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THE DAKOTA COMPANY VENTURES

Mr. Graves currently serves as President of The Dakota Company, which serves as his main holding company since being formed in October 1983. Mr. Graves continues to assist in structuring the operational vehicles necessary to develop retail properties for various companies including Automotive/Powersports manufacturers and retailers, entertainment corporations, theme park operators and gaming operations owned by several Fortune 500 companies. His core work is focused on developing operational business plans, along with construction, budget, entertainment concepts, operational staffing and space design parameters for "retail/entertainment" facilities.

Mr. Graves and/or his companies have been involved as Designer, Operator, Owner's Representative, Concept Developer, General Contractor, Construction Manager, Producer, Executive Producer or Business Partner to the following companies:


Blockbuster Entertainment
Famous Players
Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.
Hilton Hotel Corporation
Hotel Properties, Ltd (HPL)
IDEA, Inc.
KUO Investments, Inc.
Six Flags Corporation
Starbucks Coffee
Third Millennium Studios
Paramount Parks, Inc.
Viacom
World Class Automotive Group
Desilu too, LLC
Planet Automotive Group
Galpin Automotive Group
Group 1 Automotive
World Class Aviation
Action Motorsports, LLC
WB Development
Potamkin Automotive Group
Rosetta Retail Advisor, LLC
Mototainment Partners, LLC
Startbase Aviation
Motorcars West, LLC

Mr. Graves's Dakota holdings include, but are not limited to, the following involvement as either an investor or principle:

Autotainment Ventures Houston, LLC - Dallas, Texas

Holding company formed in 2006 to acquire and operate Planet Ford - Katy Sugarland and Planet Dodge - Humble Woodlands. Mr. Graves sold to Ford Motor Company and World class automotive his interests in these two dealerships in 2008. Currently this Corporation owns 34% of a Hyundai franchise in operation in Huntsville, Texas, doing business as Hillcrest Hyundai. As a Member and Manager of this company Mr. Graves owns 70% . Mr. Greg Witherspoon owns the remaining 30% as a Member.

Mototainment Partners, LLC Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Formed in 2006 as a partnership vehicle for Mr. Graves and his partner to acquire a retail center in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Mr. Graves currently serves as a Member of this Limited Liability Corporation, plus serves the partnership as the management company via The Dakota Company. Mr. Graves owns 10% of this company as a Member, with Mr. Randall Reed owning the remaining 90% as a Member.

Autotainment Ventures Dallas, LLC Dallas, Texas

Holding company formed in 2007 to acquire a 5% ownership interest in Prestige Ford - Garland, Texas and Regency Lincoln Mercury - Mesquite, Texas. Mr. Graves completed construction in 2009 on the new Brand Image Ford Lincoln Mercury dealership as approved and under supervision of the Ford Motor Company. Prestige has posted substantial gains in sales during this period of turbulence in the retail automotive industry, since embracing the new Autotainment Concept. Mr. Graves serves as a Manager and Member of this entity, owning 50% interest in the company. Mr. Greg Witherspoon owns the remaining 50% as a Member.

Steamboat Powersports, LLC Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Formed in 2008 as a partnership vehicle for Mr. Graves and various partners to acquire two Powersports Dealerships in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Craig, Colorado. Mr. Graves currently serves as the Manager and a Member of this Limited Liability Corporation holding 50% interest in this entity. Mr. Alan P. Lamb owns the remaining 50% of this company as a Manager and a Member.

Powersports Partners, LLC - Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Formed in 2008 as a partnership vehicle for Mr. Graves and his partner to refinance the retail center in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and split the center into two separate condo projects. Mr. Graves currently serves as a Member of this Limited Liability Corporation, plus serves the partnership as the management company via The Dakota Company. Mr. Graves currently serves as the Manager and a Member of this Limited Liability Corporation holding 50% interest in this entity. Mr. Alan P. Lamb owns the remaining 50% of this company as a Manager and a Member.



THE DAKOTA COMPANY: VENTURES





 
AUTOTAINMENT VENTURES, L.L.C.
Servicing the Automotive Industry

When The Dakota Company turned its attention to improving the car buying experience, it changed the way car dealerships look, act and perform.

By applying the principles of aesthetics, emotion, and entertainment, the company created a comprehensive new approach to automotive retailing - an interactive business platform called Autotainment(tm).  The Dakota Company offers a range of services including:

Franchise Evaluation
Conceptual Design and Master Planning
Construction Planning and Project Management
Art Direction, Interior Design and Installation
Brand and Image Development
Operational Design and Staff Training
Integrated Marketing and Sales Programs

Several successful regional dealerships have implemented the Autotainment(tm) concept with dramatic results.  They include Planet Dodge in Miami, Planet Ford Aufile:///usr/share/ubuntu-artwork/home/index.htmltotainment Mall in Houston, and Hillcrest Autotainment Mall in Huntsville, Texas,  Potamkin Manhattan in New York, Hyundai of Roseville in Sacramento, Springfield Auto World in Pennsylvania, The Auto Gallery in Woodland Hills, and Calabasas, California,  and many more.



 
MIGRAINE INC.
Servicing the Entertainment Industry


When it comes to creating signature environments for dining, dancing, and having fun, few can mirror the experience and success of The Dakota Company.

TDC has put its mark on dozens of high energy establishments for clients including Blockbuster Entertainment, Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., Hilton Hotel Corporation, Paramount Parks, Six Flags Corporation, Starbucks Coffee, Third Millennium Studios, Vail Associates, Viacom, and Desilu Too.

Projects include:

Elvis Presley's Memphis Company
The retro environs of the Hot Rod Grille
Two screaming installations of the Hard Rock Café franchise, (Shenzhen, China and Dallas)
Dan Marino's American Sports Bar & Grill in Florida
The food, beverage and resale components of Star Trek: The Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton
Lucy's Chocolate Factory themed retail.




 
9190 PARTNERS , L.L.C.
We make ideas reality.


Viable Venues….Done.

9190 Partners was established to oversee all aspects of product construction for clients with big ideas.  Our services can be structured to meet specific project needs and can include planning and oversight for entitlements and permits, management of the RFP process for professional services, or general contracting and construction management.  As owner’s representatives, our goal is to ensure the successful completion of a project on time and on budget, and our resources help ensure that a great idea becomes a physical reality.


Integrity + Experience = Success


9190 Partners experienced team of professionals include Designers, Architects, Retail Planners, Automotive Executives and Builders.  F. Michael Graves and Kris Gant lead a diverse team of individuals who blend creativity and "get it done" initiative to achieve results for clients.

Recent projects include:

General Contracting - Park Cities Autotainment Mall, Dallas, Texas
General Contracting - Huntsville Autotainment Mall, Huntsville, Texas
Site Improvements and Remodel Facility - Potamkin South Hyundai, Cutler Ridge, Florida
Site Improvements and Remodel Facility - Potamkin Mazda, Miami Florida
Site Development and Remodeling Specifications - Tallahassee Hyundai, Tallahassee Florida