Austin Zhao

Richard Carruth brings over 30 years of experience in construction, engineering, and asset performance management, with a strong background in operational reliability and risk mitigation. He retired from ExxonMobil as a Manufacturing Advisor before founding two businesses: Carruth Insurance and Carruth Solutions, LLC. Carruth Insurance provided tailored insurance solutions for high-net-worth individuals through financial advisors, applying industrial risk strategies to protect personal assets. Carruth Solutions, LLC helped industrial clients implement Asset Performance Management tools, turnaround planning, and instrumentation lifecycle applications to improve safety, efficiency, and profitability. Richard’s consulting work involved assessing operational risks, analyzing data, and recommending cost-effective, strategic improvements. He has held a Texas General Lines Agent license in Property & Casualty, Life, Accident, Health, and HMO insurance, and completed the ExxonMobil Enterprise Leadership Program at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. As a business advisor, Richard helps small business owners increase value by improving operations, financial performance, and market positioning. His client-focused approach includes business assessments, value enhancement strategies, and transaction preparation to maximize exit value. Known for his attention to detail, work ethic, and relationship-building skills, Richard serves both buyers and sellers with transparency and fiduciary responsibility. He engages through local networking, earns trust with tailored solutions, and maintains strong client communication. A native Texan, Richard lives in Montgomery, Texas with his wife of 34 years, Sheri. They enjoy time with their four children, four grandchildren, and pets Astro and Gracie. His hobbies include travel, sailing, and playing guitar.

Aasif Iqbal brings more than twelve years of experience in corporate banking, debt capital markets, and project finance to Transworld Business Advisors. Throughout his career, he has led over one billion dollars in originations and structured complex financial transactions across a range of industries. Recognized for his analytical rigor and strategic approach to capital deployment, Aasif combines financial expertise with a collaborative mindset to deliver measurable results. His background includes advanced work in financial modeling, valuation, forecasting, and scenario analysis, all supported by a strong understanding of how financial decisions influence enterprise value. His negotiation philosophy focuses on achieving mutually beneficial outcomes that create value for buyers, sellers, and all stakeholders while maintaining transparency and trust throughout the process. Before joining Transworld, Aasif served as an Investment Portfolio Manager for the M.A. Wright Fund, where he managed a diversified U.S. equity portfolio and achieved returns that outperformed the Russell 2000 index through disciplined valuation and risk management strategies. Aasif earned his MBA in Finance from Rice Business, where he served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Co-Head of the Private Equity Club. He is fluent in English and Urdu/Hindi.

Mauricio Carrillo understands firsthand what it takes to build and operate a successful business. As the founder and CEO of Grupo Carrillo Inc., he has owned and managed multiple franchise locations since 2008, overseeing everything from site selection and staffing to marketing, financial performance, and long-term growth. His experience managing full P&L responsibility across several locations gives him a practical understanding of the challenges and decisions business owners face every day. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Mauricio spent nearly a decade with Cook Medical Inc., managing a $10 million sales territory across West Texas and New Mexico. In this role, he worked closely with physicians, hospital executives, and clinical teams, developing a reputation for his consultative approach, strategic thinking, and ability to manage complex business relationships. Earlier in his career, Mauricio built a strong foundation in sales and market development with Philip Morris USA, where he managed more than 140 retail accounts generating $12 million in annual revenue. His ability to grow market share in a competitive environment earned him recognition for performance and leadership. Today, Mauricio brings this combined experience in business ownership, sales strategy, and financial oversight to Transworld Business Advisors. He works closely with business owners to understand their goals, position their companies effectively in the market, and guide them through the process of selling their business with professionalism and confidence. Mauricio holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Dylan Adams brings a diverse background in business operations, healthcare management, and financial strategy to Transworld Business Advisors. As the Founder and CEO of Impact Consulting Group, he has partnered with small businesses throughout the Houston market to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen financial performance, and drive sustainable growth. With more than a decade of leadership experience across healthcare operations, medical technology, and clinical services, Dylan offers a balanced perspective that combines strategic planning with hands-on execution. Before launching his consulting firm, he served as Manager of Finance and Strategic Analysis at Texas Children’s Hospital, leading a multidisciplinary team supporting perioperative operations. He directed the financial oversight of more than $30 million in annual implant and supply expenditures, implemented executive dashboards to improve surgical performance, and managed capital purchasing initiatives exceeding $20 million annually. Earlier in his career, Dylan held leadership roles with Synaptive Medical and Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA Robotics Division, where he managed clinical teams nationwide and drove initiatives to improve product utilization and service revenue. His work supported operating room efficiency and advanced clinical outcomes while building strong relationships with physicians and hospital administrators. Dylan began his professional journey as a Clinical Engineer with Cyberonics (LivaNova), assisting physicians and surgical teams with the implementation of neuromodulation technology for epilepsy and depression. He earned his MBA with concentrations in Healthcare, Strategy, and Marketing from Rice University, where he served as President of the Healthcare Association, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from The University of Texas at Austin. Recognized for his analytical mindset and results-oriented approach, Dylan is dedicated to helping business owners streamline operations, make data-informed decisions, and position their companies for long-term success. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys volunteering with WorkFaith, a Houston-based faith-driven nonprofit supporting job seekers, as well as making/ recording music and spending quality time with his family and friends.

