Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Meet the Team Transworld Business Advisors of South and West Texas G-2HFGM7XN2F

Meet the Team

Our Team
Gerald Brisson

Gerald Brisson

President
South & West Texas, New Mexico, & Wyoming

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

[email protected]

Carmen Saad Hanna

Carmen Saad Hanna

Vice President – Managing Director
Houston

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...

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

[email protected]

Bobbi Coffey

Bobbi Coffey

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

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

[email protected]

Austin Zhao

Austin Zhao

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

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

[email protected]

Steve Merritt

Steve Merritt

Vice President – Managing Director
Houston

Steve Merritt, Vice President and Managing Director at Transworld Business Advisors of South and West Texas, brings over 30 years of unparalleled expertise in finance and business development. With experience...

spanning diverse industries, including transportation, oilfield services, and fast food, Steve’s strategic insights are unmatched. A Certified Public Accountant and a seasoned M&A professional, he has a proven track record of managing investment portfolios exceeding $200M and successfully building businesses from the ground up. Steve’s unique blend of corporate and entrepreneurial experience makes him the go-to expert for business acquisitions and sales.

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. He holds designations of Certified M&A Professional, Certified Business Intermediary and is a licensed real estate professional in Texas.

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

[email protected]

Ron Hankamer

Ron Hankamer

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

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

[email protected]

Wayne Blease

Wayne Blease

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

Wayne Blease is an accomplished entrepreneur and business professional with over 30 years experience in the restaurant and real estate industries. Wayne has a proven track record...

as a restaurant owner having owned and managed multiple locations. Wayne has personally sold multiple of his own businesses bringing this unique perspective to the selling process. His background also includes investments in single-family and multifamily properties. Wayne earned his BBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship at the University of Houston’s Bauer School of Business. He also served as a volunteer for many nonprofit organizations, including the Houston Rotary Club, the Spring Klein Chamber of Commerce, Katy Business Network International, and Tri-County Business Associates. Wayne served as president of the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship Alumni Association, as well as on the board of the University of Houston Bauer College of Business Alumni Association. In addition, Wayne served as an advisory board member for the Katy chapter of the National Hispanic Professional Organization. In his spare time, Wayne enjoys traveling, gardening and hiking.

(713) 201-2346

[email protected]

Rusty Fisher

Rusty Fisher

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

Rusty Fisher is a Senior Business Advisor in the Houston office. He spent more than 25 years in the financial service sector working first in equity research where he analyzed financial statements...

and published stock recommendations for institutional investors before moving into institutional equity sales where he helped mutual funds, pension funds, hedge funds and money managers choose their stock investments. As a generalist in equity sales, he was required to have a working knowledge of most industries including manufacturing, restaurants, retail, business services, banking, technology, energy, healthcare, real estate, etc. Among his client base, Rusty was known for his honesty, prompt service and his passion for his clients’ success. During his career he acquired and divested of a franchise in the education space and ran the investor relations department for an oil and gas company. Rusty is a native Houstonian who worked in construction before receiving his BBA and then an MBA from the University of Houston. He is a member of the International Association of Business Brokers and the Texas Association of Business Brokers. His interests include cooking, camping, hiking and snow skiing.

(713) 516-0116

[email protected]

Tony Keane

Tony Keane

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

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

[email protected]

Bo Hudson

Bo Hudson

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

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

[email protected]

Katie Holditch

Katie Holditch

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

Katie Holditch is a seasoned multipreneur and franchise business owner with over 17 years of experience in small business and franchise operations. Katie has started, grown, and sold a successful...

house cleaning franchise with 45 employees, 750 customers, and $1.5 million in revenues. She is currently the owner of a successful salon franchise, a Franchise Advisory Council Member, a Franchise Marketing Council Member, and was recently selected as a Multi-Unit Franchise Partner of The Year. With her small business and franchise experience, Katie is well-positioned to support sellers in the sale of their businesses and at communicating with buyers. Katie’s favorite part of her job is the people—meeting and working with sellers and buyers who want honesty, clear communication, and full support through the selling and buying process. Katie is a native Texan and proud Texas A&M graduate (Class of 97) with two boys, who she will tell you are the best reflection of her character, Stephen (22) and Jackson (18). In her free time, she loves spending time with her friends and family, indoor cycling, and traveling anywhere there is sand.

