Business Brokers of Arizona (BBAZ) has been helping entrepreneurs buy and sell businesses in the Phoenix metro area since 1994.
Based in Scottsdale, the firm serves all of Maricopa County, including Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe, and Glendale, and handles everything from small owner-operated businesses to mid-market mergers and acquisitions in the $3M–$10M range.
For anyone navigating one of the most financially significant decisions of their life, BBAZ positions itself as a full-service partner from first consultation through closing.
Key Takeaways
- BBAZ has operated in Arizona since 1994 and handles both Main Street business sales and mid-market M&A transactions.
- The firm offers free business valuations and maintains strict confidentiality throughout the sale process.
- Lead broker Chuck Wimmer brings over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business operations.
Who Is Business Brokers of Arizona?
BBAZ is a Scottsdale-based brokerage firm operating out of 8700 E Via de Ventura, Suite 200. The office is led by Chuck Wimmer, the firm's designated broker and independent owner.
Wimmer has more than three decades of experience across sales, marketing, management, and business operations, a background that proves useful when evaluating businesses across industries as different as healthcare, retail, and the trades.
The firm is BBB-accredited, having maintained that status since February 2010, and carries a consistent track record of five-star reviews on Google. BBAZ also lists on major platforms including BizBuySell and BizQuest, giving sellers broad exposure to qualified buyers.
Related: Phoenix, AZ Business Broker & M&A Advisor Helping Owners Maximize Exit Value
Services Offered
BBAZ covers both sides of a transaction, buyers and sellers, with a structured process for each.
For Sellers:
- Free business valuation
- Confidential marketing to pre-qualified buyers
- Buyer screening and vetting
- Negotiation support and deal structuring
- Full transaction management from listing to closing
For Buyers:
- Curated business matching based on budget, interests, and goals
- Seller introductions and site visits
- Offer preparation using BBAZ's proprietary purchase agreements
- Due diligence guidance
- Support through escrow and final transfer
The firm also provides M&A advisory services for larger transactions in the $3M–$10M range, offering creative deal structures and hands-on guidance for owners of more complex businesses.
Main Street vs. M&A: Two Distinct Tracks
BBAZ separates its services into two clear categories. The Main Street track targets owner-operated small businesses, salons, service companies, retail shops, trade businesses, where the owner is typically involved in day-to-day operations and looking for a clean exit.
These deals tend to be simpler in structure but require discretion and the right buyer match.
The M&A track is for businesses generating higher revenues and requiring more sophisticated transaction handling.
BBAZ emphasizes creative deal structuring and consistent communication for these engagements, acknowledging that larger deals carry more variables and longer timelines.
This split is worth noting for anyone evaluating the firm. A buyer looking for a $200,000 franchise resale and a seller exiting a $6M subcontracting company will get different levels of service complexity, but both fall within BBAZ's stated wheelhouse.
The Buying Process at BBAZ
BBAZ walks buyers through a defined sequence of steps:
- Initial consultation — A broker meets with the buyer to understand goals, budget, and preferred business type.
- Business introductions — The broker presents relevant listings and arranges seller meetings.
- Offer to purchase — BBAZ uses its own purchase agreements, designed to protect all parties involved.
- Earnest money deposit — A deposit moves the transaction into the due diligence phase.
- Due diligence — Buyers review financial, legal, and operational records. If something doesn't check out, the buyer can withdraw and recover the deposit.
- Final purchase contract and closing — Once contingencies are satisfied, the deal closes and the business transfers.
The firm also has documented experience assisting E-2 visa buyers, international purchasers acquiring a U.S. business to qualify for an investor visa. This is a niche but meaningful capability; as one client from the UK noted in a testimonial, most brokers have little to no familiarity with this process.
Confidentiality and the Sale Process
One of the more consistent themes in BBAZ client feedback is how the firm handles discretion. Selling a business without alerting employees, competitors, or customers requires careful management of information, something BBAZ treats as a core part of its process rather than an afterthought.
Listings are marketed without identifying the business by name until a buyer has been pre-qualified.
This matters more than it might seem. A premature disclosure can spook key employees, reduce buyer interest, or invite competitive interference. BBAZ's emphasis on confidentiality appears to be a genuine operational practice, not just a marketing claim.
What Clients Say
Client reviews for BBAZ are notably consistent. Multiple reviewers highlight the same qualities: realistic expectations, clear communication, and a broker who listens before advising.
One longtime client who had bought and sold multiple businesses called it "by far the best brokerage experience" of their career, specifically praising Chuck's responsiveness and attention to detail.
Another reviewed the sale of a yoga studio, describing the process as "discrete and seamless from start to finish."
An HVAC and plumbing acquisition client who had worked with multiple Arizona brokers on a roll-up strategy called Chuck "by far the best broker I have dealt with as a buyer."
These aren't one-off comments. The pattern across reviews, spanning more than a decade, points to a firm that delivers consistent service rather than a variable experience depending on which broker handles the deal.
Pricing and Fees
BBAZ does not publish its commission structure publicly, which is standard practice in the business brokerage industry.
Broker fees are typically a percentage of the sale price and are negotiated as part of the listing agreement. Business valuations are offered at no cost, which gives sellers a low-risk entry point to begin the process.
Things to Consider
No review would be complete without a balanced look at limitations. A few things to keep in mind:
- Geographic focus: BBAZ is specifically oriented toward Maricopa County and the greater Phoenix metro. Sellers or buyers outside this region may find the firm's network less applicable.
- Size range: The firm works best with businesses in the Main Street to lower-middle market range. Very large or highly specialized transactions may require a different type of advisor.
- Single-office operation: BBAZ operates from one Scottsdale location. For buyers seeking inventory across multiple states, a national broker network may offer broader listings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does BBAZ work with first-time business buyers?
Yes, the firm explicitly serves both first-time buyers and experienced entrepreneurs, with a structured onboarding process for those new to business acquisitions.
How long does it take to sell a business?
Timelines vary by business type, price, and buyer pool, but BBAZ manages the full process and communicates throughout to keep deals moving.
Is the initial business valuation really free?
Yes, BBAZ offers a no-cost valuation to help sellers understand what their business is worth before committing to a listing agreement.
Conclusion
Business Brokers of Arizona has built a clear track record over three decades in the Arizona market, with a process that covers both buyers and sellers from initial consultation through closing.
For business owners in the Phoenix metro area looking for experienced, confidential representation, BBAZ is a well-established option worth a serious look.