Performance Business Advisors Research
Advisory Approach
Performance Business Advisors, LLC is a founder-led, Michigan-based business brokerage and M&A advisory firm specializing in exit planning and succession planning for small business owners. Founded in 2008, the firm operates on a thesis-driven approach grounded in practical, owner-centric business transitions. Mark Andresky, the firm's principal and founder, embodies the firm's core philosophy: business owners deserve comprehensive, expert guidance when transitioning ownership—whether to family members, key employees, or external third parties. This thesis recognizes that the business sale represents the largest financial transaction most owners will ever undertake, and the process requires institutional-grade execution combined with personal attention.
The firm's sweet spot is "Main Street" businesses—established, profitable enterprises with annual revenues over $1 million, typically in the $1M-$50M range. These are often founder-owned or family-operated businesses where the owner's personal involvement has been critical to success, making the transition complex and emotionally charged. Performance Business Advisors specializes in demystifying this process and orchestrating transitions that meet the owner's personal and financial goals.
Core Differentiation: Exit Planning Integration
Unlike transactional business brokers, Performance Business Advisors integrates exit planning into the brokerage process. The firm's approach emphasizes preparation before the sale goes to market. This includes comprehensive financial analysis (normalizing cash flow, adjusting for owner compensation and expenses), identification of off-balance-sheet value (customer lists, processes, reputation), and strategic positioning to maximize enterprise value. Mark Andresky holds the Certified Exit Planner (CExP) and Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designations, indicating mastery of a structured, education-based approach to business transitions.
Sector Focus and Industry Expertise
Performance Business Advisors works across all industries—there is no restrictive sector focus. However, their geographic focus on Michigan and their positioning attract Main Street business owners across diverse verticals: manufacturing and industrial operations, construction and engineering services, professional services, retail and e-commerce, healthcare services, and business services. The firm's blog content and educational materials cover valuations, deal structure, seller financing, and process management that are relevant to any business type.
Their industry descriptions are vertical-agnostic but emphasize exit planning and business continuity. A manufacturing business, professional services firm, or retail operation all face the same fundamental challenges: how to transition ownership while preserving value, managing risk, and optimizing tax outcomes.
Process and Methodology
The Performance Business Advisors process is methodical and transparent, reflected in their extensive educational content:
Preparation Phase: The firm begins by helping owners gather and organize financial records (3-5 years of P&L, tax returns, balance sheets), assess the business from a buyer's perspective, and address operational issues before marketing. This preparation is critical—owners who "spiff up" their business and present clean financials close deals faster and at higher multiples.
Valuation and Positioning: The firm emphasizes cash flow analysis rather than asset-based valuation. They calculate "discretionary cash flow" by adjusting profit for owner compensation, one-time expenses, non-cash items (depreciation), owner perquisites, and excess compensation to family members or employees. This reflects what an external buyer can actually earn from the business.
Marketing and Buyer Identification: The firm leverages their network, the IBBA marketplace, and proprietary buyer databases to identify motivated buyers—both strategic acquirers and financial buyers (private equity, serial entrepreneurs, SBA-financed buyers).
Negotiation and Deal Structuring: A critical emphasis on seller financing and deal terms rather than price alone. Their FAQ data shows that sellers accepting terms receive 86% of asking price on average vs. 70% for all-cash sales. The firm helps structure deals (earnouts, seller notes, contingencies) that work for both buyer and seller.
Due Diligence Support: The firm guides sellers through the due diligence process, helping prepare documents, manage buyer inquiries, and navigate contingencies.
Buyer Network and Deal Experience
Performance Business Advisors' buyer network includes individual entrepreneurs and buyers (the majority for Main Street deals), SBA-financed buyers (loans up to $5M), strategic acquirers in various industries, and recurring buyer relationships from prior transactions. The firm's deep involvement with the Michigan Business Brokers Association and national affiliations with the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) and M&A Source provides access to a curated network of serious buyers.