(713) 377-3189

[email protected]

Andres Ghersi

Andres Ghersi

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

Andres Ghersi is a Senior Business Advisor at the Transworld Business Advisors of Houston team. During his more than 25 years of experience Andres has been a franchise owner, real estate developer,..

CEO and project manager for several construction companies. Prior to becoming a seasoned entrepreneur, Andres was also an international banking executive for a BBVA bank and a financial advisor to several technology companies in the early stages of his career.

Andres has a BBA in Economics and International Business and Finance from the University of Miami, Florida reinforced by an MBA. He speaks Spanish and has an extensive cross-cultural marketing and management experience in Latin America.

Mr. Ghersi’s been a leading figure in various business and professional associations both inside and outside the Houston community leveraging his wealth of knowledge and network to benefit his clients here at Transworld.

(832) 507-6522

[email protected]

Molly Adames

Molly Adames

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

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

[email protected]

Austin Tenette

Austin Tenette

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

Austin is a Senior Business Advisor with Transworld Business Advisors of Houston. He has an extensive business coaching and business development background with...

more than 10 years experience growing businesses. He is a Certified Executive Leadership and Business Coach. In Austin’s Prepare2Sell business coaching role, he helps business owners prepare their business for an eventual successful business sale at maximum value. He conducts monthly Prepare2Sell webinars, focused entirely on improving business marketability and value. His Prepare2Sell business development program is designed to improve the marketability and value of a business within 6-12 months. In conjunction with his webinars, he also coaches business owners on a one-on-one basis to provide personalized business coaching directed at specific business improvement needs.

He produced a weekly TV segment "Better Business Results – with Coach Austin Tenette" sharing insights with the business community on how to improve organizational performance. As an entrepreneur-in-residence at Houston Community College, Austin co-created and co-delivers the HCC Mattress Mack School of Selling. He works annually with over 3,000 aspiring and existing business owners to start, grow, and optimize their enterprises. Austin holds an MBA from UCLA and serves on various boards throughout the greater Houston area.

(281) 814-3745

[email protected]

Caroline Yuki

Caroline Yuki

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

Growing up in a Japanese culture, Caroline grew up thinking the Toyota lean manufacturing and entrepreneurial way. Her experience spans many different facets...

of business, including start-up, marketing, M&A, finance and operations management. Prior to Transworld, Caroline was a partner in a $150 million, mixed-use commercial real estate development in Dallas as well as the head of land sales, where she specialized in complex land entitlement and development projects.

(832) 521-8897

[email protected]

Raul Quintero

Raul Quintero

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

Raul Quintero is a Senior Business Advisor with over 30 years of experience in manufacturing and supply chain operations, product engineering and...

product management. He started his career in the Military as an Army Officer where he received the Kuwait Liberation Medal for his participation in Desert Shield/Storm. After fulfilling his military obligation, Raul started his civilian career in manufacturing operations for one of the big three automotive companies. He continued his career in automotive manufacturing for numerous years before moving to a top medical device manufacturing company. Throughout his 30-year career he has worked in the automotive, aerospace, medical devices, electronics, and oil and gas service industries. Raul has held numerous positions in these Industries from Director of Manufacturing and Product Engineering to Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain Operations in small to medium sized companies. He has been awarded the CEO’s Circle of Excellence award by 2 companies for his plant start up accomplishments and lean manufacturing Implementations. Raul has led numerous cost reduction initiatives from consolidating and starting up new manufacturing facilities to implementing lean manufacturing initiatives at existing facilities for numerous companies. His business acumen and P/L experience will help business owners maximize the value of their company.Raul earned his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification in 2018 and his Project Management Professional certification in 2006. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Science from Trinity University in Texas and his Master of Science in Manufacturing Management degree from Kettering University in Michigan. Raul has lived in Houston with his wife Liliana since 2009 and is an avid golfer. He enjoys playing the different courses in the greater Houston area. Prior to 2009 Raul has lived in numerous places throughout the United States and Mexico and is fluent in Spanish. Other hobbies include traveling to Latin America, watching College and Pro Football, and doing group exercise classes with his wife.