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.

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.

Steve Merritt is a Senior Business Advisor 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, Certified Business Intermediary and Licensed Texas Real Estate Agent with a BBA from the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University. Steve also holds a Certified M&A Professional certificate from Kennesaw State University.

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.

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.

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. Caroline is a former chemical engineer who has built manufacturing plants $20MM-$150MM. Her favorite project is expanding the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream line and getting access to unlimited ice cream. Caroline also worked in procurement where she negotiated $10MM contracts. During Covid, Caroline started up a consulting business where she successfully assisted 24 different companies in growing their businesses during the pandemic. She successfully launched and marketed each of these businesses' products online yielding increased revenues of double to quadruple pre-pandemic figures. Caroline is a Texas-licensed real estate agent with a specialty in helping senior citizens with farm and ranch land sales. As an entrepreneur and business development manager of multiple businesses, she understands the challenges that business owners face to build an organization that raises the bar for services offered to the small business community. Caroline has a passion for helping business owners achieve their financial goals with representation and how business owners can mitigate risk while optimizing their exit, so she is thrilled to have an opportunity to do this each and every day with Transworld.

Bringing a fresh, yet strategic business perspective to the world of business brokerage, Rel offers a unique blend of experience and expertise. A proud Veteran, Rel served four years in the United States Navy, where she learned valuable leadership skills and a disciplined approach to business. After transitioning to civilian life, she graduated from Lamar University’s School of Business and quickly became a passionate entrepreneur and marketing wiz. Rel has co-owned three small businesses, giving her a firsthand understanding of the ins and outs of various business structures. This experience allows her to guide others with a practical, hands-on approach to business ownership. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs with the startup of their businesses, creating strategic, successful marketing plans, and developing social media strategies that generate qualified leads for business owners. A proud resident of Beaumont, TX, Rel absolutely loves the community and the opportunities it offers. She is deeply invested in supporting local businesses and helping them thrive. Rel is a full-time marketer, no matter where she is or what she’s doing. In her free time, she enjoys making lasting memories with her family, gardening, and playing golf. She’s always open to connecting and building meaningful relationships, so let’s chat!

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.

With a background spanning business banking, entrepreneurship, and leadership, Josh brings a wealth of experience to Transworld Business Advisors. His journey with Transworld began in 2024 when a Transworld agent in Cumming, Georgia successfully guided him through the sale of his own roofing company. After building that business from a three-person startup into a well-known company with 26 employees, he gained firsthand appreciation for the value of expert guidance during a business sale. Educated at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, Josh began his career in ministry in Ontario, Canada, where he developed a foundation in servant leadership. He later transitioned into banking, serving with several major institutions including Bank of America, where he specialized in small business lending and underwriting. Over the course of more than two decades, he advised hundreds of business owners on growth strategies, operational efficiency, and financial performance. His entrepreneurial drive led him to launch a financial services division for a North Georgia community bank before founding his own commercial roofing company. After successfully building and selling that business, Josh relocated to Texas to help other business owners achieve profitable and seamless exits of their own. Outside of work, he is active with the Sacred Selections adoption foundation, coaches youth baseball and soccer, and leads mission trips across South and Central America. In 2025, he directed a youth camp for more than 80 Nicaraguan teens in Matagalpa, Nicaragua.

