Contact Broker
5257 Western Drive,
Saint James City, Florida 33956
(View Map)
Affiliated Broker
Denise Houghtaling, CMAP, CBI, CEPA, ABI, SVA
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
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.
Services Provided
I specialize in professional business brokerage services, helping business owners confidentially sell their companies and assisting buyers in finding the right business opportunities. My services include business valuations, marketing and listing, buyer screening, deal negotiation, and coordination through closing. Whether you're selling or buying, I provide expert guidance every step of the way to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.
Areas Served
Licensed In
- Florida — License number SL678506
Business For Sale Listings
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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.
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.
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.
