Jeff Piersall, Founder and Partner;Rob Chepak, PartnerIn a recent conversation with the team behind TREP Advisors, it became clear that their success isn’t just measured in dollar amounts or the number of transactions completed — it’s in the trust and long-term relationships they’ve built with their clients. With over $150 million in transactions completed in 2024 alone, the firm is proving that theres no substitute for truly understanding the people behind the businesses.
Why Choose TREP Advisors?
For many business owners, selling their company is one of the most significant decisions they’ll ever make. It’s not just about the money — it’s about the future of their employees, the legacy of their business, and their own personal freedom. This is where TREP Advisors excels. Unlike larger, impersonal M&A firms, TREP Advisors stands out by taking a deeply personalized, owner-first approach.
We are former business owners ourselves,” says Jeff Piersall, TREP’s founder and partner. “We’ve walked in their shoes. We understand what it’s like to face cash flow problems, manage employees, and handle the day-to-day operations of a business. This makes us more relatable and better equipped to guide owners through the complexities of selling their business.”
This personal experience allows TREP to connect with business owners on a deeper level, quickly building trust. And trust is essential in a process that can often feel like a rollercoaster of emotions and decisions.
A Custom Approach for Every Business
While some M&A firms offer a one-size-fits-all strategy, TREP Advisors knows that no two owners are alike — and neither are their businesses. “We take a custom approach to every transaction,” explains Jeff. “We spend a significant amount of time upfront understanding why the owner wants to sell — TREP stands for the four freedoms sought by an owner; they are Time freedom, Relationships, Economic reasons, or Purpose driven. Every owner’s ‘WHY’ will be motivated by one or more of these freedoms. Understanding the ‘why’ behind the sale helps us tailor the transaction to meet those goals.”
TREP’s approach is not just about finding a buyer; it’s about finding the right buyer — one who values the owner’s goals, vision, and legacy. “Most owners think they can only sell to a competitor,” adds Rob Chepak, partner. “In reality, there are often dozens or even hundreds of buyers who could meet their needs, and it’s our job to find the perfect match.”
We are former business owners ourselves. We’ve walked in their shoes. We understand what it’s like to face cash flow problems, manage employees, and handle the day-to-day operations of a business. This makes us more relatable and better equipped to guide owners through the complexities of selling their business
This process is more than just transactional; it’s about understanding the broader picture and ensuring that the transition aligns with the owner’s vision. Whether the goal is to secure the future of employees, preserve the business’s legacy, or ensure the owner’s retirement is financially sound, TREP Advisors is committed to making that happen.
The success of TREP Advisors is not just reflected in the numbers; it’s reflected in the lives they’ve changed and the businesses they’ve helped transition successfully. From complex multi-owner deals to ensuring that family businesses stay in the family, TREP Advisors has a track record of success stories that go far beyond a simple business transaction.
Take, for example, a recent case where TREP helped three business owners with different needs combine their operations into one seamless transaction. “One wanted to retire, one wanted to continue as president, and the other wanted a flex or part-time role,” recalls Jeff. “We spent hours understanding their individual goals and crafted a transaction that satisfied everyone’s needs including the buyer objectives.”
Another poignant example is a father-son business transition where the father wanted to retire without burdening his son with too much debt, while ensuring the son could take over the business without the risk and liability the father had to take. “We structured a deal that allowed the son to lead the business without the financial stress,” Jeff explains. “Now, the son is successfully running the business with first class support and mentoring from the new ownership group; while the father can retire comfortably, knowing his legacy is in good hands.” These stories highlight the human side of business transitions — the family dynamics, personal legacies, and emotional stakes that often go unnoticed in traditional M&A deals.
Compliance and Due Diligence: A Seamless Process
While TREP Advisors is deeply invested in the human side of the transaction, they also understand the importance of compliance and due diligence. Navigating the legal and regulatory landscape can be overwhelming for business owners, especially when the stakes are so high. That’s why TREP has a team of experts in place to guide clients through every step of the process. “We have a team of professionals who specialize in legal and regulatory issues,” explains Heather Nicole, Director of Compliance, who plays a crucial role in ensuring that compliance issues are addressed proactively. “We act as a liaison between the buyer’s and seller’s legal teams, interpreting the legal complexities in a way that’s understandable for business owners.” This proactive approach helps to avoid delays and ensures that all compliance requirements are met without unnecessary stress or confusion.
Post-Sale Support: A Long-Term Commitment
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Most owners think they can only sell to a competitor. In reality, there are often dozens or even hundreds of buyers who could meet their needs, and it’s our job to find the perfect match
One of the standout features of TREP Advisors is their commitment to post-sale support. Many firms consider their job done once the deal is closed, but TREP Advisors understands that the transition doesn’t end with the sale. “We’re there for our clients even after the transaction is complete,” says Rob. “We still receive calls from owners we worked with years ago, asking for advice or guidance on business decisions. We view the post-sale process as just as important as the pre-sale phase.” This ongoing support ensures that the business transition is smooth and that the owner’s goals continue to be met even after the sale is finalized. It’s this long-term commitment that has helped TREP Advisors maintain an impressive 98% referral rate — a testament to the trust and satisfaction they’ve built with their clients.
The TREP Difference: Owner-First, Always
At the core of TREP Advisors’ success is their unwavering focus on the owner. “This is not just about making a deal; it’s about meeting the owner’s needs and making their life better,” Jeff states. “If we can achieve that, everything else falls into place.”
With their founder-led, relationship-driven approach, TREP Advisors has become one of the fastest growing M&A advisory firms in the U.S., ranking 9th for deal volume on Axial, the largest business marketplace. But despite their rapid growth, they remain focused on their founding principle: the business owner comes first. Whether it’s helping an entrepreneur achieve financial freedom, preserving the legacy of a family business, or simply ensuring a smooth and transparent transition, TREP Advisors continues to prove that in the world of M&A, the human touch makes all the difference.
Takeaway: If you’re a business owner looking to transition your company, choosing the right M&A advisor can be a game-changer. TREP Advisors doesn’t just handle the transaction; they prioritize your goals, your vision, and your future. With a personalized approach, a track record of success, and a deep commitment to trust and relationships, they’re not just another M&A firm — they’re a partner who understands what truly matters.