Blake Lehew is a Business Broker with Transworld Business Advisors of South & West Texas. A passionate entrepreneur and small business owner, Blake brings over 12 years of experience in the fitness and coaching industry coupled with real-world operational expertise to the world of business brokerage. In 2022, he founded and successfully operated his own gym in San Antonio, Texas, where he navigated the daily challenges and opportunities of running a small business. His journey began with a degree in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University, where he also earned minors in Business and Coaching. For over 12 years, Blake has served as a strength coach, helping individuals reach their physical goals while developing a deep commitment to serving others. After four years of owning and operating his gym, Blake gained a profound appreciation for entrepreneurship and the resilience required to build and grow a successful business. This firsthand experience allows him to connect with business owners on a genuine level, understanding both the highs and the lows of small business ownership. Blake is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs maximize the value of their companies and achieve smooth, successful transitions—whether they are preparing for an exit or looking to acquire a business that aligns with their goals. His background in operations, coaching, and business management gives him a unique ability to support sellers in positioning their businesses effectively and to guide buyers toward opportunities that match their vision. With a hands-on approach and a service-oriented mindset, Blake focuses on building strong relationships and delivering tailored solutions that protect his clients’ interests and unlock the full potential of their entrepreneurial journey.

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. Having worked on many deals with a variety of cultures and businesses, it was a natural transition into the business advisory field. Darrin chose to affiliate with Transworld Business Advisors because of their commitment to excellence, customer-centric approach, and stellar reputation earned in their four decades of business. With over 200+ offices worldwide and over 800+ brokers, the resources available to their clients are unsurpassed.

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 American. 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.

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.

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.

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 the technical aspects of businesses including restaurants, manufacturers and distributors, contractors, adult education and 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.

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.

Brennon Manske is a Business Broker with Transworld Business Advisors serving Abilene and West Texas, specializing in middle market transactions. A Texas native and lifelong entrepreneur, he brings firsthand experience building, scaling, and operating businesses across retail, real estate investment, property management, construction development, and small business operations. Unlike advisors who have only evaluated businesses from the outside, Brennon has operated within them. He understands the realities of managing payroll, overseeing inventory, negotiating leases, leading teams, navigating regulatory challenges, and making critical financial decisions that directly impact families and livelihoods. Having built businesses through both growth and adversity, he applies a disciplined approach to risk management, operational resilience, and strategic positioning. His background includes strengthening operational systems, improving profitability, increasing enterprise value, and preparing companies for growth or a strategic exit. With deep experience in retail and small business operations, he is skilled in reviewing financial statements, analyzing margins, identifying inefficiencies, and uncovering value drivers that may not be immediately visible. Known for a direct, results driven advisory style, Brennon approaches negotiations with structure and clarity. He focuses on protecting client interests while aligning each transaction with long term objectives and legacy considerations. Deeply rooted in West Texas, he is committed to supporting the regional business community by helping owners transition with confidence and a clear strategy. In addition to his work throughout Texas, Brennon has traveled extensively across the United States, Canada, and Europe through his entrepreneurial and consulting ventures. This experience provides both strong regional insight and a broad strategic perspective when advising clients. Brennon is currently pursuing his Texas Real Estate License to further support transactions involving both business and commercial real estate. For business owners considering a sale or evaluating their next step, Brennon Manske offers the operational insight, financial discipline, and strategic execution to guide a successful transition.

