Our Team
As President and CEO, Gerry is headquartered in Houston Texas, and leads a team of approximately 30 business intermediaries and support personnel across South and West Texas, Wyoming, and New Mexico....
His team is focused on the sale of main street and lower middle market businesses.
Since starting Transworld Business Advisors of Houston in 2014, he has sold over 350 businesses. His organization has consistently ranked as one of the top 2 performing organizations in Transworld’s 300 office global network. Gerry is a past president and state board member of the Texas Association of Business Brokers and is currently the President of Transworld Business Advisors’ National Franchisee Council. He was elected to the Transworld Business Advisors Hall of Fame in 2015.
Prior to starting Transworld Business Advisors of Houston, Gerry cultivated thirty years of global business experience which included managing international business units, directing global marketing, and leading a global strategic procurement organization. Gerry has been involved in hundreds of negotiations across 5 continents. He has held executive leadership positions in 3 Fortune 500 companies covering 50+ countries across North America, Latin America, Central America, The Caribbean, Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Gerry's uniquely diverse global business experience includes M&A negotiations, Small Business sales, contract and lease negotiations, retail network development, new business development, global and local marketing, global retail brand management, retail revenue stream development, contract & lease negotiations, strategic global procurement, franchise development, general and operational management, and global franchise development.
Gerry is thrilled to have the opportunity in his current capacity to leverage his extensive business experience to assist others in realizing their business & life goals.
President of Transworld Business Advisors of South & West Texas, Wyoming, and New Mexico
President of Transworld Business Advisors’ National Franchisee Council
Past President Texas Association of Business Brokers Houston Chapter (2021-2022)
Past Texas Association of Business Brokers Board of Directors Member (2021-2022)
Transworld Business Advisors Hall of Fame Member (Elected 2015)
Certified Business Intermediary (CBI)
Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional (CM&AP)
Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary (M&AMI)
Member of the International Business Broker Association (IBBA)
Member of the Mergers and Acquisitions Source (M&A Source)
(281) 769-4277
Carmen Hanna is a Vice President – Managing Director with Transworld in Houston, Texas, and has over 30 years of experience in international business and finance. She has held executive leadership positions...
in corporate finance, venture capital, and non-profit management, and has been an advisor and mentor to entrepreneurial ventures in the U.S. and emerging markets.
During her 10-year tenure at Transworld in Houston, Carmen successfully closed several transactions, covering diverse industries including Metal Building Manufacturers, Duct Cleaning Services, Chemical Transportation, Vineyard & Winery, Wedding & Events Venue, and Day Cares. Her experience in M&A transactions has led to her induction in the M&A Source organization and a focus on lower middle market transactions.
Carmen holds an MBA in management from Imperial College Business School, London, UK, where she specialized in corporate finance and customer-focused strategy. Carmen is a member of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) and the Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Source where she has earned both a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation and a Merger and Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI) designation. Carmen also holds a Texas Real Estate License.
(281) 769-4277
Bobbi Coffey is a strategic financial visionary with over 25 years of experience in a broad spectrum of entrepreneurial support roles in both domestic and international organizations. She has served as...
CFO and right hand to CEO's and business owners ranging from $5M to $850M across several industries including technology, services, construction and light manufacturing.
Bobbi is well versed in the management of all areas of an organization including operations, legal, HR, IT, systems and FP&A. As Senior Business Advisor, Bobbi brings direct hands on experience in the negotiation, acquisition and integration of small and medium sized businesses globally. Bobbi is known for problem solving, creative business structuring and a unique approach to deal completion for the benefit of both the seller and buyer.
Bobbi has a BS in Accounting from Florida State University. Her passions include jeeping off-road, international travel, animal advocacy, and time outdoors with her five large dogs.
(832) 481-4406
Austin Zhao is a Senior Business Advisor at the Transworld Business Advisors Houston team and a Co-founder & President of China-US Pathway. He is also the immediate Past Chairman (2016-2017)...
of the Asian Chamber of Commerce in Houston and a founding board member and the International Committee Chair of Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) Houston Chapter.
Austin has more than 30 years of experience in international business with an extensive background in conducting business in both China and the U.S. His expertise includes:
- Business sales and M&A
- Real estate investment
- Sourcing, outsourcing, import and export trade
- Setting up distribution networks and identifying markets for established and introductory products
Austin has been an executive officer for several Chinese and U.S. companies. Formerly he was General Manger of A & G Toys, Inc., Houston, Texas; Executive Vice-President of DL America, Inc., Houston, Texas; and General Manager of Shunlida Company, a unit of The Import and Export Corporation of Dalian Development Zone, which was a state-owned international trade corporation ranking in the top 500 companies in the foreign trade industry in China. He was also one of the eleven Board Directors of the Paraffin Wax Committee for China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters in 1995 and 1996.
Austin speaks Chinese, English and basic Japanese, and has extensive cross cultural experience in business communication between China and America. He is also a Certified Business Intermediary, Certified Mergers and Acquisitions Professional, and a Business Certified Appraiser.
