I have a friend who wants to get into the business broker side of things - recs?

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September 02, 2025

by a searcher from Utah State University - Jon M. Huntsman School of Business in Mesa, AZ, USA

My friend wants to start a career as a business broker - what do you reccomend that they do or study or work with to gain experience? 23 year old graduate in accounting. Thanks
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Reply by a searcher
from Babson College in Bethesda, MD, USA
The most important thing your friend can do is find a reputable brokerage company that has a training program and a mentorship program. The technical skills (such as valuing a business) can be learned fairly easily. Only a good mentor can teach the brokerage aspect (i.e., negotiating an agreement between two opposing parties, anticipating deal challenges, then managing the transaction to a successful closing). There are a million terrible brokers and only a few good ones - your friend needs to find one of the good ones to learn the business.
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Reply by an intermediary
from University of California, Davis in Reno, NV, USA
Strongly agree with Brad and Bryn's comments above, but I would add that engaging with national trade organizations (IBBA and M&A Source in my case, there are others too) will add considerable knowledge and polish to your freind's offering in the marketplace. As a business broker, all you have to sell is your time and expertise. The classes I have taken and the mentors I have identified at IBBA and M&A Source have made a huge difference in my practice.
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