Michael Shea

Central Florida's #1 Business Broker

tampabusinessbroker

Tampa Small Business Q2 2025 Results and Pulse Check

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This short 30 minute podcast review survey results for small and middle market companies. Its a great listen for small business owners. Take a a listen here https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xabU3sjwwQSAOUqNMOGX0?si=4CIY-4ZzSNq8-3wUe_kBOQ   Michael Shea represents the Central Florida Transworld office. In business since 2005, he has established a reputation as a trusted business broker across Florida’s key markets- from Tampa to Orlando, […]

Young Entrepreneurs, Let’s Get Real About Buying Main Street Businesses

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Here’s my game plan: bootstrap and stack. Buy a small service business, grow it, and use the cash flow to buy another. It’s like how private equity folks build empires, but without the fancy suits and corner offices. Focus on industries with low entry barriers—maybe a lawn care company or a niche cleaning service. And don’t sleep on seller training; that six-month runway can save you from face-planting. It’s not sexy, but it’s smart. Slow and steady wins the race, not chasing Instagram pipe dreams.

Buying a Main Street Business Without SBA Funding: 4 Practical Financing Options

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When it comes to buying a Main Street business—think local service companies, small retail shops, or owner-operated trades businesses—many buyers assume Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are the only game in town. But that’s not always the case. Some deals simply don’t qualify for SBA funding due to the business’s tax returns, owner involvement, or […]

Asset Sale vs. Stock Sale: What Business Owners and Buyers Need to Know

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When you’re preparing to buy or sell a business, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is how to structure the transaction: as an asset sale or a stock sale. This isn’t just a legal or tax distinction—it’s a foundational element of the deal that can have serious consequences for both buyer and seller. As a business broker working across Florida for nearly two decades, I’ve seen this decision make or break deals. Let’s dig into the pros and cons of each option so you can understand what may be best for your situation.