Utah Business Consultants Research
Advisory Approach
Utah Business Consultants is a regional business brokerage and M&A advisory firm specializing in lower middle market and main street business transactions throughout the Intermountain West. Founded in 1989 by Bradley G. Marlor, UBC has established itself as a cornerstone in Utah's business brokerage landscape, operating under a thesis-driven approach centered on confidentiality, valuation expertise, and institutional process discipline. The firm believes that the best outcomes for business owners come from comprehensive buyer outreach, transparent valuations based on market comparables and financial fundamentals, and a methodical 9-step process that protects confidentiality while maximizing enterprise value.
UBC's sweet spot is founder-owned and family-operated businesses in the lower middle market ($500K–$25M EBITDA range) across diverse industries. The firm particularly excels with owner-operators seeking liquidity events, business succession planning, and strategic exits. UBC is NOT a fit for businesses requiring sophisticated equity sponsor introductions, complex restructuring, or international buyer networks—those belong with larger national advisory firms. The firm does not pursue transactions below approximately $500K enterprise value where advisory complexity doesn't justify their institutional process.
Sector Focus & Transaction History
Utah Business Consultants maintains active practices across diverse industries, reflecting the breadth of the Utah economy. Primary sectors include technology and software (leveraging George Metos's background founding a video game software company generating $1B+ in retail sales), industrial services (manufacturing, towing, recycling operations), commercial and residential landscaping and design services, water damage restoration and emergency services, and general business services across consumer goods, distribution, and retail. The firm has successfully advised on transactions spanning consumer products, materials, energy, industrial operations, healthcare services, and franchise businesses.
UBC has completed over $750 million in aggregate transaction value since inception, with 3+ transactions documented on Axial as of 2024. Notable recent transactions include:
- 1-800 Flooded (Nov 2015): Sale of emergency water damage restoration services company to a private investment firm
- Design and Install Landscaping Company (2024): High-end residential and commercial landscaping firm with $6.4M gross revenue and $1.75M EBITDA, marketed confidentially and placed with strategic buyer
- Premier Residential & Commercial Landscape + Snow Removal (Feb 2026): Market-leading landscaping and seasonal services firm successfully acquired
The firm's deal experience spans diverse buyer types including strategic acquirers, private investment firms, family offices, and management buyouts.
Process & Valuation Expertise
UBC runs a disciplined 9-step sell-side process:
- Advisor team assembly (CPA, attorney, financial advisor coordination)
- Valuation assessment using market comparables, financial recasting, and forward-looking analysis
- Buyer profile definition (strategic, financial buyers, PE groups)
- Confidential Business Review (CBR) preparation with recasted financials and asset schedules
- Multi-channel buyer generation using 10+ business brokerage platforms and buyer networks
- Non-binding offer collection and negotiation of price, payment terms, non-compete agreements
- Letter of Intent and definitive due diligence phase management
- Definitive purchase agreement drafting with all ancillary agreements (promissory notes, non-competes, equipment schedules)
- Closing coordination with government filings and fund transfers
The firm's core competency is valuation—performing independent valuations based on industry comparables, EBITDA multiples, and normalized financial performance rather than owner optimism. This disciplined approach protects seller interests and accelerates buyer confidence during negotiations.
Team & Credentials
UBC operates as a team of experienced professionals with deep business ownership experience:
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Bradley G. Marlor (Founder/Principal): MBA with degrees in Accounting and Business Administration. Founder of UBC in 1989. Former franchise owner with personal buy-sell experience. Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) and Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI) with M&A Source. Active in South Jordan municipal government (City Council member, Planning Commission, Economic Development Committee). Published speaker and author on business valuation and exit strategy.
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George C. Metos (Senior Business Broker): Electrical Engineering and Computer Science degrees from University of Utah. Founded and managed software development company (video game products generating $1B+ retail sales). Specialist in technology, industrial, towing, and auto recycler transactions with multi-state deal activity.
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Tom Maher (Senior Business Broker): M&A intermediary since 2002. CBI and M&AMI credentials. Prior senior executive experience at Levi Strauss and The May Company. BYU graduate. Extensive lower middle market and main street brokerage experience.
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Jeniece Pratt (Senior Business Broker): Licensed broker with 21+ years of experience working with business owners, controllers, and management teams. Background in project management, marketing, and accounting. Specialist in women-owned business representation across diverse industries.
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Joshua J. Jones (Business Broker): MSF (Master of Science in Finance) from University of Utah, CBI certification. Background in corporate finance, investment banking, and asset-backed securities. Entrepreneur with experience owning and operating multiple small businesses and franchises.
Buyer Network & Deal Structure
UBC maintains relationships with strategic buyers across multiple industries—particularly in landscaping, industrial services, food and beverage, and technology sectors. The firm sources buyers through direct relationships, M&A Source network (national M&A intermediary organization), Axial platform, and industry-specific buyer networks. Most transactions involve strategic acquirers or regional private investment firms rather than institutional PE, reflecting the main street focus.
Competitive Positioning
UBC differentiates from other Utah business brokers through: (1) founder-led stability (Brad Marlor still actively involved 35 years post-founding), (2) disciplined valuation expertise (independent valuations shield clients from optimistic buyer conversations), (3) operational understanding (team members have founded and sold their own businesses), (4) institutional process (confidentiality protocols, documented buyer qualification, structured negotiations), and (5) broad industry coverage (not siloed into single verticals).
The firm operates transparently about fees and does not promise unrealistic multiples—instead, they deliver realistic valuations and institutional-grade process discipline.
Geographic Coverage & Deal Size
Primary market: Utah, Colorado, and surrounding mountain states. Deal size range: $500K–$25M enterprise value. Not a fit for very small businesses (<$500K value) or very large deals (>$25M) where sophisticated buyer networks become necessary.
Founding & Longevity
Founded 1989. 35+ years of continuous operation. Over $750M in cumulative transaction value. Still founder-led and operated.