Austin Zhao
Transworld Business Advisors of South & West Texas
License Number: 644169
Phone: Show Phone Number
Contact Broker
2901 Wilcrest Drive, Suite 510
Houston, Texas 77042
(View Map)
Affiliated Broker
Transworld Business Advisors of South and West Texas
About the Company
For more than four decades, Transworld Business Advisors has been guiding entrepreneurs through one of the most important transitions of their lives — buying or selling a business. As a global leader in business brokerage, Transworld operates from more than 250 offices with over 1,000 professional advisors worldwide. With a track record of over 15,000 successful sales, our mission remains the same: connecting qualified buyers and sellers to create smooth, rewarding transactions built on trust and expertise.
Transworld Business Advisors of South & West Texas is one of the network’s most established and accomplished regions, with a dedicated team of 40+ experienced professionals serving business owners throughout South, West, Central, and North Texas. From Houston to San Antonio and beyond, our advisors combine deep local knowledge with world-class brokerage expertise—helping business owners achieve successful exits with confidence and results they can trust.
Broker Biography
Introduction
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
Services Provided
Business Sales, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Business Valuation.
Areas Served
Licensed In
- Texas — License number 644169
Business For Sale Listings
Cash Flow: $50,000
Harris Co., TX Established Teahouse in Chinatown, Southwest Houston Boba Tea, Smoothies, Slushies, Snacks, Wings and More!
This teahouse is located in a bustling shopping mall in the Chinatown area of Southwest Houston, primarily serving the local Chinese and Vietnamese communities.The location was originally established in 2012, and the current owner acquired the business in March 2023. The teahouse offers a diverse menu that includes boba tea, coffee, creamy smoothies, fruity slushies, fresh juices, fried snacks, and wings.The business is primarily operated by the owner, who works approximately 40 hours per week managing inventory and covering some shifts, alongside two employees. In 2024, the business generated $219,783.54 in revenue with an SDE (Seller’s Discretionary Earnings) of $50,000.87.The teahouse Less
Cash Flow: $860,510
Montgomery Co., TX
View Details Two Asian Restaurants with Prime Real Estate - Motivated Seller!
A rare opportunity to acquire a high-performing portfolio of two Asian fast-casual restaurants in the Greater Houston area. This turnkey acquisition includes both the established business operations and the underlying prime real estate. Currently operating under absentee ownership, the businesses are supported by dedicated management teams and full staff, offering a seamless transition for a restaurant group or private investor.Katy Location (Flagship & High Yield): Located in a high-traffic, affluent retail corridor, the Katy flagship serves as a proven anchor for the brand.Performance: In 2024, the site generated $4.3M+ in Revenue with an EBITDA of $747,039 and SDE of $876,112.Resilience: Despite a two-month temporary closure for permitting in 2025, the location maintained strong momentum, delivering $3.2M in revenue and $371,281 in SDE over just 10 months Less
Cash Flow: $88,959
Galveston Co., TX
View Details Chinese Restaurant in Friendswood - Must go for Retiring!
Located at its original site since opening in 2014, this beloved Chinese restaurant has served the Friendswood neighborhoods for 11 years. A premier destination for favorite Chinese dishes, the restaurant offers both traditional and innovative options in a warm, inviting atmosphere complemented by attentive service. In 2024, the restaurant generated $536,864 in revenue with $88,959 in Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE). Backed by an excellent reputation, a loyal customer base built over more than a decade, a prime location near new developments, a popular menu, and a dedicated team, this business offers strong potential for continued success and future growth. This is a family-owned business, acquired by the current owners in 2014. The restaurant currently employs seven staff members in addition to the owner, who will depart following the transition of ownership and completion of training for the new owner. After years of Less
Cash Flow: $322,608
Harris Co., TX
View Details Profitable Orthopedic Practice with Growth Potential in Houston
This orthopedic practice is located in a busy medical complex in West Houston, Texas. Established in 2013, it has been steadily growing for over 12 years. The practice specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic and hand conditions, with particular expertise in orthopedic and hand surgery.Over more than a decade, the practice has built a strong referral network and earned an excellent reputation. The consistent flow of patients ensures the practice’s long-term sustainability and viability. The owner (a sole physician) works 1.5 days a week in the clinic seeing patients and 1 day a week performing surgeries in Houston. He also practices 3 partial Fridays (9:00 am - 1:00 pm) a month in Dallas as locum tenens.Despite the owner-physician dedicating only limited time to the business, the practice has achieved strong financial performance. In 2024, Less
Sung Kim is a Senior Business Broker with Transworld Business Advisors of South & West Texas, bringing more than two decades of hands-on entrepreneurial experience to his clients. Having successfully launched, operated, and grown multiple consumer wireless retail locations across Texas, Sung offers a practical, real-world perspective on the challenges and opportunities of business ownership. Based in the San Antonio metro area, Sung has facilitated numerous successful business sales and acquisitions and is known for his strategic approach, operational expertise, and unwavering commitment to client success. His deep understanding of business operations, valuation, and growth strategy positions him as a trusted advisor for both buyers and sellers navigating complex transactions. Sung’s industry experience spans retail, automotive, and a broad range of service-based businesses. With a results-driven mindset, transparent communication style, and a strong work ethic, he consistently delivers value while building long-term relationships grounded in trust, performance, and measurable results. Outside of his professional endeavors, Sung is a devoted husband and father of three. He is an avid cruiser who enjoys traveling with his family and collecting sports memorabilia. Alongside his wife, he is actively engaged in supporting the autism community, inspired by their son who is on the autism spectrum.
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.
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.
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!
Son Nguyen is a seasoned real estate professional and business operator with over 20 years of experience in managing, valuing, and growing small to mid-sized businesses. With a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Real Estate from the University of Houston, Son combines financial expertise with real-world operational insight to guide clients through successful business transactions. As a Senior Business Broker with Transworld Business Advisors, Son specializes in helping entrepreneurs buy, sell, and transition businesses with confidence. His background includes commercial leasing, investment sales, and leadership roles in the service and hospitality industries—giving him a unique perspective on what drives business value and long-term success. Son is fluent in Vietnamese and serves the Greater Houston area with a commitment to integrity, strategic thinking, and personalized service.
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.
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.
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.
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.



