Researching business brokers in the Los Angeles area will eventually come across Griffin Business Brokers, a Torrance-based firm that handles both the buying and selling side of small to mid-size business transactions.
This review examines who they are, what they offer, who leads the operation, and whether they check out as a credible firm worth contacting.
Key Takeaways
- Griffin Business Brokers is a licensed, professionally affiliated brokerage based in Torrance, California, serving the greater Los Angeles market.
- The firm is led by Rolf Danryd, who spent 40 years in executive roles in the food industry before obtaining his California Business Broker's license in 2018.
- Griffin holds active memberships with both the IBBA (International Business Brokers Association) and CABB (California Association of Business Brokers), two of the most recognized credentialing bodies in the industry.
Company Overview
Griffin Business Brokers, Inc. operates out of Suite 500 at 21250 Hawthorne Blvd in Torrance, CA 90503. The firm describes itself as a full-service M&A advisory firm focused on helping business owners sell confidentially and on favorable terms. They also work with buyers, helping them navigate acquisitions across a range of industries.
The brokerage handles what the industry calls "Main Street" businesses: independently owned companies that are looking for qualified buyers. This is a different market segment than large-scale private equity deals. Griffin's focus sits squarely in the small to mid-size range, where individual owners typically need more hands-on guidance through a process they've likely never gone through before.
Who Runs It?
This is the part that matters most when evaluating any small brokerage.
Rolf Danryd is the President and Principal Broker. Before becoming a broker, he spent four decades in the food industry, holding titles including President, General Manager, and Vice President of Sales & Marketing. He also spent time as a SCORE counselor, advising small business owners on operations and exit strategies.
He entered brokerage in 2014 as a salesperson with LINK Business LA, a franchise within an international brokerage network with operations in the U.S., New Zealand, and Australia. He earned his California Business Broker's license in 2018 and subsequently became Broker of Record for LINK Business LA, where he supervised a team of more than 30 salespeople.
Danryd has closed deals across a range of business types: truck stops, print and mail centers, large-format printing companies, comedy clubs, bakery coffee shops, and more. His position is that the transaction process is largely consistent regardless of industry, with the main variables being the preparation of financial records and the presentation of the business to potential buyers.
The second broker listed on the team page is Katherine Fink, identified as a Principal.
Credentials and Affiliations
| Credential / Affiliation | Details |
|---|---|
| California Real Estate / Broker License | Required to operate as a business broker in California; obtained by Danryd in 2018 |
| IBBA Membership | International Business Brokers Association; founded in 1984, operates globally |
| CABB Membership | California Association of Business Brokers; issues the Certified Business Broker (CBB) designation |
| SCORE Counselor (past) | Volunteer advisory role helping small business owners |
IBBA and CABB membership matters for a specific reason: both organizations require members to adhere to a published code of ethics and provide access to ongoing education and professional standards. A broker who holds these affiliations has at least cleared a baseline threshold of professional commitment, which not every broker in the state can say.
What Services Does Griffin Business Brokers Offer?
The firm provides services on both sides of a transaction.
For Sellers:
- Business valuation and pricing analysis
- Confidential sale preparation and listing
- Buyer qualification and vetting
- Negotiation support through to closing
- A free whitepaper on selling a Main Street business
- Seller FAQ and a full selling tutorial on their website
For Buyers:
- Access to current business listings (including one active listing in Los Angeles County as of early 2026: a USDA-certified brick-oven bakery and food production operation)
- Buyer FAQ and buying tutorial
- Buyer registration to access listing details
- Guidance through the acquisition process
The website also offers a free consultation call, a seller registration form, and the option to schedule directly through the site.
How the Selling Process Works
Griffin's approach follows the standard brokerage framework, though the emphasis Danryd places on preparation is worth noting. His position, stated directly on the site, is that how a business is presented to buyers, including the quality of its books and records, has a direct impact on final sale price.
The general sequence:
- Initial consultation to assess the business and discuss goals
- Valuation and pricing
- Confidential marketing to qualified buyers
- Screening and qualifying interested parties
- Managing offers, negotiations, and due diligence
- Closing
Confidentiality is treated as a core part of the process. For most small business owners, the last thing they want is employees, customers, or competitors finding out the business is for sale before a deal is done.
Transparency Check
A few things stand out on the credibility side.
Physical address: verifiable office at 21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 500, Torrance, CA. Phone number: (310) 792-7037. Fax line listed. Licensed brokerage with named brokers. Active website with educational resources, blog posts dated into February 2026, and publicly accessible listing information.
The blog covers topics like "Planning Your Exit Before You Need It," "Common Misunderstandings That Can Undermine an M&A Deal," and "Understanding a Seller's Biggest Concerns." These are practical, deal-relevant topics rather than generic marketing filler, which is a reasonable signal that the team has actual transactional experience.
What's less transparent: pricing and commission structures are not publicly disclosed on the site, which is common in brokerage but still worth flagging. A standard commission in business brokerage typically ranges from 8% to 12% of the sale price, but prospective clients would need to discuss specifics directly with the firm.
Who Is Griffin Business Brokers Best Suited For?
Practically speaking, this firm fits a specific kind of client.
- Small to mid-size business owners in Southern California who are considering selling within the next one to three years
- Buyers looking for Main Street acquisitions in the Los Angeles area
- First-time sellers who need guidance through what can be a six-to-twelve-month process
- Owners who need help cleaning up their financials and presenting their business in a way that attracts serious buyers
It's a regional operation. Someone in San Francisco or San Diego would need a broker with a presence in their local market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Griffin Business Brokers licensed in California?
Yes. Rolf Danryd holds a California Business Broker's license, obtained in 2018.
What industries does Griffin specialize in?
Danryd has stated he does not specialize in a particular sector. Past transactions include truck stops, bakeries, comedy clubs, print centers, and large-format printing companies.
Where is Griffin Business Brokers located?
21250 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 500, Torrance, CA 90503.
Does charge upfront fees?
The website does not specify. A free initial consultation is offered, but commission and fee structures should be confirmed directly with the firm.
How long does it take to sell a business?
The website acknowledges that selling a business can be a lengthy process. Industry-wide, small business sales typically take anywhere from six months to over a year.
Conclusion
Griffin Business Brokers is a small, regionally focused brokerage with verifiable credentials, named brokers with documented backgrounds, and active professional affiliations.
The absence of red flags, combined with a licensed principal who has over a decade in brokerage and 40 years of prior executive experience, puts it in the legitimate column without qualification. For California-based sellers or buyers looking for a boutique firm with direct principal involvement, it's a reasonable starting point for a conversation.