We’re joined by Travis Horton, Partner at HHM CPAs, a top 100 CPA and advisory firm. Travis leads the firm’s dealership services group, helping dealers prepare for transitions with financial clarity and proactive planning. In this conversation, he shares his perspective on estate planning, lending challenges, and how dealerships can prepare their financials to maximize value during a transaction.

Key Takeaways:

(00:00) Introduction.

(03:13) Dealers benefit from the estate planning extension allowing $15 million per taxpayer.

(05:50) Manufacturers are increasingly flexible in approving future ownership plans.

(08:57) Dealers should have plans in place now to protect families from sudden changes.

(13:07) Lower valuations present a timely opportunity for gifting and succession planning.

(18:38) Clean financial statements are critical to secure bank financing for buyers.

(24:05) Lending challenges are reshaping how buyers approach financing today.

(26:00) Strong lender relationships and proactive communication are key to success.

(30:20) Buyers should focus on recent performance and build realistic pro formas.

(34:37) Real estate costs are now significantly influencing dealership valuations.

(41:46) A proactive legal and accounting team helps dealers stay ahead.

Resources Mentioned:

Driving Performance | Website

https://performancebrokerageservices.com/driving-performance-podcast/

Performance Brokerage Services | Website

https://performancebrokerageservices.com/

Performance Brokerage Services | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/performance-brokerage-services

Travis Horton | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-horton-cpa-mba-73726b31/

HHM CPAs | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hhmcpas/

HHM CPAs | Website

https://www.hhmcpas.com/

Thanks for listening to “Driving Performance.” If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

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