Phillip Pennestri
First Choice Business Brokers Idaho
License Number: sp58835
Phone: Show Phone Number
Contact Broker
1120 S. Rackham Way, 300
Meridian, Idaho 83642
(View Map)
Affiliated Broker
Mark Cardoza
About the Company
We advise business owners and acquirers through complex, high-stakes transactions with clarity, discretion, and proven results. For more than 31 years, we have closed over $13 billion in business sales, helping founders maximize value and buyers acquire companies built for long-term success.
### 2025 SOLD Team Idaho Businesses Include:
>$6,800,000 Plumbing & HVAC Business
>$400,000 Residential Roofing Business
>$360,000 Home Decor & Floral Shop
>$350,000 Vegetation Management Spray Business
>$320,000 Concrete Craft Franchise Business
>$225,000 Loan Brokerage Specializing in Manufactured Homes
>$220,000 Concrete Repair Business
>$150,000 Pet Grooming Business
>$75,000 Garage Epoxy Floor Business
>$75,000 Pizza Factory Franchise Restaurant
### "First Choice Business Brokers – Idaho Nationwide Recognition!" ###
>2025 Ranked Number One Runner-up, Sales Brokerage Office – Idaho #229
>2025 Ranked Number One Runner-up Sales Associate – Mark Cardoza
>2025 Executive Club Award – Mark Cardoza
*$15B in Business Listings, 134 Independent Broker Offices, 278 Professional Brokers
We serve as true deal matchmakers, structuring transactions that align financial objectives, operational realities, and long-term vision. Our proprietary network includes thousands of qualified buyers—from strategic acquirers to private investors—allowing us to generate competitive tension while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Our ideal clients are established, profitable companies with five or more employees, demonstrated scalability, and sustained market demand. These businesses are well-regarded in their industries and positioned for a successful transition. Whether planning an exit or pursuing an acquisition, early preparation and expert guidance are critical to achieving optimal outcomes.
Let's GO!
Broker Biography
Introduction
Selling or Buying a business is one of the most important financial and personal decisions a business owner will ever make. Choosing the right broker can mean the difference between simply closing a deal and maximizing the true value of years of hard work. Phillip Pennestri brings the experience, strategic insight, and real-world business ownership background that sellers need to navigate that process successfully.
With more than 25 years of experience as a successful construction company owner and real estate developer, Phillip understands firsthand the challenges, risks, and sacrifices that come with building and operating a business. Unlike brokers who have only worked in sales, Phillip has spent decades managing operations, leading teams, negotiating contracts, scaling companies, and driving profitability. He approaches every transaction from the perspective of a true business owner.
Phillip’s business career began in the mergers and acquisitions sector in New York City, where he worked on transactions involving garment industry companies, retail clothing businesses, and ready-to-wear manufacturing operations. This early M&A experience provided him with a strong foundation in deal structure, valuation strategy, negotiations, and buyer-seller dynamics—skills that continue to serve his clients today.
His entrepreneurial foundation was built even earlier while working in his family’s dry cleaning and commercial laundry business, where he gained practical, hands-on experience in small business operations and customer service. This unique blend of blue-collar business ownership, institutional transaction experience, and large-scale real estate development allows Phillip to connect with business owners across a wide range of industries and understand what truly drives business value.
As a business broker, Phillip is known for his ability to identify opportunities, position businesses effectively in the marketplace, and guide owners through smooth, confidential, and profitable transactions. He combines operational expertise with strategic negotiation skills to help clients maximize value while minimizing stress throughout the sales process.
Clients value Phillip not only for his business acumen, but also for his integrity, discipline, and commitment to service. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force who served in support of Operation Desert Storm, Phillip brings a mission-focused mindset, strong leadership, and unwavering professionalism to every client relationship.
Services Provided
On the Sell Side - my key responsibilities include: conducting business valuations, preparing confidential marketing materials, identifying and qualifying buyers, managing negotiations, coordinating due diligence, and facilitating successful closings.
On the Buy Side - I help clients identify, evaluate, negotiate, and successfully acquire the right business opportunity. My primary responsibility is to ensure the acquisition aligns with the client’s financial goals, experience, lifestyle, and long-term growth objectives.
Areas Served
Licensed In
- Idaho — License number sp58835
Professional Affiliations
IBBA - International Business Brokers Association
NIBCA - North Idaho Building Contractors Association
NAHB - National Association of Home Builders
M&A Source - Mergers and Acquisitions Source
NAR - National Association of Realtors
Selling or Buying a business is one of the most important financial and personal decisions a business owner will ever make. Choosing the right broker can mean the difference between simply closing a deal and maximizing the true value of years of hard work. Phillip Pennestri brings the experience, strategic insight, and real-world business ownership background that sellers need to navigate that process successfully. With more than 25 years of experience as a successful construction company owner and real estate developer, Phillip understands firsthand the challenges, risks, and sacrifices that come with building and operating a business. Unlike brokers who have only worked in sales, Phillip has spent decades managing operations, leading teams, negotiating contracts, scaling companies, and driving profitability. He approaches every transaction from the perspective of a true business owner. Phillip’s business career began in the mergers and acquisitions sector in New York City, where he worked on transactions involving garment industry companies, retail clothing businesses, and ready-to-wear manufacturing operations. This early M&A experience provided him with a strong foundation in deal structure, valuation strategy, negotiations, and buyer-seller dynamics—skills that continue to serve his clients today. His entrepreneurial foundation was built even earlier while working in his family’s dry cleaning and commercial laundry business, where he gained practical, hands-on experience in small business operations and customer service. This unique blend of blue-collar business ownership, institutional transaction experience, and large-scale real estate development allows Phillip to connect with business owners across a wide range of industries and understand what truly drives business value. As a business broker, Phillip is known for his ability to identify opportunities, position businesses effectively in the marketplace, and guide owners through smooth, confidential, and profitable transactions. He combines operational expertise with strategic negotiation skills to help clients maximize value while minimizing stress throughout the sales process. Clients value Phillip not only for his business acumen, but also for his integrity, discipline, and commitment to service. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force who served in support of Operation Desert Storm, Phillip brings a mission-focused mindset, strong leadership, and unwavering professionalism to every client relationship.
Philip started his career in the U.S. Coast Guard and later served as a Deputy Sheriff while earning his degree at American Military University. After transitioning into project management, where he managed many multi-million dollar projects, he launched and eventually sold his own specialized home remodeling company. Today, he’s a business advisor who has guided founders through growth, valuations, and successful business sales for many years. He’s calm under pressure, direct with communication, data-driven, and passionate about helping entrepreneurs. Experienced in but not limited to: Building & Construction Home Service Trades Automotive, Boat & Powersports Sportsman and Outdoor businesses Retail Mortgage Companies Animal Grooming Marketing Growth & Strategy Business Valuation Services Exit Planning Strategy



