Born and raised in Parkland, Florida, Jacob Middleton learned very early on the sacrifices a family will make for their business. Jacob lost his mother at a young age, just after his father opened his small optometry practice in Boca Raton. From then on, Jacob saw firsthand the challenges a parent can face to pursue successful business entrepreneurship for their family. Having his father as a role model has allowed Jacob to gain empathy for his clients and pursue successful business transaction advisory to aid families and individuals as they fulfill their exit strategy through Viking.
After graduating from Florida State University with two degrees (a Bachelor’s in Finance and a Master’s in Finance specializing in real estate), Jacob began his career in the finance and real estate industry. He fell in love with the vast geographic real estate markets in Florida. He gained valuable experience facilitating brokerage activity and conducting market research for a large commercial real estate firm in downtown Tampa. His interest in real estate and homebuilding then led him to a position in building materials and supplies sales for a Fortune 500 company, marketing to national builders throughout the West Florida region. While he enjoyed the job, Jacob realized he wanted to work for a privately held, more family-oriented company.
Jacob was drawn to the dynamic family atmosphere and accountability that came along with a career at Viking. “Everyone really pushes each other to be the best version of themselves.” Jacob joined the Viking team in 2021 out of the Tampa division and has found himself working with an exciting group that shares his passion for helping small business owners.
Today, as an Associate Advisor at Viking Mergers & Acquisitions, Jacob draws from his personal experience to connect with small business owners in the Tampa area. His background has shaped him into the successful and empathetic advisor he is today. He understands the challenges small business owners face and is passionate about helping them achieve their goals.
Why Viking Is Here
Viking’s Tampa business brokers and advisors are experienced professionals here for the long term. Selling a business can be the most significant decision in a person’s life, and we have no interest in rushing our clients through a sale or purchase. Jacob emphasizes, “We’re not selling a business to the first person; we’re selling it to the right person.” And while this is the common sentiment among all of our Tampa business brokers, Jacob personally attributes this commitment to growing up watching his dad build his business. “I can’t imagine my dad not running his business. And when I get the opportunity to sell his practice one day, I will make sure it goes to the right person. Because when I go home and drive past that office, I know that’s what put these opportunities in front of me throughout my life. And that’s important to me. I know a small business is more than just putting food on the table. It’s putting kids through college; it’s first homes, it’s second homes. It’s important to people. It’s not just a job.”
To ensure the best results for our clients, Jacob and all of our Tampa business brokers have a top-notch team behind them, including analysts and marketing professionals providing support through the entire selling process.
Advice for Selling a Business in Tampa
The right time to sell a business is different for everyone. But, the right time to think about selling and plan your exit is well before it’s time to sell. Jacob urges business owners to consider their exit long before they’re ready. “For example,” he says, “If five years is your goal, now is the time to start thinking about how to make your business a little more marketable. Start with a complimentary business valuation, and don’t worry about the market. There will always be things outside your control, so focus on what makes a business a good, marketable business, and begin planning your exit strategy early. That way, when you need or want to sell, you’ll be ready.”
Advice for Buying a Tampa Business
Tampa is a tight-knit community that breeds great small businesses. Jacob says, “It feels like everyone knows everyone, especially on an industry-wide basis. Owning a small business is an amazing opportunity to make a name in this booming town. It’s a large city with a small-town feel. Compared to other cities, life seems a little slower and more personal in Tampa, which is what a small business needs. It needs that personal touch.”
If you are looking for a Tampa business broker, contact Viking today for a confidential consultation or business valuation at no cost, with no strings attached.