First Choice Business Brokers Phoenix Research
Advisory Approach
First Choice Business Brokers Phoenix is a franchise office of First Choice Business Brokers (FCBB), one of the largest business brokerage organizations in the United States. Established in 1994, the parent FCBB organization has grown to encompass 119 territories served by 278 business brokers nationwide, with over $15 billion in listed and managed business listings. The Phoenix office, led by Drs. Leilani Felix-Acosta and Fernando Acosta, operates under a thesis that business owners deserve experienced, licensed professionals who specialize in business sales—distinctly different from residential real estate transactions.
The firm believes that confidentiality, comprehensive buyer outreach, and structured transaction guidance are the cornerstones of successful business exits. Their approach emphasizes a national network of buyers combined with local market expertise, giving sellers access to the broadest possible pool of qualified acquirers while receiving individualized attention throughout the sale process.
Sector Focus
First Choice Business Brokers Phoenix maintains broad industry coverage across the Main Street and lower middle market segments. Their transaction history demonstrates particular depth in business services (tax and accounting firms, consulting practices, business support services), consumer services (pet grooming, beauty and salon operations, personal services), retail and distribution (bicycle shops, shipping and mailbox centers, retail establishments), manufacturing (specialized manufacturers including amusement park train manufacturers), healthcare services (hospice care licenses, medical practices), automotive services (repair shops, auto-related businesses), and construction trades (commercial cleaning, building services).
The firm's deal size sweet spot spans from $50,000 to $50 million in transaction value, with dedicated M&A advisory services for larger businesses generating up to $35 million in annual revenue. This broad range enables them to serve both small Main Street businesses and larger lower middle market companies requiring more sophisticated deal structuring.
Deal Track Record
The Phoenix office maintains an active transaction volume, as evidenced by their recently sold business listings. Recent completed transactions include the sale of an established tax and accounting firm generating approximately $720,000 in annual revenue from tax preparation and bookkeeping services; a commercial cleaning business serving the greater Phoenix metropolitan area; a mailbox and shipping center in a prime high-traffic location; a modernized shipping and business center with advanced technology investments including AI-enabled camera systems and automated parcel lockers; a bicycle shop offering comprehensive sales, apparel, and repair services; an amusement park train manufacturer with 40+ years of operation and installations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico; an automotive repair shop operating since 2001 with over 7,500 loyal customers; an Arizona hospice care license with state-wide service coverage; and a semi-absentee pet grooming shop located in a high-growth Walmart shopping center.
While individual transaction values are not publicly disclosed for most deals due to confidentiality requirements, these transactions demonstrate the firm's ability to successfully close deals across diverse industries, business models, and price points—from small service businesses to specialized manufacturers with national distribution.
Process & Fee Structure
First Choice Business Brokers Phoenix follows a structured sell-side process that begins with comprehensive business valuation and market analysis. Their services include confidential listing services, professional marketing of the business to qualified buyers, buyer screening and qualification, negotiation support, due diligence coordination, and transaction closing assistance. The firm emphasizes maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the process, with sellers often remaining anonymous until buyer qualification is complete.
Regarding fee structure, FCBB typically charges a commission success fee ranging from 8% to 12% of the final sale price. Some engagements may also include an upfront retainer fee, which is often credited against the ultimate commission upon successful closing. The firm offers complimentary business valuations to prospective clients, providing market price analysis to help owners understand what their business is worth in today's market before committing to an engagement.
Buyer Network
As part of the national First Choice Business Brokers network, the Phoenix office has access to one of the largest buyer databases in the industry. The organization maintains relationships with thousands of qualified buyers across the United States, including individual buyers, private equity groups, strategic acquirers, and family offices. This national reach enables the Phoenix team to identify and engage potential buyers from outside the immediate Arizona market, increasing competition for listings and often leading to superior outcomes for sellers.
The firm's franchise structure means that a business listed for sale in Phoenix may be marketed to qualified buyers through any of the 119 FCBB territories nationwide, dramatically expanding the potential buyer pool beyond what a local independent broker could access.
Competitive Positioning
First Choice Business Brokers Phoenix differentiates itself through several key advantages. First, the firm's recognition on Axial's 2025 Top 25 LMM Business Brokers League Table validates its standing among leading lower middle market advisory firms. Second, the national franchise network provides buyer access that few local competitors can match. Third, the firm's principals—Drs. Leilani Felix-Acosta and Fernando Acosta—are Certified M&A Advisors with advanced business degrees (Doctorate in Business Administration, MBA) bringing analytical rigor to deal valuation and structuring. Fourth, the firm's comprehensive training program through First Choice University ensures all brokers are well-versed in business valuation, marketing strategies, and negotiation techniques. Fifth, their membership in the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) and M&A Source demonstrates commitment to professional standards and ethical practices.
Not a Fit If
First Choice Business Brokers Phoenix is not an ideal fit for businesses below approximately $50,000 in transaction value, as their commission structure may not be economically viable for very small deals. The firm typically declines engagements where the seller is not genuinely committed to a sale or has unrealistic expectations about business value. Additionally, businesses with significant legal issues, pending litigation, or serious financial distress may require specialized turnaround or bankruptcy advisory services beyond the scope of traditional business brokerage.
Team
The Phoenix office is led by husband-and-wife team Drs. Fernando Acosta and Leilani Felix-Acosta, who serve as Owners, Brokers, and M&A Advisors. Both are Certified M&A Advisors (CM&AA) with Doctorates in Business Administration and MBAs. Dr. Leilani Felix-Acosta holds the IBBA CM&AP (Certified M&A Professional) designation and is a member of the International Business Brokers Association. Supporting team members include multiple licensed agents and brokers including Brenda Ames (Broker), Robert Lais (Office Manager/Agent), Marissa Galvez (Agent), Johnny Galvez (Agent), Zachary Yogel (Agent), Rochelle Felix (Agent), and Joe Brady (Agent). The office is supported by Executive Assistant Jenna Rocheleau.
Geographic Coverage
First Choice Business Brokers Phoenix serves the greater Phoenix metropolitan area and the state of Arizona. The office is located at 2 North Central Avenue, 18th & 19th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Through the national FCBB network, the firm can also facilitate transactions that involve buyers or sellers from other states, providing cross-border transaction capabilities when needed.