While the firm does not publicly disclose completed transaction examples (confidentiality is paramount in business sales), their 16+ years of operation and founder's active board participation in the Michigan Business Brokers Association and the Exit Planning Institute indicates sustained transaction flow and market standing.
Fee Structure and Commercial Model
The firm operates on a traditional business brokerage commission model. Specific fee rates are not published (standard in the industry), but are negotiable and typically based on transaction size, complexity, and the level of advisory involvement required. Services include comprehensive exit planning consultation (often free or low-cost initial consultations), business valuation, and success-based compensation on closed deals.
Team and Credentials
Mark Andresky, Principal, CExP, CEPA, CBI, M&AMI (Certified Exit Planner, Certified Business Intermediary, M&A Master Intermediary)
- 16+ years as principal of Performance Business Advisors
- Certified Business Appraiser
- Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker (Michigan)
- Past-President of the West Michigan Chapter of the Michigan Business Brokers Association
- Director of the Michigan Business Brokers Association State Board
- Active member of Exit Planning Institute, International Business Brokers Association, M&A Source, International Society of Business Appraisers, Business Enterprise Institute
- BA summa cum laude from Washington and Jefferson College
- Rotary International member, Assistant District Governor, Past-President of Charlevoix Rotary Club
- Also founder and operator of Dixon Homes, LLC, a real estate investment and management company (demonstrating practical operator experience)
The founder's deep integration into professional organizations (EPI, IBBA, M&A Source, ISBA, BEI) indicates continuous education, network building, and commitment to industry standards.
Geographic Coverage and Local Market Presence
Based in Charlevoix, Michigan (population ~3,000, located on Lake Michigan in the resort region), Performance Business Advisors serves Michigan statewide and has relationships with out-of-state buyers seeking Michigan-based businesses. The firm's positioning as a Michigan specialist with deep roots in the state's business community is a competitive advantage in local deal sourcing.
Competitive Positioning
Performance Business Advisors differentiates on several dimensions:
- Exit Planning Integration: Unlike transactional brokers, they position themselves as transition partners who help owners prepare and optimize before marketing.
- Owner Education: Extensive blog content, white papers, and tutorials reflect an educational approach ("empower sellers through knowledge").
- Emphasis on Seller Financing: They explicitly educate sellers on the advantages of accepting terms (higher net proceeds) rather than holding out for all-cash offers.
- Professional Affiliations: Active engagement with IBBA, M&A Source, and EPI indicates current training and adherence to industry best practices.
- Local Presence: Deep roots in Michigan market with sustained relationships and reputation.
- Founder-Led: Mark Andresky's personal involvement and credentials (Certified Exit Planner, CBI, M&AMI) provide credibility and continuity.
What They Don't Do
Performance Business Advisors is not a fit for owners seeking quick transactions, complex financial structures, or very large deals (>$50M). The firm serves the Main Street owner who wants thoughtful, methodical preparation and expert guidance through a complex transition.
Team Size and Operations
The firm appears to be founder-led with Mark Andresky as principal. The website lists "our team" but the about page only profiles Mark. This suggests a boutique, owner-operated model—not a large advisory firm, but rather a highly specialized practice.
Institutional Affiliations and Credibility
Memberships in the following organizations validate the firm's market standing:
- Exit Planning Institute (EPI): The standard-setter in exit planning education and professional development
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): The world's largest professional community for business intermediaries (CBI certification)
- M&A Source: The exclusive association for lower middle market M&A specialists ($2M-$50M range)
- Michigan Business Brokers Association (MBBA): State-level professional association
- International Society of Business Appraisers (ISBA): For business valuation certification and credibility
- Business Enterprise Institute (BEI): The leading innovator in exit planning training
These memberships indicate continuous professional development and adherence to industry standards.
Market Positioning Summary
Performance Business Advisors is a Main Street-focused, exit-planning-integrated business brokerage firm. The firm's competitive advantage lies in founder expertise (Mark Andresky's credentials and experience), owner education, emphasis on preparation, and practical deal structuring knowledge. They serve owners of established businesses ($1M-$50M range) seeking thoughtful transitions—not high-speed, complex transactions.