August 2025

The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to invest in and operate a business in the United States. It is a unique opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs, offering a pathway to success in the U.S. market. As the future of the E-2 visa continues to evolve, it’s becoming increasingly important for economic growth and job creation in the U.S.

Leadership of a business and a family

My father-in-law was a farmer—a man deeply connected to the land and the legacy it represented. Long before his passing, he made a pivotal decision: he transitioned the operations and control of his large family farm to his son. This wasn’t a hasty handover but a deliberate, thoughtful process grounded in planning and foresight. His approach, coupled with solid estate planning and a willingness to offer advice “when asked,” ensured that the farm remained a thriving cornerstone of our family’s heritage. His story holds valuable lessons for business owners who, like him, are building something that extends beyond themselves—something that intertwines business success with family legacy.

A Thoughtful Transition

My father-in-law didn’t wait for age or illness to force his hand. Years before it was necessary, he began preparing his son to take over the farm. This early transition allowed his son to step into leadership gradually—learning the rhythms of the land, mastering the operations, and growing into the role with his father still there as a steady presence. It was a testament to his foresight, ensuring the farm’s future wasn’t left to chance or rushed decisions.

This proactive approach minimized disruptions and set the stage for continuity. By handing over control while he was still active, he gave his son the chance to lead with confidence, knowing the wisdom of experience was just a conversation away.

Lesson for Business Owners: Start succession planning early. Don’t wait for a crisis or retirement to think about who will carry your business forward. A gradual transition gives your successor time to learn, adapt, and take ownership, ensuring your company remains strong and aligned with your vision.

The Foundation of Estate Planning

Central to my father-in-law’s strategy was his commitment to solid estate planning. He worked diligently to create a clear plan for the farm’s future, addressing legal and financial details to avoid confusion or conflict after his passing. This wasn’t just about protecting the farm’s value—it was about safeguarding family unity. His estate plan ensured a smooth transfer of ownership, minimized tax burdens, and honored his intentions, leaving no room for disputes that could have strained relationships.

For him, the farm was more than a business; it was a shared family asset. His planning reflected that, preserving it as a source of stability and pride for the next generation.

Lesson for Business Owners: Estate planning is essential, no matter the size of your business. It’s not just about wealth—it’s about clarity and peace of mind. Work with advisors to craft a plan that protects your assets, reduces risks, and ensures your business supports your family as you intend, both now and in the future.

The Foundation of Estate Planning

Central to my father-in-law’s strategy was his commitment to solid estate planning. He worked diligently to create a clear plan for the farm’s future, addressing legal and financial details to avoid confusion or conflict after his passing. This wasn’t just about protecting the farm’s value—it was about safeguarding family unity. His estate plan ensured a smooth transfer of ownership, minimized tax burdens, and honored his intentions, leaving no room for disputes that could have strained relationships.

For him, the farm was more than a business; it was a shared family asset. His planning reflected that, preserving it as a source of stability and pride for the next generation.

Lesson for Business Owners: Estate planning is essential, no matter the size of your business. It’s not just about wealth—it’s about clarity and peace of mind. Work with advisors to craft a plan that protects your assets, reduces risks, and ensures your business supports your family as you intend, both now and in the future.

Guidance with Respect

One of the most remarkable aspects of my father-in-law’s transition was his restraint. After passing the reins to his son, he didn’t meddle or second-guess. Instead, he made himself available for advice “when asked,” striking a balance between stepping back and staying engaged. This approach respected his son’s authority while keeping his wealth of knowledge accessible, fostering a partnership built on trust rather than control.

It was a quiet strength—knowing when to speak and when to let his son chart the course. This dynamic allowed the farm to evolve under new leadership while still benefiting from the lessons of the past.

Lesson for Business Owners: When you hand over leadership, trust your successor to lead. Offer guidance when sought, but avoid overstepping. This empowers the next generation to innovate and grow the business, blending their ideas with your experience for a stronger future.

Legacy Over Profit

For my father-in-law, the farm was never just about crops or income—it was about legacy. A large family farm carries the weight of history, embodying the values, hard work, and dreams of those who came before. He saw his role as a steward, not just of the land but of the family’s story. His decision to transition early and plan carefully was driven by a desire to see that legacy endure, not just for his son but for the generations that might follow.