Adonis Ducre is a seasoned business broker, entrepreneur, and executive with over 20 years of experience helping business owners buy, sell, and grow their companies. His career spans several industries, with a particular focus on healthcare. While Adonis has deep expertise in pharmacy businesses, he also works with clients across a range of sectors, including retail, logistics, and commercial services. He specializes in helping owners extract maximum value from their businesses—whether they're selling, scaling, or pivoting. In addition to his industry knowledge, Adonis is a skilled marketer and presenter. He excels at creating compelling pitch decks and the supporting documents needed to present a business in the best possible light. His focus is always on connecting the right businesses with the right buyers to achieve successful outcomes. Adonis has completed more than 50 pharmacy-related transactions, representing over $500 million in revenue. With pharmacy licenses in 16 states and hands-on experience in building and operating his own businesses, he offers a comprehensive understanding of both the operational and financial sides of a deal. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and an MBA from DePaul University. Known for his down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach, Adonis helps clients navigate complex decisions with clarity and confidence. If you’re looking to buy or sell a business, Adonis has the experience, insight, and dedication to guide you every step of the way.

Rusty Fisher is an accomplished Senior Business Advisor based in Houston. With over 25 years of experience in the financial service sector, Rusty has built a reputation as a trusted expert in equity research and institutional equity sales. During his early career, Rusty excelled in equity research, meticulously analyzing financial statements and providing valuable stock recommendations to institutional investors. This foundation allowed him to transition seamlessly into institutional equity sales, where he guided mutual funds, pension funds, hedge funds, and money managers in making informed stock investments. What sets Rusty apart is his comprehensive understanding of diverse industries, ranging from manufacturing and restaurants to retail, business services, banking, technology, energy, healthcare, real estate, and beyond. As a seasoned generalist in equity sales, he consistently demonstrates a working knowledge across various sectors, allowing him to offer comprehensive guidance to his esteemed clientele. Rusty's dedication to his clients' success is evident in his exceptional service, prompt responsiveness, and unwavering integrity. His commitment to honesty and professionalism has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a trusted advisor in the industry. Beyond his financial expertise, Rusty has also ventured into entrepreneurship. He successfully acquired and divested a franchise in the education space, showcasing his strategic acumen and business management skills. Additionally, he held a key role as the head of the investor relations department for an oil and gas company, demonstrating his versatility and adaptability in different corporate environments. A true Houstonian, Rusty's roots run deep in the city. Prior to his academic pursuits, he worked in the construction industry, instilling in him a strong work ethic and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. Rusty holds a BBA and an MBA from the University of Houston, cementing his educational foundation for his prosperous career. To stay connected with industry trends and fellow professionals, Rusty is an active member of both the International Association of Business Brokers and the Texas Association of Business Brokers. Outside of his professional endeavors, Rusty enjoys indulging in his passions for cooking, camping, hiking, and snow skiing. With his extensive expertise, unwavering dedication, and diverse skill set, Rusty Fisher continues to be a driving force in the financial services industry, empowering clients and businesses to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing market landscape.

Tony Keane is an experienced business broker. Prior to becoming a broker, he 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 facing small businesses allows him to appreciate the dynamics of your business. His experience in acquisitions, financial analysis, and market assessments make him a great asset to both buyers and sellers. He serves on the board of five companies as a director. Additionally, he has extensive previous board experience for several other organizations. Past positions over the last thirty years have provided him with a broad range of experience, 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 the Executive Leadership Certificate from Rice University. He is a member of the International Business Broker Association (IBBA).

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.

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.

Daniel Elizondo is a Senior Business Broker with Transworld Business Advisors of South & West Texas, bringing more than four decades of executive leadership experience in finance, procurement, operations, and mergers and acquisitions. His background spans capital intensive manufacturing industries including oil and gas, cement, automotive, steel, and related sectors, where he developed deep expertise in financial performance, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. As a former business owner, Daniel understands firsthand the daily demands, risks, and rewards of owning and operating a company. Having been involved on both sides of business transactions, he has worked through financial analysis, valuation, due diligence, negotiation, financing, and the legal components of buy sell transactions. This practical experience allows him to guide business owners with clarity and discipline throughout the sale process while helping buyers evaluate opportunities with confidence. Daniel has previously served in senior leadership roles including Managing Partner and President, where he led initiatives to strengthen profitability, improve balance sheet performance, optimize sourcing and procurement strategies, and implement operational improvements. His experience managing capital expenditures, overseeing complex procurement portfolios, and developing performance driven teams gives him a strong understanding of how value is created and preserved inside a business. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering and an MBA with a concentration in Finance from ITESM, as well as advanced executive studies at IPADE Business School in Monterrey, Mexico. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Daniel brings a multicultural and global perspective to his work, serving business owners and buyers with analytical rigor, operational insight, and a commitment to achieving successful outcomes.

