Jason Sousa

Business Broker & Commercial Real Estate Agent

Jason Sousa

Business Broker & Commercial Real Estate Agent

With over two decades of professional expertise spanning marketing, sales, consulting, operations, and account management, Jason has carved a remarkable career path. His journey has been marked by engagements with industry giants like General Motors, The Chrysler Group, Fidelity, and USAA, where he masterfully negotiated multi-million-dollar contracts. But to him, it’s not just about transactions; it’s about the relationships he’s cultivated along the way.

Jason’s passion for real estate ignited in 2004 when he made his debut in property investment with his first rental property. Since then, he’s been a dedicated student of real estate, progressively acquiring larger properties, devouring books and podcasts, managing rentals, and nurturing a robust network. All the while, he’s been empowering his clients to achieve their real estate aspirations.

While primarily focused on business brokering, Jason has also ventured into the realms of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and private equity. His growing familiarity with these areas reflects his commitment to expanding his skill set to better serve his clients. His unique background becomes an asset, driving success for his clients. His primary focus revolves around small to medium-sized businesses in the Midwest, where he guides clients toward wealth-building opportunities through both business and real estate transactions.

Jason’s commitment to business excellence extends beyond his professional endeavors. He founded and leads a thriving Business Improvement and Networking Group called Prosper, fostering connections and driving growth among entrepreneurs and business professionals. It’s a testament to his dedication to the success of others.

A proud alumnus of Central Michigan University, Jason calls Oakland Township, MI, home, alongside his wife Kim and their sons, Clark and Gabe. In his free time, he’s often found on the golf course, carving down ski slopes, trekking through nature’s beauty, or cheering for MSU football with family and friends.

When you partner with Jason, you’re not just gaining a seasoned professional; you’re enlisting a passionate advocate for your business, real estate, mergers, and private equity ambitions. Contact him today, and let’s embark on a transformative journey together. Your future success awaits, guided by Jason’s multifaceted vision and expertise.

Brad Ruth, CBI, CEPA

M&A Advisor & Exit Planner Advisor

Brad Ruth, CBI, CEPA

M&A Advisor & Exit Planner Advisor

Brad Ruth is a seasoned entrepreneur, Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), and M&A expert with a proven track record of helping business owners maximize the value of their companies and plan strategic exits. With over two decades of experience in business development, operations, and sales, Brad brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide companies through value acceleration and exit planning.

Brad’s entrepreneurial journey began with the creation of a short-term rental business in Huron, Ohio. He successfully managed vacation rentals during the summer and midterm rentals for traveling medical professionals in the offseason, demonstrating his adaptability and keen understanding of market demands. In 2008, Brad developed a small strip center in Stow, Ohio, where he relocated his Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders restaurant in 2009, transforming it into a top-performing franchise location within the Bellacino’s network.

In 2016, Brad founded GLBA Business Advisors, which has since become one of the premier M&A advisory firms in the Cleveland/Akron market. His firm specializes in assisting home services companies, manufacturing and distribution businesses, and restaurants with mergers, acquisitions, and exit planning strategies. Brad earned his Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) credentials in 2020, obtained his commercial real estate license in 2021, and became a Certified Exit Planning Advisor in 2024. These credentials reflect his dedication to continuous learning and his commitment to delivering exceptional value to his clients.

Brad joined eXp Commercial in March 2023 to leverage its expansive network and provide clients with access to regional, national, and international markets. His expertise in business valuation, strategic planning, and exit planning enables him to help business owners achieve a seamless and profitable transition when selling their companies.

Brad’s ability to assess a business’s current value, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement strategies that enhance operational efficiency and profitability sets him apart as a trusted advisor. He works closely with business owners to establish realistic exit goals and create actionable plans to achieve them, ensuring that his clients are well-prepared for a successful transition.

A strong advocate for community involvement, Brad has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Stow-Munroe Falls for over 27 years. He has held various leadership positions within the organization, including President, Membership Chair, and Board Member, contributing to numerous community initiatives and service projects. His dedication to community engagement has earned him recognition and respect within his local business network.

Brad’s commitment to excellence, combined with his deep industry knowledge and passion for helping business owners succeed, makes him a trusted partner for companies seeking to maximize their business value and achieve a successful exit. His hands-on approach, strategic mindset, and extensive network empower clients to navigate the complexities of selling their businesses with confidence and clarity.

 

Matt Atkins

Business Broker

Matt Atkins

Business Broker
Matthew D. Adkins is a well-verse, proven leader that made his mark in the franchise space with Edible.  At the early age of 25, he left corporate America to follow his entrepreneurial aspirations and launched the 8th store nationwide in Lakewood, OH back in 2003.  He quickly recognized the opportunity to expand and serve the Cleveland market and began the journey of developing the newly minted brand into a 9-store enterprise that spanned a 20-year career. Matthew’s dedication to his craft pushed him to cultivate community relationships with some of the top businesses in Northeast Ohio, spurring sustainable growth in several markets. As the Chief Operations Officer and Member of Marlon Enterprises, LLC, Matthew built a strong core unit of stores that delivered the highest quality of products and services, while maintaining the highest standards of operational protocol, that functioned as a catalyst for goal driven performance.With a keen eye for detail and preparation, Matthew’s uncanny implementation and governance of resources has paved the way for lowering costs and maximizing production and efficiency across all platforms.  His ability to see past barriers and challenges has equipped him the analytical rigor necessary to make things happen and negotiate any deal.At Edible, one of Matthew’s most significant milestones was achieving Multi-Unit Franchise Owner of the Year in 2015, amongst a group of 1200 talented owners and stores nationwide.  His ranking of #1 in sales in the State of Ohio from 2008 – 2015 is a direct correlation between the staffing he managed and the policies and protocol he implemented.His focus on strategic planning and preparation enabled his stores to function at the highest level, elevating the customers’ needs beyond the capabilities of his competitors, ultimately strengthening brand awareness and customer service.  His organizational set-up within his management team enabled each store to function as an independent extension of the entire system, broadening its reach and functionality.  This centralization and implementation of core-unit standards has provided Northeast Ohioans with consistency and dependability in what has been a challenging retail market, driving business in an upward trend of 15-20% year after year.  This reputation for quality, detail and most importantly one built on trust, loyalty and the relentless pursuit of optimizing efficiency has led to a “fruitful” business career.Inspired by learning, Matthew furthered his negotiation and sales skills by gaining his real estate license where he continues to build relationships and deliver results.  His dedication to his community and philanthropic nature of giving back has led him to hold seats with The Children’s Hunger Alliance and Bloom Bakery, a subsidiary of Towards Employment.Matthew holds a Bachelor of the Arts in Political Science from the University of Dayton.