We don't rush. That's why 87% of our listings actually close.
M&A transaction experts for $1–10M businesses. We take 3-6 months to close what other brokers take 12-18.
Led by Mike Lee, Principal Broker & CEPA.
The Hard Truth Most Brokers Won't Tell You
70-80% of businesses listed for sale never sell
Here's why, and how we're different:
Industry Statistics on Failed Sales:
- 70 to 80% of listed businesses never sell
- 23% fail due to unrealistic seller expectations, often encouraged by brokers seeking quick listings
- 45% fail due to poor financial records - issues that should be addressed before listing
- 50 to 70% reduction in value for owner-dependent businesses
- Overpriced businesses (15%+ above market) rarely sell
The First Choice Difference - Our Results:
- 87% success rate for businesses we bring to market (only after proper preparation)
- 94% of asking price achieved on average (vs. industry average of 85%)
- 4.7 month average time to close (industry average: 9 to 12 months)
- 23% higher sale prices vs. unprepared listings
- Zero businesses withdrawn from market due to unrealistic pricing
95%
Employee retention rate: 95% average retention 12 months post-closing
92%
Customer retention rate: 92% average retention through transition
89%
Seller legacy satisfaction: 89% report their values/culture were preserved
87%
Deal completion rate: 87% of Phase 4 negotiations result in successful closings
Proven Authority: $15B in Transactions Since 1994
Since 1994, First Choice has revolutionized how businesses sell nationwide — and we’re applying that same proven expertise throughout the Mountain West with a consultative approach that puts your success first.
across North America covering every state with a local team backed by nationwide presence, and a substantial database of vetted and qualified buyers actively searching for a business like yours.
$15 Billion
in business transactions that First Choice has helped facilitate and find the right buyers. We've been involved in just about every kind of transaction or business that you can imagine.
31 Years
of proven success in business brokerage. First Choice is still owned and guided by the founders, Jeff and Linda Nyman. With best in class systems and processes, we're the best at helping business owners navigate the seller's journey and exiting when the time is right.
local professionals with specialized training to help you determine when to sell, then confidentially find the right buyer
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Approach
Why don't you just list my business right away like other brokers?
Because 70-80% of businesses listed for sale...never sell, often due to poor preparation. We've found that spending 1-6 months preparing properly results in faster sales at higher prices. Our job is to maximize your outcome, not just collect a listing fee.
What if I need to sell quickly due to health or other circumstances?
We understand urgent situations exist. We'll conduct a rapid assessment and, if your business is market-ready, can begin marketing immediately. However, we'll be transparent about any challenges and work to address them quickly rather than give false hope.
How is this different from other business brokers?
Most brokers are paid to get listings, regardless of sellability. They often tell sellers what they want to hear about pricing to secure the exclusive agreement. We're paid to get businesses SOLD, so we focus on honest assessment and proper preparation first.
What happens if my business isn't ready to sell?
We provide a detailed assessment report with specific recommendations for improvement. You can implement these changes yourself, work with our recommended partners, or wait until market conditions or your situation changes. There's no pressure and no upfront fees for our consultation.
architecting win/win deals that last
Testimonials
Blair M
Mike Lee and his team have done amazing work analyzing businesses for sale and helping me find a business to buy that’s right for me. I would recommend Mike and his team for their hard work and honesty.
Alan S
We've had an excellent experience with Mike and the team at First Choice! They're professional, knowledgeable, and super helpful. I highly recommend Mike and his team!
Jason M
I worked with Mike Lee, Mark Cardoza and the First Choice team on the sale of our company. They protected confidentiality, created strong buyer interest, and helped us choose from multiple offers. The process was organized, communication was excellent, and we closed on great terms right at our $6.9M asking price. 5 stars without hesitation.
What's Your Journey?
We're experts at helping you determine readiness and attractiveness of your business. When timing Is right, we'll determine market value and then work as your business matchmaker to confidentially find the right buyer while you stay focused on running your business. Contact us to learn more about the process.
We've experienced the challenges of buying, and the lack of help or attention from most business brokers.As experts in due diligence and structuring win/win deals, we'll help you navigate the complexities of your business acquisition process. It's a journey we've been on, and we'd love to help.
If something changed in your live and you need to sell now, or you're just starting to think about selling, but aren't sure how much your business might be worth, we'll help you out with a free, no-obligation business valuation. It's a fairly simple process and we'd love to help.
ABOUT US
M&A Experts Who Actually Close Deals
FCBB Summit is a team of M&A transaction experts led by Mike Lee, Principal Broker and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA).
We handle the full deal — valuation, go-to-market strategy, buyer vetting, due diligence, negotiation, closing, and transition — in 3-6 months, with an 87% close rate.
Before we take on a new listing, we assess the business from a buyer's perspective. If it's ready to close, we go. If it's not, we're honest about what needs to change and connect you with vetted partners — CPAs, M&A attorneys, wealth advisors, and exit planners — to get you there.

That's why most brokers list 70-80% of businesses that never sell. We list 13% that don't. The difference is preparation.
Who We Work With
We specialize in privately-held businesses with $1M to $10M in enterprise value, headquartered in Utah, Wyoming, Montana, or Colorado. If your business is smaller or larger, we'll refer you to a vetted partner who specializes in your range.
Industries we know best:
Construction & Home Svcs
Includes a wide range of specialty trades (custom cabinetry, concrete, painting, flooring, landscaping, excavation, paving, and more).
Retail & Consumer Goods
Encompasses retail operations (apparel, specialty stores, convenience, auto parts, etc.) and consumer packaged goods brands selling through direct-to-consumer, wholesale, or e-commerce channels. Includes businesses with local storefronts as well as scalable product lines.
Manufacturing
Includes businesses involved in light and heavy manufacturing, custom fabrication, contract manufacturing, and component or finished goods production across sectors like metal, plastics, wood, electronics, packaging, and consumer products.
Automotive
Automotive covers a broad range of vehicle-related businesses including repair shops, body shops, quick lube services, tire centers, aftermarket accessories, and independent auto dealerships.
Restaurants & Bars
Includes a diverse range of food and beverage businesses such as full-service restaurants, quick-service concepts, cafés, coffee shops, bars, and specialty food outlets
Technology
Spans a wide array of businesses including software-as-a-service (SaaS), IT services, managed service providers (MSPs), web and app development, cybersecurity, and tech-enabled platforms.
Find Your Local Mountain West Office
| Name | Address | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson, Wyoming | 140 East Broadway, Suite 25, Jackson, WY 83001 | 307-201-9060 |
| Missoula, Montana | 945 Wyoming St Ste 150 Missoula, MT 59801 | 406-215-2005 |
| Salt Lake City, Utah | 26 S Rio Grande St #2072 Salt Lake City, UT 84101 | 435-800-4400 |
Ready to Begin Your Journey to Selling Your Business?
Please watch this video then contact us so we can talk about how we can maximize the value of your business and guide you through a smooth transition.
Read our free eBook and be prepared!
“It's a Great Intro to Selling Your Business”
In this eBook we'll help you better understand how to prepare your business for sale, and we’ll detail out what you need to know for accurately valuing your company and what the process looks like. This comprehensive guide will answer the questions:
- What are the steps to prepare for a business sale?
- How does one value a business?
- How are business values calculated?
- How can you maximize the value of your business?
- How do you make your business more appealing to
- buyers?
- How do you tell the story of your business?
- When should you work with a business broker?
The World's Authority in Business Sales
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