Raul Munoz is a Senior Business Advisor with Transworld Business Advisors, bringing over 40 years of experience in Accounting, Finance, Audit, and Treasury management across both domestic and international operations. His industry expertise includes manufacturing, agricultural, automotive, construction equipment, governmental, insurance, services, and retail sectors. Raul is a dynamic, bilingual professional fluent in English and Spanish, known for being detail-oriented and highly organized. He excels at prioritizing and multitasking efficiently and is a proven initiator and problem solver with a strong emphasis on building and mentoring teams, as well as fostering internal and external relationships. In addition to his advisory role, Raul has participated in the implementation of accounting, finance, and treasury ERP software for multibillion-dollar companies and has been part of teams involved in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions. Raul holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Universidad Regiomontana in Monterrey, Mexico. Born in Monterrey, he immigrated to Dallas in 1996, then moved to the Chicago Metro area, and in 1999, he settled in Houston, where he established both professional and personal roots.

Bobbi Coffey is a seasoned professional with a remarkable track record in corporate finance, accounting, and leadership. With over 30 years of experience, she has excelled as a CFO, providing strategic financial guidance to CEOs and business owners across various industries with revenues ranging from $5M to $850M. Her comprehensive understanding of organizational management, including operations, legal, HR, IT, systems, and FP&A, has enabled her to drive success in diverse business environments. As a Senior M&A Intermediary specializing in lower middle market, Bobbi brings her exceptional negotiation, acquisition, and integration skills to the table. Her hands-on approach and problem-solving abilities have earned her a reputation for delivering successful outcomes while ensuring the satisfaction of both sellers and buyers. Bobbi's unique business structuring approach and strong leadership qualities enable her to navigate complexities and maximize value for all parties involved. Her deep industry expertise spans technology, services, construction, and manufacturing among others. Bobbi’s broad experience, coupled with her financial acumen, sets her apart in the industry. Her strong network and creative partnering skills allow her to connect buyers and sellers seamlessly, facilitating smooth transactions and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. As a forward-thinking professional, Bobbi remains ahead of market trends and industry developments, consistently delivering tailored solutions to clients. Her passion for facilitating successful transactions, combined with her dedication to exceptional service, positions her as a highly sought-after business advisor. If you are seeking a seasoned and results-driven business broker with a strong financial background, Bobbi Coffey 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. Bobbi has a B.S. in Accounting from The Florida State University. Her credentials include Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI) and Certified Merger & Acquisition Professional (CM&AP). She is also a licensed Texas Real Estate Sales Agent (Lic. #720698) and specializes in commercial real estate sales partnered with business transactions.

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.

With over 12 years as a business owner and a career built across operations, consulting, and implementation management, Kerri brings a rare depth of real-world experience to Transworld Business Advisors. Kerri founded and grew her own managed services company in The Woodlands, serving clients across healthcare, legal, manufacturing, and oil & gas. She built it from the ground up — hiring teams, negotiating contracts, retaining clients, and driving year-over-year growth. That experience gives her a firsthand understanding of what business owners go through, both in building their companies and in deciding when it's time for the next chapter. Before joining Transworld, Kerri worked as a senior business consultant, helping companies restructure operations, implement new technologies, and improve profitability. Her ability to dig into the numbers, identify inefficiencies, and deliver results made her a trusted advisor to business owners across multiple industries. Kerri holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Houston Baptist University. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate the complexities of buying and selling businesses with confidence, clarity, and a broker who truly understands what's at stake. Outside of work, Kerri is a devoted family woman with a love for animals — her family's farm is home to dogs, chickens, and a growing crew of four-legged friends. She's always happy to connect, so don't hesitate to reach out.

