IBA Executive & Transactional Team
Indiana Business Advisors has sold over 2,190 businesses for Indiana small business owners. We are the leading and largest business brokerage firm in Indiana specializing in marketing and selling Main Street and Lower Middle Market businesses. With more than 175 Indiana businesses available for acquisition and more than 220 franchisers seeking to expand in the state our access to a network of 10,000 businesses of all sizes nationally and internationally keeps us at the forefront of business brokerage.
Since 1981, Indiana Business Advisors has taken the mystery and confusion out of buying a business. That’s because we possess the depth of knowledge, experience, and key business relationships required to give you discreet, full-service, investment banking-level professionalism through every step of the transaction. Your success is our success.
Larry Metzing
Senior Partner
Biography [ print ]
Larry Metzing's Biography
He has been an investor or principal in several businesses serving the healthcare, apparel manufacturing, office coffee service, retail chocolate franchise, domestic product manufacturing, residential real estate development, residential construction, industrial real estate, and GPS technology for transportation and fleet management.
Metzing’s extensive personal network with buyers, sellers, accountants, bankers, attorneys, and other business associates is an added value for any client relationship.
He began his career in 1970 with Ernst & Ernst in Indianapolis. A decade later, he formed an entity to acquire, own and operate a chain of nursing homes, a business he later sold. In 1981, Metzing co‐founded Indiana Business Brokers and through mergers became Indiana Business Advisors which has become Indiana’s largest and most experienced business intermediary.
Metzing earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Ball State University. He is an Indiana-certified public accountant and a licensed real estate broker. He serves Ball State University as Vice-Chair and Executive Committee member of the Alumni Council, member of the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, and a Director of the Ball State Foundation. He is a member and past president of the Venture Club of Indiana.
In 2005, Metzing was recognized by the Indiana Certified Public Accountant Society as an Outstanding CPA in business and industry. In 2012, Metzing was inducted into the Ball State Miller College of Business Hall of Fame.
Contact Larry:
Phone: 317‐844‐6282
Email: lmetzing@indianabusinessadvisors.com
Richard Hester
Senior Partner
Biography [ print ]
Richard Hester's Biography
Mr. Hester brings a unique and extensive background of experience to small and mid‐sized transactions as an intermediary. His experience includes 28 years of acquisitions and finance as an active intermediary for clients throughout Indiana. His extensive personal network with buyers, sellers, accountants, bankers, attorneys, and other business associates is an added value for any client relationship.
Mr. Hester’s education experience includes a BS from Ball State University. One of the most integral facets of Mr. Hester is his work with the community. He has been either the chairman and/or on the board of directors of the following: Sigma Chi International Fraternity, American Red Cross, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, United Way of Central Indiana, Hispanic Education Center, Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Athletic Club, Leadership Ventures and is a graduate of the distinguished Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series and past chair of its alumni group.
Contact Richard:
Phone: 317‐218‐8615
Email: rhester@indianabusinessadvisors.com
Brian Knoderer
Senior Partner
Biography [ print ]
Brian Knoderer's Biography
Brian is President of Sunbelt Business Brokers, the largest national business brokerage franchise system in the world, as well as Senior Partner at Sunbelt Indiana / Indiana Business Advisors and Managing Director of SBB Capital Partners investment banking office in Indianapolis.
Brian is a graduate of Ball State University with a degree in Management Information Systems and earned his MBA from Butler University. He has received the Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA) designation, holds both the Series 7 – General Security License and the Series 63 – Uniform Securities Licenses, and is a licensed Real Estate Broker. He has been affiliated with several organizations including the Entrepreneur Organization, a Member of the International Business Brokers Association, Venture Club, and a Board Member of The Entrepreneur Institute.
Contact Brian:
Phone: 317‐218‐8638
Email: Brian@indianabusinessadvisors.com
Ed Mysogland
Managing Partner
Biography [ print ]
Ed Mysogland's Biography
The development of his experience stems from appraising many types, sizes, and interests. He has valued businesses in 28 states over his career. He has saved buy-side clients millions and successfully defended the business value of his sell-side clients. He has served as an expert witness and has taught about business valuation and exit planning.
