Our Team
Benjamin Sutterlin
Ben is the president and owner of Empire Business Advisors. He has a passion for business, aviation, outdoor adventure, and family. As a third-generation entrepreneur, business is in his DNA. He not only managed and owned several small businesses, but also grew up in one.
Today Ben is a member of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), volunteers with the Bay Village Auxiliary Police, and mentors Bay High School’s FIRST Robotics Team. Ben understands how big the decision to sell is. He loves working with current and potential business owners to find the common ground that improves the lives of all involved. Whether you are interested in buying or selling, he is committed to helping you navigate what is likely the biggest decision and the biggest transaction of your life. We, at Empire, pride ourselves on our no-pressure approach to business brokering.
Michael W. Benson
Michael W. Benson is a partner at Empire Business Advisors. He began his career as a computer programmer and ultimately founded a data processing consulting company in the Cleveland area, which grew to more than $5 million in annual sales and 80 employees. He sold the company in 1994.
Selling his company provided Mr. Benson with unique insights into both the emotional and practical factors faced by nearly every business owner contemplating a sale of the company. After selling his business, Mr. Benson acquired a license agreement from New York-based Empire Business Brokers and embarked on his second career in the merger and acquisition field.
In the 25 years since, Mr. Benson has structured the sale of more than 160 companies in a wide range of industries. His unique and personal perspective on what is involved in the sale of a business helps him to personally guide buyers or sellers through the process from start to finish.
While Empire does not specialize in the sale of any type of business or in any particular industry, we have significant expertise in the sale of companies in manufacturing, wholesale, industrial operations, distribution, and numerous service companies.
Empire Business Advisors is proud to be a member of the following organizations and associations, and to hold the following professional accreditations:
- Northern Ohio Business Brokers Association
- Empire Business Brokers
- Licensed Realtor, State of Ohio