This focus on legacy shaped everything he did. It wasn’t about clinging to power or maximizing short-term gains; it was about ensuring the farm remained a living bond between past, present, and future.

Lesson for Business Owners: Your business is part of your family’s legacy, not just a paycheck. Think of it as a thread in the fabric of your family’s history. Make choices that prioritize its long-term impact—how it can provide, inspire, and unite your family for years to come.

Parallels for Business Owners

My father-in-law’s journey offers a blueprint for business owners navigating the intersection of leadership, family, and succession. Here’s how you can apply his Wisdom:

Conclusion

My father-in-law’s life as a farmer taught us that true success lies in preparing for what’s next. By transitioning the farm to his son with care, securing its future through estate planning, and offering guidance without interference, he preserved a legacy that continues to thrive. For business owners, his example is a call to action: lead with foresight, plan with purpose, and build something that endures. Your business isn’t just yours—it’s your family’s, and the steps you take today will determine how it grows for generations to come.

Dear Members,

I hope this message finds you well and that 2025 is off to a strong start for you, both personally and professionally. It’s been a busy and productive year for the Business Brokers of Florida, and I’d like to share some important updates with you.

Annual Meeting – September 19, 2025

Please mark your calendar for our Open Annual Meeting, which will be held on Friday, September 19th at the Hilton Garden Inn, SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. This is your opportunity to voice your opinion, participate in key discussions, and help shape the future of our association. During the Annual Meeting, nominations will be finalized for elections to all District Offices. Your involvement is vital, and I encourage everyone to participate.

IBBA & BBF Advocacy Efforts

We are also working closely with the IBBA and other State Business Broker Associations to address some recent changes in the SBA’s new Standard Operating Procedures that have impacted on how SBA loans apply to our transactions. Among these are the full standby requirement on seller debt, the new personal guarantee requirements for sellers, and the restrictions on seller involvement post-closing—all of which can limit the flexibility and practicality of transactions. In addition, we are strongly advocating raising the SBA loan cap to $10 million, which would allow greater access to financing and help fuel more successful transactions in today’s market. I want to recognize Senator Markey from Massachusetts who is leading the charge on this initiative. Together with state associations across the country, we are uniting to ensure that the voice of business brokers is heard in Washington.

Save the Date – 2026 BBF State Conference

I’m excited to announce that plans are already underway for our next BBF State Conference! The dates are August 26–29, 2026, and we’ve signed the contract to host the event at the Hilton West Palm Beach. Please put this on your calendar—it promises to be an outstanding event with education, networking, and collaboration at the forefront. More details will follow soon.

Scholarship Opportunity

Don’t forget that BBF provides scholarships for children and grandchildren of our members. The application deadline has been extended to August 31, 2025. If you have a student heading off to college, be sure they submit their application and take advantage of this great benefit.

The Power of Collaboration

Finally, I want to emphasize one of the greatest strengths of BBF: our ability to collaborate with one another. Brokering deals alongside other BBF members not only expand opportunities for our clients, but also reinforces the professionalism and credibility of our association. Together, we are stronger, and that spirit of cooperation is what makes BBF the respected organization it is today.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication. I look forward to seeing many of you at our Annual Meeting in September.

The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to invest in and operate a business in the United States. It is a unique opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs, offering a pathway to success in the U.S. market. As the future of the E-2 visa continues to evolve, it’s becoming increasingly important for economic growth and job creation in the U.S.

Why the E-2 Visa is Great for the Economy

E-2 visas are beneficial not only for the foreign nationals who receive them but also for the U.S. economy. By allowing entrepreneurs to start and manage businesses, the E-2 visa fosters innovation, investment, and the creation of jobs. Importantly, the investment required to qualify for an E-2 visa can be as low as $100,000 to $150,000, making it an accessible option for those looking to establish a business in the U.S. With workers hired at competitive wages (even minimum wage for full-time work), the program ensures that it benefits both investors and the U.S. workforce.

A Pathway to Legal Work For Dependents

In addition to the business opportunities, the E-2 visa has significant advantages for workers and their families. The visa allows entrepreneurs to bring their spouses and children (under 21) to live in the U.S. Spouses are also eligible for work authorization, which provides financial flexibility.

