The Difference

A Culture of Higher Standards

Benchmark International is a place where everyone is in your corner, and everyone contributes. A place where opinions are valued and hard work is rewarded. Walk into any of our offices around the world and you will feel the team spirit and our company values in action.

We especially understand the importance of business culture because we study those of our clients in order to make deals that are a good fit. We strive to keep our employees inspired and always evolving ahead of our business. Whether you are a potential team member or a potential client, we look forward to hearing from you.

Belong & Thrive

I think we empower people here. We give them the opportunity to impact their future. I like that. And I think it is obvious the commitment, both financial and time, of the CEO and Chairman. The business continues to invest in itself and its people and I appreciate that. I also love the willingness to evolve as a company.

Dara Shareef
Managing Director

The people are fantastic and extremely well chosen - the corporate fabric and ethos is palpable and not just something we "say" we walk the talk. A feeling of satisfaction comes with this - we really are making a difference.

Nicholas Salvatore
Senior Director

Benchmark International offers a warm, receptive environment with a competitive nature. Since day one, I’ve felt welcome. We all like to succeed together and enjoy the fruits of our labor. I am also a naturally very competitive person, and there is a healthy, friendly competition each day to close a deal, or get an LOI, NDA, etc.

Jason Donker
Senior Deal Associate

I thrive on the culture here. I feel as individuals, our differences are embraced, and celebrated. I feel we are free to be ourselves, and our unique strengths and talents are nurtured, brought to the forefront, and put to use in a way the benefits us as people, as well as the company.

Shannon Hess
Director

I decided to join Benchmark because of the family atmosphere. Everyone from the CEO to our analysts knows me and my family and vice versa. I couldn’t ask for a more quality company to work for.

Brett Caskey
Deal Origination Team Lead

I like the tight-knit family environment. There is a healthy balance of work and play. There aren't any office gimmicks which many employers are artificially using to lure talent. Yet, there are plenty of team building and breakout sessions that foster synergy.

Robert West
Director

I feel like you go above and beyond for your employees - and you listen. DreamMark, green room, standing desks, 401K, quarterly outings, charitable donations, employee recognition, holiday fun, etc. However, for me, I also enjoy the work that I do because it's what I do best.

Shelley McCreary
Executive Administrator

I believe our ownership takes a genuine interest in employees and wants to provide the tools that will help us succeed. We are not a company built off slander or putting down others / competitors, but rather one that focuses on constant growth and being a leader. We provide a service that I feel is the best option for our clients who engage with us and are able to produce results far above what is thought to be possible. We create value through helping others and I endeavor to align with this daily.

Wade Duncan
Director of Origination

Benchmark makes this a place where I want to work because of the flexible and diverse nature of the client accounts. I truly enjoy being able to work directly with business owners to better understand their industry while being able to better recognize the distinguishing factors of each business. I also believe we hire good people which makes us a strong organization in the market.

Emily Cogley
Director

Our leadership builds vibrant environments centered around strong values, and that is how we are able to attract and develop world-class talent.