Leslie Perez is a Senior Business Advisor in the Houston office with over 12 years as Sr. Product Manager and Director of Product Management at several large Oil and Gas corporations in Houston Texas. These positions included developing business strategy and evaluating and recommending technologies and strategic acquisitions that enhance the company’s product lines which grew through an aggressive M&A. Leslie’s education has not only included an MBA but he also has a technical background with a BS – Mechanical Engineering and over 20 years’ experience as a design engineer and engineering manager for the O&G and Industrial Markets. My M&A experience also includes acquisition integration and accelerating value creation by leveraging the strengths of the merging companies including people, products and processes. My Product Management experience includes a strong understanding of the entire product lifecycle (cradle to grave) and new product development from concept to successful commercialization. I look forward to working with entrepreneurs and business owners to meet their growth strategy and financial goals through buying or selling their business or technology. Leslie is the son of a career Army soldier and worked several DOD civilian positions to put himself through engineering school and enjoys working with the large community of Veteran business owners in the Killeen/Temple Texas area.

Brandon Harper is a Transworld representative for Corpus Christi and South Texas. With over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur and small business owner, he brings valuable insight into construction, tourism, restaurants, and craft brewing. Having successfully started and grown four businesses (not counting his first venture at age 10, painting addresses on curbs), Brandon understands both the needs of small business owners and the goals of those looking to purchase a business. His career has taken him from Nicaragua to Alaska and everywhere in between. As Brandon says, “I’ve traveled the world looking for the best place to live and do business, and I ended up back in South Texas.” Passionate about small- to mid-market businesses, Brandon takes great pride in helping aspiring business owners find their dream job and supporting exiting business owners as they move on to the next stage of their careers. He also serves on the Construction Trade Advisory Board for the City of Corpus Christi. His extensive network of entrepreneurs and investors has grown through years of community presence and involvement. Brandon’s experience operating, buying, and selling businesses isn’t the only reason to trust him with your next transaction—it’s also his dedication to providing exceptional service. A graduate of Texas A&M University in College Station, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics with a minor in Business, equipping him with a strong foundation in financial and operational strategy. He understands the value of time and takes pride in delivering excellent support to both buyers and sellers. His deep knowledge of operations, employee relations, and his service-driven mindset are what truly set him apart.

Phillip Johns, Senior Business Advisor with Transworld Business Advisors offers over 17 years of experience in Victoria, Texas. He has built deep-rooted connections within the community while developing and scaling multiple businesses. A United States Army veteran and seasoned entrepreneur, he has successfully founded and grown two multi-million-dollar construction companies—South Texas Fence & Deck LLC and South Texas Fence Supply—establishing them as industry leaders. Phillip’s passion lies in business acquisitions and sales, leveraging his firsthand experience in buying and selling companies across industries such as construction, fitness, and food & beverage. As the Executive Director of PJ & CJ LLC, he manages a diverse portfolio of investments, including real estate, stock and cryptocurrency, and asset procurement. In addition to running his own ventures, Phillip serves as a consultant for investment firms in the construction industry, specializing in rapid business growth and technology integration. Whether guiding business buyers to the right opportunity or helping sellers secure the best deal, he is committed to making the process seamless and rewarding.

