Contact Broker
5257 Western Drive,
Saint James City, Florida 33956
(View Map)
Affiliated Broker
Denise Houghtaling, CMAP, CBI, CEPA, ABI, SVA
About the Company
Southern Country Business Advisors is a Southwest Florida–based business brokerage firm specializing in structured exits for operator-led and privately held businesses.
Founded by Denise Houghtaling — an operator-turned-advisor who has personally built, scaled, and sold multiple businesses — our firm approaches transactions with firsthand operational experience and disciplined execution.
We understand that selling a business is more than listing it. It requires preparation, positioning, financial clarity, and a structured process to protect leverage and maximize outcome.
Our team of four licensed advisors serves clients throughout Southwest Florida and across the state. We work with established, cash-flowing businesses across a range of industries, particularly those with operational complexity, equipment, crews, contracts, or recurring revenue models.
Our focus is consistent:
• Reducing owner dependency
• Normalizing earnings
• Identifying and mitigating buyer risk
• Running disciplined, confidential processes
• Protecting deal structure through closing
Some businesses are market-ready. Others benefit from preparation 12–24 months in advance. In both cases, structure determines outcome.
Operators build value.
Structured exits protect it.
Broker Biography
Introduction
ABI - Accredited Business Intermediary
10+ years of experience in Real Estate/ Commercial Real Estate
I have experience as both a Real Estate investor and Business owner, which allows me to offer valuable assistance to you. My Real Estate business was established in 2014, and I made my initial investment in 2017. Over time, I grew my portfolio to encompass around 15 properties by 2020. Shifting from the residential sector to commercial real estate, I discovered my passion for working with commercial investors. A trip to SWFL in 2021 ignited my love for Florida, leading me to invest in Airbnb properties in North Port and Englewood. In August 2022, I made the decision to permanently relocate to Florida to focus on my commercial broker business/Business Intermediary services. I am excited to continue my work in the Sunshine state. While I specialize in SWFL, I am also licensed across the entire State.
Services Provided
-Business Evaluations
-M&A
-BPOs
-Seller Rep
-Buyer Rep
Areas Served
Licensed In
- Florida — License number BK3592242
Business For Sale Listings
Cash Flow: $33,627
North Fort Myers, FL
View Details Lee County Hair Salon
Own a stylish, turnkey beauty hub in a high-traffic North Lee County corridor. This established studio features a versatile business model with a steady booth-rental structure, providing immediate, consistent cash flow from day one.The salon is beautifully designed and fully equipped, offering a welcoming atmosphere for its loyal clientele. With additional capacity and a growing local population, there is significant room to scale by adding more stations or expanding into high-demand aesthetic services. To facilitate a smooth transition, the seller is offering partial seller financing for a qualified buyer. This is a rare opportunity for an owner-operator or investor to step into a profitable, low-overhead business in a booming market. Less
Cash Flow: $168,354
Naples, FL
View Details Premier Fully Equipped Restaurant Naples
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a fully established, ready-to-operate restaurant building in the heart of Naples’ prestigious Naples community, an area characterized by high-density luxury living and an average individual income exceeding $160,000. Beyond the high-visibility location, this offering is a complete "plug-and-play" solution: the sale includes a professionally outfitted kitchen, high-quality dining room furniture, and most importantly, an experienced, fully trained staff ready to support a seamless ownership transition. Unlike traditional leases, this property features a strategic ground lease structure with three 5-year options, providing the long-term security of building ownership without the massive capital expenditure of a land purchase. Ideal for a visionary operator looking to launch a new concept or expand an existing brand, this turnkey asset allows you to bypass construction delays and start Less
Cash Flow: $216,537
Naples, FL
View Details Prime Collier County Restaurant Portfolio
Prime Collier County Restaurant Portfolio: A Turnkey Double-OpportunityUnlock immediate market share in Florida’s premier dining landscape with this exclusive two-location restaurant package. Strategically positioned in Naples, these high-traffic venues offer a rare "plug-and-play" transition for an ambitious restaurateur or an expanding franchise. By acquiring both locations, you bypass the exhaustive costs and delays of new construction and permitting. Each site comes fully outfitted with professional-grade kitchens, high-end furniture, and established fixtures, providing a seamless foundation for any culinary concept. Whether you choose to continue the current success or pivot to a fresh brand, the heavy lifting of build-out and equipment procurement is already complete.The true value of this portfolio lies in its human and operational capital. Both locations feature a fully trained, "day-one" ready staff, ensuring your Less
Cash Flow: $208,332
Cape Coral, FL
View Details Established/ Rare Cape Coral Grocery Market
The Only Destination of Its Kind in the RegionThis is a rare opportunity to acquire a thriving, 5-year established specialty grocery market in the heart of Cape Coral. As the area’s premier source for authentic European goods, this business has built a dedicated customer base and a "best-in-class" reputation. The business is currently operated by a husband-and-wife team and is positioned perfectly for a smooth transition to a new owner.Business Operations & AssetsThe market features a meticulously curated selection of European-style meats, cheeses, imported canned goods, and artisanal pastries. They are well-known for their specialty wine collection, specifically sourcing unique labels from Georgia and Armenia that are highly sought after for gift-giving.Turnkey Systems: All inventory is managed through a streamlined Square POS system, making tracking and reordering simple.Established Supply Chain: 10 stable supplier Less
