FL Business Sales | M&A Research
Advisory Approach
FL Business Sales is a Central Florida-based M&A advisory firm founded in 2005 by Chris Gutierrez, serving business owners in the $500K-$10M transaction value range. The firm operates with a founder-centric philosophy: Chris has personally purchased, raised capital for, and sold multiple businesses across varied industries, giving him unique perspective from both sides of the transaction table. This entrepreneurial experience shapes the firm's approach—they understand that selling a business is not just a financial transaction but often the most significant personal and professional decision in a business owner's life.
The firm's thesis is that successful exits require preparation, not just marketing. They emphasize business readiness, helping owners position their companies to attract maximum buyer interest before going to market. Their advisory style is direct and honest—they will advise clients to sell, hold, delay, or close based on what's actually in the client's best interest, not what generates a commission.
Sector Focus
FL Business Sales maintains broad industry expertise across Florida's main street and lower middle market. Their practice spans business services, consumer services, retail/e-commerce, manufacturing, construction/engineering, and technology/IT services. This diversity reflects their entrepreneurial background—Chris has built and sold companies in managed services, internet security software, web hosting, contractor training, restaurant marketing, and steel fabrication.
Within manufacturing, they have particular experience with steel fabrication and industrial applications. In business services, they work with contractor-related businesses and professional services firms. Their technology focus includes managed services providers and internet/software businesses. Consumer and retail experience spans restaurants, coin-operated services, and consumer products.
Deal Track Record
The firm has completed hundreds of transactions since 2005, with client testimonials referencing deals spanning construction, manufacturing, business services, technology, retail, and consumer services. Notable transactions include: the sale of International Enterprises Inc., a construction/engineering firm in Auburndale, FL; multiple coin laundry acquisitions for Tavoir Ventures, helping that buyer become one of the largest coin laundry operators in the Southeast; acquisition and later sale of MyContractorLicense.com, a contractor training business; sale of Sky-Learn.com, an online education company division; and acquisition of McKibben Powersport Honda, a powersports dealership.
While many transactions remain confidential due to client preferences, the firm's track record demonstrates repeat business and client loyalty—multiple testimonials mention working with Chris on multiple deals over many years.
Process & Fee Structure
FL Business Sales runs an investment bank-style process scaled for lower middle market companies. Their eight-stage process includes: analysis of seller objectives and deal structure, business analysis and valuation, preparation of offering memorandum, buyer outreach and marketing, follow-up with interested buyers, negotiation of preliminary agreements, due diligence management, and final agreements/closing. They use third-party valuation validation to justify pricing and help determine financing requirements.
Buyer outreach combines electronic media, direct mail, and personal contacts to reach maximum qualified prospects while maintaining confidentiality. They manage the often-overlooked due diligence phase to keep buyers comfortable while using seller time efficiently. The firm requires confidentiality agreements and financial qualification before releasing offering memorandums or identifying information.
Fee information is not explicitly published. Typical industry structures for this deal size range include monthly retainers during engagement (often credited against success fees) plus success fees based on closed transaction value. Minimum engagement size appears to be approximately $500K in transaction value.
Buyer Network
The firm's buyer network includes high net worth individuals, private equity firms, and strategic buyers pursuing industry roll-ups. They maintain relationships with other business brokers, lenders, CPAs, and attorneys to facilitate transactions. Their team includes licensed real estate brokers for transactions involving commercial property.
Client testimonials demonstrate successful matches with individual buyers, private equity-backed buyers, and strategic acquirers. The repeat business from buyers like Tavoir Ventures (multiple acquisitions across years) indicates strong buyer relationship management capabilities.
Competitive Positioning
FL Business Sales differentiates through founder perspective, financial credentials, and preparation focus. Chris Gutierrez holds a Masters in Finance from Georgia State University, the CM&AP and CBI designations, and is a Certified Business Appraiser—unusual credentials for a main street business broker. His experience as both buyer and seller of his own companies creates empathy and practical insight that purely financial advisors lack.
The firm's emphasis on preparation and readiness (versus just listing) helps owners achieve better outcomes. Their honesty about whether and when to sell builds trust and generates referral business. Geographic focus on Florida's I-4 Corridor (Tampa through Orlando) creates deep local market knowledge while limiting competition from generalist firms.
Not a Fit If
FL Business Sales typically declines businesses below $500K in transaction value. They focus on going-concern enterprises rather than pure asset sales. Businesses with significant pending litigation or severe owner dependence may not be ideal candidates. The firm is not a fit for founders seeking limited buyer outreach—their value proposition is in comprehensive marketing and preparation.
Team
Chris Gutierrez serves as President and Managing Broker. He founded the firm in 2005 and has been actively selling businesses in Central Florida for over 19 years. His credentials include CM&AP (Certified Merger & Acquisition Professional) from Kennesaw State University, CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) from the International Business Broker Association, and Certified Business Appraiser from the International Society of Business Appraisers. He holds a Masters in Finance from Georgia State University and a BS in Finance from the University of Florida. Previously registered with FINRA (J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, 2015-2016). His entrepreneurial background includes founding and exiting businesses in managed services, internet security, web hosting, contractor training, restaurant marketing, and steel fabrication.
Adam Whelchel serves as Accountant and Business Broker. He built a thriving accounting firm that operates 90% without his daily involvement, giving him unique insight into building scalable, sellable businesses. He helps owners close gaps needed for successful sales and build systems that free up owners and attract buyers. A former board member of Catapult, a Lakeland non-profit serving entrepreneurs, Adam has experience mentoring small business owners through growth and systemization challenges.
Geographic Coverage
Primary coverage: Tampa Bay through Orlando corridor (I-4 Corridor), including Tampa, Lakeland, and Orlando metropolitan areas. Office located at 124 S Florida Avenue, Suite 301, Lakeland, FL 33801. Licensed real estate brokers on staff enable transactions involving commercial real estate throughout Florida.