Meet the Team

Ronald V. (Ron) Chernak, CBI, President

Prior to founding First Business Brokers, Ltd., Ron practiced law with a 175-member law firm in Chicago. He was a CPA (Illinois), is a licensed Colorado Real Estate Broker, a Certified Business Intermediary - Fellowship status (the highest professional designation within the Business Brokerage industry), and a Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary. Ron has extensive experience in contract and lease negotiations, financial planning, and financing. He is very active in many community activities, such as the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce (former Chairman of the Board), the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Colorado Springs Economic Development Corporation, and the Rotary Club. He has served as the Chairman and/or Director of the Board for numerous business brokerage committees and organizations, including the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Business Brokerage Association, the premier industry trade association with a membership of over 1,100 intermediaries, and the former Chairman of the Board of the M&A Source, the country’s largest association of middle market intermediaries.  Ron is also affiliated with Corporate Finance Associates as a principal in CFA Colorado, LLC.  Contact Ron Chernak, rvc@fbb.com.

Ron Brasch, CBI, Merger and Acquisition Specialist

Ron is one of a select group of business brokers in the nation holding the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) and the Merger & Acquisition Specialist designations. He has been recognized by the International Business Brokers Association with a lifetime designation as Fellow of the IBBA. Ron also holds Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) status.  Prior to joining the firm in 1998, First Business Brokers, Ltd., successfully represented Ron’s Relocation Guides in the sale of 14 markets throughout the Midwest, South, and Southwest. Ron holds an MBA and BA from the University of Michigan. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and on the GoCA Advisory Board for the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and is active with numerous other non-profit organizations. He was nominated by the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce as one of the Business Leaders in the Arts in 2009, and was honored by the Business Journal as one of the city’s “Men of the New Millennium.” Ron’s professional affiliations include the Colorado Springs Executives Association.  He is licensed to do business brokerage and real estate transactions in Colorado and North Carolina.  Contact Ron Brasch, rb@fbb.com.

Jennifer Stevenson, Broker Associate 

Jennifer is an experienced entrepreneur with extensive financial, business management, negotiating, accounting, and sales expertise. She has first hand knowledge of the challenges business owners face. In July of 2008, Jennifer successfully sold her commercial construction company at a substantial profit. Having over 15 years in all aspects of hands-on operational experience, with both large and small businesses, Jennifer can provide practical advice to sellers and buyers. Jennifer is now using her personal experiences in business ownership to successfully navigate others through the complexities of a business transfer. Her pro-active approach to sales, combined with her familiarity of financial statements, taxation, and auditing procedures, gives Jennifer the edge needed to accurately evaluate businesses and negotiate transactions. Contact Jennifer, jennifer@fbb.com.

Charlie Jones, CBI -Senior Broker Associate

In 2005, Charlie earned the coveted Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation.  Charlie holds a Colorado real estate license, is a member of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), and a member of the Colorado Association of Business Intermediaries (CABI).  He is a business counselor for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UCCS, a mentor with Service Corps Of Retired Executives (SCORE), past chairman of Pikes Peak Community College Real Estate & Business Advisory Council, and past vice president and member of Prospectors Association.  Charlie brings with him 30 years of entrepreneurial expertise.  He has owned and operated seven businesses in a variety of industries, some with multiple locations, over a 22-year period.  These businesses include retail, manufacturing, construction, distribution, and outsource placement for the high tech industry.  His vast experience in business ownership brings to Charlie a true understanding of the business owners’ vantage points and challenges.  Charlie has successfully completed the valuation and transfer of over 40 privately held companies, earning him the title of Senior Broker Associate and Merger & Acquisition Specialist. Contact Charlie, charlie@fbb.com.

Joe Pichler, Business Analyst

Joe Pichler joined First Business Brokers in October 2011 as a Business Analyst. Joe has experience in management accounting, budget, inventory control, and programming. He also has experience in financial modeling, trend forecasting, data analysis, and database design. Prior to joining FBB, Joe worked and managed in the insurance industry for many years. He also worked in federal government contracting, city government expense control, and retail sales. Joe is a history buff and has spent many rewarding hours as a docent conducting visitor tours at historical sites. He has done additional volunteer work as a mentor with Junior Achievement and United Way. He holds a Master’s Degree with honors in Computer Information Systems.

Lynn Lage, Office Manager/Assistant to the President

Lynn has been with First Business Brokers, Ltd., since 1990.  Lynn is a licensed real estate broker who manages all aspects of the administrative side of the office, from closings to payroll, as well as interacting with clients, writing presentation packages, marketing, and making sure the office runs smoothly.  Lynn is also a member of the Colorado Association of Business Intermediaries (CABI).  Contact Lynn, lynn@fbb.com.

Gin Woolsey, Admin. Assistant/Director of First Impressions

Gin is generally the first person you see upon entering the office. She receives and directs your calls and takes care of marketing, advertising, and website maintenance.  Because Gin has several years of administrative experience, she also assists with many aspects of the administrative side of the office.  Contact Gin, admin@fbb.com.