EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST
Decades of Expertise in Automotive M&A
Founder & President
MARK JOHNSON
Mark Johnson is the President and founder of MD Johnson Inc. and resides in Enumclaw WA. Mark was formerly a new vehicle dealer in Washington State and had almost 20 years as a retailer before starting MD Johnson Inc in 2001.
Mark has been admitted and recognized as an expert in State, Federal and Family court. Mark has also been appointed by numerous Court appointed receivers as the advisor to the receiver in automotive related cases.
Mr. Johnson has an extensive speaker history as well as history of published or quoted material including USA Today, Automotive News, Automotive Buy Sell Report, Wards to name a few. Mark has also spoken to the Chilean dealers Association at the University of the Andes in Santiago, to the Argentinian dealer’s association at NADA and has conducted webinars for NADA’s educational division.
Mr. Johnson is also Editor and Publisher of Automotive Buy Sell Report.
Mark was raised in Spokane Washington and educated at Eastern Washington University.
Notable Transactions:
Successfully led multiple high-value acquisitions and strategic transactions across diverse sectors
Managed complex negotiations delivering exceptional outcomes for clients
Oversaw major investment and development projects with significant market impact
Structured and executed transactions involving multimillion-dollar portfolios
Industry Recognition:
Recognized as a trusted leader in the industry
Known for strategic decision-making and transaction expertise
Respected for delivering consistent results in high-stakes environments
Established a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and leadership
Fred O'Halloran
Fred O’Halloran has been in “C” level management for over 30 years. His experience working for a manufacturer, running his own business, and consulting with some of the premier automobile dealers in the U.S., gives him a unique perspective and understanding of the automobile industry. Working with MD Johnson, he has been involved in a wide variety of deals; of less than a million dollars to well into the hundreds of millions of dollars and many deals in between. He has worked with almost all of the franchises in the US.
Key Accomplishments:
Built over 30 years of executive (“C-level”) leadership across manufacturing, business ownership, and industry consulting
Successfully advised and supported transactions ranging from under $1 million to hundreds of millions of dollars
Worked with premier automobile dealers across the United States, providing strategic business guidance
Gained hands-on experience across nearly all major automotive franchises nationwide
Delivered high-value consulting insights through real-world operational and ownership experience
Developed a comprehensive industry perspective by leading businesses, advising dealers, and managing complex deals
SELL SIDE TRANSACTION ADVISOR
RICHARD KUMAR
Richard Kumar is a seasoned automotive executive with a distinguished career at BMW of North America, where he played an active role in dealership buy/sell transactions, ownership transitions, and succession planning across multiple markets. He partnered closely with dealer principals, legal counsel, and financial institutions to evaluate acquisitions, assess blue sky valuations, conduct operational due diligence, and structure ownership changes aligned with BMW’s long-term brand and network strategy. In addition to his transaction experience, Richard led regional and national initiatives focused on dealer collaboration, customer satisfaction, and sustainable market growth. His expertise spans strategic planning, financial analysis, team development, and navigating evolving industry conditions. Known for relationship-driven leadership and disciplined execution, Richard has earned a reputation for delivering measurable results while protecting enterprise value and strengthening dealer networks.
Key Accomplishments:
Played a strategic role in dealership acquisitions, ownership transitions, and succession planning across multiple markets
Supported valuation analysis including blue sky assessments and investment evaluation
Led operational due diligence and ownership structuring aligned with long-term network strategy
Collaborated with dealer principals, financial institutions, and legal teams to execute complex ownership changes
Led regional and national initiatives improving dealer collaboration and customer satisfaction
Strengthened dealer network performance and long-term market growth within BMW of North America
Delivered measurable operational and financial outcomes while protecting enterprise value
Data Management Executive
SHAWNEY PACE
Key Accomplishments:
Built over 20 years of accounting and operational experience within the automotive industry
Developed strong expertise across human resources, payroll systems, budgeting, and expense management
Provided critical administrative and financial support to improve overall business operations
Recognized for identifying operational variances and implementing effective solutions
Contributed to accurate forecasting, financial planning, and performance monitoring
Known for detail-oriented execution and commitment to best business practices
Supported process improvements by identifying efficiency opportunities across departments
Established a reputation as a reliable and collaborative operational partner