IAG M&A Advisors Research
Advisory Approach
IAG M&A Advisors is a nationwide business intermediary consulting firm that facilitates the buying and selling of privately-held businesses with a focus on the lower to middle market. The firm operates with a clear thesis: successful business exits require exhaustive buyer outreach combined with institutional-quality process management, delivered through a boutique, personalized approach. Their sweet spot is founder-owned businesses with revenues between $1M and $50M, where operational complexity creates both valuation challenges and opportunities.
The firm takes pride in using a straightforward, proven process to help individuals achieve their goals. They believe that businesses built America, and their clients have built fantastic businesses. IAG's approach is to get to know each client personally to understand their values and business, then find the buyers that make the most sense. They are involved in the process every step of the way, from evaluation and growth strategies to negotiations and deal structuring.
Sector Focus
IAG M&A Advisors maintains a broad industry focus, serving clients across diverse sectors of the economy. Their transaction history demonstrates particular depth in construction and trades (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, janitorial, marble & granite), business services (logistics, staffing, security), technology (app development, software), healthcare services (pharmacies, medical transport, specialty healthcare), retail and distribution (specialty retail, home products, wholesale trade), and manufacturing. They also serve food & beverage establishments and various light manufacturing businesses.
The firm's broad sector coverage is a strategic advantage—they are not niche specialists but rather generalists with deep transaction experience across multiple industries. This allows them to bring cross-industry insights to each engagement and match sellers with buyers from adjacent or related sectors.
Deal Track Record
IAG has completed hundreds of transactions since its founding in 2009. Based on public deal announcements and success stories, recent representative transactions include:
Recent Closings (2024-2025):
- K2HN Construction (Charlotte, NC) – Design-build contractor sold in competitive three-month process
- Superior Foam – Spray-foam insulation lifestyle business, all-cash exit
- Middlesex Pharmacy (1979-founded community pharmacy) – Strategic buyer with deep healthcare experience
- Colonial Village Meat Market – Legacy-focused transition preserving community impact
- Founders Science Group (FSG) – Sold to IEH Laboratories & Consulting Group
- Bluestone Apps (Knoxville, TN) – App development company, year-long negotiation process
- Metro Marble & Granite (Austin, TX) – Acquisition completed
- Southeast Impressions (Nashville, TN) – Outstanding acquisition
- Priceless Sales (Revere, MA) – Perfect match strategic acquisition
- Tomei's Janitorial Service (Aliquippa, PA) – Sold to individual investor
- K&K Plumbing (SC) – Acquired by leading home services investor
- Electric Systems Inc (Reidville, NC) – Sold to master electrician investor group
- SJR Logistics (Katy, TX) – Resilient deal closed
- Idaho Mining Apparel – International buyer acquisition
- 1-800 Water Damage (Colorado Springs, CO) – Sold to private investor
- New Century Heaters – Closed during COVID-19 pandemic
- Bill's Body and Paint Shop (Moses Lake, WA) – Sold to private investor
- R&R HVAC Construction (Monahans, TX) – Sold to private investor
- Quick AC Quote (Midlothian, VA) – HVAC company, smooth ownership transition
- All American Propane (Yakima, WA) – Sold to Thompson Gas
- Custom Millwork Co (Colorado) – Manufacturer sold
- Floors Galore Inc (Jacksonville, NC) – Flooring retailer sold
The firm reports $3B+ in aggregate transaction value and has worked with hundreds of clients over the past decade. IAG was recognized as a finalist for "Investment Bank of the Year – Niche Focus" in The M&A Advisor's 24th Annual Awards (2025).
Process & Fee Structure
IAG runs a comprehensive, proven sell-side process:
- Process timeline: Typically 3-9 months from engagement to close
- Buyer outreach: Access to 20,000+ pre-screened buyers, investment groups, entrepreneurs, family offices
- Preparation: Comprehensive business valuation services, value enhancement strategies, clean financial preparation
- Marketing: Competitive buyer bidding with thousands of industry professionals in their network
- Negotiation: End-to-end support from initial conversations through closing
The firm emphasizes that they take the time to understand each client's financial goals and needs to find buyers that make the most sense. Their proprietary database and buyer network allows sellers to gain exposure to thousands of qualified buyers while maintaining confidentiality.
Fee structure information is not explicitly published on their website, which is typical for lower middle market advisors who negotiate fees on a case-by-case basis depending on deal complexity, size, and scope of work.
Buyer Network
IAG maintains relationships with 20,000+ active buyers across multiple categories:
- Private equity firms and family offices
- Strategic acquirers and corporations
- High-net-worth individual investors
- International buyers from over 50 countries
- Industry-specific buyers and synergistic companies
Their network consists of thousands of industry professionals, giving client businesses immediate exposure to buyers who are highly interested in opportunities. The firm emphasizes building customized buyer lists based on each business, goals, and ideal outcome—researching strategic buyers, financial groups, family offices, offshore entities, and synergistic companies. Sellers always approve who sees their information before outreach begins.
Competitive Positioning
IAG differentiates from other lower middle market banks through:
- Boutique Attention with Global Reach – They position themselves as opening the globe to find the perfect buyer while providing personalized, hands-on service
- Proprietary Buyer Network – 20,000+ pre-screened buyers developed over 15+ years
- Comprehensive Services – From valuation to close, they offer end-to-end support with value enhancement services
- Seller-First Approach – They primarily represent sellers, meaning their focus is on protecting seller interests, value, and outcomes
- Experience – Over 100 years of combined experience across their team
The firm prides itself on creating competitive demand for businesses, leading to more offers and higher prices. Their success is solely dependent upon the success of selling their clients' businesses.
Not a Fit If
Based on their positioning and deal history, IAG typically declines:
- Businesses below $1M in annual revenue (their IAG Capital Markets division serves $10M+ revenue businesses)
- Pure asset sales or liquidations (they focus on going-concern enterprises)
- Businesses unwilling to prepare clean financials or engage in proper valuation
- Sellers wanting limited buyer exposure (IAG's value is in exhaustive outreach)
Team
IAG has 51-200 professionals across multiple offices. Key leadership includes:
- Jason Hullender – Managing Director & CEO, Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA), Certified Business Broker (CBB), Certified M&A Professional (CMAP). 20+ years of M&A experience.
- Tim Marlo – Managing Director, Investment Banking. Specializes in private placements, management buyouts, M&A.
- Joe Lieberman – Senior Managing Director, Mergers & Acquisitions
- Holden Buckner – Managing Director (Seattle, WA)
- Charles Olson – Managing Director
- Linda Delcampo – Vice President of Operations (Addison, TX)
- Cary Hullender – Vice President, Client Marketing
The firm was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in the Dallas metro area (Addison/Carrollton, Texas), with additional presence in Seattle, WA and other locations across the United States and Canada.
Geographic Coverage
Primarily US-based with headquarters in Addison/Carrollton, Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth metro). Additional offices in Seattle, WA. The firm serves clients nationwide and has facilitated international buyer transactions, with capability to source buyers from over 50 countries through their global buyer network.