(832) 287-4357

[email protected]

kevinblodgett

Kevin Blodgett

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

Kevin Blodgett is a Senior Business Advisor in the Houston office with over 25 years of experience in drafting, negotiating and closing business transactions. He has...

also owned his own business for nearly 5 years. His experience spans many industries including electric power, natural gas liquids, energy trading, oilfield services, consulting, and health and fitness. Kevin is the former Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer for a large, publicly-traded energy company where he managed all legal, regulatory and compliance matters, including mergers and acquisitions and board governance. He later served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of a private equity-backed, oilfield services company. In his capacity as General Counsel, Kevin led and closed billions of dollars of transactions, including acquisitions and divestitures, securities offerings and debt refinancing. He began his career as a Corporate Associate at a leading international law firm, where he specialized in securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. In addition to his decades of transactional experience in Corporate America, Kevin has extensive experience as an owner/operator of a multi-unit boutique fitness franchise. This gives Kevin a unique, “walked in your shoes” perspective, which he brings to all of his business dealings. He has won the “Gym of the Year” for his franchise brand each of the last two years for two different locations, and this year brought home the title of “Franchisee of the Year” as well. Kevin has significant experience in building a business from the ground up, not to mention leading all aspects of buying and selling Main Street businesses (including franchises). His clients have consistently described him as a practical, solution-oriented businessperson with the ability to both see the big picture and execute the details necessary to bring transactions of all types to a successful conclusion. Kevin graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Houston Law Center, where he was the Editor in Chief of the Houston Law Review. Prior to attending law school, he graduated with a BA from Texas A&M University, with a Major in Political Science and a Minor in Management. Kevin is a native Houstonian and still lives in the area with his wife of nearly 30 years. They raised their twin sons, who are in their 20s, in Houston; the boys now live and work in Dallas and New York, respectively. Kevin is passionate about serving his fellow business owners during the most important times of their business lives. If he is not advising a client or working out at one of his fitness studios, you can find Kevin spending time with his family and friends, playing with his dog Scout, or watching his favorite Houston sports teams.

(713) 854-6607

[email protected]

Lis Robert

Lis Robert

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

Lis Robert is an accomplished business professional with over 25 years of experience in the business world. Holding a Bachelor's degree...

in Business Administration with a specialization in finance, she has cultivated a diverse career across industries such as business brokerage, real estate, new home sales, corporate finance, and banking. Throughout her career, Lis has held various executive leadership roles, including Sales Director and Sales Manager for leading developers, where her expertise in negotiation and problem-solving truly shined.

An entrepreneur at heart, Lis has owned and operated several businesses, including a beauty salon, a restaurant, and a remodeling and construction company. This hands-on experience gives her a unique understanding of what it takes to build and grow a successful business. Her knowledge of mortgages and loans, combined with a proven track record in sales, positions her as a versatile financial expert capable of handling complex business transactions.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Lis' strong communication skills allow her to work effectively with a wide range of clients. As a Business Broker, she leverages her vast experience and deep industry insights to help clients achieve successful outcomes. Her presence on our team reflects a commitment to delivering expert guidance and achieving outstanding results for every client.

(210) 426-6600

[email protected]

Samir Gandhi

Samir Gandhi

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

With over 35 years of experience in global business management, mergers & acquisitions, and operations, Samir Gandhi is a seasoned leader known for driving...

growth and profitability. He specializes in strategy formation, greenfield operations launch, lean transformations, and crisis management. Samir's background spans industries like consumer goods, automotive, and small businesses including hotels, retail, and laundromats. He holds an MBA in Business Management, an MS in Manufacturing Engineering, and has completed an Executive MBA program in Paris.

Samir has personally started, purchased, grown, and sold businesses, bringing firsthand entrepreneurial insights to his role. He excels in maximizing company value through strategic assessments and hands-on support. Samir's philosophy centers on honesty, fairness, and legal compliance, fostering long-term relationships with clients. Fluent in multiple languages including Hindi, Gujarati, and Spanish.

