Contact Broker
375 Main Avenue Northeast,
Hickory, North Carolina 28601
(View Map)
About the Company
First Choice Business Brokers specializes in helping small to medium-sized businesses buy and sell. $12.5 Billion in sales and current listings to date. First Choice is a leading business sales organization with a national network of brokers and agents. FCBB focuses on providing professional and efficient services to both buyers and sellers, assisting them through the entire process of business transactions.
Broker Biography
Introduction
Richard Appleton is a seasoned entrepreneur, licensed commercial contractor, and operations director with over two decades of hands-on experience leading multi-million-dollar commercial, industrial, and institutional projects across the Southeast. With licenses in 13 states and a successful track record of managing large-scale contracts, Richard brings the strategic insight, negotiation skills, and regulatory knowledge necessary to navigate complex sales, mergers, and acquisitions—making him uniquely equipped as a business broker.
Throughout his career, Richard has excelled at aligning technical operations with business outcomes, often serving as the critical bridge between field execution and executive strategy. He has directed full project lifecycles—from initial site inspections and proposal development to contract administration, compliance oversight, and final delivery—consistently ensuring safety, profitability, and regulatory alignment.
His collaborative approach and reputation for precision have made him a trusted expert witness for attorneys and insurance carriers in high-stakes disputes involving electrocution, personal injury, fire, and equipment failure. He successfully managed the sale and full transfer of ownership of his electrical contracting business, giving him firsthand experience in the business transition process from both sides of the table.
• Directed and delivered commercial electrical projects for biotech, cleanroom, and institutional clients, consistently on time and within budget.
• Provided expert consultation in litigation for both plaintiff and defense in cases involving electrical safety and system design flaws.
• Spearheaded the successful sale and acquisition of his business, including valuation, negotiation, and transition support.
• Maintained a spotless safety and code compliance record across all project sites.
Services Provided
Buyer/Seller Representation
• Business Sales & Contract Negotiation
• Marketing your Business with our Nationwide Database of Buyers
• Consulting with Buyer(s) to Identify Purchase Opportunities
• Seek Out and Present to Buyer(s) Prospective Businesses and/or Franchises for Purchase
• Assist with Business Valuation
• Exit Planning Services
• Negotiate Best Deal for Buyers and Sellers
Areas Served
Professional Affiliations
Member IBBA
Business For Sale Listings
Cash Flow: $54,000
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