ESS Business Services, LLC Research
Advisory Approach
ESS Business Services, LLC is a Business Intermediary Advisory firm founded in 2015 by Dr. Jason J. Hubler with a mission to go above and beyond traditional business brokering services. The firm operates with a value-based philosophy, believing that business owners deserve comprehensive guidance to maximize their business value—not just transactional brokerage services. ESS positions itself as a trusted partner that stays involved throughout the entire sale process, from initial valuation through closing, ensuring the project stays on schedule and achieves the best possible outcome.
What differentiates ESS from traditional business brokers is their commitment to value-based services. Rather than simply listing a business for sale, they help owners build sellable value before going to market. This includes business valuations, exit strategy and succession planning, due diligence support, and value building coaching. Dr. Hubler, who brings over thirty years of sales and entrepreneurial experience to the firm, understands firsthand the challenges business owners face—having lost everything in the 2008 economic collapse and rebuilding again after the 2020 COVID shutdown.
Sector Focus
ESS serves the lower middle market and main street business segments, with transactions typically ranging from $1 million to $25 million in enterprise value. Their portfolio spans diverse industries, with particular strength in distribution and logistics, manufacturing and industrial services, business services, financial services including insurance agencies, construction and engineering, and retail/e-commerce businesses.
Within manufacturing, they have completed transactions in mechanical services (Heisey Mechanical, $3.9M) and work with industrial companies throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Their distribution experience includes wholesale and logistics businesses, while their retail expertise encompasses specialty retail including motorsports (Majestic Motor Sports, $2.1M). The firm also works with service businesses, including online platforms and professional services firms.
Deal Track Record
ESS has successfully closed multiple transactions in the lower middle market. Recent completed deals include:
- Heisey Mechanical (Lancaster, PA, 2023) — Sold for $3,900,000. A mechanical services company represented by ESS.
- Majestic Motor Sports (Hubert, NC, 2023) — Sold for $2,100,000. A retail motorsports business facilitated by the firm.
These transactions demonstrate ESS's ability to close deals across different industries and geographies. The firm maintains an active listings portfolio with businesses ranging from online handyman service platforms to wholesale distribution companies and heavy construction firms.
Process & Fee Structure
ESS follows a structured six-step process for selling businesses: (1) Business valuation, (2) Organize financials, (3) Engage M&A intermediary, (4) Confidential marketing, (5) Negotiation, and (6) Navigate to successful closing. Their valuation methodology uses multiple approaches including asset and equity, income (assessing gross revenue, seller discretionary cashflow, and adjusted EBITDA), and market value using comparable metrics.
The firm offers both basic valuations ($2,500-$10,000) and certified valuations ($5,000-$25,000) following NACVA standards and guidelines. For transaction engagements, ESS typically works on a success fee structure common in the business brokerage industry, though specific retainer and success fee percentages are not publicly disclosed. Their Value Builder Report provides owners with a value score and analysis across eight key value indicators including financial performance, growth potential, key person value, cashflow fluctuations, recurring revenue, market competition, customer satisfaction, and owner dependency.
Buyer Network
ESS maintains relationships with individual buyers, independent sponsors, and small private equity groups focused on the lower middle market. Through affiliations with M&A Source and the Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA), the firm connects sellers with qualified buyers across the country. Their buyer network includes strategic acquirers looking to expand geographically or add complementary capabilities, as well as financial buyers seeking main street and lower middle market companies with predictable cashflow.
The firm's Pennsylvania base provides strong connections to Mid-Atlantic buyers, while their digital marketing capabilities enable national buyer outreach. ESS emphasizes confidential marketing to protect business value throughout the sale process.
Competitive Positioning
ESS differentiates through several key factors:
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Value-First Approach — Unlike traditional brokers who focus solely on transactions, ESS helps owners build sellable value before going to market through their Value Builder System and value improvement coaching.
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Doctorate-Level Expertise — Dr. Hubler's Doctorate of Business Administration combined with CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst) and CVB (Certified Value Builder) credentials brings analytical rigor to valuations and exit planning.
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Main Street + Lower Middle Market Focus — The firm bridges the gap between small business brokers and investment banks, serving companies in the $1M-$25M range that are often underserved by larger institutions.
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Full-Service Value Building — ESS offers value-based bookkeeping, exit and succession planning, and value building mastermind groups to help owners maximize business value before selling.
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Industry Leadership — Dr. Hubler serves as President of the Pennsylvania Business Brokers Association, demonstrating standing in the professional community.
Not a Fit If
ESS typically is not a fit for:
- Businesses below $1 million in enterprise value
- Companies seeking capital raises or growth equity (they focus on sell-side and buy-side advisory)
- Businesses requiring institutional investment banking processes
- Owners looking for a quick sale without proper preparation
- Companies outside their lower middle market focus (above $25M TEV)
Team
Dr. Jason J. Hubler, DBA, CVA, CVB, CMAP — Owner and Founder. Dr. Hubler has been working as a Business Intermediary and M&A Advisor in the Main Street and Lower Middle Markets since 2013. He holds a Doctorate of Business Administration in Leadership Studies from University of Phoenix and is a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) and Certified Value Builder (CVB). With over thirty years of experience in sales and entrepreneurial ventures, Dr. Hubler brings practical operating experience to his advisory work. He serves as President of the Pennsylvania Business Brokers Association and is a member of International Business Brokers Association, National Association of Certified Valuators, M&A Source, and Alliance of Mergers & Acquisition Advisors. His personal journey of rebuilding after the 2008 and 2020 economic crises informs his empathetic approach to helping business owners navigate exits.
Geographic Coverage
ESS is headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania at 2173 Embassy Dr, with primary focus on Pennsylvania markets including Lancaster County, York County, Lebanon County, and surrounding areas. The firm also serves clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and nationally, with demonstrated deal activity in North Carolina. Their digital-first marketing approach enables them to represent businesses across geographic boundaries, connecting local sellers with buyers nationwide.