Ed is a graduate of the distinguished Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Series; chapter President of the Exit Planning Institute and has served several not-for-profit organizations.
Contact Ed:
Phone: 317-218-8616
Email: ed@indianabusinessadvisors.com
Barry Bedford, CMSBB
Transaction Advisor
Biography [ print ]
Barry Bedford's Biography
Barry’s combined experiences of partnering closely with business owners to recognize growth strategies as well as expense efficiencies were instrumental in the development of his own company over the last 8 years. Being involved in all levels of his business gives Barry a unique perspective from an owner’s view on what is needed to build and grow a business. Having exited his own business recently has made Barry acutely aware of the importance of a proper sales exit strategy. With Barry’s previous business having involved a national acquisition roll-up strategy, he is very versed in the sales process including but not limited to the following:
- Negotiations between the seller and buyer
- Determining a fair selling price within industry ranges
- Conducting timely and efficient due diligence
- Facilitation of a timely and accurate close
With Barry currently reviewing several deals for possible acquisition, as well as the sale of his business recently, he is very qualified to assist both the buyer and seller through this sometimes difficult and emotional process.
Barry’s educational experience includes a BBA in accounting from Western Michigan University and received his CPA license in Michigan and Indiana. Barry has been married for 34 years and has 3 grown children.
Contact Barry:
317-218-8612
Email: Barry@IndianaBusinessAdvisors.com
Dave Gorman, CMSBB
Transaction Advisor
Biography [ print ]
Dave Gorman's Biography
Experience
Since joining IBA in 2004, Dave has represented a variety of companies in such industries as Service, Distribution, and Manufacturing. Dave has a reputation for successful transactions and consistently receives compliments from both buyers and sellers for his diligent work and adding tremendous value to the transaction process. Dave has represented clients on transactions that total over $53 million in Total Project Value.
Accolades
Dave has been an active member of his community, serving as the Vice-President of his neighborhood Board and helping with local charities. He enjoys spending time with his adult children and lives in Carmel with his fiancé’.
He has received the Certified Business Broker (CMSBB) designation in 2010. Dave’s education was from Indiana State University where he studied Business Management.
Dave believes in the IBA initiative, which is to continue to be Indiana’s premier business brokerage by bringing investment banker caliber of transactional advisory services to small and mid-sized businesses.
Contact Dave:
317-218-8626
Email: dave@Indianabusinessadvisors.com
Steve Pierce, CPA
Transaction Advisor
Biography [ print ]
Steve Pierce's Biography
Steve began his career in 1970 with the Public Accounting Firm of Ernst & Ernst in Indianapolis. He joined Central Soya Co. of Fort Wayne, IN as an Auditor and subsequently held positions as an Accounting Manager and Financial Analyst for International Operations. In 1980, he joined Staley Mfg. Co. of Decatur, IL as a Division Controller. In 1987, he became Corporate Controller for a small biotech company called United AgriSeeds, later acquired by Dow Chemical. At Dow AgroSciences in Indianapolis, Steve enjoyed further success by holding positions of Financial Systems Development Manager, Global Cost Accounting Manager, and Credit Manager.
As a Credit Manager at Dow, Steve was actively engaged with customers and clients throughout North America and managed a risk portfolio over of $500 million. Having served in the role of Credit Manager as well as prior experiences in auditing, forensic auditing, financial and accounting management, Steve has become an expert in analyzing financial information and risk assessment.
Steve’s education and experience include a BS degree in accounting from Ball State University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the International Business Brokers Association.
Contact Steve:
Phone: 317‐218‐8624
Email: SJPierce@indianabusinessadvisors.com
Len Fulkerson
Transaction Advisor
Biography [ print ]
Len Fulkerson's Biography
Providing opportunities and strategic direction to entrepreneurs to sell or own their businesses, Len looks forward to working with business owners in the underserved Lafayette and Northwest Indiana markets.
