Ron Brasch – Ron joined the firm in 1998. He 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 and 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 UCCS. In October 2013, Ron was recognized as the Business Leader in the Arts (with his wife, Una) by the Colorado Springs Regional Business alliance and the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region.
Jennifer Stevenson – Jennifer joined the firm in 2008. She is an experienced entrepreneur with extensive financial, business management, negotiating, accounting, and sales expertise. 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.
Ken Galecki – Ken brings with him over 30 years of experience in the Retail, Service, Warehouse, and Distribution sectors. He knows firsthand the challenges that today’s business entrepreneurs face, and is very creative in determining solutions to assist both buyers and sellers. Ken has spent ten years managing health food markets, such as Natural Grocer’s by Vitamin Cottage, Whole Foods, and Natural Harvest. He has owned and sold three of his own businesses – a contract airport parking lot in Phoenix, Arizona, cigar stores in the Denver market, and most recently, a health food store in Arvada, Colorado. Ken’s resourcefulness and hard work made them all successful.
Rob Amerine – Rob brings to FBB over 10 years’ experience as a business owner and partner, along with nearly 20 years of hands-on technology know-how. From early beginnings at Lockheed Martin to managing teams for Fortune 500 companies and working in every role in a small business, Rob understands the practical ins and outs of small and mid-size businesses. His in-depth knowledge of database design/architecture, open source technology, and software development allows him to take a deep dive into any technology solution.
Ronald V. (Ron) Chernak, President – Prior to founding The FBB Group, Ron practiced law with a large law firm in Chicago. He 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. He is very active in many community activities, such as the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce (former Chairman of the Board), 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 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, and has a series 79 Investment Banking license.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Lynn Lage – Office Manager / Assistant to the President. Lynn has been with First Business Brokers, Ltd., since 1990. She is a licensed real estate broker and manages all aspects of the administrative side of the office, from closings to payroll, as well as interacting with clients. Lynn is a member of the Colorado Association of Business Intermediaries (CABI).
Joe Pichler – 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 holds a Master’s Degree with honors in Computer Information Systems.
Memory Garrison – Director of First Impressions. Memory is a Colorado native, born in Pueblo. She has a B.A. in Business Management and prior experience as the support supervisor for a local real estate company. Memory is the first person you see upon entering the office and probably the pleasant voice that will pick up the phone. She is the go-to person for marketing and advertising, website maintenance, and social media.
(originally published in the January 2014 eNewsletter)