Phil Porter Jr., who led and sold Subaru of Jacksonville, has joined Heritage Capital Group Inc. as a principal.
Jacksonville-based Heritage Capital Group is an investment banking and financial advisory firm serving middle-market companies across the United States and globally.
“As a seasoned automotive executive who has managed all facets of dealership operations, Porter will bring additional talent with operating experience to Heritage’s automotive team, and will facilitate and evaluate potential mergers and acquisitions,” Heritage Capital said in a news release April 28.
The release said Porter, who will join Heritage Capital’s Jacksonville office, led a team of more than 100 employees at Subaru of Jacksonville, “which became one of the nation’s most recognized Subaru retailers while it was owned and operated by the Porter family for 25 years.”
“Under Phil’s leadership, the organization achieved record-setting performance across sales and service while earning multiple industry accolades, including the prestigious Subaru of America Retailer of the Year award,” the release said.
It said that Porter also built his reputation as an industry leader through his service on the Jacksonville Automobile Dealers Association board. He is a 2019 graduate of the National Automobile Dealers Association Academy.
“Phil’s automotive industry expertise is highly valuable as we navigate transactions with dealer clients,” said Bill Sorenson, CEO of Heritage Capital Group, in the release.
“After leading operations at one of the most respected Subaru dealerships in the country, Phil understands the strategic, operational, and personal considerations dealership owners face when planning for growth or transition. We are thrilled he is joining our team to strengthen our automotive advisory capabilities and deliver thoughtful, owner‑centric advice.”
Shottenkirk Automotive Group of Iowa and Texas bought Subaru of Jacksonville property Sept. 8, 2025, from PJP LLC, led by the Porter family.
The purchase was Shottenkirk’s entry into Florida.
A deed recorded Sept. 10 with the Duval County Clerk of Courts shows that Shottenkirk Jacksonville Properties LLC, based in West Burlington, Iowa, paid $30 million for three parcels totaling 10.02 acres at 10800 Atlantic Blvd. in East Arlington and 1717 St. Johns Bluff Road S.
Shottenkirk also has executive offices in Frisco, Texas.
Subaru of Jacksonville operated a sales showroom and service garage on about 3.8 acres at 10800 Atlantic Blvd., built in 1971, and added a new showroom, repair garage and car wash in 2024 on St. Johns Bluff Road.
The parcels touch in a back corner, wrapping around the Discovery Plaza shopping center at southeast Atlantic Boulevard and St. Johns Bluff road with access from both roads.
The city issued a permit in May 2023 for Stellar Group Inc. to build a $13.18 million sales and service facility on 6.13 acres at 1717 St. Johns Bluff Road S., near Subaru’s existing dealership on Atlantic Boulevard.
Heritage Capital Group said it was the exclusive sell-side adviser. Group executive Mac Holley led the deal team that included Fernando Acosta-Rua and Robert Cilek.
“After spending my career inside dealership operations and navigating our family’s own sale of two dealerships in partnership with Heritage, I understand how complex and emotional exit planning and M&A decisions can be for owners,” Porter said in the April 28 release.
“I look forward to helping dealers maximize value, navigate their options with confidence, and achieve outcomes that align with both their business goals and personal legacies.”
Heritage previously advised Phil Porter Sr. on the sale of Center Subaru to GMST LLC in Torrington, Connecticut, in 2021.
Heritage Capital Group said it advises private companies in the areas of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, business valuations, debt and equity capital raises, corporate restructurings, and financial and strategic advisory services focused on enhancing the value of business enterprises.