Contact Len:
Call: 765-237-3616
Email: len@indianabusinessadvisors.com
Scott Wilson
Transaction Advisor
Biography [ print ]
Scott Wilson's Biography
Experienced Owner with a demonstrated history of working in the logistics and supply chain industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Business Planning, Operations Management, Freight, and Sales. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor of Science (BS) focused in Psychology from DePauw University.
Contact Scott:
Jamar Cobb-Dennard
Transaction Advisor
Biography [ print ]
Jamar Cobb-Dennard's Biography
Jamar came to Indianapolis with a dream of opening a business and eventually serving the community through politics. He started his career in sales and leadership consulting. Jamar was a top 10 award-winning salesperson. As a consultant, Jamar routinely helped companies grow 40% in the first year of his engagements. Jamar also owned a sales recruiting firm and transportation business.
Later, he completed his Juris Doctorate degree at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law. After graduation, Jamar ran to become mayor of the city of Lawrence, Indiana. His campaign earned 49% of the vote and established a vision for economic development, connectivity, and wellness.
Jamar’s additional political involvement included board membership for the City of Indianapolis Department of Public Works, and as the state vice president of the Indiana Democrat African American Caucus. He is also a precinct committee person and regular political analyst on Fox59, Indiana Issues with Abdul Hakim-Shabazz, and rtv6.
Jamar is a fan of personal challenges and community leadership. He has walked on fire with Tony Robbins, was part of breaking a Guinness World Record, and crossed the North American continent by bicycle. He led the Little Red Door Cancer Agency to host America’s largest Zumba class and was instrumental in shutting down dangerous, ‘Club Industry’, in downtown Indianapolis.
Jamar Cobb-Dennard is a Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series graduate, was recognized as a 2013 Emerging Leader by 100 Black Men, an Indianapolis Business Journal Forty-Under-40 award recipient, and a 2017 Trailblazer by the Alpha Foundation for the Youth.
Contact Jamar:
317-218-8634
Email: jamar@Indianabusinessadvisors.com
Gary Rapp, CMSBB
Transaction Advisor
Biography [ print ]
Gary Rapp's Biography
Gary started his career as a software engineer with a leading multinational information technology services company. In 1990, he joined a start-up semiconductor company and led the implementation of numerous information systems projects. The company grew to over 600 employees and had a successful IPO. In 1994, he and his partners started an information technology consulting company and organically grew to 150 employees within three years. In 1997, the company was successfully acquired by a strategic investor. In 2005, he acquired a retail franchise company represented by Indiana Business Advisors. The company grew to be a top 25 producer in a network of over 6,000 stores. In 2015, his business was acquired.
You can say that Gary Rapp knows how to grow them! Gary elected to join IBA to share his experiences and personally guide clients through the delicate process of selling and buying a business. His exit strategy expertise makes him uniquely qualified to assist Buyers and Sellers alike in navigating the waters in what is most likely to be one of the most important transactions of their lives.
On a personal note, Gary is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served his country from 1982 to 1986.
Gary has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Park University. In 2017, he completed the necessary coursework to become a Certified Business Broker.
Contact Gary:
317‐218‐8973
Email: garyrapp@indianabusinessadvisors.com
Brad Schuchhardt
Transaction Advisor
Biography [ print ]
Brad Schuchhardt's Biography
Brad started his career in outdoor advertising and rose to Vice President of the company’s largest metro market. He then started a wholesale distribution company in the Healthcare industry and added four retail locations. In addition, he has been a partner in an Accounts Receivable Management company that has served over 25 hospitals throughout Indiana and Michigan. In 2003 the company was successfully acquired by a strategic buyer.
Brad earned a Bachelors’s degree in Business Administration from Valparaiso University. He has served on numerous boards including; The United Way, American Lung Association, Healthcare Financial Management Associations, and the Mayor’s Business Leadership Roundtable.
