Strategic Business Intermediaries Research
Advisory Approach
Strategic Business Intermediaries (SBI) is a South Florida-based business brokerage firm specializing in helping business owners buy and sell smaller businesses in the lower end of the lower middle market. The firm operates as a business broker rather than an investment bank, focusing on businesses with enterprise values typically under $3 million. SBI's approach emphasizes personalized service and local market expertise, serving business owners in Broward, Palm Beach, and Dade counties who are seeking to sell their businesses or find acquisition opportunities.
The firm was founded by Manny Fernandez, a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) who brings extensive experience in business brokerage and commercial real estate. SBI positions itself as a trusted advisor for business owners navigating the complex process of buying or selling a business, offering guidance on valuation, buyer qualification, transaction structuring, and closing coordination.
Sector Focus
SBI operates as a generalist business brokerage, serving clients across diverse industries common to the South Florida market. Based on the firm's confirmed transaction history and typical business broker activities, their primary focus areas include:
- Business Services: Professional services firms, staffing companies, and B2B service providers throughout South Florida
- Consumer Services: Retail businesses, restaurants, and consumer-facing service providers
- Real Estate & Construction: Commercial real estate brokerage services and construction-related businesses
The firm's confirmed deal in the home technology integration space demonstrates capability in handling transactions for specialized service businesses. As a generalist business broker, SBI is well-positioned to serve the diverse ecosystem of small businesses that comprise the South Florida economy, from main street businesses to light industrial companies.
Deal Track Record
Strategic Business Intermediaries has completed multiple transactions since its establishment. Public records indicate the firm has closed three transactions with an aggregate value of approximately $3.1 million.
Notable Transaction:
- First Priority Audio → Daisy (March 2024): SBI served as the broker for the sale of First Priority Audio, a Pompano Beach-based smart home integration company, to Daisy, a national roll-up and franchisor in the smart home services space. First Priority Audio CEO and founder Bert Herrero joined the Daisy team as part of the transaction, with executives Joel Hernandez and Stephanie Ruiz remaining as general managers. This deal demonstrates SBI's capability in handling transactions for specialized service businesses and connecting local sellers with strategic buyers pursuing geographic expansion.
The firm's transaction history indicates focus on deals in the $120,000 to $2.5 million range, consistent with its positioning as a business broker for smaller businesses rather than an investment bank serving the middle market.
Process & Fee Structure
SBI follows standard business brokerage practices for smaller transactions:
- Valuation: Comprehensive business valuation to determine fair market price
- Buyer Qualification: Vetted and prequalified buyers to ensure transaction viability
- Marketing: Confidential marketing to qualified buyers while protecting business confidentiality
- Transaction Management: End-to-end coordination from listing through closing
- Timeline: Typical transaction timeline of 6-12 months depending on business size and market conditions
Fee structure follows industry-standard business brokerage models, typically involving:
- Success fees ranging from 8-12% of transaction value for smaller businesses
- Retainers may be required depending on engagement scope
- Fees are negotiable based on transaction complexity and deal size
Buyer Network
SBI maintains relationships with:
- Individual buyers seeking business ownership opportunities
- Family offices looking for acquisitions
- Regional strategic buyers pursuing geographic expansion
- Private equity firms and search funds active in the lower middle market
- Existing business owners seeking add-on acquisitions
The firm's connection to the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) and Business Brokers of Florida (BBF) provides access to broader networks of qualified buyers and co-brokering opportunities.
Competitive Positioning
SBI differentiates through:
- Local Market Expertise: Deep knowledge of South Florida business dynamics across Broward, Palm Beach, and Dade counties
- Personalized Service: Hands-on, founder-led engagement model for smaller transactions
- IBBA Membership: CBI certification and adherence to professional business brokerage standards
- Commercial Real Estate Capability: Combined business and commercial real estate brokerage services
- Bilingual Capability: Service offerings in English and Spanish to serve South Florida's diverse business community
Not a Fit If
SBI typically is not a fit for:
- Businesses above $5 million in enterprise value (outside their core market focus)
- Sellers seeking investment bank-style processes with extensive buyer auctions
- Highly complex transactions requiring specialized M&A advisory expertise
- Businesses outside South Florida (geographic focus on tri-county area)
- Companies requiring financing solutions beyond traditional SBA lending
Team
Manny Fernandez – Founder & Certified Business Intermediary
- Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation from the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
- Florida real estate broker license #BK3436321
- Member of IBBA and Business Brokers of Florida
- Focus: Business brokerage and commercial real estate transactions
- Experience: Multiple closed transactions with aggregate value of $3.1 million
- Contact: Manny@STBibusiness.com
Allen Baumgarten – Affiliated Broker
- Over 20 years of experience in business brokerage
- Associated with SBI-Strategic Business Intermediaries
- Serves Broward County and surrounding markets
Carlos Fernandez – Associated Broker
- Member of the SBI team
- Listed in Business Brokers of Florida directory
- Supports tri-county market coverage
Geographic Coverage
SBI focuses exclusively on the South Florida market:
- Primary: Broward County (headquartered in Coconut Creek)
- Secondary: Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County
- Office Location: 6810 State Road 7, Coconut Creek, Florida 33073
- Regional Focus: Tri-county South Florida area with emphasis on coastal business corridors
This focused geographic approach allows the firm to develop deep local market knowledge and buyer relationships within the South Florida business ecosystem.