(281) 630-6666
Steve Merritt is a Vice President – Managing Director in the Houston office with over 30 years of experience in Finance and Business Development in Corporate America. He has also owned his own business for...
over 15 years. His experience spans many industries including transportation, oilfield services, waste management, equipment rental, fast food, pharmaceutical, reverse/forward logistics and pool services. Steve is the former Director of Finance for a large publicly traded company where he managed the investment portfolio with a collective valuation in excess of $200M. Within that role, he was a board member and advisor to many of the portfolio companies, creating deals that promoted growth and innovation. His extensive experience as an owner/operator of a multi-unit nationally recognized fast food franchise brings a unique perspective that will help his clients achieve their business objectives. Steve’s exposure in building a business from the ground up brings a beneficial perspective to his clients. He is versed in finding solutions to challenges that were not otherwise visible to others. Steve is a Certified Public Accountant with a BBA from the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University. Steve is a native Texan and lives in Houston with his wife of 20 years, and two teenage daughters. His hobbies include watching sports, boating, wake surfing, and spending time with family and friends.
(713) 303-4668
Ron has over 20 years of experience as a franchise owner and franchise development executive with several franchise brands, including Shipley Donuts, Marble Slab Creamery, Papa Murphy's Pizza, and Closet Factory.
Ron's prior experience includes assisting hundreds of new franchisee candidates with opening their own businesses. He also facilitated dozens of franchise resales and has purchased and sold businesses ranging from $200K to $20M. His strengths include problem-solving, creative solutions, and “win-win" transactions.
Ron has a BBA in Finance from Texas Christian University. He is also a licensed real estate broker in the state of Texas. Ron was born and raised in Houston and enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids, traveling, and playing tennis.
(713) 854-1302
Quoc Pham is a senior business advisor with over 10+ years of corporate and small business management experience. He has previously held positions at IBC Bank and Capital One Bank where he thrived...
as a licensed banker and assisted in roles such as management, investments, lending and mentoring. Through the ownership of multiple dry clean stores, Quoc has developed tremendous business acumen. He prides himself in his creativity and strong problem-solving capabilities. These skills have helped him flourish as an entrepreneur and as a professional business advisor, prior to joining Transworld Quoc owned and operated his own business brokerage. Quoc has a BBA in Finance from the University of Houston. He is also a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) and licensed Texas Real Estate Agent. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, working out, traveling, fishing and spending time with his wife and two kids. Quoc Pham is fluent in English and Vietnamese.
(832) 758-7756
Tony Keane has served as the president, CEO, or COO of several global organizations. He is a former CPA and has owned three small businesses. His understanding of the challenges and opportunities running a...
small business allows him to understand the dynamics of your business. His experience in acquisitions, financial analysis, and market assessments make him a great asset to buyers and sellers. He serves on several advisory committees for various companies where he applies his extensive global business expertise. Past positions over the last thirty-plus years have provided him with a broad range of skills, from accounting to business management. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Cincinnati with a business degree in accounting and management. He is a non-practicing Certified Public Accountant and has an Executive Leadership Certificate from Rice University.
(713) 591-2768
Bo Hudson is a Senior Business Advisor with over 20 years of Executive Corporate Management experience. His career path has provided an extensive background with multinational corporations in both the...
private equity and public sector. While serving as CEO for building product manufacturers DECRA Roofing Systems and Royal Manufacturing he fostered business growth by creating value, making transformational business process changes, and providing exceptional leadership. As an “entrepreneurial” executive, he thrived on the daily involvement with business operations and sales while spearheading product development initiatives which included the granting of 6 different patents. His background provides complete insight into the daily workings of organizations both large and small. Business Brokerage provides Bo with an opportunity to continue being a successful team builder while delivering a win-win situation for all parties involved. He received a BS Degree in Psychology from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama and an MBA from the University of Dallas. His spare time is usually spent with family and travel, but he is always up for the challenge of a woodworking project.
(714) 343-0669
With over 20 years in healthcare consulting, development, and finance, Molly Adames brings a depth of knowledge and a wide range of experience...
to her role with Transworld Houston. She has held executive leadership roles in large management groups, start-up entities, and publicly traded organizations. In addition, Molly’s experience as a lawyer and small business owner gives her a hands-on approach and a practical perspective in bringing deals to a successful close for all parties involved.
Over the years, Molly has earned a reputation as a well-respected and recognized leader in for-profit medicine across the country, providing consulting services and much needed legal structure, focused not only on risk management and compliance, but also on creativity and innovation. Since moving to Houston and starting her own business in 2010, Molly has focused on providing exceptional leadership and direction to clients from a variety of industries, providing her expanded focus and insight. Her experience, business acumen, and ability to think “outside the box” have allowed Molly’s clients to achieve success in business investment, acquisition, and de novo development.
