Ep. 668 - Should You Buy a Dealership in 2025? with Arthur J Madjarian

The Dealer Playbook

In this episode I’m joined by Arthur J. Madjarian, a guy who’s been neck-deep in retail automotive, pivoted into mergers & acquisitions, and now helps dealer groups grow, exit, and scale smart. If you’ve ever wondered how M&A works in the auto industry, or whether dealership ownership is still worth chasing in 2025, this is your episode.

Arthur talks about real-life strategy, timing, red flags to avoid, and why culture and “friendly money” might just be the most underrated forces in any deal.

We also dive into:

• The real reasons why some people are leaning into dealership ownership right now (despite the noise)
• Why smart buyers are more selective than ever—and what they’re actually looking for
• The risks of skipping estate planning before a sale
• What it takes to become a minority partner in a store, and how to prepare
• The future of real estate in automotive retail and how it could change everything
• Why culture fit isn’t just fluffy talk—it’s tied to profit and survival

If you’re thinking about expanding, selling, or even just getting into the business, Arthur gives the kind of candid insight that only comes from living it.

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Chapters

1. Introduction to M&A in Auto Industry (00:00:00)

2. Strategic Buying in Today's Market (00:03:11)

3. What Sellers Should Avoid (00:06:35)

4. Arthur's Path to M&A (00:08:59)

5. The Future of Auto Dealerships (00:12:15)

6. Entering the Industry as Partners (00:17:34)

7. The Importance of "Friendly Money" (00:21:17)