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CLEARWATER, FL
565 South Hercules Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33764-5747
Phone: (727) 499-6500
Fax: (727) 536-3080
Email This Office
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VR Business Sales|Mergers and Acquisitions
CLEARWATER, FL
Meet Our Team
VR Clearwater Team
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Larry F. Lawson II: Larry F. Lawson II Chief Executive Officer/Senior Partner of VR Business Sales in Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg utilizes his knowledge and expertise concerning Valued Representation, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Business Sales to deliver premier service and proven results to Business Buyers and Sellers. For over the past decade Lawson has facilitated over 100 transactions, engaging small to mid-sized businesses ranging from 1 million to 50 million in acquisition price. Lawson works with clients in need of “Valued Representation” and intelligent integrated solutions. Since acquiring his first VR firm in 1999, owners and investors internationally, and throughout the southeast U.S. and Florida have sought his expert council. Lawson has received worldwide accolades for VR Marketing Tools, Transaction Management and Technology advances. He has earned prestige and recognition in the industry receiving Worldwide Awards for his many Acquisition and Divestiture successes. The Southeastern U.S. based firm established in 1979 accompanied by Lawson’s stringent attention to detail and best practices have served as a powerful catalyst for superior performance, which culminated in consistently ranking in the top VR Firms Worldwide. Over his eleven year tenure as Chief Executive Officer/Senior Partner, VR Business Sales located in Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg has ranked in the top ten VR Firms for over the past eleven years. During the last five years Lawson has received worldwide awards for his personal Business Sales and Services consisting of companies in Manufacturing, Distribution, Services, National and International multi-unit Franchise and Franchisors.
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Larry F. Lawson II
Chief Executive Officer
Senior Partner
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| Mike Vargo: A true Florida native, Mike was born and raised in the Bay Area, and graduated from the University of Tampa where he earned a BA in Finance. While attending the University, Mike was also a prominent starter for the Spartan Baseball Team, which won the NCAA Division II Championship in 1993. Mike has enjoyed a highly successful professional career. His career began with several years of service to the Ice Palace & Tampa Bay Lightning as a luxury suite sales executive. After his departure, Mike moved on to become Vice President and part owner of several sign manufacturing companies that were eventually divested through VR. Mike currently serves as President/Senior Managing Partner of VR offices in Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg, Florida. In 2005 the office ranked as the#1 VR office worldwide. Maintaining vast familiarity with service and manufacturing sectors, as well as a decade of experience buying and selling businesses, Mike’s counsel can prove invaluable to the sale or purchase of small to mid-sized privately held businesses. Mike and his wife Lana continue to reside in Tampa with their two sons. |
Mike Vargo
President
Senior Managing Partner
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| Joseph N. Perlman Esq. With over 30 years of business transaction experience Joseph N. Perlman Esq. is Chief Operating Officer/Senior Managing Partner of VR Business Sales Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Originally from Toledo, Ohio he attended Ohio State University and received a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration as a Finance Major. After receiving his undergrad degree Joseph continued his education and was accepted at the University Of Toledo School Of Law where he received his Jurist Doctorate Degree. After passing the Ohio State Bar he began his career as an attorney with Topper Jaffe and Jacobs Attorney at Law in Toledo Ohio. While there he was involved in all aspects of law, including personal injury, litigation, criminal law, bankruptcy, family law, contracts, and leases. Joseph then moved to Largo, Florida where he opened his own practice involved in business law, including preparation of contracts, leases, purchase agreements, closing documents, operating a Title Company, real estate law, and all aspects relating thereto, and acting as closing agent for various professional business intermediaries. Joseph is an active member of the Florida Bar Association. |
Joseph N Perlman, Esq.
Chief Operating Officer
Senior Managing Partner
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Russ Bieber: After graduating from Indiana University, Russ began his career with a Fortune 500 company in Chicago, eventually doing acquisitions to grow one of their divisions. He became an independent broker in 1981 specializing in selling mid-market size businesses nationwide. In 1986, he relocated to Florida and eventually purchased the Clearwater, Florida VR Business Brokers office. He sold this successful office in 2006 and has remained with the firm. In addition to brokering the sale of businesses, Russ has experience in business appraisals, site selection/market valuation, and business operations consulting. As a member of the VR Business Brokers Corporate Education Committee, Russ helps develop and teach courses to VR's national brokerage organization. Further, he has earned the International Business Brokers Association "Certified Business Intermediary" designation and teaches education courses at the IBBA bi-annual conferences. He has been a licensed Florida Real Estate Broker since 1988. Russ is a past officer in both the Florida Business Brokers Association (FBBA) and the Business Brokers of Florida Association (BBF). He is the Chairman of the Board of New Creation Experiences, Inc., a non-profit, international ministry organization.