The future of the E-2 visa could be particularly promising, especially in the context of legal workers and economic growth. While some may be concerned about potential changes in immigration policy, the bipartisan support for the E-2 visa remains strong, especially under the Trump administration. The program’s focus on entrepreneurship and investment aligns with broader economic goals, ensuring that the E-2 visa will continue to support U.S. job creation and business growth.

No Limit on E-2 Renewals

One of the most attractive aspects of the E-2 visa is that there is no limit on the number of renewals an individual can apply for. As long as the business remains operational and meets the necessary requirements, the visa holder can continue to renew their E-2 status indefinitely. This makes it an appealing option for those who want to establish long-term roots in the U.S. while maintaining a flexible immigration status.

Turning E-2 into a Green Card

Another appealing aspect of the E-2 visa is its potential as a steppingstone toward permanent residency. Through various employment-based immigrant visas such as the EB-5 or EB-2/3 labor certification programs, E-2 holders can transition into green card holders. These pathways are increasingly popular, providing long-term stability and the opportunity for business owners and their families to stay in the U.S. permanently. EB-5 especially regional centers is becoming very popular as one can file the first and second parts of the green card process together and remain here while its pending. EB-2/3 isn’t moving as quickly as EB-5 these days. You cans also try for EB-2/3 or EB-5 at the same time and see which goes faster too.

The Future of E-2 Visas

With continued economic emphasis on foreign investment and job creation, the future of E-2 visas looks promising. Their flexible nature and relatively low investment threshold make them an attractive option for both entrepreneurs and workers alike. As the U.S. economy grows and changes, the E-2 visa will continue to be a vital tool for fostering innovation and strengthening the workforce.

Dear Members,

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through 2025. A lot has been happening in our industry, and from all indications, this year is shaping up to be another strong one for business sales and brokerage activity across the state.

I’d like to take a moment to congratulate all of our 2024 award winners. Your dedication, professionalism, and results continue to set the standard for excellence in our organization. On behalf of the Board, thank you for your outstanding contributions to BBF and to our industry.

Looking ahead, I’d like to personally invite all members to attend our upcoming Open Board Meeting in Orlando on Friday, September 19. There is no cost to attend, and this meeting provides a valuable opportunity to ask questions, engage directly with your board members, and make sure your voice is heard.

In exciting news, plans are already in motion for the 2026 BBF Conference, which is expected to take place in South Florida. The Conference Committee is actively reviewing potential locations to find the best fit for our members. We look forward to sharing more details soon.

Lastly, please keep an eye on your email for news about upgrades coming to our BLS system. These improvements are designed to make your work easier, more efficient, and even more impactful.

Thank you for your continued support of BBF and your dedication to raising the standards of our profession.

The Business Brokers of Florida® (BBF) is pleased to acknowledge top performing business broker members with its annual deal maker awards, calculated using sold data from the BBF’s proprietary Business Listing Service (BLS) for the prior calendar year. Recipients were recognized across the state at District awards luncheons held in April and May and provided with a plaque commemorating their accomplishment.

“This year’s award winners closed more than $900 million in business transactions for 2024, representing a significant number of successful business ownership transfers for the year,” stated Paul McNally, BBF Chairman. “These awards represent hard work, dedication and excellence, exemplifying what the BBF organization stands for.”

Awards are bestowed at both the State and District levels for highest total closings value, highest number of closings, and the highest number of co-brokered transactions. The top 50 brokers in total transaction value, and all those achieving $1million+ in closings, are also recognized.

This year’s top State award winners are:

Click HERE to view the complete list of award winners.

“We congratulate all of this year’s winners. It’s great to see some familiar names mixed with some new, up-and-comers as well that will be the future of our industry,” commented McNally.

About the Business Brokers of Florida®

The Business Brokers of Florida® (BBF) is the largest co-brokering association in the world serving the business brokerage profession. As an organization, BBF believes strongly in the importance of co-brokering on business transactions and is considered an industry leader on the subject. Through its state-wide Business Listing Service (BLS), BBF members collaborate on business transactions, providing greater opportunities for all parties to prosper. In addition to business intermediaries, the BBF organization also consists of lenders, attorneys, CPAs and other professional advisors who play important roles during the transition of business ownership, collectively forming a community of individuals dedicated to helping business owners successfully take their next step. To learn more visit www.bbfmls.com.