MD Johnson Inc. adds Mark Topping as Northwest US VP

SEATTLE, June 27 -- Mark Topping has joined MD Johnson Inc., a specialized financial advisory services firm based in Seattle, Washington, as an Automotive Transaction Advisor. The firm advises retail automobile dealers and dealership groups on exit and acquisition opportunities, valuation and strategic planning. Mark will be assisting the firm's clients throughout the US and Canada with emphasis on the Northwest, including California.

Mark Topping grew up in the car business starting at Topping Motors in Tacoma, Washington when he and his twin brother, Brad Topping, were old enough to tag along to work with their dad, Jim Topping. Mark said, "We were in the way a lot more than we were helpful but Dad didn't give up on us." After years of working his way through the dealership positions Mark took over a Jeep Dealership in South Tacoma. After 17 years in South Tacoma as a Jeep Dealer, Mark moved the dealership to Enumclaw, Washington and added Chrysler and Dodge to the Jeep line. Mark served on National level boards representing Dealers on the National Dealer Council and Executive Committee for Chrysler and Jeep. Mark also served as the President of the Jeep Advertising Association and coordinated the merger of the 5 state Jeep and Chrysler Associations in the Pacific Northwest into a consolidated association. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors for the Puget Sound Auto Dealers and volunteers with the American Heart Association.

Mark, a lifetime Tacoma, Washington resident, graduated from Central Washington University with a degree in Administrative Office Management with a specialization in Retail Management. Mark retired from the Washington Army National Guard as the Command Sergeant Major of the Washington Military Academy which was the best job in the State because he had the opportunity to "mold young soldiers into leaders and watch their careers goals be fulfilled." Mark fills what spare time he has by enjoying family and friends, riding bicycles and playing golf or riding his Harley. Mark stated, "It is clear to me every time I golf or bike, that I had better keep my day job" which is working for MD Johnson Inc.

"The car business is a wonderful business and dealing with 'car people' is a lot of fun. Working with Mark Johnson allows me to still be around car people and the excitement of the business. There is nothing better than watching someone get the keys to their new dealership or seeing their face as the sign goes up in front of their new store with their name on it. When we help some fulfill a lifelong dream of owning a dealership or help a lifelong dealer move into his next career, it is rewarding to know we are helping families execute their plans as they move to the next stage in their lives." Mark can be reached at 253 820 9065 and mtopping@mdjohnsoninc.com.

MD Johnson Inc. is a mergers/acquisitions financial advisory firm specializing in Advisory Services to automobile dealers, dealership management companies and dealership platforms. In addition to standard M and A services, the firm provides detailed Valuation and Transaction Management Services for its clients. The firm's clients include public and private dealership groups and individual owners located throughout the US. Previous press releases are archived at http://www.mdjohnsoninc.com/.

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