Our Team

Empire Business Advisors is a Cleveland-based business brokerage built on discretion, industry knowledge, and a genuine commitment to getting both sides of a deal to the table.

Meet the Advisors

The people behind every Empire transaction

Benjamin Sutterlin

President / Owner

Ben is a dedicated professional with a robust background in entrepreneurship, business management, and small business ownership. As the President and Owner of Empire Business Advisors, he channels his passion for business, aviation, outdoor adventure, and family into his work. A third-generation entrepreneur, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Empire Business Advisors.

In his role at Empire, Ben is an active member of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), Ohio Business Brokers Association (OBBA), Northern Ohio Business Brokers Association (NOBBA) and volunteers with many local organizations including Project Healing Waters, showcasing his commitment to community engagement.

Understanding the critical nature of buying or selling a business, Ben is dedicated to guiding current and prospective business owners through this pivotal process. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a business, Ben offers the professionalism and expertise necessary to navigate this significant decision with confidence.

At Empire, we prioritize a no-pressure approach to business brokering, ensuring a positive and supportive experience for our clients.

ben@businessbrokerohio.com

Michael W. Benson

Partner

Michael W. Benson is a partner at Empire Business Advisors. He began his career as a computer programmer and ultimately founded a data processing consulting company in the Cleveland area, which grew to more than $5 million in annual sales and 80 employees. He sold the company in 1994.

Selling his company provided Mr. Benson with unique insights into both the emotional and practical factors faced by nearly every business owner contemplating a sale of the company. After selling his business, Mr. Benson embarked on his second career in the merger and acquisition field.

Since then, Mr. Benson has structured the sale of more than 160 companies in a wide range of industries. His unique and personal perspective on what is involved in the sale of a business helps him to personally guide buyers or sellers through the process from start to finish.

While Empire does not specialize in the sale of any type of business or in any particular industry, we have significant expertise in the sale of companies in manufacturing, wholesale, industrial operations, distribution, and numerous service companies.

Associations

Professional memberships & credentials

Empire Business Advisors is proud to be a member of the following organizations and associations, and to hold the following professional accreditations:

Northern Ohio Business Brokers Association (NOBBA)
International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
Ohio Business Brokers Association (OBBA)
Licensed Realtor, State of Ohio

Empire Business Advisors team and Northeast Ohio market

Client Testimonials

What sellers say about working with Empire

"I worked with Mike Benson of Empire to sell my manufacturing company in 2007. Mike was very helpful in making the entire process clear and understandable as it is an emotional time. I was always impressed at his availability and follow up. It was like I was his only client. …"

Read full reviewShow less from Eric Mutschler

"I worked with Mike Benson of Empire to sell my manufacturing company in 2007. Mike was very helpful in making the entire process clear and understandable as it is an emotional time. I was always impressed at his availability and follow up. It was like I was his only client. His understanding of this process is really incredible. Like anything that you do once (or in some cases a few times) in your lifetime, the thought of actually doing it is intimidating. And picking the wrong team to handle it would have to be devastating. Mike's professional approach yet being easy to talk to was very settling and made me comfortable. I trust Mike. Mike educated me more than I would have ever expected. We all know our businesses, the thing we worked so hard to build but selling it is another thing all together. Mike had or found 11 excellent potential buyers and each meeting was interesting, enjoyable and educational. The entire procedure from, "Hey, I think I will sell my business" to closing day requires energy, an open mind and strong support. Mike did a great job for me. And he made the process enjoyable. He was there for me from day one to closing day. I can only say that if I ever sell my business again (started a new one) Mike is my guy."

Eric Mutschler

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