Scott Biehl’s dedication and vision have culminated in a significant milestone as he takes the helm as the dealer principal of Fresno Mercedes-benz Dealership. After 32 years of relentless pursuit in the automotive industry, Biehl’s ascent to ownership is a testament to his expertise and unwavering commitment. His journey with the Fresno Mercedes-Benz dealership began in 2003, marking the start of a remarkable chapter that has now reached its pinnacle.
From General Manager to Dealer Principal: Biehl’s Leadership Evolution
Biehl’s initial role at the Fresno Mercedes-Benz dealership was as General Sales Manager, quickly progressing to General Manager. During this period, the dealership was under the ownership of Asbury Automotive Group. When Asbury decided to divest in 2011, it was crucial to the factory that Biehl remain with the Fresno Mercedes-Benz dealership, recognizing his vital role in its success. This pivotal moment marked Biehl’s first step into ownership, partnering with Ray Beshoff and Jerry Heuer to acquire his initial stake, with Beshoff as the majority owner and Biehl continuing his leadership as General Manager.
Seizing the Opportunity: Principal Ownership of Fresno Mercedes-Benz
Years of prosperous partnership paved the way for change. When the group decided to sell the Fresno Mercedes-Benz dealership, Biehl initially considered reinvesting his equity elsewhere. However, the factory once again emphasized their desire for Biehl to stay, this time with an even greater opportunity – to purchase the dealership himself. This is where Brady Schmidt and Gary Mull of National Business Brokers (NBB) played a crucial role. They presented Biehl with a strategic pathway to principal ownership, a culmination of his years of dedication to the Fresno Mercedes-Benz dealership. NBB facilitated the process by assembling a group of investors to buy out the majority stakeholders, effectively positioning Biehl as the dealer principal.
“Brady and Gary showed me a way to stay in the deal, take a little cash off the table, and come up with more shares. They structured the deal and gathered investors to put all the pieces in place to make it happen,” Biehl stated.
Building for the Future at Fresno Mercedes-Benz and Beyond
At 53, Biehl is now in “build mode,” with ambitions extending beyond the Fresno Mercedes-Benz dealership. He is actively collaborating with NBB to identify and capitalize on new market opportunities, aiming to expand his dealership portfolio. Utilizing NBB’s Realistic Market Value calculator, Biehl and his team are strategically analyzing potential acquisitions, seeking undervalued dealerships with significant growth potential. He recognizes the evolving landscape of the automotive retail market, particularly the upcoming wave of acquisitions from retiring “Mom and Pop” dealerships.
“There are so many Mom and Pop stores that are going to be selling in the next few years. Either they feel like they can’t compete with the big automotive groups, or they’re just ready to retire,” Biehl observed. “So even though multiples remain consistent, there are still good opportunities to buy dealerships at a fair price.”
Biehl emphasizes the comprehensive expertise NBB brings to the table, extending beyond simple buy-sell transactions.
“They’re not just a couple of guys trying to sell you a store. They’re instrumental at every stage — all the way to finding investors, structuring the deals, and structuring financing to purchase a store.”
Brady Schmidt and Gary Mull shared their perspective on the successful transition:
“It was an incredible privilege to work with Scott, Jerry and Ray. They are all incredible car guys with notable careers in their own right; but more importantly they are really great people. We are so excited for Scott as he moves into the next phase of his career, and happy for Ray and Jerry that they were able to sell their interest in this store at the top of their game. Congratulations, you guys, and thank you for putting your trust in us to help guide you through this complicated process.”
Facilitated by Brady Schmidt and Gary Mull.
This transition marks an exciting new era for Fresno Mercedes-Benz dealership under Scott Biehl’s leadership, promising continued growth and exceptional service for the Fresno community.