Contact Brad:
260-414-1065
Email: brad@indianabusinessadvisors.com
Jeffrey C. Farren
Transaction Advisor
Biography [ print ]
Jeffrey C. Farren's Biography
For clients who intend to sell in 24-36 months and want to recover or improve the business value in the meantime, Jeff uses a proven process to increase value by up to 2x. Other clients wish to sell as soon as possible, and Jeff leverages Indiana Business Advisor’s time-tested method that has sold over 2,100 businesses since 1981.
Jeff began his career in commercial lending where he specialized in acquisition financing and management buyouts of privately held companies in the lower middle-market. He acquired his first business in 1992. For over 30 years, Jeff has worked with small business owners to harvest the value they have created through a lifetime of work. In total, Jeff has founded/acquired/sold six businesses. He currently is an owner or investor in four companies.
Jeff holds two degrees in finance: an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a BS from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. He is a Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor, a Certified Value Growth Advisor, and a Certified Value Builder.
Contact Jeffrey:
317‐513-4016
Email: jeff@Indianabusinessadvisors.com
Andy Lamberson
Transaction Advisor
Biography [ print ]
Andy Lamberson's Biography
Andy fully understands the challenges and rewards of running a small business, particularly staffing firms. Specifically, he is well versed in managing a business through its various lifecycles – excitement, growth, maturity, decline, survival, and re-birth. In 2017, he conducted a full selling process and ultimately exited with a sale to Aya Healthcare, an industry leader in the nurse travel industry Andy has firsthand experience with the selling process – from creating a dynamic investment book, through identifying qualified buyers, to IOI, LOI, Purchase agreement and getting to close. He can help clients with not only exit planning but also practical business matters, growth, and expansion strategies. He has one driving goal for any” sell-side” prospective client; finding a qualified buyer, attaining maximum value, and completing the deal.
Andy graduated from Brebeuf Preparatory in 1977 and with a BS from Indiana University’s Kelly School of business in 1981. If you are interested in discussing the possibility of becoming a new business owner or want to begin a conversation around the idea of selling your business, you may contact Mr. Lamberson below.
Contact Andy:
317-694-7953
Email: andy@Indianabusinessadvisors.com
Deborah Beck
Transaction Advisor
Biography [ print ]
Deborah Beck's Biography
One outside activity Debb enjoys is participating in a CEO Club, which allows her to get behind the scenes and help others solve crucial and confidential business decisions in a variety of companies ranging from IT and manufacturing to services like banking and CPA firms. Discussing confidential business issues in-depth and assisting others in making crucial business decisions gives her further insight for helping her clients with transactions.
Debb led the sale of a medical device company owned with her partners for a large multiple of revenue. Although the deal was successful for both sides, she recognized that representing her own companies in an acquisition involved some treacherous water. She decided to become a transaction advisor with IBA so she can help others navigate what could be the biggest transaction of their lives.
Debb earned her B.S. from Illinois State University, an M.S. in Biological Sciences from Purdue University, and a Juris Doctorate, Magna Cum Laude at The University of Akron School of Law. She is also a registered patent attorney and the qualifier for a private investigation license. She was a Forty Under 40 award recipient from the Indiana Business Journal. She previously served on the Screening Committee for VisionTech Angels and as a Board Observer for one of the portfolio companies. She has also enjoyed serving as a Panel Member and Mentor for the Kelley School of Business MD MBA Program and on the Intellectual Property Law Advisory Council of the University of Akron Law School.
On a personal note, Debb with her Search Dog, Lillian Grace earned a Trailing certification from a school for professional K9 Teams. They perform missing pet investigations and searches and regularly train with professional and Search and Rescue K9 Teams.
Contact Deborah:
317-218-8637
Email: debb@Indianabusinessadvisors.com
Joseph L. Fleenor Jr.
Acquisitions Associate
Biography [ print ]
Joseph L. Fleenor Jr's Biography
Joe’s education includes a Master of Business Administration through Butler University, Lacy School of Business, and a Master of Science through Purdue University. He holds a license & certification for Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst.