Samir Gandhi excels in a range of critical areas: global business management, mergers & acquisitions, lean transformations, strategic planning, and multilingual communication. His adeptness at navigating international business dynamics, orchestrating successful mergers, implementing lean methodologies, crafting strategic roadmaps, and effectively communicating across languages underscores his invaluable contribution to business brokerage and advisory services. Samir Gandhi's diverse expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to client success make him a trusted partner in navigating complex business transactions.

(817) 793-3738

[email protected]

Sohil Gandhi

Sohil Gandhi

Business Advisor
Houston

Sohil Gandhi brings a wealth of analytical prowess and financial acumen to his role as a Business Broker at Transworld Business Advisors of South and West Texas.

With a background as a Business Analyst at SG Ventures, Sohil honed his skills in financial reporting, revenue management, budgeting, and strategic planning during his Master of Science in Finance program at the University of Houston, C.T. Bauer College of Business.

Sohil has 3 years of experience in finance and accounting, including six months of internship experience across industries such as retail, plastics and chemical distribution, real estate, and investment management. He is well-versed in SAP and Business Intelligence (BI) tools, having utilized them at Vinmar International to compile financial reports and aid executive decision-making processes. His approach to working with past business owners and employers has been marked by a commitment to accuracy and efficiency, as seen in his contributions in his past work. He has a proven track record of enhancing financial process accuracy and implementing marketing strategies that lead to sales and profitability growth. Sohil's strengths lie in his perseverance, adaptability, and a passion for learning. He believes in careful negotiation and ensuring all necessary information is gathered to protect his clients' interests. Sohil is conversational in Spanish and Gujarati and enjoys learning new things, following the stock market, and engaging in sports.

Sohil, tandem with his father, a Senior Business Advisor, creates a powerful partnership that enriches the client journey. Together, they offer an extensive support system, opening up diverse opportunities for clients and ensuring their success in business ventures. His philosophy as a business broker centers on helping sellers and buyers navigate the complexities of buying and selling businesses successfully. By building trust and demonstrating his capabilities, Sohil aims to create lasting relationships with his clients and become their trusted advisor in business transactions.

(682) 559-0966

[email protected]

behnameskandari

Ben Eskandari

Senior Business Advisor
Houston

Ben Eskandari has been an entrepreneur since his teenage years. Being self-sufficient and self-supporting in nature he has very strong connections both intellectually and emotionally with all the ingredients...

that one might have to call herself or himself an entrepreneur in determining and controlling their lifelong financial destiny.

With a combined 29 years of solid track record in small business ownership with up to 14 employees and independent contractors, he has been exposed to all aspects of founding, establishing, and operating several home furnishing retail business locations in the Houston Market. His experience also extends to accounting, taxes, SBA loan borrowing, marketing, and lease negotiation. He was also involved with financial accounting, analysis, and special financial projects for a large software and IT consulting company. Ben also has experience as a Franchise Business accountant with a major international franchise company in which he was involved with small franchise owners' training in cash flow, balance sheets, income statements, record keeping, and more. He has also been working with Mid-size home improvement remodeling companies in consultation and sales.

With a Bachelor's degree in Business administration in Accounting from the University of Houston. Ben has been living in Houston Texas since 1986 and is fluent in both written and verbal Farsi language.

Ben has a deep understanding of business operations, financial analysis, and valuations, making him adept at navigating complex transactions. His broad industry knowledge and commitment to honesty, transparency, and results ensure he will work in your best interest, securing the best possible deal for your business. With Ben, you’ll have a trusted advisor who will guide you through every step of the selling process. His philosophy as a Business Advisor is simple: be honest, transparent, and results-driven.

(713) 384-5486

[email protected]

Keshav Kapoor

Keshav Kapoor

Business Advisor
Houston

Keshav Kapoor, Business Advisor at Transworld Business Advisors Houston, brings a fresh yet insightful perspective to the world of business brokerage. Combining a vigorous academic...

foundation with hands-on financial analysis experience, Keshav guides business owners and entrepreneurs through the intricacies of buying and selling businesses. As a recent graduate with honors from the University of Birmingham in Business Management, he offers a unique blend of analytical expertise, strategic insight, and a passion for helping clients achieve their business objectives.

