1998 was a year of rapid growth for Pennmark Auto Group and its co-owners, George “Buddy” Marucci, Jr., and Donald L. Besecker, Jr. Buddy and Don were in the process of implementing a business plan to accelerate Pennmark Auto Group’s growth within the automotive sales and service industry, growth that began when they first purchased Mercedes Benz of Wilmington in 1994. Their plans included the acquisition of Brandywine Motor Cars, now known as Mercedes Benz of West Chester, and the construction of a new 100,000 square foot showroom to revolutionize the Mercedes Benz car buying experience.
With a platform for growth in place, Buddy and Don required the insight, advice and direction of an attorney and a firm with extensive automotive and land development experiences to assist them in executing their aggressive growth plans. Based upon a personal and trusted referral, Buddy and Don retained the services of Fox Rothschild partner Michael Menkowitz. Michael clearly understood the importance of the emerging deals and the potential impact on Pennmark Auto Group’s growth strategy.
Michael’s personal handling and tireless commitment during the acquisition proceedings lead to a flawless and timely closing of the Brandywine Motor Cars transaction. Buddy and Don extended their trust and expanded their relationship with Michael. They quickly began to see Michael as a trusted advisor, involving him in many aspects of the new dealership construction. This project involved land acquisition and development, construction and related financing, and environmental compliance issues.
Over the next few years, Michael successfully closed the acquisition of a Porsche dealership (Brandywine Porsche) in 2000 and another Mercedes dealership (R&S Imports) in 2001. In 2003, he restructured Buddy and Don’s tax strategy. In 2006, Michael assisted Buddy and Don in the construction of their new Mercedes Benz of Ft. Washington facility.
Michael’s relationship with the two partners continues to strengthen and Michael’s role within the organization continues to evolve. He is now viewed as the outside general counsel for Pennmark Auto Group.
Michael understands that clients require more than quality legal services when selecting and retaining counsel. Clients demand the same passion and commitment from their legal counsel as they demand of themselves. As a result, Michael’s practice is to treat his client’s business as if it were his own.
Michael demonstrates his personal commitment by going out of his way on a daily basis to provide exceptional legal services to Pennmark Auto Group. He learned the ins and outs of the automotive sales and service industry. He was in tune with and responsive to the needs of a fast-paced and growing business. He was available around the clock to take Buddy and Don’s calls. He met deadlines ahead of time. He was thoroughly prepared for each closing. He found creative solutions for expected and unexpected growth issues. In short, he did whatever was necessary to build and maintain Buddy's and Don's confidence in him as an attorney, an advisor, and a friend.
Michael’s commitment to the success of Pennmark Auto Group came with a reward. Today, no major legal decision in the company is made without Michael’s knowledge and input.
When Buddy and Don close a deal today, they know that Pennmark Auto Group has a recognized and leading provider of legal services on its team. They have confidence in the solid counsel, creative solutions, and service-oriented representation provided by Michael and the Fox Rothschild attorneys.
Buddy and Don initially retained Michael because of his outstanding reputation and Fox Rothschild’s wide range of experience. They stayed with him and expanded the relationship because of Michael’s commitment to Pennmark Auto Group’s success. Michael’s personal commitment and Fox Rothschild’s deep experience caused Buddy and Don to turn to the firm for a broad range of legal services to meet the needs of their expanding business.
