Trade Associations

Business Brokerage is a relatively new career. Over the past decade or so, a number of Trade Associations have sprung up which offer meetings, conferences, continuing education and other resources to help Intermediaries expand their skills and increase their proficiency. The term, Trade Association, applies to those groups where membership is open to anyone active in the industry and who do not limit membership to a single or small number of practitioners in a given geographical or industry area.

The industry is also populated with a small number of "Networks" such as Business Broker franchises (which tend to serve the need of smaller "Main Street") or Mid-Market Networks of Intermediaries who restrict membership to a single or limited number of firms per geographical area.

Stonemark actively supports a number of these associations. Wm. May, Stonemark's President, is a frequent speaker or instructor at organizations offering his insight in the many classes and industry standards he has championed. You can click on any of the organizations for further information.

Stonemark and its members have participated in numerous trade groups, networks and societies such as:

Merger & Acquisition Source - (MAS) - a trade group of merger and acquisition intermediaries worldwide.
International Business Brokers Association - (IBBA) - the leading professional brokerage trade group.
Northwest Association of Business Brokers - (NABB) - a regional trade group founded by one of our principals.
Institute of Business Appraisers - (IBA) - an important society of business valuation experts.
American Society of Appraisers - (ASA) - the country’s largest multi- discipline appraisal association. (Former member.)

Stonemark Members and Associates are required to undertake and complete continuing education courses leading to Accreditation such as "Certified Business Intermediary" and "Certified Business Appraiser." Everyone at Stonemark knows their job inside out.