Keshav’s background in business management and financial analysis equips him to effectively connect business owners with buyers. His education emphasized critical areas such as Managing Financial Resources, Business Strategies, and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on Business Analytics. Through comprehensive projects, he has developed his skills in evaluating business ventures to determine their viability and growth potential.

In his current role, Keshav leverages his analytical capabilities to provide insightful financial analysis and market evaluations, ensuring that his clients understand the strategic and financial benefits of each transaction. His approach to building relationships is rooted in his leadership experience as the captain of the University of Birmingham men's soccer 1st team and his semi-professional soccer career outside the university. These experiences taught him the importance of collaboration, motivation, and long-term commitment. This same mindset guides him in fostering trust and transparency with clients, providing tailored strategies that align with their unique goals.

Born and raised in Texas, Keshav has a deep connection to the Houston community. His passion for becoming a business broker is driven by personal experiences and a desire to support entrepreneurs through the complex process of selling their businesses. He is dedicated to ensuring clients not only receive fair value for their hard work but also feel confident throughout the transition. By focusing on transparency, integrity, and value creation, Keshav provides peace of mind to those embarking on the next chapter of their journey.

Outside of his professional life, Keshav is an avid soccer player and runner. He also enjoys traveling and engaging in a variety of sports, including pickleball. These activities reflect his energetic and well-rounded personality, further contributing to his dynamic approach as a business advisor.

(832) 273-9820

[email protected]

Darrin Blair

Darrin Blair

Senior Business Advisor
Houston / College Station

Darrin has assisted entrepreneurs by performing accurate business valuations, advising on specific exit strategies, and confidentially connecting business sellers with qualified buyers.

For over 29 years, he worked in the Petrochemical industry managing Supply Chain asset portfolios in excess of $1B, and completing Supply Chain projects in the US, Europe and Asia. Darrin's expertise and professional demeanor resulted in multi-millon dollar savings and efficiencies on multiple projects over his career.His "can-do" attitude helped progress complicated projects with multiple stakeholders, at times across different continents. Having worked on many deals with a variety of cultures and businesses, it was a natural transition into the business advisory field.

(979) 220-4957

[email protected]

business broker leslie perez

Leslie Perez

Senior Business Advisor
Killeen / College Station

Leslie Perez is a Senior Business Advisor in the Houston office with over 12 years as a Sr. Product Manager and Director of Product Management at several large Oil and Gas corporations in Houston Texas.

These positions included developing business strategies and evaluating and recommending technologies and strategic acquisitions that enhance company’s product lines. Leslie’s education not only included an MBA, but he also holds a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering with a tech focus. He also has 20 years’ experience as a design engineer and engineering manager for the O&G and Industrial Markets.

(713) 553-7779

[email protected]

charlesmiller

Chip Miller

Senior Business Advisor
Brenham / College Station

Charles "Chip" Miller is a Senior Business Advisor with almost two decades of experience in the areas of Real Estate, Commercial Insurance, and M&A advisory services...

He has owned and sold multiple businesses of his own, and currently he owns a portfolio of companies devoted to serving law enforcement, healthcare, and vendors in higher education.

While he is well-versed in technical aspects of businesses including restaurants, manufacturers & distributors, contractors, adult education/ training, wedding venues, and publishing companies, his servant-leadership mentality allows him to provide exceptional service and add value to a vast array of business transactions.

He holds a Bachelors Degree in Organizational Development from Texas Tech University and a Masters Degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Georgia, and he is one of only a few hundred people in the country to hold a Real Estate Certified Insurance Professional designation. He can also assist Spanish-speaking customers with their needs.

Originally from a rural area of Texas, he enjoys outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and golf, and he is familiar with the particular needs of business owners in the Brazos Valley Area, the Hill Country, and the South Plains of Texas.

