshops that are designed to help you develop effective growth strategies that address today’s challenges. Stay ahead of the competition with valuable insights from experienced industry professionals who understand the demands of the current market.

Access on-demand information

Become an expert on growth trends in your industry so you can make informed decisions for your business.

comprehensive handouts

Feel empowered with the right tools and resources customized to your needs...right at your fingertips!

Learn from Industry Experts

Get your questions answered in advance and feel confident that you will have all the information you need before the event.

Connect with peers

Expand your network to help inspire you to take on new challengesy reach your goals faster.

2023 Dealer Growth Conference

Agenda

Monday, September 11th

  • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM – Sunriver Lawn - Welcome Reception with drinks and appetizers
  • Please let us know what time you would like Sunriver shuttles to take you to your dinner reservations

Tuesday, September 12th

  • 8:00 AM: Welcome ** Breakfast Buffet **
  • 8:30 AM: Robert Bass, Esq. - Bass Sox Mercer (FL): Legal considerations to support growth, protect your enterprise and avoid the FOMO Monster!
  • 9:15 AM: Michael Millender, Esq. – Tonkon Torp LLP (OR): Key employees - designing Incentive programs that fuel your growth.
  • 10:00 AM: Chris Zinn, Managing Director of Capital Markets & Jaclyn Harty, Manager of Dealer Commercial Services – US Bank (CA): Capital Funding and Financing Strategies.
  • 10:45 AM: Todd Marcelle, CIO, Legacy Automotive Capital (DC): Unlocking a Dealers Real Estate Blue Sky: Funding Growth through tailored sale and leaseback solutions
  • 11:30 AM: Brady Schmidt, CEO - National Business Brokers (CA) with Laura Lemco, President – Dealership Valuation Services, LLC: Nightmares & Homeruns – Case studies of deals and valuations.
  • 12:15 PM: ** Lunch with presentation ** Craig Sabina, Sales Manager - Epic Aircraft (OR):TIME MACHINES! How high performance aircraft ownership can enhance your business & personal life 
  • 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM: Wrap up – Open panel discussion and Q&A with all Presenters.
  • Afternoon: Golf, recreation and/or demo flights with Epic Aircraft.

Join us for a pre-conference visit to Subaru of Bend, the second largest Subaru dealership in the world!

Owned by Matt Thomas, Subaru of Bend believes that keeping customers happy throughout the ownership journey is its top priority.

In fact, Matt went all out and spent nearly three years constructing a massive 110,000-square-foot dealership that's equipped with the latest technology and amenities, all to ensure top-notch service.

Don't pass up this chance to see a dealership like no other!

Secure your seat on the bus departing from Sunriver at 1:00 pm for a quick 30-minute ride to Subaru of Bend.

subaru-bend

Ready to Supercharge your dealership growth?

Faq.

Who should attend?

It is for dealer principals who are profitable, successful, and well-prepared to scale that may be wondering about the best strategy for growth, along with the legal, tax, and financial implications of scaling. For those anticipating a future sale or doing a deal, it is important to keep long-term considerations in mind. Our aim is to provide clear, concise information to help seminar guests make informed decisions.

When is the conference?

September 11th-12th, 2023. The first day will kick off with a welcome reception in the evening starting at 6pm. The following day, Tuesday, September 12th, is the main conference from 8am to 2pm.

Where is it located?

Sunriver, Oregon which is a luxurious golf resort located in Central Oregon (20 miles from Bend), boasting four award-winning golf courses. The resort sits on a 3,300-acre community with natural beauty all around, and features a full-service wellness spa, restaurants and cafes, an indoor-outdoor aquatics center, and many more amenities. To guarantee your stay during the event, make sure to book your lodging directly with Sunriver Resort beforehand.

How is this different from a typical dealer trade show?

Dealer trade shows are more comprehensive covering emerging trends, innovative products, and optimal networking opportunities for all departments of your dealership. This is event is just for dealers interested in growing their dealership enterprise.

Who's will the presenters be?

Our seminar will feature expert presenters specializing in the legal and business aspects of dealership transactions, including tax issues. Additionally, our business broker and co-host will share their experience on the best and worst deals they have come across, to help you plan ahead. We will also have special guests from Epic Aircraft who will be providing test rides to pre-qualified individuals and will give a presentation on the advantages of aircraft ownership.

Book Your Stay at Sunriver Resort

Sunriver Resort is a wilderness haven in the Pacific Northwest, with beautiful scenery, four excellent golf courses, a full-service wellness spa, dining options, and indoor-outdoor aquatics center. To guarantee your stay during the event, make sure to book your lodging directly with Sunriver Resort beforehand. Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy everything the resort has to offer while attending the event. Book your stay now!

(855) 420-8206
Voice activated, say "Reservations" then you will be able to select Option 2 
Group Name: Dealership Valuation Services or Dealer Growth Conference

Reserve your spot Today

$1,750

per attendee*

Sept. 11th 5:30PM-7:00PM

Sept. 12th 8:00AM-2:00PM

  • All Sessions
  • Evening Welcome Reception
  • Breakfast Buffet
  • Lunch
  • Event Tools (Hand-outs & Digital Resources)
  • Post-Show Access to Recorded Sessions

*Sunriver Resort lodgings & accommodations not included

Cancellation Policy

If a registrant needs to cancel their conference attendance, please do so in writing, either by email or letter. Cancellations will be accepted up to one month before the scheduled event date and will be refunded in full, minus a 10% processing fee. Cancellations made between one month and two weeks before the event date are eligible for a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than two weeks before the event date will not be refunded. Refunds are processed within two weeks of receipt. Please note that Sunriver Resort has a separate cancellation policy for lodging reservations.

Questions?

Contact Laura Lemco at (303) 994-6919 or [email protected]