Speakers
Mike Metcalf, Jr.
"12 Second Culture": Thursday, June 18 @ 9:00 AM
Mike is a former NASCAR pit crew leader and 2008 World Pit Crew Champion who brings over 18 years of experience coaching and competing at the highest levels of motorsports. As co-founder of DECK Leadership and co-author of the bestselling book 12 Second Culture, he translates the principles of speed, trust, and teamwork into practical strategies that help organizations perform under pressure. A sought-after speaker and consultant, Mike’s work challenges leaders to move beyond performance-at-all-costs cultures and build sustainable, high-performing teams through the DECK framework: Diversity, Efficiency, Culture, and Kindness. Beyond the track, he serves on nonprofit boards and advises businesses and government organizations, all while remaining grounded in his faith, family, and commitment to service.
John Murphy, CFA
Automotive Industry Outlook: Friday, June 19 @ 10:00 AM
John J. Murphy, CFA, is a Managing Director at Haig Partners, where he provides strategic advisory services to automotive dealers and investors. He brings more than 25 years of experience as a leading automotive equity research analyst, most recently serving as Senior North American Automotive Analyst at Bank of America, where he advised manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, and investors across the global automotive industry. John has played a key role in some of the industry’s most significant IPOs and capital raises, including General Motors, Rivian, Ferrari, and Delphi, and is a frequent commentator in major financial and automotive media outlets. A recognized industry thought leader, he was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 2023 and holds a B.A. in Quantitative Economics from Tufts University.
Stephen J. Dietrich
Mergers & acquisitions panel: Thursday, June 18 @ 10:00 AM
Stephen J. Dietrich is a business attorney and practice group leader in the Denver office of Holland & Knight, where he advises clients on mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity financing, and complex corporate transactions. With more than 25 years of experience in automotive retail, Stephen is a trusted legal adviser to dealer operators, family offices, and investors across the automotive, heavy truck, powersports, and agricultural equipment sectors. He leads a nationwide automotive dealership M&A practice that has closed approximately 60 transactions since 2021, totaling more than $3 billion in value, and has been involved in more than 300 transactions throughout his career. In 2023, he advised Jim Koons Automotive Companies on its $1.2 billion sale to Asbury Automotive Group—one of the largest automotive retail transactions in recent years.
Brian Gordon
Mergers & acquisitions panel: Thursday, June 18 @ 10:00 AM
Brian Gordon is President of the Dave Cantin Group (DCG), where he leads business strategy, growth initiatives, and day-to-day operations, and has played a central role in transforming DCG into a leading M&A advisory firm in retail automotive. With more than 25 years of experience building, scaling, and exiting consultancy-based service businesses, Brian brings a client-centered, data-driven approach to advisory services. His career includes founding and leading multiple successful companies, serving as Chief Marketing Officer of Accelerate360, and working with globally recognized brands such as General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, American Express, and Delta Airlines. Known for building high-performing teams and driving strategic transformation, Brian’s leadership has helped position DCG at the forefront of automotive retail M&A advisory.
TBA
Mergers & acquisitions panel: Thursday, June 18 @ 10:00 AM
