Designation allows Sullivan, Ian Black Real Estate to provide business broker services
SARASOTA, Fla. (Nov. 1, 2021) – Doug Sullivan of Sarasota-based Ian Black Real Estate recently achieved the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation. This designation means that Sullivan is an experienced business broker according to the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)® and can objectively guide local companies through the sale of their business.
The CBI designation is not commonly held by real estate professionals. Sullivan’s credential will allow commercial real estate brokerage firm Ian Black Real Estate to offer business broker services in-house when clients seek to sell both their real estate and business.
“We pride ourselves on being a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and are thrilled to offer this new level of expertise to our clients,” said Ian Black, partner, Ian Black Real Estate. “Doug is a consummate professional and his experience as an entrepreneur, business owner and commercial real estate professional make him well-suited to guide our clients in the sale of their business.”
The CBI is a prestigious designation exclusive to the IBBA that identifies an experienced and dedicated business broker. Designated professionals must complete 68 hours of course study and pass an exam. They must also attend the IBBA conference and have completed at least three qualifying business transactions with a selling value of more than $100,000.
Through earning the designation, a CBI has proven they have the ability to objectively guide clients through the intricacies of the entire marketing and negotiation process of a business sale. This includes determining a fair market valuation for the business and conveying that value to potential buyers.
“I understand what it’s like to be an entrepreneur and I understand what it’s like to run a business,” said Sullivan, sales associate, Ian Black Real Estate. “In addition, I really enjoy the entrepreneurial spirit of privately-held businesses. My goal as a business broker is to make things as simple as possible for the seller, so they can continue to run the business while we market and negotiate a sale that works for them.”
Sullivan joined Ian Black Real Estate in 2019, bringing more than 30 years of retail experience and project development leadership to his role. Of note, he founded Stonewood Holdings, the parent company for Stonewood Grill & Tavern and Peach Valley Café, and served as the President and CEO from its inception through the development of 18 Stonewood Grill and four Peach Valley Café locations, with consolidated revenue of $57 million.
Sullivan sold Stonewood Holdings in 2010.
About Ian Black Real Estate
Ian Black Real Estate (IBRE) is a boutique commercial real estate brokerage firm located in Sarasota, Fla. The firm is one of the largest commercial brokerage firms in Southwest Florida and boasts a deep knowledge of the commercial real estate market in Sarasota and Manatee counties and the surrounding area. For more information, visit ian-black.com.