#24 Acquiring 60+ dealerships within 7 years, Raising kids into generational wealth, Paying $200M+ for a Toyota store & Brett’s blunt message to Ford CEO Jim Farley | Brett Morgan, CEO, Morgan Auto Group
Aug 25, 2023
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Brett Morgan, CEO of Morgan Auto Group, discusses acquiring 60+ dealerships, raising kids in generational wealth, paying $200M+ for a Toyota store, and his blunt message to Ford CEO Jim Farley. They also talk about dealership profitability, the future of EVs, finding the best people, and raising capital through private equity.
Establishing strong relationships and trust is crucial in sourcing dealership acquisitions without a broker.
Meticulous evaluation of each acquisition opportunity based on market presence, brand appeal, and growth potential.
Successful negotiation and acquisition of a Toyota dealership, breaking records for highest blue-sky value, while preserving its legacy and customer base.
Toyota's cautious approach to EVs, focusing on customer demand and market needs, and prioritizing hybrid drivetrains and solid-state battery technology.
Deep dives
Sourcing Deals and Acquisition Process
The podcast episode discusses the process of sourcing deals and the acquisition process. The speaker mentions that they have a strong reputation in the industry and have built relationships that allow them to source deals without a broker. They have a team of over 20 acquisition specialists and have a checklist of 250 items for each acquisition. They also emphasize the importance of building trust and relationships with sellers.
The Unique Approach to Acquisitions
The speaker highlights that their approach to acquisitions is not formulaic and they consider each deal on its own merits. They look for opportunities to add value and consider factors such as market presence, brand appeal, and potential for growth. They also mention their willingness to retain the seller's name and their commitment to empowering operators and preserving their independence.
The Record-Breaking Acquisition
The podcast episode discusses a recent major acquisition of a Toyota dealership, which broke records for the largest blue-sky value. The speaker describes the process of negotiating and closing the deal, including an in-person meeting with the sellers and their commitment to preserving the store's legacy. They also mention the unique value of the dealership's customer base and the potential for growth and improvement.
The Future of Toyota and EVs
The speaker expresses confidence in Toyota's approach to electric vehicles (EVs) and emphasizes that the company is not rushing into the EV market. They believe that Toyota's focus on customer demand and their careful consideration of EV adoption is a strategic decision. They acknowledge Tesla's success but indicate that Toyota's approach aligns with customer preferences and market needs.
Governmental policy driving legacy manufacturers towards EVs
One of the main drivers pushing legacy manufacturers towards electric vehicles (EVs) is governmental policy. However, there is concern that the push towards EVs may exceed consumer demand.
The appeal of EVs lies in their driving experience
The appeal of EVs goes beyond environmental benefits or cost savings. It lies in the driving experience, particularly the instantaneous acceleration and the lack of turbo lag. This instant torque and acceleration can make it difficult for drivers to go back to traditional combustion engine vehicles.
Toyota's cautious approach to EVs
Toyota's reluctance to fully embrace EVs is based on several factors, including concerns about battery recycling and the environmental impact of lithium mining. They believe hybrid drivetrains may be a better solution for now and are focusing on developing solid-state battery technology. Toyota aims to strike a balance between environmental responsibilities, consumer needs, and timing to enter the electric market.