Jodi Wilson

Selling or Buying a business is one of the most important financial and personal decisions a business owner will ever make. Choosing the right broker can mean the difference between simply closing a deal and maximizing the true value of years of hard work. Phillip Pennestri brings the experience, strategic insight, and real-world business ownership background that sellers need to navigate that process successfully. With more than 25 years of experience as a successful construction company owner and real estate developer, Phillip understands firsthand the challenges, risks, and sacrifices that come with building and operating a business. Unlike brokers who have only worked in sales, Phillip has spent decades managing operations, leading teams, negotiating contracts, scaling companies, and driving profitability. He approaches every transaction from the perspective of a true business owner. Phillip’s business career began in the mergers and acquisitions sector in New York City, where he worked on transactions involving garment industry companies, retail clothing businesses, and ready-to-wear manufacturing operations. This early M&A experience provided him with a strong foundation in deal structure, valuation strategy, negotiations, and buyer-seller dynamics—skills that continue to serve his clients today. His entrepreneurial foundation was built even earlier while working in his family’s dry cleaning and commercial laundry business, where he gained practical, hands-on experience in small business operations and customer service. This unique blend of blue-collar business ownership, institutional transaction experience, and large-scale real estate development allows Phillip to connect with business owners across a wide range of industries and understand what truly drives business value. As a business broker, Phillip is known for his ability to identify opportunities, position businesses effectively in the marketplace, and guide owners through smooth, confidential, and profitable transactions. He combines operational expertise with strategic negotiation skills to help clients maximize value while minimizing stress throughout the sales process. Clients value Phillip not only for his business acumen, but also for his integrity, discipline, and commitment to service. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force who served in support of Operation Desert Storm, Phillip brings a mission-focused mindset, strong leadership, and unwavering professionalism to every client relationship.

Jodi Wilson | Business Broker & Transaction Facilitator Buying or selling a business is far more than a routine transaction. It is a major financial and operational transition. Business owners deserve a broker who understands the hard work behind a company's history, maintains absolute confidentiality, and applies steady, analytical rigor to complete a deal smoothly. Likewise, buyers need a trusted partner who can present transparent numbers and facilitate acquisitions efficiently. Based in Coeur d'Alene and serving the Inland Northwest, I bring over 28 years of entrepreneurial leadership, operational experience, and proven entrepreneurial leadership to First Choice Business Brokers. My focus is Facilitating Your Business Entry, Exit, and Expansion, serving as a dedicated intermediary whether you are selling a legacy business, searching for your next acquisition, or building a corporate growth strategy. Entrepreneurial Leadership & Executive Experience. I evaluate and facilitate transactions with first-hand insight into what it takes to launch, scale, manage, and transition an enterprise: Founding & Executive Track Record: As a serial founder of three successful organizations, I understand the full lifecycle of business ownership firsthand. I scaled a national consulting firm serving federal, corporate, and nonprofit clients, managing full P&L, leading a 15-person team, and securing continuous contract renewals. Having carried full financial responsibility for my own enterprises, I bring real-world experience in managing cash flow, navigating market shifts, and executing clean business transitions. Technology & Enterprise Leadership: As the founder of an AI technology firm operating in defense and critical infrastructure environments, I understand the complexities of proprietary technology, high-consequence industries, and enterprise growth. I also co-founded a global professional association, driving international market expansion and membership growth. I bring deep working knowledge of corporate governance, financial recasting, operational structures, and succession strategy. This practical entrepreneurial leadership allows me to communicate effectively with business owners, individual buyers, corporate acquirers, and institutional investors. How I Facilitate Business Sales & Acquisitions Whether representing a seller or assisting a buyer, I follow a disciplined, confidential framework to move deals smoothly across the finish line: 1. Accurate Market Price Analysis & Financial Recasting Every deal depends on clear, defensible numbers. Utilizing First Choice's analysis tools—backed by more than $15 billion in real-world transaction data—I deliver accurate market price analyses and asset assessments. Financial recasting adjusts for non-operational expenses and discretionary owner benefits to reveal true operational earnings (Seller's Discretionary Earnings), giving both buyers and sellers a clear foundation for deal pricing. 2. Confidential Intermediary Services Confidentiality protects the business during a transaction. I manage the sale process discreetly using blind marketing profiles, enforced Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and buyer qualification before sensitive operational or financial information is shared. 3. Buyer Representation & Expansion Support For entrepreneurs, corporate acquirers, or current business owners looking to expand through acquisition, I help identify viable targets, review opportunity parameters, and navigate the offer and closing process. 4. Transaction Coordination Transactions require careful alignment between multiple parties. I facilitate communication between buyers, sellers, attorneys, CPAs, and SBA lenders to ensure due diligence stays organized, deadlines are met, and the deal moves forward predictably. Primary Industry Focus: While I facilitate transactions across diverse commercial sectors, I bring specific familiarity to: Family-Owned & Local Businesses: Assisting multi-generational or local business owners with confidential third-party sales. Health, Wellness & Medical Practices: Medical clinics, dental practices, and health service enterprises. Dual-Use & B2B Technical Enterprises: Technical service firms, commercial suppliers, and dual-use government contractors. My Commitment & Next Steps: My goal is simple: protect what you have built, position it effectively, and help you achieve the strongest financial outcome when it is time for your next chapter. I will always give you candid, transparent feedback, and work alongside you through expansion, entry, and exiting. Business Owners: Contact me today for a confidential, complimentary market price analysis to determine what your business is worth in today's market. Buyers & Expanding Enterprises: Reach out today to get added to my Confidential Buyer List. Share your acquisition criteria, preferred industries, and target geography so I can alert you when matching opportunities become available. Contact Jodi Wilson today to discuss your buying, selling, or expansion goals.

Philip started his career in the U.S. Coast Guard and later served as a Deputy Sheriff while earning his degree at American Military University. After transitioning into project management, where he managed many multi-million dollar projects, he launched and eventually sold his own specialized home remodeling company. Today, he’s a business advisor who has guided founders through growth, valuations, and successful business sales for many years. He’s calm under pressure, direct with communication, data-driven, and passionate about helping entrepreneurs. Experienced in but not limited to: Building & Construction Home Service Trades Automotive, Boat & Powersports Sportsman and Outdoor businesses Retail Mortgage Companies Animal Grooming Marketing Growth & Strategy Business Valuation Services Exit Planning Strategy