About Us
Brokers Who Have Built, Owned & Sold Businesses
Southern Country Business Advisors was founded by people who have sat on both sides of the table. We bring real-world experience, deep Florida market knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to confidentiality.
Our Story
Why SCBA
Southern Country Business Advisors was founded on a simple belief: business owners deserve a broker who truly understands what they've built. Our team has built, owned, and sold companies — so we know firsthand the emotion, the stakes, and the details that make or break a deal.
We serve business owners and buyers throughout Florida, providing confidential, professional guidance through every stage of a transaction. From a first valuation to closing day, our focus is the same: protect your interests, maximize your value, and get the deal done.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Confidentiality First
Every engagement is handled with strict confidentiality to protect your business, your staff, and your customers.
Proven Expertise
Our team has built, owned, and sold businesses — we understand the stakes because we've lived them.
Partnership Approach
We work alongside you as a partner, not a vendor, from the first conversation through closing day.
Results-Driven
We focus on maximizing value and getting deals closed, with a track record of successful transactions.
Our Team
Meet Our Team
President | Broker
Meet Denise Houghtaling
Denise Houghtaling brings decades of hands-on experience building, owning, and selling businesses across Florida. As President and Broker of Southern Country Business Advisors, Denise leads every engagement with a commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and results.
Having sat on both sides of the table as a business owner and advisor, Denise understands the emotional and financial weight of buying or selling a business. Her approach combines deep market knowledge with personalized guidance — from initial valuation through closing day.
Denise is passionate about helping Florida business owners achieve the exit they deserve, and buyers find the right opportunity to build their future.
Broker
Meet Brittney Bransfield
Brittney Bransfield brings both broker expertise and real-world business ownership experience to Southern Country Business Advisors. Her dual perspective as both an advisor and entrepreneur gives her unique insight into the challenges and opportunities her clients face.
Brittney works closely with buyers and sellers to evaluate opportunities, structure deals, and navigate the complexities of business transactions. Her commitment to understanding each client's unique goals and her ability to translate business ownership experience into practical guidance make her an invaluable member of the SCBA team.
She is dedicated to helping clients make informed decisions and achieve their business objectives.
Broker
Meet David Tirado
David Tirado brings professional expertise and a client-focused approach to business brokerage at Southern Country Business Advisors. His dedication to understanding each client's unique situation and goals helps buyers and sellers navigate transactions with confidence.
David works diligently to evaluate opportunities, structure deals, and keep transactions moving forward smoothly. His professionalism and commitment to excellence are evident in every engagement.
He is passionate about helping clients achieve their business objectives and building long-term professional relationships.
Business Broker, Southern Country Business Advisors
Meet Tom Davanaugh
Tom brings 10+ years of experience in business brokerage and valuation, specializing in Main Street and lower-middle-market transactions across Southwest Florida. He is an award-winning member of the Business Brokers of Florida (BBF) and a member of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA).
Before entering brokerage, Tom was an entrepreneur himself, building and selling two companies — one building CNC machines for manufacturing and another in construction document management software. That firsthand experience founding, operating, and exiting businesses gives him a practitioner's perspective on both the operational realities and financial fundamentals that drive a company's value.
Tom is known for a rigorous, detail-oriented approach to deal work, including custom-built financial modeling and valuation tools that support accurate SDE recasting and buyer qualification throughout the transaction process.
What Our Clients Say
Jayne Rice
Recent
“We were very pleased with our overall experience in the sale of a business ! Denise walked us through it and informed us of every step needed to complete the process smoothly and efficiently ! It was a smooth transition!”
Trevor Taulman
Recent
“Working with Denise was such a great experience. Denise was always prompt and communicated very well, while steering me through this transaction. If I ever have to sell, purchase or refer someone, I will go right back to Denise & Southern Country Investments. Thank you so much again for everything!”
Randy Darrow
Recent
“We were the buyers of one of Southern Country Investments. We believe Denise and her team were very prepared and handled the sale professionally. The after sale involvement exceeded expectations. If you list with or purchase from Southern Country Investments you will be represented well.”
Emily Link
Recent
“Working with Denise on the purchase of a business was an absolutely pleasure. She has an excellent understanding of the market and communication skills. She was able to help all parties navigate through complex situations with a problem-solving attitude and kept us informed at each step of the process. We wholeheartedly recommend Denise and her team.”
Kyle Hubler
Recent
“Less than 60 days from signing the listing agreement to signing the closing docs! Denise and Brittany were amazing to work with, multiple offers presented, very professional, would definitely recommend!”
Ashley Humphries
Recent
“Amazing !!! So helpful and held my hand the whole way. I owned my business for 10 years so it was an emotional process and they were there for every second of it. I would absolutely use them again if I ever needed a business broker again.”
Luis Ramos
Recent
“We had the pleasure to work with Denise on the sale of my father's business. She was great at helping us getting an accurate appraisal for the business and setting up the for sale advertising. Our overall experience with her was excellent. I would recommend her services to anyone interested in buying or selling a business.”
Brian Sodre
Recent
“Denise is a superstar! If she tells you she is taking care of it, you can count on it.”
Cheryl Maymon
Recent
“Denise is the best, she is professional and honest and knows how to get your business sold!!”
Jeff Smith
Recent
“Denise and their team are very knowledgeable and professional. I highly recommend them.”
Book a Consultation
Let's Talk About Your Goals
Whether you're years away from selling or ready to list now, we'd love to start a confidential conversation.
Request a Confidential Consultation
We'll respond within one business day.