I'm focused on finding an exceptional business that I can own, operate, and grow for years to come.

Simply stated, my goal is to create long-term value for the company, its employees, and the community. Together with the current owner, I aim to create a transition that preserves the business’ legacy and positions it for continued success.

Business Attributes

I’m seeking to buy a well-established business with a consistent track record of profitability. My approach is industry-agnostic and targets businesses with strong fundamentals that I can build upon after assuming ownership. I’m focused on businesses with the following attributes:

• Principled Owner – Known for integrity, purpose, and a team that is committed to excellence 

• Proven Offering – Clearly differentiated essential product or service with defensible strengths

• Operational Flexibility – Business can run remotely or online; not reliant on a physical presence

• Long-Term Customer Relationships – Stable base of repeat, diverse clients

• $500K–$1.5M in EBITDA – Flexible depending on margins and growth profile

• Growth Potential – Clear opportunities to expand, improve, or scale 

• Proven Operating History – 5+ years in business

I know selling your business is personal and that matters to me.

The purchase process will be confidential and catered to you in order to facilitate a seamless transition with minimal impact to employees, customers, and suppliers. I’m the one leading things, not a fund or a junior team. While brokers or others may help facilitate, I am fully engaged to ensure things are handled with transparency, integrity, and a steady hand. My financing, diligence, and legal relationships are already established, so we can move quickly and stay aligned throughout the process.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Introductory meeting – A chance to learn about you, your goals, and your business

• Initial business review – A high-level understanding of operations and financials

• Follow-up – Thoughtful requests for additional information and clarification

• Letter of Intent (LOI) – A clear, simple agreement for us to move forward

• Confirmatory diligence – A respectful, transparent deep dive into key aspects of your business

• Transaction close – I support your exit, deliver your sale proceeds, support your team, and continue your legacy

I believe in more than just closing a deal; I value doing right by people. 

That starts with the owner and extends to their employees and customers. These values aren’t just part of the process, they shape every conversation, decision, and transition.

1. Trust & Transparency – I lead with clarity, communicate openly, and ensure you’re never left guessing during the process.

2. Speed with Care – I move quickly, not carelessly, using a focused, efficient process that respects your time and minimizes disruption. I do most of the work myself and have a ready team of outside advisors (banking, legal, accounting, insurance) to move things forward efficiently.

3. People First – Your team is part of your legacy. I am collaborative, not adversarial, during diligence, and I recognize the important role your people play in your company’s success. I'll support their continued success going forward.

I come from a family where business meant showing up—for people, not just paychecks.

I had the fortune of growing up in an immigrant family where business ownership wasn’t a concept, it was a way of life. My dad managed commercial buildings. My uncle ran his own electrical contracting business. My aunt baked from dawn to dusk at her bakery. My cousin ran a clothing boutique. I saw what it really took: long hours, tough decisions, and showing up every day.

That spirit of ownership stayed with me and the entrepreneurial bug bit early. As a teenager, I started my own business: an event company. It started as a small idea and turned into a well-known brand which drew thousands at its largest events. I handled everything from coordinating vendors, booking talent, handling cash flow, and when needed, jumped in to shoot photos, film video, run security, and even DJing to keep the show running. I learned what it means to juggle a thousand things at once and still make the customer happy. Every mistake was mine to fix, and every win was hard-earned. That experience taught me what business really is: service, responsibility, and a whole lot of grit.

I chose this path because it matters—to me, and to my family.

Today, I’m carrying that same spirit forward through Ikigai Partners, my journey to buy and grow a great business. The name comes from the Japanese word ikigai, which means “reason for being.” To me, that’s what business ownership is all about: doing work that matters, serving others, and creating real value. 

I left a steady career to pursue this full-time. Not because I needed a change, but because I believe in building something that lasts. I’m not looking for a quick flip or a flashy startup. I’m looking for a real business with deep roots, one I can steward, invest in, and grow. I want to honor what the owner has built, support the team, and create new opportunities for the future. This is a deeply personal journey, one that matters not just to me, but to my family as well.

I've spent over 15 years learning how great owners build businesses that last.

My belief in business ownership deepened during my time at The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., where I had the opportunity to work closely with business owners who built companies with lasting impact. As a Vice President, I led partnerships, operations, and business development. I also managed cross-functional teams across marketing, sales, product, legal, compliance, finance,  and engineering. My role was to keep everyone aligned and moving forward, even when things got tough.

Earlier in my career, I worked in fast-growing, smaller companies like Bankrate, Red Ventures, Skaled Consulting, Skipper, and VentureOutNY. I’ve seen what it takes to lead from the front, solve problems quickly, and stay accountable to your people. I understand what it means to own outcomes and operate with the mindset of an owner. 

And my background’s a bit unique. I initially studied Computer Science at Dartmouth, but after teaching myself to code, my intellectual curiosity led me to Physics (and the endlessly fascinating world of quantum mechanics). Later, I earned a Master’s in Blockchain and Digital Currency. I’m also a proud graduate of Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development, where the foundation for my curiosity, continuous learning, and commitment to service was first formed.

Joy, curiosity, and service keep me balanced—and remind me why I do this.

When I’m not working, I’m spending time with the people I love and doing the things that keep me grounded—playing Monopoly (I play to win), listening to live music, running obstacle races, and traveling (32 countries and 68 cities so far). I also serve on the Ron Brown Advisory Board to support the next generation of leaders, and I plan to stay active in the ETA community by mentoring and investing in other operators.

At the end of the day, I’m not just buying a business—I’m pursuing my ikigai: doing work I love, leveraging everything I’ve learned, and creating lasting value.

If you are considering selling your business or know someone I should talk to, send me a message. 

Reach out directly, anytime: Stephan@ikigaipartners.co. 

Or, text me at: ‪(551) 800-5244‬.