David Gonzales

Robin Howard is a Business Broker and M&A Advisor with First Choice Business Brokers Los Angeles. Robin specializes in industry agnostic transactions for small and medium sized businesses up to $50 million. With a passion for community engagement, Robin brings a wealth of skills, dedication, and proactive approach to any organization. His diverse experiences and strategic mindset make them an invaluable asset, capable of driving success and innovation. Robin has a robust background in finance and sales, marked by experience in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and team leadership. He holds a B.B.A. in Finance from Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business in New York City. Prior to his transition into the finance industry, Robin worked as a Luxury Real Estate Assistant, where he managed the entire life cycle of transactions and used innovative marketing strategies to significantly improve client engagement. Additionally, as Co-founder of Red Peak Pass Capital, Robin has demonstrated an ability to drive growth and innovation. He successfully sources and acquires high-value investments, manages complex financial and operational aspects of business ventures, and builds strong partnerships with key stakeholders. Robin is continuing his passion of building businesses by taking a consultative approach with other business owners to help them achieve their financial goals. Robin is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in the State of California (Lic#01988942).

Michael D. Preston is a Business Broker Agent with First Choice Business Brokers in Los Angeles. Michael accumulated over 25 years of experience working with businesses to help increase their productivity and improve their profitability. As a 4th generation entrepreneur he has started and run a number of his own businesses and his rare combination of successes in executive coaching, strategic planning, B2B sales and business valuation provides him the hands-on experience and expertise desired to effectively package and execute the sale of your business as well as competently evaluate business opportunities for those looking to buy. Michael is a passionate, resourceful, and results-oriented person who always goes the extra mile to ensure the best possible outcome for everyone involved. Michael is a licensed Business Broker and Real Estate Salesperson in the State of California (Lic#02075182). Michael has won numerous sales awads throughout his career for his commitment to his clients, his exceptional follow up and his ability to exceed his goals and objectives.

Selling a business is one of the biggest financial and personal decisions an owner will ever make. Buying one is just as significant. I became a business broker to help people through that decision with the same things that defined my career long before brokerage: practical operating knowledge, careful preparation, and clear communication. AN OPERATOR'S PERSPECTIVE I spent more than 20 years in manufacturing. That experience taught me how businesses actually work on the ground: how production and workflow drive margins, how equipment and facilities affect value, how inventory and supply chains tie up cash, and how much a business depends on the people who run it every day. When I look at a company, I don't just see a stack of tax returns. I see the systems, the customers, the employees, and the owner's years of effort behind the numbers. That perspective helps me understand what makes your business valuable, and helps me explain that value in terms buyers and lenders respect. AN EDUCATOR'S APPROACH I also spent more than 18 years in higher education. For nearly two decades, my work centered on helping people understand complex information, make informed decisions, and move confidently toward important goals. Selling or buying a business involves unfamiliar terms and many moving parts: valuation, Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE), letters of intent, due diligence, SBA financing, escrow, and transition planning. I take the time to explain each step in plain language. My clients never have to guess what is happening, why it matters, or what comes next. HOW I WORK WITH SELLERS My goal is to help you sell for the best price and terms the market will support, while protecting everything you have built. Preparation comes first. I review your financials and recast your P&L to show a buyer the true earning power of the business. I help you identify strengths to highlight and issues to address before going to market. Realistic, well-supported pricing. I base my pricing recommendations on recast earnings, market data, and comparable sales, so your asking price holds up when buyers, lenders, and appraisers take a closer look. Professional marketing materials. I prepare a Confidential Business Profile that tells your company's story clearly and gives serious buyers the information they need to move forward. Confidentiality at every stage. Your employees, customers, vendors, and competitors should not learn about a sale before you are ready. Buyers sign a non-disclosure agreement and are screened for financial capability and fit before receiving identifying details. Guidance through negotiation and closing. I help you evaluate offers, structure terms, and work alongside escrow officers, SBA lenders, attorneys, and CPAs to keep the transaction moving through due diligence to closing. HOW I WORK WITH BUYERS Buying a business is a path to independence, and it deserves careful evaluation. I help buyers understand what they are looking at: how the business makes money, what the numbers really show, what risks to consider, and what it will take to run it successfully. I respond promptly, provide organized information, and help qualified buyers move efficiently from first inquiry to ownership. PLANNING AHEAD Many owners benefit from preparing a year or more before they sell. If you are thinking about an exit in the future, I can help you understand what your business may be worth today and what steps could increase its value, such as cleaner financial records, documented processes, and less dependence on the owner. MY COMMITMENT Three principles guide every engagement: Confidential. Your information and your business are protected throughout the process. Prepared. Thorough documentation and realistic pricing build buyer confidence and support your price. Clear. You get honest advice, regular updates, and straight answers, even when the news is not what you hoped to hear. I work with owners of Main Street and lower middle-market businesses, including service, route-based, trade, retail, and manufacturing companies, throughout Los Angeles and Southern California. Whether you are ready to sell now, planning an exit in the next few years, or searching for the right business to buy, I would welcome a confidential conversation about your goals. There is no obligation, just a clear discussion of your options and next steps.

