Contact Broker
Hickory, North Carolina
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
South Carolina Retail Military Tactical/Outdoor Clothing and Supplies Established Retail Tactical Apparel & Gear Business
This established retail operation specializes in military tactical and outdoor clothing and supplies, serving the growing adventure sports and preparedness market. The business has maintained continuous operations for over one year, demonstrating operational stability and market viability within the expanding tactical and outdoor lifestyle sector.The enterprise has developed a documented customer base with established purchasing patterns, indicating strong market penetration and customer retention. Revenue streams have been consistently maintained through proven demand for tactical gear, outdoor equipment, and specialized clothing products. The business maintains comprehensive financial Less
Cash Flow: $77,506
United States Accredited Coaching & Consulting Platform – Scalable, Mission-Driven Accredited Coaching & Consulting Platform – Scalable, Mission-Driven Financing available
This mission-driven coaching and consulting platform offers CPD-accredited programs for SME-focused business coaches, tapping into the rapidly growing demand for culture-driven transformation in small and midsize businesses. With global reach, a scalable digital model, and strong brand credibility, it provides buyers with a turnkey opportunity to enter or expand in the professional coaching market—backed by accreditation, purpose, and proven frameworks designed for sustainable growth. Less
Cash Flow: $120,000
Rutherford Co., NC Golf Cart Sales and Service Golf Cart Sales and Service Financing available
For over two decades, this golf cart dealership has been the heartbeat of recreational and commercial transportation across the Carolinas. What started as one visionary founder's dream to serve the growing golf cart community has blossomed into a beloved institution where quality meets reliability.The story began with a simple belief: exceptional customer service could transform an industry. Through genuine care and unwavering dedication, the founder cultivated something extraordinary - a family of loyal customers spanning both North and South Carolina who didn't just return, they brought their friends, neighbors, and colleagues.As the Less
Lexington, NC Auto Repair Shop Auto Repair Shop for Sale | Seller Financing Available Financing available
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a turnkey auto repair business with proven demand, low overhead, and strong expansion potential in a growing North Carolina market. This automotive repair shop offering 24 hour service. Certified technicians provide fast, reliable automotive diagnostics and repair services designed to eliminate downtime and handle emergency breakdowns, battery replacements, brake repairs, starter and alternator services, lockouts, and a wide range of mechanical needs. With a commitment to transparent pricing, rapid response, and customer-first care. Seller financing available Less
Cash Flow: $41,569
Charlotte, NC
View Details Scalable Absentee Owner Fitness and Training Franchise
This established fitness franchise offers a proven, coach-led group fitness concept focused on strength training,conditioning, and community driven accountability. The business operates on a recurring membership model, providing consistent and predictable revenue through structured 50 minute training sessions designed for all fitness levels. Backed by a nationally recognized brand, the franchise benefits from proprietary programming, streamlined systems, ongoing corporate support with marketing, operations, and member retention. The studio is fully equipped and professionally built out, allowing a new owner to step into a turnkey operation with an existing, loyal membership base. It's strong local reputation, high energy culture, and results driven approach have positioned it as one of the go to fitness destinations in the market with demand for boutique fitness and personal training alternatives continuing to grow, this Less
Cash Flow: $681,273
Wilmington, NC
View Details Used Car Sales and Auto Repair Business
ESTABLISHED AUTO REPAIR & USED CAR SALES BUSINESS - WILMINGTON, DONA ANA COUNTYThis dual-revenue automotive operation combines used car sales with comprehensive auto repair services, creating diversified income streams and enhanced customer lifetime value through integrated service offerings.BUSINESS OVERVIEW:- Operating Status: Established business with 1+ years continuous operation- Industry: Auto Repair & Service Shops with Used Car Sales- Location: Wilmington, North Carolina market- Business Model: Integrated sales and service facilityOPERATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE:- Fully equipped automotive repair facility- Complete service bay configuration for maintenance and major repairs- Established used vehicle inventory management system- Integrated customer database linking sales and service history- Turnkey operation ready for immediate transitionREVENUE DIVERSIFICATION STRATEGY:The business operates on a dual-revenue model where Less
$310,000
Cafe Style Coffee Shop