He is currently co-owner of Greenscape Geeks where he is in charge of financial reporting, compensation plans, payroll, tax filings, expense allocation, and commercial lending.
With twelve years of activity in the workforce and prior military experience, Joe is highly skilled in Corporate Finance, Domestic & Global Business Strategies, Business Scaling, Outbound Sales, Communication, Goal Completion, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). He also has a deep understanding and passion for the complexity of Mergers & Acquisitions.
Known for setting and reaching high expectations for my clients, Joe works diligently with Indiana Business Advisors to deliver results that are tangible, data-driven, and provide meaningful direction.
Contact Joseph:
Email: joe@indianabusinessadvisors.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-l-fleenor-jr/
Andrew Wahl
Business Broker
Biography [ print ]
Andrew Wahl's Biography
Andrew comes from a long line of entrepreneurs and small business owners from Central Indiana. At the age of 16, he started his first small business doing landscaping for a local real estate firm. Fast forward over 15 years later, he is active in commercial real estate, business brokerage, and owns/operates Indianapolis’ largest locally-owned drone company, TopShot Aerial Photography. Andrew genuinely enjoys working with business owners of all types and will describe working in this role as, “something I have always looked for – the perfect balance of working and enjoyment that makes it feel like a hobby vs working a job.”
As a Ball State University graduate, Andrew focused on Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management through the Miller College of Business. Immediately after graduation, he went into sales while operating TopShot on the side. A decade of selling everything from office technology to commercial relocations gives him experience working with business owners and managing teams to complete projects. In 2020, and after years of being surrounded by real estate agents, Andrew attained his real estate license and started in the commercial industry with a focus on commercial and industrial clients.
While Andrew loves business, he also enjoys being involved with the community as a leader. He is the only person in the history of the Indy Chamber to hold a Presidency position for 2 years while he led the Indy Chamber Ambassadors in 2020 and 2021. He also takes pride in his advisory board position for Midwest Food Bank, who regularly is fighting the hunger crisis in Central Indiana/around the Country. Additionally, Andrew enjoys helping out and volunteering on the Rebuilding Together Indianapolis board and sitting in on an occasional REDi program (an awesome organization helping formerly incarcerated people create a business plan and get back on their feet). He is very excited about being named a nominee for Indy’s “Best and Brightest” in 2022 under the Media and Sports category.
Outside of work and community engagement, Andrew will be found spending any off time on his boat with his young family. His wife (Lauren) works in land acquisition for a local multifamily developer and they have one son named Christian (15 months old) and expecting another “surprise” in early June 2022. Andrew has a black lab named Apollo that loves being in the water as much as his family does.
Contact Andrew:
317-919-7331
Email: awahl@indianabusinessadvisors.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-wahl
Ralana Abraham-Miller
Marketing Director
Biography [ print ]
Ralana Abraham-Miller's Biography
Ralana has worked with Indiana Business Advisors since 2000, in roles of both Director of Marketing and as a Business Broker. She specializes in orchestrating and implementing successful marketing strategies to sell small and middle-market businesses in the Indiana marketplace.
Ralana’s comprehensive knowledge and experience in the business sales process, from Listing to Closing of a business transaction, enable her to uniquely offer a value-added resource to both Buyers and Sellers alike. As an experienced Business Intermediary with successful closings in several industries, she understands the process and can offer her expertise in navigating the intricacies of a business transaction. She is versed in all of the following disciplines:
- Establishing the value and a probable selling price
- Facilitating the listing process
- Confidentially marketing the business for sale
- Pre-qualifying and entertaining buyers
- Organizing and hosting buyer’s tours and meetings with sellers
- Facilitating offers and counteroffers between buyer and seller
- Coordinating due diligence between buyer and seller and their respective representation
- Facilitating a successful and organized closing and transition
She maintains a license & certification as a Certified Business Intermediary with a B.A. in Political Science, History from Ball State University.
Contact Ralana:
317-650-8478
Email: ralanaa@indianabusinessadvisors.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralanaabraham/
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