Deanna Dubé is an award-winning Business Broker with First Choice Business Brokers in Los Angeles, specializing in business sales from $50K to $25M across industries including healthcare, food & beverage, entertainment, construction, and more. With 25+ years in finance, entrepreneurship, and consulting—including roles in investment banking at Banc of America Securities and launching two successful ventures—Deanna brings a unique blend of expertise and entrepreneurial insight. Passionate about helping clients achieve success, she guides business owners and buyers through every stage of the transaction to unlock maximum value and long-term results.

Darrol Mitchell is a Business Broker and M&A Advisor with First Choice Business Brokers Los Angeles, specializing in the sale and acquisition of privately held, service-based, and licensed trade businesses. With a disciplined, numbers-driven approach, he helps owners maximize value and guides buyers and sellers through clear, well-structured transactions. His experience includes working with general contracting, architecture & design, wholesale distribution, and electrical service companies. Darrol holds an MBA from Louisiana State University with a specialization in Small Business Entrepreneurship and Finance, giving him advanced strengths in valuation, financial analysis, and deal structuring. His background includes experience in both Fortune 500 and government environments, where he managed budgets, negotiated contracts, and supported operational and strategic planning. Skills that translate directly into efficient, successful closings. Known for his clarity, responsiveness, and practical guidance, Darrol combines his business acumen with a charismatic yet straightforward communication style. His ability to be patient yet assertive invites clients to feel confident in the decisions they make. He is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in California (Lic# 02211825) and is committed to helping entrepreneurs build, transition, and grow wealth through smart business ownership.

I am a Business Broker with First Choice Business Brokers, working with business owners. My focus is on helping business owners understand the value of their company and guiding them through the process of selling their business in a structured, confidential, and professional manner. For many entrepreneurs, their business represents years of hard work and is often one of their most valuable assets. At some point, whether due to changing priorities, retirement, burnout, or new opportunities, owners begin to consider what the next chapter looks like. My role is to help bring clarity to that process — starting with understanding what the business may be worth and what options are available. I assist clients with business valuations, pricing and positioning, confidential marketing to qualified buyers, buyer screening, and managing the transaction through due diligence, negotiations, and closing. Throughout the process, I work to ensure that each step is handled professionally and that the business is presented in a way that attracts serious and capable buyers. I also work closely with buyers who are looking to acquire established businesses. I help them identify opportunities, evaluate financials, and navigate the acquisition process with a clear understanding of what to expect. My background includes an Associate’s degree in Accounting and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, which provide a strong foundation in financial analysis and business operations. I am also a U.S. military veteran, which has instilled in me a high level of discipline, attention to detail, and commitment to following through on every step of the process. I frequently collaborate with CPAs, attorneys, and financial advisors to help ensure a smooth and well-coordinated transaction that aligns with the client’s broader financial and strategic goals. Whether you are considering selling your business now or simply want to understand what it may be worth, I am available as a resource to help you explore your options and make informed decisions.

Chris Choe is a high-performing sales professional with experience in real estate investment and high-ticket B2B sales. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration - Finance from California State University, Fullerton, and a California Real Estate License, Chris brings a unique combination of financial acumen and proven sales expertise to his role as a business broker. Chris's background began in real estate investment and evolved through working closely with business owners in a coaching environment. Over time, he found that what he enjoyed most was not just structuring the deal itself, but getting to know the people behind the business, understanding their goals, and helping them navigate important decisions with clarity and confidence. That experience led him to business brokerage, where he saw the opportunity to help business owners in a way that is more tailored, flexible, and meaningful. Rather than offering just one path forward, he values finding the right approach for each client's unique situation. Throughout his career, Chris has demonstrated exceptional ability to grow businesses and close complex transactions. He engineered the growth of a lead generation company from inception to over $2 million in annual revenue while managing a portfolio of 60+ accounts. His consultative sales approach and strategic discovery process have consistently delivered results, including maintaining a strong closing rate on high-ticket advisory packages and expertly converting prospects into long-term partnerships. With a solid background working with buyers in real estate investment, Chris brings valuable perspective on how buyers think, act, and move through escrow. That insight helps him better prepare sellers for the process and position their businesses more effectively, ensuring smoother transactions from start to finish. At the core of Chris's work is a simple goal: to help business owners make smart decisions and move forward with confidence. Outside of work, Chris enjoys staying active through bowling and bouldering, trading futures, and spending quality time with his wife and their three cats. He's passionate about travel and exploring new places.

As a Business Broker at First Choice Business Brokers Los Angeles, Dev Isemeyer understands the significance of selling a business and the emotions that often accompany the process. She takes pride in guiding business owners through every step with empathy, strategy, and precision—helping them realize the maximum value of their life’s work and transition confidently into their next chapter. With over 30 years of international business experience across manufacturing, retail, and service industries, Dev brings a 360-degree perspective on what drives enterprise value. Her background spans B2B, B2C, and B2G sectors, blending market insight with hands-on ownership experience to deliver results that matter. Dev’s client-centric approach is rooted in transparency, integrity, and discretion. She believes every business has a unique story, and her process begins by understanding that story—then crafting a compelling, data-driven narrative that attracts the right buyers. Through skilled negotiation and precise market analysis, Dev ensures each transaction is structured for a favorable, seamless outcome. Passionate about helping clients move confidently into their next chapter—with clarity, strategy, and success—Dev brings both professionalism and empathy to every engagement. She is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in the State of California (Lic# 02385326).