Business Broker Partners, LLC Research
Advisory Approach
Business Broker Partners, LLC operates as an independently owned and operated office of Sunbelt Business Brokers, the world's largest business brokerage network. Founded in 1996 by Karen Tipton, who established Sunbelt Business Brokers in Oklahoma, the firm serves business owners in Tulsa and surrounding areas with a focus on confidentially facilitating business sales and acquisitions.
The firm's thesis is built on the belief that selling a business requires both local market expertise and the reach of a national network. As part of the Sunbelt network, Business Broker Partners combines deep knowledge of the Oklahoma marketplace with access to buyers across the country. Their sweet spot is lower middle market businesses—primarily family-owned and founder-operated companies with enterprise values typically under $5 million.
Sector Focus
Manufacturing represents the firm's primary industry specialization. Karen Tipton's IBBA and M&A Source profiles specifically identify manufacturing as the core specialty area. The firm's transaction history and current listings demonstrate particular expertise in:
- Manufacturing: Precision machining, metal fabrication, industrial equipment manufacturing, and specialized production companies. The firm has successfully sold manufacturers including a unique pergola manufacturer with patented design, a tornado shelter manufacturer with patent protection, and an established heat exchanger manufacturer.
Beyond manufacturing, the firm's deal footprint and current listings extend into construction/engineering (commercial construction companies, stone fabrication, flooring and interior renovation), energy/utilities (oil and gas properties, energy efficiency consultancy), and business services.
Deal Track Record
Business Broker Partners has a track record of closing transactions across manufacturing and related industries. Notable completed deals include:
- Unique Pergola Manufacturer with Patented Design (April 2023): Manufacturing business with patent protection sold to an individual buyer
- Tornado Shelter Manufacturer – Including Patent (April 2023): Manufacturing company with patented technology sold to individual buyer
- Established Heat Exchanger Manufacturer with Real Estate (January 2019): Electronic and electrical equipment manufacturer sold for $1,350,000; the business included real estate, had 32 full-time equivalent employees, and was established in 2006
The firm maintains active listings across multiple industries, including producing oil fields, liquor stores, stone fabrication companies, commercial construction firms, and energy efficiency consultancies. Current listed opportunities range from approximately $375,000 to $865,000 in asking price, with gross revenues spanning from $165,000 to $3.45 million.
Process & Fee Structure
As a Sunbelt affiliate, Business Broker Partners follows a structured sell-side process that emphasizes confidentiality, preparation, and broad buyer outreach. Their services include business valuations, broker opinions of value, exit planning consultation, and full-service sell-side representation.
The firm's fee structure aligns with Sunbelt's standard model:
- Success Fee: Typically 10-12% commission on the final sale price
- Minimum Commission: Approximately $15,000
- Valuation Fees: $7,000 to $20,000 for formal business valuations and broker opinions of value
- Retainer: Upfront fees ranging from $15,000 to $30,000, credited against success fee
The seller typically pays the broker's fee as a percentage of the final sale price. This success-based model aligns the advisor's incentives with the seller's outcome—the firm earns fees only when the transaction closes.
Buyer Network
Business Broker Partners leverages Sunbelt's national network of over 300 offices to access buyers across the United States. The firm maintains relationships with individual buyers, strategic acquirers, and search funds. While their deal history shows transactions primarily with individual buyers, the Sunbelt network provides access to private equity groups and corporate acquirers seeking lower middle market acquisitions.
The firm's Oklahoma-specific buyer network includes local entrepreneurs, regional strategic buyers, and investors looking to acquire businesses in the Tulsa area and surrounding markets.
Competitive Positioning
Business Broker Partners differentiates through several key attributes:
- Sunbelt Network Access: As part of the world's largest business brokerage network, the firm can reach buyers nationally while maintaining local market expertise
- Manufacturing Specialization: Deep experience in manufacturing transactions, particularly for companies with proprietary technology or patents
- Long-Term Presence: Operating in Oklahoma since 1996, the firm has established relationships and market knowledge
- Comprehensive Services: From valuation and exit planning through closing, the firm provides end-to-end advisory services
- Confidentiality Focus: Emphasis on discreet marketing processes to protect business value and employee morale
Not a Fit If
Business Broker Partners typically declines:
- Businesses below approximately $250,000 in enterprise value (due to minimum commission structure)
- Startups or early-stage companies without operating history
- Businesses requiring regulatory broker-dealer registration (securities firms, investment advisors)
- Distressed asset sales or liquidations (they focus on going-concern enterprises)
Team
The Tulsa office is led by three seasoned professionals:
Brian Jones – Office Owner. As the office owner, Brian provides strategic oversight and has established himself as a trusted advisor in the Oklahoma business brokerage community.
Karen Tipton – Business Broker, CBI (Certified Business Intermediary). Karen founded Sunbelt Business Brokers in Oklahoma in 1996 and brings extensive M&A experience with emphasis in financial analysis, deal structure, creative problem solving, and due diligence preparation. She has owned and operated numerous businesses in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East across medical services, real estate development, property management, financial consulting, and equipment sales. A licensed commercial real estate broker, Karen is an IBBA member since 2000 and M&A Source member since 2025. Her community involvement includes founding a missions board that developed a medical clinic in Niger, Africa, as well as serving on boards of the International Linen Registry Foundation, Tulsa Foundation for Architecture, Tulsa Historical Society, Arts & Humanities Council, and Sinfonia.
Steven Schoppa – Broker. Steven specializes in construction, energy efficiency, and related business sectors, managing active listings in commercial construction, stone fabrication, and energy services.
Geographic Coverage
The firm is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, serving businesses throughout Oklahoma including Sand Springs, Owasso, Claremore, Broken Arrow, Bixby, and Muskogee. The office also covers surrounding areas in the region.