(210) 701-1579

[email protected]

andrewmathis

Andrew Mathis

Senior Business Advisor
San Antonio

Andrew has been a business professional for over 20 years and prides himself in an innovative problem-solving approach, always seeking distinctive strategies to bolster businesses by maximizing...

their margins and unearthing untapped value through a meticulous examination of the financial metrics. Through accurate business valuation and consulting Andrew can accomplish maximizing the value when it can be discovered for both sellers and buyers. Andrew’s career path has traversed multiple industries, ranging from retail management to commercial construction distribution. As a business owner, he adeptly harnessed the power of data-driven decision-making, crafting precise metrics and ratios that pinpointed the ideal balance between cost and profit, optimizing profitability. Andrew's journey took an enlightening turn when he recognized his intuitive application of microeconomic principles to achieve tangible results. Eager to deepen his financial acumen, he pursued a degree in Finance and Economics at the University of Texas at San Antonio. His tenure with the Investment Society afforded him the opportunity to refine his skills in company valuations and participate in intricate merger and acquisition ventures, from inception to post-merger integration. Upon graduation, Andrew entered the financial advisory realm at a distinguished boutique brokerage. Here, Andrew specializes in comprehensive asset diversification and the strategic use of insurance products as a vital asset class, enabling clients to secure their financial future with confidence. Beyond his professional pursuits, Andrew is a proud native of San Antonio. He enjoys a harmonious family life, being happily married to his high school sweetheart, and cherishes his role as a devoted father to four daughters, all of whom share a passion for dance. During his leisure moments, he indulges in the art of smoking meats, elevating his culinary interest.

(210) 701-1579

[email protected]

Alicia Brewer

Alicia Brewer

Senior Business Advisor
Corpus Christi

As an agent with Transworld Business Advisors, we help our clients buy and sell businesses every day. Every broker that is part of our team completes a full business brokerage training course and certification program.

BIO COMING SOON

(727) 776-2341

[email protected]

tannernoble

Tanner Noble

Senior Business Advisor
Lubbock

Tanner is a Senior Business Advisor with 16 years of experience in accounting and finance, spanning various industries from retail and biomedical manufacturing to commercial real estate and banking, he has developed a deep...

understanding of the intricate financial mechanisms that drive businesses. His journey in the financial world led him to become a Partner in a Private Equity Firm focusing on Multifamily Real Estate, where he successfully raised approximately $30M in equity and managed over $100M in assets under management. Tanner’s expertise lies in strategic planning, deal flow management, and comprehensive financial modeling. He is a licensed real estate professional with a proven track record of underwriting over $100M in multifamily real estate, office, and self-storage acquisitions. As a co-founder of Rebus Capital LLC, he played a pivotal role in growing the firm to a remarkable $100M in assets under management.

Tanner’s expertise lies in strategic planning, deal flow management, and comprehensive financial modeling. He is a licensed real estate professional with a proven track record of underwriting over $100M in multifamily real estate, office, and self-storage acquisitions. As a co-founder of Rebus Capital LLC, he played a pivotal role in growing the firm to a remarkable $100M in assets under management. Tanner’s approach as a business broker centers around being an attentive listener, enabling him to quickly grasp the unique situations of his clients. His primary goal is to assist entrepreneurs in navigating the complexities of buying and selling businesses by devising personalized strategies that align with their aspirations and objectives.

Living in Lubbock, Texas, for most of his life, and with a Finance Degree from Abilene Christian University, Tanner possesses an in-depth understanding of the local business landscape. This local insight, coupled with his extensive financial knowledge, equips him to effectively connect buyers and sellers, ensuring a win-win situation for all parties involved. Tanner is actively involved in the community. He is a Past President of the Lubbock Apartment Association, a current board member for the Texas Girls & Boys Ranch, and serves on the Planning & Zoning Commission for the City of Lubbock. Outside of his professional endeavors, Tanner finds solace in spending time with his family, especially with his 4 daughters, one of whom has Cerebral Palsy. This personal experience has further fueled his dedication to aiding business owners in the pursuit of their dreams, especially within the Lubbock community.

(806) 853-0833

[email protected]

amypitcock

Amy Pitcock

Senior Business Advisor
Midland

Amy is a West Texas native with over 15 years of diverse experience in oil and gas transactions and leadership. Prior to her role at Transworld, Amy served as an acquisitions & divestitures manager...

where her team executed deals collectively valued at over $7B. Her comprehensive understanding of organizational management, including business development, operations, legal and economics has enabled her to drive success in diverse business environments.