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Russ Bieber
Business Intermediary
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| George C. Ladino: After earning a B.S. from Babson College and a M.S. from the University of Rhode Island, George started his professional career in Boston with Arthur Andersen & Co. He obtained his CPA in Massachusetts. In the corporate world George worked for a number of high technology firms in the Boston area and then progressed to work with major firms in the financial services arena. He was SVP for a division of Fidelity Investments, CFO for an international division of Citibank and the Managing Director COO for an international division of Barclays PLC, while living in London. Since moving to Florida with his wife, George has owned a small manufacturing business in the construction industry. George is a highly valued VR business intermediary with in- depth senior business experience in financial services, manufacturing and small business ownership. Georges experience coupled with his dedication and commitment to excellence are invaluable for clients who want to receive the highest quality advice and outstanding optimum service and results. |
George C. Ladino
Business Intermediary
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| Ron Matheson: After attending UCLA film school, Ron opened an art and framing store in a major regional mall location in Colorado. After great success he proceeded to open additional locations in Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida. In addition to the art & framing stores Ron opened two Thomas Kinkade Art Galleries in Colorado and Las Vegas. As a highly skilled entrepreneur and business owner Ron opened a book store/café in the Tribeca section of New York City and a cinnamon bun and coffee house in Colorado. In 2005 Ron became a VR professional business intermediary. With his vast experience as a business owner Ron quickly became a top performer in the VR network ranking #4 in the nation in 2007 and consistently ranking in the top ten associates worldwide. His knowledge and expertise surpasses industry standards and his client’s remain a great referral source due to their experience and his outstanding service and results oriented style. |
Ron Matheson
Business Intermediary
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Ray Olesen: Raised in suburban Philadelphia, graduated from Villanova, BSME and University of Hartford, MBA, Ray began a long career in business and project development with several major engineering & construction firms serving the electric utility and independent power industry beginning in the Northeastern U.S., with numerous assignments in Asia developing power projects. Transferring to Florida in 1980, Ray and his wife Harriet have been married for more than 20 years and live in Gulfport. He is a member of Pasadena Yacht & Country Club and is an experienced boater. His extensive business background and education, integrity, honest dealing practices and years of experience as a Professional Business Intermediary with the VR network will lead to success in assisting you in selling or buying a business.
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Ray Olesen
Business Intermediary
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| Armand Palmisano III: Armand combines a background in financial services, business management, and business ownership to create intelligent solutions that meet the needs of his clients. As a native of New Jersey he brings special insight to the many business owners and buyers seeking to similarly transition to Florida from out of state. Armand successfully owned and operated a residential & commercial construction company prior to relocating to Florida. Due to the constant demand of his customers requiring financing Armand opened a mortgage company that was licensed in 50 states and headquartered in Tampa Florida. Armand has over 17 years of business ownership and management skills. Armand is a professional business intermediary with VR Business Sales in Tampa. He is dedicated to maximizing the value for his clients through a relationship driven approach that encompasses high standards of confidentiality, and integrity. He understands the complexities involved in each transaction through negotiations, deal structures, and financial solutions that work. |
Armand Palmisano III
Business Intermediary
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| Larry Restall: Larry received a degree in Engineering from University of Colorado and an MBA from Tulane University. He started his professional career as an Audit Manager for Ernst & Whinney handling the audits of TRW, Sherwin Williams and for five years was the lead executive on the audit of Sohio. For the next 25 years he served as Chief Financial Officer for a number of large and small, public and private corporations. His last position, before retiring in 1992, was VP Finance & Treasurer of Centex Corp, a $3.5 Billion NYSE home and general construction company. He also served as Vice Chairman of Centex’s $700 million S & L. He has participated in a number of acquisitions and divestitures over his career including the acquisition of the S & L by Centex. In the late 1970’s, Larry was a founder and served as Chief Operating Officer of a large private offshore supply boat company servicing the oil and gas industry in the western hemisphere. Following retirement, he founded a yacht brokerage firm which became the 5th largest firm servicing the intermediate sized pleasure yacht market. Larry is a CPA and Certified Financial Planner. He is currently a professional business intermediary with VR Business Sales located in Tampa, Fla. Larry’s high standards of professionalism, expertise, knowledge, and transactional experience bring about maximum achievement of goals for his client’s. |
Larry Restall
Business Intermediary
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Steve Thalji: Steve and his family moved to the Tampa Bay Area from Chicago in 1986. With 15 years of successful retail management experience behind him, he became an owner-operator of several highly successful convenience stores and café’s. Being a business owner has been his passion for the past 20 years. Areas of specialization include the restaurant and food service industry, gas stations and convenience stores, liquor stores, and other small to medium sized service and retail businesses. His extensive business background, integrity, quick response to customer needs, and honest dealing practices combined with his personal business experience as both a buyer and seller lead clients through a seamless transaction and transition when buying or selling a business.
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Steve Thalji
Business Intermediary
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Claudia Thalji: Claudia has been a business owner and entrepreneur who brings to VR more than 25 years of business experience. Prior to joining the VR team, Claudia had a very successful career in retail management in Chicago, and when she and her husband Steve moved to Florida in 1986, she opened and operated several successful Café’s in the Tampa Bay area. Under her leadership, these businesses consistently grew in revenues and profits. Claudia built a dedicated customer base which resulted in the profitable divestiture of these businesses. In addition to her well-honed business skills, Claudia’s integrity, excellent customer service and a quick response to customer needs, focus on detail and an in-depth understanding of the essential workings of businesses provide both buyers and sellers with the confidence that transactions will go smoothly and transitions will be seamless. Areas of specialization include the Restaurant and Food Service industry as well as small to medium sized service and retail businesses.
