Louis Fernandez

Professional experience: • 2013 & 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 Million Dollar Club Member • 2013 & 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2025 Presidents Club Member Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA)

I am here to help! I love serving the needs of business owners who want to transition from their current business and helping potential buyers find the business of their dreams. So if you are looking on the Tampa Bay or Gulf coast region I am the man for the job.

With an extensive background in leadership and sales, I am committed to providing you with confidential services depending on where you are at in the business buying and selling process. Having previously owned a business myself, I know how big of a deal it is when it comes time to sell. Making sure you trust the process with the right person is important. Whether you are a buyer or seller, I am committed to providing exceptional service in selling your business or helping you find the right business. Reach out to me today!

I have many years of professional experience working at the highest levels with Fortune 500 Companies. Licensed Financial Services Advisor, Licensed Real Estate Salesman and now as a Business Broker. My experience, understanding of the process and importance of the service provided, make me keenly aware of what's at stake. I pledge to provide you with professional services!

With 18 years of experience as a business owner, I bring firsthand expertise to the business brokerage process. I’ve owned and operated companies across diverse industries, including franchised food, non-medical home care, and real estate investment groups. As a business broker, I understand the challenges and opportunities of running a business, enabling me to guide clients through buying or selling with confidence and clarity. I hold an MBA from DePaul University, which has equipped me with a strong foundation in business strategy and management. Beyond my professional life, I’m proud to be a dedicated father of four children, always striving to create opportunities for their future. Whether you’re looking to sell your business or find the right investment, I’m here to help make the process smooth and successful.

Ivan Lilov is originally from Sofia, Bulgaria (Eastern Europe). He graduated with a Masters of International Economic Relations from the University of World Trade and Economy in 1996. He worked in a Large French franchise chain "Novotel Europa " as a Vice President for several years. In 1998, he came to United States and in 2000 graduated with a Master of Business Administration from Florida Metropolitan University .He worked as Assistant Trader and Assistant Financial Analyst for two years for the Tampa based GunnAllen Financial, Inc.. Then, he decided to jump from corporate to small business and in 2001 he founded ITL Eurotaste int'l, Inc. This company's objective is to establish or buy, improve or develop and sell profitable food businesses.All of the businesses the company had acquired were sold for over 300% profit. Ivan Lilov had completed Wall Street Licensing for Series 7,63,55; He has a Real Estate and Insurance License and more than 25 years of business experience, currently speaks five languages: Bulgarian, Russian, English, Macedonian, Serbian. Specialties: M&A,Business Acquisitions,Marketing,Master of Business Administration,Investment Banking,Wealth Management.

In today’s economy, there are more people looking to buy and sell businesses than ever before. When a company owner needs to sell their business, they can’t just stick a for sale sign in the window. They need the assistance of a business broker to locate and vet potential buyers. On the other side, buyers rely on the broker to help facilitate the process of evaluating potential businesses and franchises for sale. A Transworld Business Advisor is the solution for both scenarios.

I have been in the pizza business for 30+ years, starting at the young age of 14 working side by side with my dad and then taking over in 1980 and becoming the head of the family business. In 2008 I took all of my experiences and learning’s from over the years to develop a franchise concept which would enable others to live their dream and invest and operate their own Pizza Vito pizzerias. CEO and founder of Pizza Vito and soon thereafter I did a tour in India exploring the country’s food and business concepts while working with a strategic partner who was a master franchise in India, with over 30 locations. Knowledgeable in business and my abilities are priceless to any sellers needs. My life’s experience can help facilitate relationships between buyers and sellers to assure that a smooth transition will take place from beginning to end during the buying and selling process C.352-999-1815 T 941-592-6884

Ashley Kelsey is a Certified Business Intermediary with a deep-rooted passion for entrepreneurship, influenced by her upbringing in a family of business owners. As a military spouse, Ashley learned to navigate life's unpredictability, inspiring her to mentor others on the importance of exit planning. Ashley is an experienced project manager with a background in healthcare, retail and construction services. Her dedication to client success has earned her membership in the Transworld Business Advisors President's Club and recognition in the IBBA's Chairman's Circle. Ashley Kelsey stands as an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs seeking strategic guidance, unwavering support, and a personalized approach to selling their business.

Ilona holds an MBA degree from California State University, East Bay. She worked on new market development projects in Russia, Ukraine, and Romania with Barents Group LLC (a KPMG company). In the early 2000s, she owned a proxy solicitation and investor relations firm in Moscow. She later spent 15 years as a music manager and performer, and since 2015 has been a real estate investor.

As a licensed Business Broker and Franchise Specialist with Transworld Business Advisors, I help small business owners sell their companies with clarity, confidentiality, and maximum value. Whether you're ready to exit now or just beginning to plan, I walk with you every step of the way — from pricing and preparation to marketing, negotiation, and closing. For buyers, I offer access to hundreds of listings (both public and confidential) and guide you through the purchase process so you can confidently acquire the right business for your goals. I specialize in main street and lower-middle market businesses across a range of industries — including food & beverage, route/distribution, retail, automotive, and service-based operations. Let’s have a conversation — whether you're looking to sell now, buy your first business, or simply understand your options.

Michael Shea represents the Tampa Bay Transworld office. In business since 2005, he has established a reputation as a trusted business broker across Florida’s key markets- from Tampa to Orlando, Melbourne, and more. Over the past two decades, Michael and his team have closed over $1 Billion in sold business volume and presided over more than 450 transactions. His credentials include the IBBA Certified Business Intermediary®, and most recently, the prestigious Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA) credential. Mr. Shea is the Number 1 Business Broker in all of the Tampa Bay area.

Alana Hollifield was recruited to Transworld Business Advisors, bringing more than 15 years of executive-level experience in finance, operations, and strategic growth across the retail distribution, financial services, and technology sectors. As a Business Broker, Alana specializes in helping business owners maximize value and successfully transition their companies. She draws on her background in financial planning and analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and ERP system implementation to provide accurate business valuations, identify growth opportunities, and structure deals that align with her clients’ goals. A Certified Public Accountant with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting from Florida State University, Alana is recognized for her data-driven approach and ability to translate complex financials into clear strategies for buyers and sellers. Prior to joining Transworld, she led large-scale initiatives that delivered measurable EBITDA growth, streamlined operations, and supported multiple M&A transactions from sourcing to post-integration. Her diverse skill set, international business experience, and proven track record of driving long-term value make her a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs preparing for an exit, as well as buyers seeking strong acquisition targets.

As a Business Broker with over 18 years of corporate, small business and Non-Profit leadership experience, James Lascano applies his plethora of knowledge to benefit all his clients. He focuses on sharing his expertise with the seller and capitalize on their business value when it sells. With an impressive resume working for telecommunication giants, family owned manufacturing firms, and even world recognized non-profits, his focus has always been to lead by example. Utilizing a simple yet proven leadership model of Credibility, Trust and Respect (which he also facilitates at world recognized educational institutions) he has been able to succeed in many facets of the business world. As a Six Sigma, he has utilized operational tactics to benefit and lead over hundreds of associates in various assignments, including sales, marketing, and operations. An ongoing supporter of his community, James has been recognized for his civic involvement. Receiving the Community Service Award by the Florida Telecommunications Industry Association and Civic Man of the Year by Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. His involvement has included sitting on various boards, including the Hispanic Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs board and the Sam M. Walton College D&I Advisory Board at the University of Arkansas. His current focus has been to support various charities in the Tampa Bay Area, The 13 Ugly Men Foundation as a board member & the Krewe of Sant' Yago Education Foundation Board Member.