Ashley Hum

Southern Country Business Advisors

License Number: BK3592242

Phone: Show Phone Number

scbizadvisors.com


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Saint James City, Florida

About the Company

Southern Country Business Advisors is a Southwest Florida–based business brokerage firm specializing in structured exits for operator-led and privately held businesses.

Founded by Denise Houghtaling — an operator-turned-advisor who has personally built, scaled, and sold multiple businesses — our firm approaches transactions with firsthand operational experience and disciplined execution.

We understand that selling a business is more than listing it. It requires preparation, positioning, financial clarity, and a structured process to protect leverage and maximize outcome.

Our team of four licensed advisors serves clients throughout Southwest Florida and across the state. We work with established, cash-flowing businesses across a range of industries, particularly those with operational complexity, equipment, crews, contracts, or recurring revenue models.

Our focus is consistent:

• Reducing owner dependency
• Normalizing earnings
• Identifying and mitigating buyer risk
• Running disciplined, confidential processes
• Protecting deal structure through closing

Some businesses are market-ready. Others benefit from preparation 12–24 months in advance. In both cases, structure determines outcome.

Operators build value.
Structured exits protect it.

Broker Biography

Introduction

ABI - Accredited Business Intermediary

10+ years of experience in Real Estate/ Commercial Real Estate

I have experience as both a Real Estate investor and Business owner, which allows me to offer valuable assistance to you. My Real Estate business was established in 2014, and I made my initial investment in 2017. Over time, I grew my portfolio to encompass around 15 properties by 2020. Shifting from the residential sector to commercial real estate, I discovered my passion for working with commercial investors. A trip to SWFL in 2021 ignited my love for Florida, leading me to invest in Airbnb properties in North Port and Englewood. In August 2022, I made the decision to permanently relocate to Florida to focus on my commercial broker business/Business Intermediary services. I am excited to continue my work in the Sunshine state. While I specialize in SWFL, I am also licensed across the entire State.

Services Provided

-Business Evaluations
-M&A
-BPOs
-Seller Rep
-Buyer Rep

Areas Served

  • Lee County, FL
  • Licensed In

    • Florida — License number BK3592242

    Business For Sale Listings

    $750,000
    Cash Flow: $168,354 
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    Premier Fully Equipped Restaurant Naples

    This is a rare opportunity to acquire a fully established, ready-to-operate restaurant building in the heart of Naples’ prestigious Naples community, an area characterized by high-density luxury living and an average individual income exceeding $160,000. Beyond the high-visibility location, this offering is a complete "plug-and-play" solution: the sale includes a professionally outfitted kitchen, high-quality dining room furniture, and most importantly, an experienced, fully trained staff ready to support a seamless ownership transition. Unlike traditional leases, this property features a strategic ground lease structure with three 5-year options, providing the long-term security of building ownership without the massive capital expenditure of a land purchase. Ideal for a visionary operator looking to launch a new concept or expand an existing brand, this turnkey asset allows you to bypass construction delays and start 

    $1,000,000
    Cash Flow: $216,537 
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    Prime Collier County Restaurant Portfolio

    Prime Collier County Restaurant Portfolio: A Turnkey Double-OpportunityUnlock immediate market share in Florida’s premier dining landscape with this exclusive two-location restaurant package. Strategically positioned in Naples, these high-traffic venues offer a rare "plug-and-play" transition for an ambitious restaurateur or an expanding franchise. By acquiring both locations, you bypass the exhaustive costs and delays of new construction and permitting. Each site comes fully outfitted with professional-grade kitchens, high-end furniture, and established fixtures, providing a seamless foundation for any culinary concept. Whether you choose to continue the current success or pivot to a fresh brand, the heavy lifting of build-out and equipment procurement is already complete.The true value of this portfolio lies in its human and operational capital. Both locations feature a fully trained, "day-one" ready staff, ensuring your 

    Tom Davanaugh Serving Lee County, FL

    Brittney Bransfield Serving Lee County, FL

    Southern Country Investments, Inc is a licensed Florida business broker company specializing in the waste, recycling, construction and green industries. Our broker, Denise Houghtaling and her team have owned and operated successful businesses and have extensive experience buying and selling businesses and assets. Denise and her team use their past experience and knowledge to guide buyers and sellers to achieve their goals and dreams.

    Ashley Hum Serving Lee County, FL

    ABI - Accredited Business Intermediary 10+ years of experience in Real Estate/ Commercial Real Estate I have experience as both a Real Estate investor and Business owner, which allows me to offer valuable assistance to you. My Real Estate business was established in 2014, and I made my initial investment in 2017. Over time, I grew my portfolio to encompass around 15 properties by 2020. Shifting from the residential sector to commercial real estate, I discovered my passion for working with commercial investors. A trip to SWFL in 2021 ignited my love for Florida, leading me to invest in Airbnb properties in North Port and Englewood. In August 2022, I made the decision to permanently relocate to Florida to focus on my commercial broker business/Business Intermediary services. I am excited to continue my work in the Sunshine state. While I specialize in SWFL, I am also licensed across the entire State.

    David Tirado Serving Lee County, FL

    Born and raised in Rye New York, Dave is a decisive and compassionate associate known for his extensive market analysis and trends. Moved to Florida in 1985 and grown and prospered as much as the area. He earns the respect of buyers and sellers to help guide customers through the buying and selling process, making sure his customers are informed and have the tools to close and finish the process.

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