Brokered by Michael Shea, Transworld Business Advisors of Tampa Bay Overview An iconic, multi-decade bistro in the heart of Orlando recently changed hands in a confidential transaction brokered by Michael Shea of Transworld Business Advisors. The restaurant, a staple in the local dining scene, was sold for $1.1 million with the assistance of an SBA-backed […]
buyer
The Most Likely Buyer of Your Small Business Isn’t Who You Think
They’re not industry veterans. They’re corporate professionals looking to leave the 9-to-5. Engineers, managers, sales pros. They’ve spent 10, 15, 20 years building careers in someone else’s company. Now they want control. They want to own something real.
The #1 Deal Killer: Bad Books & Records
I even show them the data—just like in the screenshots above. Thousands of listings online. But when you filter for those with actual usable records? That number collapses. Today, it dropped from 2,223 to just 449.
Florida Business Comps: The Key to a Fair Deal for Buyers and Sellers
The Business Brokers of Florida (BBF) is the largest cooperative of business brokers in the state, and it maintains the most comprehensive and reliable database of closed business sales in Florida. This isn’t theoretical pricing—it’s real-world, verifiable data from actual completed transactions.
As a member of BBF, I have access to this exclusive database, and it allows me to pull “comps” (comparable sales) for any business category—from restaurants to medical practices to service companies and everything in between.
Why Refusing to Share a Buyer Profile Hurts You as a Buyer
The market for quality businesses is competitive. According to BizBuySell, only 20-25% of listed businesses sell, and desirable businesses often attract multiple offers. Sellers and brokers prioritize buyers who demonstrate readiness and transparency. If you refuse to provide a buyer profile, you’re signaling that you’re either unprepared or unwilling to play by the rules. Meanwhile, other buyers—those who promptly submit their profiles—are moving ahead, scheduling meetings, and building trust with sellers.