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Claudia ThaljiBusiness Intermediary
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| J. D. Wells: J. D. a South Florida native from Palm Beach County graduated from Purdue University with a BSIE and Auburn University with an MPA. He spent 30 years in the Air Force and retired as a Colonel in 1996. During this time he worked primarily in Information Technology (computers and telecommunications), Space Operations (Cheyenne Mountain/NORAD) and Intelligence. His jobs ranged from Speech Writer to Budget Analyst to Presidential Trip Advance to Commander (multiple units as large as 1,000 personnel). Since his departure from the Air Force, J. D. has worked in private industry in Business Development, Sales, Operations, and as a corporate officer. Before joining VR, he was a Senior Consultant and Project Manager for IBM with US-wide responsibilities in the e-business space. J. D. and his wife Shirley, live in Dade City and have membership at the Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club (He is an underperforming but not frustrated golfer). At VR as a professional business intermediary, J.D. is able to use his business experience to assist clients with the sale of their businesses that they have worked hard to build, and help them obtain their future goals and objectives for themselves and their families. He also helps buyers meet their needs and achieve the dream of business ownership |
J.D. Wells Business Intermediary
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Jenifer Garcia: Jenifer is originally from Louisville, KY. After Graduating from high school she moved to Florida. Where she married and began her career. Jenifer worked for Sonic Courier from 1990 – 1998 as a Customer Service Representative. She left Sonic Courier to join Fastsigns with Larry Lawson II. At Fastsigns she worked as the Customer Service Manager. After Fastsigns Jenifer attended St. Pete College in Tarpon Springs and received her Accounting Certificate. In 2004 she joined Personnel Leasing as Customer Service Representative. One year later in 2005 Jenifer returned working with Larry as the Office Manager at VR Business Sales in Clearwater Fla. Jenifer is the first voice you will here when calling VR Business Sales. She assists with packaging the listings, entering the listings for the website on the VR MLS system. She also assists with mailings, and helping the associates, organizing and keeping track of vital information for the firm. Jenifer has been married for 19 years and has two very active daughters. She is very active in the community through volunteer positions at Tarpon Springs High School, where her youngest daughter attends. She serves as the Booster President for Tarpon Springs High School Show Choir, after her oldest daughter’s graduation and departure from the Show Choir. She is involved with the High School Cheerleaders, whom her youngest daughter belongs, and is in the Veterinarian Academy at the school. She remains a valued team member at VR Business Sales in Clearwater.
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Jenifer GarciaOffice Manager
Tampa, Florida
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Sadie Lawrence:Sadie is from Largo Florida. She has successfully completed courses at St. Petersburg Junior College in Visual Basic Programming (VB 6.0), August 2000, Introduction to Computer Programming, August 1999, and courses in Accounting and Psychology January thru August 1997. She started her career as an Administrative Secretary/Bookkeeper with The Mills Group in Largo than joined Aude, Shand & Williams, AIA in Clearwater. Over the years she has utilized her accounting courses as a full charge bookkeeper for Account Temps, and McVey Creative, Group, in St. Petersburg. She currently provides Contract Bookkeeping and Computer Services to various clients and became a full charge Bookkeeper for Joseph N. Perlman Esq. for his law practice. In 2009 she is joining VR Business Sales Clearwater/St. Petersburg with Pearlman. She enjoys learning new computer software and computer graphics programs including website design, Photoshop, flash, dream weaver, and enjoys putting together PowerPoint presentations. Sadie uses all of her knowledge and skills to enhance VR Business Sales in Clearwater/St. Petersburg.
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Sadie LawrenceOffice Manager
Clearwater, Florida |
Cerisa Grunau: Cerisa is originally a native Californian, moved to Florida in October 2008 with her husband. Cerisa attended two years at Cal Poly University in Pomona, CA. majoring in business and accounting. Cerisa started a career in banking with Bank of America, after banking she received her California Real Estate License hired by Tarbell Realtors. Married with two children she became involved with PTA and various volunteer positions for her children’s activities over the years. In 2002 her and her husband opened a VR Business Brokers office in Brea California. Cerisa learned all aspects of the business brokerage field from operating an office to the transaction side of the business. She performed associate training, business valuations, business presentations, accounting, business showings, due diligence follow up, broker support for contracts, Internet ads, mailings, and maintained various sales, business, and financial reports for the office. Cerisa moved to Florida with her husband in 2008. After moving to Florida she joined VR Business Sales in Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg as Website Development and PR/Marketing Coordinator. Cerisa serves on the hospitality team at her church, is involved with the Angel Food Drive, and enjoys reading, indoor cycle, 5K and 10K walk/runs for various organizations.
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Cerisa Grunau
PR/Marketing Coordinator
Website Development
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