Amy is passionate about serving the Permian Basin community and always looking for ways to give back. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum and on the Big Bend Conservancy Board of Directors. Amy was also a founding board member for the Permian Basin Chapters of Women’s Energy Network and Women of Courage. From 2017 through 2023 Amy held various leadership roles, including Board President, for the Midland Rape Crisis and Children’s Advocacy Center. Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in...

Finance from Angelo State University and a Master of Business Administration in Energy from the University of Oklahoma. Amy has been married to Blake Pitcock since 2004. They have a small cattle operation and two spoiled dogs. If you are seeking a seasoned and results-driven business broker with a strong transaction background, Amy Pitcock is the professional you need. Contact her today to discuss how she can leverage her expertise to help you achieve your business objectives and unlock the full potential of your strategic exit or begin your entrepreneurial journey.

(432) 895-5777

[email protected]

stevanperez

Stevan Perez

Senior Business Advisor
McAllen

Stevan Perez is a Senior Business Advisor in the South & West Texas office with over 12 years of experience in Business Consulting. Stevan has been a resident of McAllen, Texas for over a decade. He has...

established deep roots in the community and maintains a significant presence there. He is a versatile professional with a remarkable track record in managing businesses and expertise in marketing and advertising.

Throughout Stevan’s career, he has navigated various financial scenarios. Additionally, he is a certified digital marketing expert, having successfully assisted businesses in the past ranging from major banks to local small businesses. His marketing efforts contributed undeniable results, increasing revenues exponentially. Leveraging his strengths, Stevan can effectively promote his clients' listings and drive sales.

Stevan possesses the expertise to optimize the sale of your business. In addition to analyzing financial statements, he is skilled in forecasting future business earnings and enhancing the attractiveness of your business to potential buyers. He excels as a skilled negotiator, comprehending the intricacies of sales philosophy and body language, effectively leveraging every aspect of buyer interactions to drive successful outcomes.

Stevan believes that genuine communication with both buyers and sellers is essential for ensuring seamless transactions. Guided by this philosophy, his clients can anticipate honesty and integrity in every deal.

Stevan is a professor at his local community college (South Texas College), where he instructs organizational leadership studies. He believes that contributing to his community is vital for fostering a more robust presence and aiding in its growth. Additionally, he volunteers as a coach for the Upward organization, a Christian-based basketball program. In this role, he coaches 1st and 2nd graders, leading the Cheetahs team, which currently holds the third-place position.

(956) 601-6390

[email protected]

Support Team

Lore Gonzalez

Director of Operations
South & West Texas, New Mexico, & Wyoming

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) 319-4138

[email protected]

Elizabeth Gonzalez

Marketing Director
South & West Texas, New Mexico, & Wyoming

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

[email protected]

Karissa Bensenberg

M&A Director
South & West Texas, New Mexico, & Wyoming

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

[email protected]

Shuba Grewal

Business Development Director
South & West Texas, New Mexico, & Wyoming

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

[email protected]

Lynn Urback

Lynn Urback

Digital Marketing Manager
South & West Texas, New Mexico, & Wyoming

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

[email protected]

Ana Ruiz

Ana Zavala

Internal Resource Manager
South & West Texas, New Mexico, & Wyoming

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

[email protected]

Nadia Carron

Nadia Carron

Executive Assistant
South & West Texas (Houston Office)

Nadia Carron is and Executive Assistant for Transworld Business Advisors of South & West Texas. She joins Transworld...

with over 15 years of experience supporting C-Suite executives. Accomplished Executive Assistant with a track record of optimizing executive workflows, facilitating seamless communication, interpersonal skills enhancing organizational efficiency. She brings an unwavering commitment to our company’s vision and a passion for facilitating our leaders’ success. Committed to driving productivity and fostering seamless collaboration between executives and their clients. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition & Dance from the University of Houston and, she is a Texas Real Estate License Agent. During her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, exercising, listening to live music, traveling, going to concerts and giving back to the community through volunteering.