Arturo has been a Serial Entrepreneur, a sought-after Consultant/Coach, two-time Bestselling Author and Public Speaker for over 25 years. He has been involved in well over 130 business acquisitions, transactions, valuations, and business deals. He has successfully started, bought, sold, and operated over 60 companies across 20 industries, personally from his own portfolio, where he buys them, makes them more efficient and/or scales them, and eventually sells them for a higher multiple or profit. He has successfully raised over 100 million dollars in debt and equity from banks, venture capitalists, and investors for his own businesses while managing over 2,000 employees combined. He has bought restaurants, started a tequila company, a consumer goods export company, a technology company, bars and night clubs, a pest control company, fast food restaurants, real estate brokerages, a steel fabrication company, franchises, a wholesale distributor, a data center, a loan servicing company, a logistics company, an importer and distributor of electrical appliances, an oil and gas company, a theater production, a professional soccer game, a senior living management company, among others. These have all been done for his own portfolio and in some cases without using his own capital. He raised 10 million dollars for his company from venture capital funds like Merrill Lynch Venture Capital, CVC Latin America, Citibank’s venture capital arm, as well as the Explorador fund in Silicon Valley. He has also taken one of his companies public on the stock market in the United States. He has worked at Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Lehman Brothers, and KPMG as managing director of their mergers and acquisitions division, where he was involved in over 60 deals. He holds 3 master's degrees: a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University and a double master's degree (Double MA) in International Relations and Communications from Boston University. Arturo is the bestselling author of Buy Yourself Into Entrepreneurship and Leading High Performing Teams. He is in the process of publishing his new book, Synergistic Leadership: Back to Basics. Arturo has also taught at the graduate and undergraduate levels on varied topics from Corporate Finance, Strategic Negotiations, and Evaluations of Investment Projects to Geopolitics. Arturo has travelled extensively throughout the US, Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia and speaks three languages fluently (English, Spanish, and French).

Senior Business Advisor on the Transworld Houston team, Carmen Hanna has over 30 years of experience in international business and finance. Carmen is a member of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) and M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) Source and has earned a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation and the elite Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI) designation. She also holds a Texas Real Estate License. Carmen 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. As a former investment banker, Carmen has extensive experience in buying and selling businesses and has executed several transactions including mergers & acquisitions, initial public offerings and private equity placements. She is well versed in valuation techniques to determine the best entry and exit price for an investment. Carmen holds an MBA in management from Imperial College Business School, London, UK, where she specialized in corporate finance and customer-focused strategy.

Austin Zhao is a Partner and Vice President of Transworld South & West Texas, New Mexico, and Wyoming. He is a highly accomplished Senior M&A Advisor with over 38 years of business experience and a strong background in international trade, business negotiations, and M&A transactions. Since joining Transworld Business Advisors in late 2015, he has specialized in business sales, mergers and acquisitions, and business valuation, consistently guiding business owners through complex transactions with clarity and confidence. Professional Designations/Credentials: • Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) • Business Certified Appraiser (BCA) • M&A Master Intermediary (M&AMI) • Certified M&A Professional (CM&AP) • Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) • Licensed Real Estate Agent in Texas Austin’s expertise in business valuation and experience in business sales help his clients understand the value of their businesses and set the right pricing strategy for a successful sale process. There is no question why Austin’s approach yields excellent results and higher sale conversions compared to other brokers in the industry. Recognition & Achievements Austin has received multiple accolades for performance in the business brokerage industry: • Gold Club Member, M&A SOURCE • Platinum Chairman’s Circle, IBBA • Diamond Club Member, Transworld Business Advisors (National) • Top 5 Producer among 1,000+ Transworld business advisors worldwide in 2023 Leadership & Community Involvement Beyond his transactional success, Austin is actively involved in serving the business community through various leadership roles: • Board Member & Conference Committee Chair, International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) • Former Chairman, Asian Chamber of Commerce (2016-2017) • Founding Board Member, Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) Houston Chapter (Retired 2019) • Board Director, Paraffin Wax Committee, China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters (1995-1996) Fluent in English, Chinese, and basic Japanese, Austin’s cross-cultural business expertise makes him a valuable advisor for both international and domestic business transactions. Why Work with Austin Zhao & Transworld? ? Top Producer in Transworld’s global network – ranked among the Top 5 producers worldwide ? Expert Business Valuation – CVA & BCA-certified for accurate and defensible pricing strategies ? Trusted & Experienced – Holds M&AMI, CM&AP, and CBI designations in business sales and M&A ? Largest Buyer Network – 75,000+ local buyers and access to 600,000+ buyers within Transworld’s global network ? 38+ Years of Business Experience – Combined with cross-cultural knowledge and negotiation expertise

Ron Hankamer, Jr. is a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) and Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional (CMAP) with the Houston office and specializes in the restaurant and franchise industries. Ron has over 20 years’ experience as a franchise owner and franchise development executive with multiple 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.