Benjamin Strake
President/ Broker
Premier Business Brokers
President/ Broker
Premier Business Brokers
Phone: (636) 667-9409
Email: bens@premierbb.com
LinkedIn: View personal
Number of Years as a Business Advisor: 10 years
Current Brokerage Name: Premier Business Brokers
Current Brokerage Website: www.premierbb.com
Association Position Title: past Marketing Chair
Brief Career History
Ben has a passion for helping business owners simplify the process of selling their most valuable asset – which is why he launched Premier Business Brokers in 2014.
Ben’s business career began in the hospitality industry (although his degree is in Non-Profit Administration). He currently owns several award-winning restaurant concepts that are highlighted in many national publications. One of his current partnerships includes the St. Louis Blues. Ben also owns a construction business whose current clients include- Amazon, Tyson Foods, Fed Ex, USPS, etc.
In 2012, Ben shifted his focus into business transactions for a large Midwestern firm, where he quickly learned that outdated processes could be improved. That awareness led to the creation of Premier Business Brokers. He founded the company on the belief that a positive organizational culture based on mutual respect would attract the top people, who could then provide the best experience and results for all involved. Today Premier has a staff of 30 professionals serving clients in over 40 states.
Brief description of why your skills, knowledge, and experiences add value to the position you hold. What special value can you bring to your current position?
I manage/own various companies, so I deal with the same challenges and concerns as my clients. This allows me to keep their interest at the forefront of this process.
What are your professional credentials?
BA- Non Profit Administration, my firm holds the following credentials- Multiple CPA’s, CEPA, Commercial RE Brokers, CVA, Attorneys etc..
What are your strongest skills?
Relationship building and work ethic.
Franchise Advisor
FranSelect
Phone: (636) 530-6925
Email: dick.mueller@franselectba.com
LinkedIn: View
Number of Years as a Franchise Advisor: 10 years
Current Brokerage Name: FranSelect
Current Brokerage Website: www.franselect.com
Association Position Title: past Membership Chairperson
Brief Career History
As a young entrepreneur at the age of 29, Dick started a Data Entry Service Center that he owned successfully for twelve years. When he finally sold the business, he enjoyed residual financial benefits for the next five years. He then transitioned into a franchise by investing in an existing personnel franchise where he was a partner for three years and is currently a financial partner in three franchise locations in St Louis.
Dick has 30+ years in franchise development which includes franchise development for three national brands in the US & Canada.
Nine years ago, he opened FranSelect, a company where he can assist both individuals who are exploring the possibility of business ownership and also CEO’s who are considering franchising their business.
Brief description of why your skills, knowledge, and experiences add value to the position you hold. What special value can you bring to your current position?
Having worked on both the buying and selling side of a franchise transaction, Dick uses his broad base of experience and franchise knowledge to assist his clients to determine if business ownership is best for them. He determines if franchise ownership matches their needs, talents, skills and financial goals. If so, he works to find the best franchise opportunity for them, helping them through the process to provide them with the confidence that they will be making an informed decision. He also assists business owners through the difficult process of franchising their successful business.
What are your professional credentials?
Non franchise business owner (12 yrs.), franchise business owner (3 yrs.). 30+ years working in the franchise community. 2021, Dick was named St Louis’s Top Franchise Advisor by the Saint Louis Small Business Monthly
What are your strongest skills?
Listening and communication skills
Executive Advisor
Innovative Business Advisors LLC
Phone: (800) 767-2465
Email: sdenny@innovativeba.com
Website: View
Number of Years as a Business Advisor: 17+ years
Current Brokerage Name: Innovative Business Advisors LLC
Current Brokerage Website: www.innovativeba.com
Association Position Title: Executive Projects Committee Chair
Brief Career History
25 yrs in Corporate America retiring as a VP for a Fortune 25 company. Performed a lot of strategic acquisitions in corporate life and went into lower middle market / main street brokerage upon retirement.
Brief description of why your skills, knowledge, and experiences add value to the position you hold. What special value can you bring to your current position?
Experienced in many industries, recognized expert in the Hospitality field. Focus on strategic combinations leading to higher prices for sellers and strong synergy’s for buyers.
What are your professional credentials?
More than 100 successful deal completions over 16 years to date.
What are your strongest skills?
Finding strategic partners, getting deals closed.
Manager and Attorney
Blue Maven Law, LLC
Phone: (636) 549-3499
Email: brian@bluemavenlaw.com
LinkedIn: View personal
Current Role: Manager and Attorney, Blue Maven Law
Current Brokerage Website: bluemavenlaw.com
Association Position Title: Director
Brief Career History
Brian Rogers founded Blue Maven Law to provide small business owners—and future small business owners—legal services that are tailored to their needs. With a background in large and middle-market transactions, Brian saw the need for a law firm whose approach to deals is suited for main street businesses. Although fluent in legaleze, Brian writes and talks in plain English.
Brief description of why your skills, knowledge, and experiences add value to the position you hold. What special value can you bring to your current position?
Brian’s law practice focuses principally on representing people involved in buying and selling main street businesses, including buyers, sellers, brokers, and lenders. Unlike with most deal attorneys, the complexity of Brian’s legal documents and his approach to negotiations are calibrated toward the size and complexity of small businesses. Brian also has deep knowledge and experience with SBA loans, which can be a big help when trying to navigate the peculiarities of that popular acquisition financing option.
What are your professional credentials?
Attorney licensed in Missouri and Illinois
What are your strongest skills?
Brian is a deal facilitator who focuses on accomplishing the buyer’s and seller’s business objectives. While legal issues are critical in every deal, Brian doesn’t allow the legal tail to wag the dog.
Number of Years as a Business Advisor: –
Current Brokerage Name: –
Current Brokerage Website: –
Association Position Title: Ex-officio Board member
Brief Career History
Career in financial services spanning over two decades. Intimately involved in the start up and brokerage community providing feedback and advice on all aspects of lending. Former SCORE Chapter Chair and small business counselor for 10 years.
Brief description of why your skills, knowledge, and experiences add value to the position you hold. What special value can you bring to your current position?
Small business lending, SBA 7a lending, business counseling, start up resource partner. I position myself as a resource with connections for various aspects of starting, growing or selling a business.
What are your professional credentials?
Former SCORE small business counselor for a decade and small business lending advocate for over two decades.
What are your strongest skills?
Small Business SBA 7A Lending and Commercial Lending.