Featuring Jeff DeGarmo, Director of Search and Acquisition, Owners in Honor

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When veterans begin the journey to business ownership, many assume the hardest part will be finding a business to buy. But for those of us who’ve been through the process, we know the real challenge lies in everything that comes after the listing: evaluating the opportunity, structuring the deal, securing funding, and transitioning into ownership with confidence.

That’s where a buy-side broker becomes invaluable.

At Owners in Honor, we are proud to partner with experts like Jeff DeGarmo, a Navy veteran and accomplished entrepreneur who serves as our Director of Search and Acquisition. Jeff has not only bought and sold businesses himself—he’s coached dozens of aspiring owners through the process, combining real-world experience with military-honed leadership.

“Serving on the Owners in Honor staff is the perfect opportunity to utilize my leadership and mentoring experience gained through my own Naval service and from creating, acquiring, operating, and selling multiple businesses to help veterans become successful owners,” Jeff shares. “It perfectly aligns with my personal WHY—to serve and inspire others to elevate themselves to achieve limitless personal and professional success.”

The Real Role of a Buy-Side Broker

While many buyers think brokers just help source listings, the true value of a buy-side broker extends far beyond the search. In fact, Jeff’s company, J DeGarmo, LLC, is built on serving others through the full cycle of entrepreneurship.

“We serve others in the full cycle of entrepreneurship—including helping others start or buy businesses, securing funding, coaching them from infancy through growth phases, and helping them determine a value for their business and secure a successful exit at the right time.”

Let’s break down the areas where a buy-side broker like Jeff adds critical strategic value:

🔍 Valuation and Deal Assessment

It’s easy to fall in love with a business on paper—but is it actually profitable? Scalable? Priced fairly? A seasoned broker performs financial analysis and industry comparisons to help buyers understand what a business is really worth—and whether it aligns with their long-term goals.

🤝 Structuring and Negotiation

A great broker doesn’t just bring buyers and sellers together. They help bridge the gap—structuring deals that work for both sides, managing expectations, and navigating the often tense back-and-forth of negotiations.

🛡️ Due Diligence and Risk Management

From financial statements to legal liabilities, a buy-side broker coordinates due diligence with accountants, attorneys, and other professionals—ensuring there are no costly surprises down the road.

📈 Growth Potential and Strategy

What comes after closing? That’s where many veterans feel overwhelmed. Jeff helps buyers not only get to the finish line—but step into ownership with a plan. Identifying underutilized assets, automation opportunities, or customer retention strategies can dramatically increase post-acquisition success.

As Jeff explains: “I serve Owners in Honor as the Director of Search and Acquisition—helping aspiring veteran entrepreneurs understand the basics of business ownership, providing education and buy-side support during their acquisition search, connecting them with valuable resources during the transaction process, and providing valuation and sell-side support to ensure a successful exit.”

Built for Veterans, Led by Veterans

At Owners in Honor, we believe that military veterans are uniquely equipped for business ownership. Their leadership, mission-first mindset, and operational discipline make them ideal successors for small businesses in transition.

But even the most capable leaders benefit from expert support—and that’s exactly what Jeff brings to the table. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching, content development, or guiding a veteran through their first acquisition, his presence has become a cornerstone of our ETA program.

“Additionally, I support the programming team through content development and virtual instruction and provide coaching services to select OIH clients,” Jeff says.

The Bottom Line

Buying a business is not just a transaction—it’s a transformation. And like any successful mission, it requires preparation, precision, and a reliable team.

Working with a buy-side broker is one of the smartest moves a first-time buyer can make. They don’t just open doors—they help you walk through them with clarity, strategy, and a long-term vision.

Thanks to leaders like Jeff DeGarmo, our veterans aren’t walking this path alone. They’re surrounded by experts who believe in their potential and are committed to helping them own thriving businesses—and legacies.

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