Naples, FL
View Details Naples Podiatry Business
Own a "battle-tested" podiatry practice with over 40 years of established goodwill in the affluent Naples, FL market. Priced at $69,000, this turnkey business generated $180,892 in 2024 revenue while operating on a relaxed 30-hour work week. A major competitive advantage includes exclusive visiting rights and contracts with prestigious local retirement communities, providing a "captive audience" of high-net-worth patients and a self-sustaining referral engine.The low-overhead model is supported by a veteran full-time employee with deep "institutional knowledge" who is committed to staying with the new owner. With the current doctor retiring, there is significant growth potential through simple modernization—such as reactivating the website or expanding hours to meet high demand. The sale includes $20,000 in equipment and two weeks of training to ensure a warm handoff in this booming Southwest Florida economy Less
Cash Flow: $142,863
Sarasota, FL
View Details Turnkey, Absentee-Run Daycare in Sarasota
A Rare Opportunity to Own a Turnkey, Absentee-Run Daycare in Sarasota!Step into a thriving, fully managed childcare business with a proven track record of success since 2017. This is a rare chancefor an investor or a new owner to acquire a profitable daycare that runs itself.The key to this seamless operation is the amazing, fully licensed Director who manages all daily activities, staffing, andcompliance, allowing for a completely absentee ownership model. The dedicated and experienced team of employees isalready in place, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care for the children and their families.While already successful, the business has significant room to grow. A new owner could easily boost enrollment and revenueby implementing a strategic marketing plan, an area with tremendous untapped potential.This is a perfect opportunity for an investor seeking a stable, hands-off business or for an owner-operator who Less
Cash Flow: $201,139
Naples, FL
View Details SBA APPROVED: Profitable SWFL Native Landscape Design Business
SBA APPROVED: Profitable SWFL Native Landscape Design Business Secure a turnkey, high-margin business in one of Florida's most desirable markets.Specialty: High-end native landscaping & professional lighting.Market: Southwest Florida (Affluent, high-demand area).Status: Fully operational with a loyal client base and expert staff.Financials: Highly profitable and ready for SBA financing. Less
Cash Flow: $42,611
North Fort Myers, FL
View Details Lee County Sewing Business
Own the most established sewing and creative center in Southwest Florida. As the county’s oldest and most trusted shop, this business serves a booming population of 800,000 with a loyal, multi-generational customer base. This is a fully turnkey operation featuring multiple revenue streams: top-tier machine sales, premium fabrics, custom embroidery, expert alterations, and private instruction.With a stellar reputation and decades of history, the business is perfectly positioned for growth through e-commerce and expanded digital marketing. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a profitable lifestyle business in a high-growth Florida market. Less
Cash Flow: $49,954
Sarasota Co., FL
View Details Artisan Peanut Butter Brand with a Loyal Local Following
Artisan Peanut Butter Brand with a Loyal Local FollowingReady to step into a vibrant, small-batch business that’s already a local favorite? This artisanal peanut butter brand has built a dedicated community of fans through its creative flavor profiles and clean, natural ingredients. It’s more than just a pantry staple—it’s a brand with a recognizable personality and a reputation for quality.From bustling farmers markets to high-energy pop-up events, the branding is fresh, the margins are high, and the foundation is rock solid. This is a fully turnkey operation—perfect for an owner-operator or a food entrepreneur ready to take a boutique brand to the next level.Why This Business Stands Out:Proven Traction: Established presence at premier local markets with high customer retention and a strong "grassroots" identity.Complete Asset Package: Includes proprietary recipes, professional branding, specialized equipment, packaging Less
Southern Country Investments, Inc is a licensed Florida business broker company specializing in the waste, recycling, construction and green industries. Our broker, Denise Houghtaling and her team have owned and operated successful businesses and have extensive experience buying and selling businesses and assets. Denise and her team use their past experience and knowledge to guide buyers and sellers to achieve their goals and dreams.
ABI - Accredited Business Intermediary 10+ years of experience in Real Estate/ Commercial Real Estate I have experience as both a Real Estate investor and Business owner, which allows me to offer valuable assistance to you. My Real Estate business was established in 2014, and I made my initial investment in 2017. Over time, I grew my portfolio to encompass around 15 properties by 2020. Shifting from the residential sector to commercial real estate, I discovered my passion for working with commercial investors. A trip to SWFL in 2021 ignited my love for Florida, leading me to invest in Airbnb properties in North Port and Englewood. In August 2022, I made the decision to permanently relocate to Florida to focus on my commercial broker business/Business Intermediary services. I am excited to continue my work in the Sunshine state. While I specialize in SWFL, I am also licensed across the entire State.
Born and raised in Rye New York, Dave is a decisive and compassionate associate known for his extensive market analysis and trends. Moved to Florida in 1985 and grown and prospered as much as the area. He earns the respect of buyers and sellers to help guide customers through the buying and selling process, making sure his customers are informed and have the tools to close and finish the process.



