When it comes to selling a business, most owners only do it once in their lifetime. That makes choosing the right advisor critical. In Tampa, few are more equipped for the job than Michael Shea of Transworld Business Advisors, who recently added another heavyweight credential to his resume: Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).
This isn’t just another acronym—it’s a mark of serious expertise.
What Is CEPA, and Why Does It Matter?
The CEPA designation, awarded by the Exit Planning Institute, is recognized nationally as the gold standard in exit planning. It signifies that an advisor has been rigorously trained to help business owners build value, prepare for exit, and transition their business on their terms—whether that means selling, passing it to family, or exploring other options.
In short, CEPA means strategy, not guesswork.
With this credential, Michael Shea brings more than transactional skill to the table. He brings structure, foresight, and the ability to align a business sale with long-term personal and financial goals.
Why Michael Shea Stands Out in Tampa
Michael Shea has long been a standout broker at Transworld, a top-tier business brokerage firm with global reach and local roots. He’s closed hundreds of deals, from small main street businesses to multi-million dollar enterprises.
But with the CEPA designation, he’s taken his value proposition to the next level.
Business owners working with Shea now get access to a more holistic approach—one that considers not just the sale, but how to maximize value before going to market, reduce risk, and plan for life after the deal closes. It’s a level of service usually reserved for high-level M&A advisors, now available right here in Tampa.
The Bottom Line
Selling a business is one of the biggest financial decisions an entrepreneur will ever make. You want someone who knows the market, understands valuation, and can steer the process with confidence.
Michael Shea, now a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, checks every box. If you’re a business owner in the Tampa area—even if you’re just starting to think about selling—it’s worth having a conversation with someone who knows how to plan, position, and close the right way.
Michael Shea represents the Tampa 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, Melbourne, and more. Over the past two decades, Michael and his team have closed over $1 Billion in sold business volume and presided over more than 450 transactions. His credentials include the IBBA Certified Business Intermediary®, and most recently, the prestigious Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA) credential.