Jim Afinowich

A charter inductee in the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) Hall of Fame, Jim Afinowich has more than a quarter century of successful experience in the M&A industry and has managed and supervised more than 500 transactions. He is well-known as a creative problem solver.

A nationally honored industry leader and a multi-year "Az Business Leaders" selectee by the publishers of AzBusiness magazine, Jim has developed and presented classes for regional and national trade associations for more than 20 years. He has also provided expert witness services in cases relating to brokerage practices and standards of care.

Jim is experienced in business. He has owned 15 businesses in industries from manufacturing to publishing, foreign trade and aviation (visit our sister company, FBO Sales), having launched multiple businesses domestically and internationally. Jim has employed hundreds of people and, like his clients, experienced the joys and challenges of business ownership.

Jim sold several businesses for himself before starting to sell privately held firms for others. Jim has worked as a mid-market M&A advisor and business broker for over twenty years. His career led to his business philosophy, "Although the type of business may vary the best results for the client always come from the utilization of a proven process, executed completely in a planned and deliberate manner. There are no short cuts."

Jim is a lifelong Arizona resident. His two passions, after family, are business and aviation. He has held advanced ratings for ultra-light aircraft and hang gliders, as well as conventional aircraft. 

Industry Expertise

Manufacturing

B2B Enterprises

Distribution

Aviation/FBOs

Certifications and Designations

Certified Business Intermediary (CBI)

Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI)

Business Brokerage Specialist (BBS)

Arizona Licensed Real Estate Broker

Series 63 and Series 82 Securities Registration under Ceiba Financial, LLC

Professional Memberships

International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Fellow and Past President; Charter Inductee, IBBA Hall of Fame, 2024

M&A Source: Charter Member; Chair, Education and Credentialing Committees

Business Intermediary Education Foundation: President and Director

Association for Corporate Growth (ACG)

Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA)

Arizona Business Brokers Association

Turnaround Management Association

Honors and Awards

International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) Hall of Fame, 2024

Platinum Club, M&A Source, 2023

"Advisor of the Year," M&A Source, 2021

Az Business Leaders (Business Brokers), AZ Big Media, 2018-2024

"Top Global Producer of the Year," International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), 2015

Tom West Award (exceptional contributions in promoting goals and ethics in business brokerage)

Valley Board of Business Brokers (proclamation of "Jim Afinowich Day")

Online Interviews

"Confidentiality: Don't Sell Your Business Without It" (video), IBG Fox & Fin, May 2021

"How Does a Deal Go from $20 Million to $120 Million Without Breaking a Sweat?" (podcast), Business Exit Stories, February 2021

"Rebounding Economy Might Accelerate Your Business Sale Timeline" (video), Eaton Square Perspectives, February 2021

Business and Community Involvement

Volunteer, various local charity organizations and projects

Wings for Kids

Hobbies and Interests

Aircraft Owner and IFR-Rated Pilot

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

Reno Air Racing Association

Education

B.A., Business Administration, University of Arizona