Meet The Team
Our Staff and Experts
Erin A.
Gilliam
President | M&A Advisor, Power of Pluck | Business Succession Group
Erin Gilliam is a distinguished Business Broker and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience leading teams and organizations in complex environments.
Matthew
Cooper
Broker/ Franchise Consultant
With over 15 years of experience in military leadership, automated warehousing, and project management, Matt has led initiatives ranging from $ 50,000 to $15 million—delivering results in high-pressure, high-stakes environments.
Jerene
Johnson
Franchise Consultant
Jerene Johnson is a passionate franchise sales agent, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs in finding their perfect franchise opportunities.
Sarah
Francis
Broker/CPA
Sarah Francis has been a seasoned CPA and CFO for over 10 years. She is passionate about using her decade of knowledge to provide budding business owners with the confidence they need to find the right franchise for them.
Mike
McArdle
Broker/ Franchise Consultant
With more than 24 years of experience in franchise ownership and operations, Mike has developed a profound expertise in assessing, investing in, and effectively growing franchise businesses.
Service/Offerings
Advisory Services & Strategic Offerings
Sell-Side M&A Advisory
We represent business owners in confidential sale processes designed to maximize valuation, optimize deal structure, and reduce execution risk.
Our sell-side process includes:
* Strategic valuation and positioning
* Preparation of Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM)
* Buyer identification and targeted outreach
* NDA management and buyer qualification
* LOI negotiation support
* Due diligence coordination
* Deal structuring guidance
* Transaction management through closing
We run disciplined, controlled processes designed to create competitive tension and protect seller confidentiality.
Franchise Advisory & Brokerage
For founders seeking scalable growth through franchising or buyers evaluating franchise opportunities, we provide advisory services, including:
* Franchise resale representation
* Multi-unit acquisition strategy
* Franchise buyer sourcing
* Evaluation of franchise investment models
* Territory and expansion analysis
Buy-Side Acquisition Advisory (Flat-Fee Model)
We represent buyers seeking to acquire operating businesses under a structured engagement model.
Services include:
* Acquisition criteria development
* Target identification and screening
* Financial review and initial underwriting
* Seller communication and negotiation support
* LOI structuring guidance
* Due diligence coordination
* Transaction execution support
This service is ideal for independent sponsors, searchers, operators, and strategic buyers seeking disciplined acquisition guidance without percentage-based success fees.
Business Valuation & Exit Readiness
We provide valuation analysis for owners considering a sale, recapitalization, or internal transition.
Valuation services include:
* Market-based transaction comps
* Earnings normalization
* SDE and EBITDA analysis
* Multiple-based valuation modeling
* Exit readiness assessment
* Value gap identification and improvement roadmap
Our goal is to align valuation expectations with market realities and strategic timing.
Financial Optimization & Expense Management Advisory
Pre-transaction optimization directly impacts valuation multiples and buyer perception.
We assist owners with:
* Margin analysis and cost restructuring
* Vendor contract review
* Operational expense benchmarking
* Merchant services optimization
* Cash flow stabilization strategies
This service strengthens financial presentation prior to market.
Commercial Lending & Capital Advisory
We support buyers in securing acquisition financing through established lending channels.
Support includes:
* SBA loan coordination
* Conventional bank financing introductions
* Debt structuring consultation
* Lender packaging support
* Financial documentation preparation
We streamline the financing process to reduce closing delays.
401(k) ROBS Structuring Guidance
For qualified buyers, we provide guidance on utilizing Retirement Funds as Business Startups (ROBS) structures.
This includes:
* Education on compliance requirements
* Coordination with third-party ROBS administrators
* Integration with acquisition financing strategies
Merchant Processing Advisory (MX Merchant Services)
We assist business owners in reviewing and optimizing merchant processing agreements to:
* Reduce transaction fees
* Improve reporting transparency
* Strengthen payment system integration
This service is frequently part of pre-sale financial optimization.
Speaking & Education
We provide keynote speaking, investor workshops, and educational sessions focused on:
* M&A fundamentals
* Exit planning
* Acquisition strategy
* Entrepreneurship through acquisition
* Capital structuring for small and middle-market deals
Why Choose Us
Interested In Joining Our Team?
Now is the perfect time to enter the exciting field of Business Brokerage.