(281) 205-0011

[email protected]

Commercial Real Estate Team

Nathan Gaines

Nathan Gaines

Commercial Real Estate Advisor, CCIM, SIOR
Houston

Nathan is an accomplished Commercial Real Estate practitioner and one of Houston’s Commercial Real Estate leaders. In his Transworld Business Advisors of Houston role he is focused on supporting agents and...

clients with all commercial real estate marketing needs including lease assignments, lease renewals, broker price opinions, market comparable reports, commercial real estate negotiations, and general real estate support.

Prior to joining Transworld, Mr. Gaines served as Vice President of Brokerage Services at Caldwell Companies where he specialized in the marketing, acquisition and disposition of commercial land and industrial product.

Mr. Gaines’ real estate backgro und and education aid him in his primary focus at Clark Gaines Properties, which is to cultivate new business and pursue development opportunities through impeccable client support and interaction. Through financial analysis and market research, Mr. Gaines assists investors and clients in site selection, development, property acquisition, and disposition. He currently works with new and existing clients to maximize the value of their real estate transactions.

In 2013 and 2018, The Houston Business Journal named Mr. Gaines one of Houston’s Top 20 Real Estate Brokers. Mr. Gaines earned the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation and is a licensed real estate broker in the state of Texas. Mr. Gaines has also obtained the distinguished Society of Industrial and Office Realtors designation (SIOR) – a designation that only 2,900 practitioners hold worldwide.

Mr. Gaines is the Admissions and Membership Chair on the Board of Directors for the SIOR Houston Gulf Coast Chapter. He is also an active member of the Aggie Real Estate Network and the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA – Northwest Houston Chapter), and had served as an Assistant Captain for the Gatekeepers Committee of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He is a graduate of the 2012-2013 Leadership North Houston class and an active member of Houston’s First Baptist Church in Cypress.

Mr. Gaines pursued his career in Commercial Real Estate after graduating from Texas A&M University with a Master’s Degree in Real Estate from the Mays Business School. Prior to his post-graduate work, Mr. Gaines received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, also from Texas A&M.

(346) 319-4138

[email protected]

Justin Clark

Justin Clark

Commercial Real Estate Advisor, CCIM, SIOR
Houston

Mr. Clark is an accomplished Commercial Real Estate practitioner and one of Houston’s Commercial Real Estate leaders. In his Transworld Business Advisors of Houston role he is focused on supporting agents and...

clients with all commercial real estate marketing needs including lease assignments, lease renewals, broker price opinions, market comparable reports, commercial real estate negotiations, and general real estate support.

Prior to joining Transworld, Mr. Clark served as Vice President of Brokerage Services in the Industrial division at Caldwell Companies. He specialized in the full range of both tenant and landlord representation services - including sales and purchase transactions, relocations, marketing, and build-to-suit opportunities. With a strong and well-developed background in sales, Mr. Clark works with new and existing clients to identify ways to add to their bottom line and maximize their real estate transactions.

Prior to pursuing his career in commercial real estate, Mr. Clark worked in an alternate industry where he sharpened his marketing and sales skills with Bell and McCoy by calling on electrical distributors, contractors, and engineers. The time Mr. Clark spent in this industry has given him a greater awareness of his clients’ real estate needs by understanding the operations of their business as he continues to exceed their expectations. In 2020 Mr. Clark was named as one of Houston Business Journal’s Top 40 under 40. In 2013 and 2018, the Houston Business Journal also named Mr. Clark as one of Houston’s Top 20 Real Estate Brokers. He is a graduate of the 2011-2012 Leadership North Houston class and served as the President of the Alumni Association in which he is still actively involved as a board member. Mr. Clark also currently serves on the board of directors for the Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce and has been with the ICC since 2013. He earned the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), as well as obtained the distinguished Society of Industrial and Office Realtors designation (SIOR) – a designation that only 2,900 practitioners hold worldwide. As a Lifetime Member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Mr. Clark serves as the Chairman of the Gatekeeper Committee where he personally oversees and is responsible for over 1700 volunteers. Mr. Clark is an active member at his church, The Foundry Methodist.

As a graduate of the Dwight Look College of Engineering at Texas A&M University, Mr. Clark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Distribution.

(346) 319-4138

[email protected]