Earlier in her career, Molly was an established figure on Capitol Hill, leading political advocacy efforts, fundraising, membership recruitment, and public relations, while operating a non-profit national trade association. She has also served as a board member and advisor for various business entities and public commissions, including three terms as a Governor appointed member of the SD Healthcare Commission. Molly received her Juris Doctorate with honors in 1997 from the USD School of Law, where she was awarded the prestigious Gavel Award as the most promising graduate, and served as the Editor in Chief of the Law Review.
Molly enjoys spending her time with her husband and three children, and shares her passion for music and the arts through various volunteer and philanthropic opportunities.
(281) 881-3460
As the Director of Operations for South and West Texas, Lore has a proven track record of delivering tangible results and improving efficiency. Equipped with years of leadership, experience...
and expertise, she has honed her skills at managing teams, streamlining processes, and optimising productivity. She possesses a unique blend of strategic thinking and hands-on problem-solving, making her the go-to person for any operation challenge. She proudly served as a Human Resource Team Lead in the U.S. Army before making the decision to return to Houston. Lore graduated from Sam Houston State University with a double major in business management and marketing. She is a Texas notary and certified in APHR. During her free time, she enjoys CrossFit, puzzles, and spending time with her friends and family.
(346) 319-5955
Elizabeth Gonzalez is Transworld Houston's exclusive Marketing Director, she joins Transworld with several years of education and hands-on experience working with various marketing platforms...
She has a Bachelor’s Degree from Austin College where she double-majored in Business Finance and Psychology. Elizabeth is primarily responsible for creating and driving the company’s marketing and community relations initiatives. She also directly supports the Houston M&A team along with manages vendor relations for the office. She is a Texas Real Estate Licenses Agent and her hobbies include dancing, fishing, spending time with family, watching crime shows/movies. She is also the proud owner of a pavement princess oIIIIIIIo.
(346) 319-5955
As the Director of Mergers & Acquisitions Analytics for Transworld Business Advisors of Houston, Karissa Bensenberg supports the M&A Intermediary Team on lower middle market transactions. Her responsibilities...
include industry research, market analysis, financial analysis, creating executive summaries, strategic buyer identification, buyer management, and due diligence process support. Karissa plays a major role on our M&A Intermediary team.
Prior to joining the TBA of Houston team, Karissa worked in the financial services industry for 7 years in increasingly sophisticated positions. She graduated from NYU's Stern School of Business with a bachelor's degree in finance and from University of Texas School of Law with a Juris Doctor. Continually seeking to expand her professional horizon, Karissa is currently a CPA candidate. Her hobbies include watching football, hiking, reading, and solving logic puzzles.
(281) 769-4277
Shuba is the dynamic and accomplished Business Development Director at Transworld Business Advisors of South & West Texas. With an impressive background in managing...
high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective operations in customer service and consumer product environments, she is a driving force behind excellence in complex projects and strategic initiatives. In her previous roles, Shuba demonstrated her exceptional leadership by efficiently managing the daily operation of litigation orders and the medical records retrieval process, leading to optimized business efficiency. Through the implementation of KPIs and improvements in employee performance, she achieved remarkable enhancements in operational effectiveness. Moreover, her commendable history of recruiting and training 40+ direct/indirect reports and contract employees showcases her commitment to fostering professional skills enhancement within the team. She also played an integral role on executive teams, overseeing job/training schedules, site inspections, and building permits. Shuba's ability to excel in a data-driven, fast-paced environment is a testament to her exceptional leadership skills. She thrives in making sound recommendations and effectively managing complex problems, ensuring the company's continued growth and success. With Shuba's strategic vision, operational acumen, and unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, Transworld Business Advisors is poised for remarkable growth and continued success under her inspiring leadership. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Shuba is known for her innovative thinking, teamwork spirit, and boundless energy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Apparel Merchandising and Management from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and is a licensed Notary Public. During her free time, she enjoys spending quality moments with family and friends, exploring new destinations through travel, engaging in creative DIY projects, and giving back to the community through volunteering.
(346) 314-0010
Lynn Urback is a skilled digital marketer distinguished for her creative strategies in the constantly evolving digital landscape...
She possesses a deep understanding of digital marketing, as evidenced by her 10+ years with SEO optimization, social media engagement, website management, and content marketing. Lynn excels at keeping pace with the latest digital trends, analyzing online data analytics, and implementing marketing campaigns, effectively boosting brand awareness and audience engagement. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Stephen F. Austin State University. Outside of her professional pursuits, Lynn is passionate about reading, exploring various AI platforms, and cheering for the Houston Astros.
(281) 769-4277
Ana Zavala is the Internal Resource Manager for Transworld Business Advisors of Houston. In this role...
Ana provides our agents with general operational and systems support in the marketing and sale of our client’s businesses.She has several years of experience working in various Marketing and Public Relations roles and has excellent problem solving, project management and system development skills. Ana has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Trinity University, where she specialized in Marketing. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, discovering new restaurants around the city, working out, traveling and cooking. Ana is fluent in English and Spanish.
(281) 769-4277