MICHAEL LAWRIE
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
@benchmarkinternational
Celebrating the strength, care, and love of mothers everywhere. Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mums across the UK. #MothersDay #BenchmarkInternational
@benchmarkinternational
Earlier this week, professionals gathered at Benchmark International Arena for the Lightning Morning Skate and Women’s Networking Event, bringing together leaders from across industries for a morning of connection and conversation. Proud to have our Operations Director, Kayla Sullivan, represent Benchmark International as a panel speaker. #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInLeadership #BenchmarkInternational
@benchmarkinternational
Managing Director Derek Avdul attended the ACG San Diego Capital Connection, where M&A professionals, investors, and business leaders gathered to connect and exchange insights across the middle market.   Thank you to ACG San Diego for hosting a great event. We appreciate the opportunity to be part of conversations shaping the M&A landscape.     #BenchmarkInternational #ACGSanDiego #MergersAndAcquisitions
@benchmarkinternational
Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Richard Burt of Fast SMS as he reflects on his experience working with Benchmark International. Richard shares how the team helped guide the acquisition process with clarity and objectivity, providing support throughout what can often be a complex and personal journey for business owners. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
@benchmarkinternational
We are proud to celebrate Brittney Zoeller, Global Creative and Brand Strategy Director at Benchmark International, on being named BusinessWoman of the Year by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. This recognition reflects her exceptional leadership, creative vision, and lasting impact on Benchmark International and the community. #BenchmarkInternational #BusinessWomanoftheYear #SettingtheBenchmark
@benchmarkinternational
Honoring the voices of women whose determination, resilience, and leadership continue to inspire progress. This International Women’s Day, we’re sharing words from Winter Olympians that resonated far beyond the podium. #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInBusiness #BenchmarkInternational
@benchmarkinternational
Today, we celebrate the remarkable people who make Benchmark International what it is. Thank you to our global team for your dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence. #EmployeeAppreciationDay #BenchmarkInternational #SettingTheBenchmark
@benchmarkinternational
Benchmark International was proud to support the Central Texas Food Bank in Austin, contributing to a volunteer effort that packed 9,139 pounds of food, the equivalent of 7,616 meals for individuals and families across 21 counties. We remain committed to creating meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work. #BenchmarkInternational #SocialResponsibility #CommunityImpact
@benchmarkinternational
Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Thomas Frey of Silexx Financial Systems as he reflects on his experience working with Benchmark International. He shares how our team helped navigate the complexities of the process with professionalism and strategic guidance, ultimately delivering an outcome that surpassed expectations. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
@benchmarkinternational
Sending warm wishes for a proud and joyful St. David’s Day. Here’s to Wales’ heritage, spirit, and resilience. #StDavidsDay #BenchmarkInternational
@benchmarkinternational
Benchmark International welcomed the Tampa Bay Lightning to our Tampa headquarters for a Food Drive benefiting Metropolitan Ministries. Together, we supported families across Tampa Bay by collecting essential food and household items to help address food insecurity in our community. #BenchmarkInternational #CommunityImpact #TampaBay
@benchmarkinternational
Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Dan O’Connor of Palm Coast Sales, Inc., who shares how Benchmark International guided him through multiple buyer opportunities, taking the time to explain each option and ensuring he felt supported at every step, leading to a buyer he was confident in choosing. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
@benchmarkinternational
History isn’t made by accident. It’s built through preparation, precision, and belief. Congratulations to Jake Guentzel and Team USA on an unforgettable Olympic gold medal victory. Excellence at the highest level is always worth recognizing. #TeamUSA #2026Olympics #USAHockey
@benchmarkinternational
Lights. Camera. Candid moments. Here’s a sneak peek at today’s testimonial shoot! Today, we had the pleasure of speaking to one of our clients who shared their story and what it was like to work with Benchmark International. Stay tuned for the upcoming client testimonial. #BenchmarkInternational #ClientTestimonial #MergersAndAcquisitions #ClientJourney #GlobalBusiness #SettingTheBenchmark
@benchmarkinternational
Benchmark International was proud to sponsor the No. 62 truck driven by John Hunter Nemechek during the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway, where the team earned a Top 5 finish. #BenchmarkInternational #Motorsports #Partnerships
@benchmarkinternational
Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Claudia Mohr of Content Lab, who reflects on the value of having an experienced advisor throughout the process. By managing logistics, guiding negotiations, and providing perspective on buyer motivations, Benchmark International allowed her to stay focused on the personal side of the journey with confidence and clarity. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
@benchmarkinternational
Join Benchmark International’s Clinton Johnston alongside Walter Viteri and Kyle Helmus of Marsh McLennan for a live webinar on how strategic insurance considerations can help mitigate risk throughout the M&A process. Tomorrow, February 18 | 11:00 AM EST Register via the link in our bio #BenchmarkInternational #SettingTheBenchmark #Webinar
@benchmarkinternational
Wishing you a day filled with kindness, appreciation, and meaningful connections. Happy Valentine’s Day from Benchmark International! #ValentinesDay #BenchmarkInternational
@benchmarkinternational
Benchmark International is proud to share that Tyrus O’Neill, CEO of the Americas, has been named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2026 Power 100. This recognition honors influential leaders whose vision and decision-making help shape the Tampa Bay business community. Tyrus’s inclusion reflects Benchmark International’s continued growth and impact in the middle-market M&A space, driven by disciplined execution, trusted relationships, and long-term value creation. Congratulations to Tyrus on this well-deserved recognition among Tampa Bay’s most influential business leaders. #BenchmarkInternational #SettingTheBenchmark #TampaBayBusinessJournal
@benchmarkinternational
Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Sandy Burt of Fast SMS, who shares insight into Benchmark International’s approach to creating competitive global interest and facilitating a strategic transaction with Esendex, delivering an outcome aligned with the management team’s objectives. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
@benchmarkinternational
2026 is expected to be a year of opportunity and evolution for the global M&A market. Our latest outlook explores the key economic forces, industry trends, and strategic considerations shaping the year ahead. Read the full Global M&A Outlook for 2026 via the link in our bio. #BenchmarkInternational #MandAOutlook #MergersAndAcquisitions
@benchmarkinternational
Join Benchmark International at the Insights in Business University Club Luncheon, with Dara Shareef, Managing Partner, taking part in a forward-looking discussion on privately held companies and the strategic considerations shaping their future. We look forward to connecting with business leaders and sharing insights on resilience, growth, and M&A opportunities.
@benchmarkinternational
Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Bruce Morgan of GreatSoft, who reflects on Benchmark International’s ability to deliver on what was promised and add value throughout the process, helping manage expectations, maintain alignment, and keep the transaction moving forward. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
@benchmarkinternational
Join Benchmark International’s Clinton Johnston with Walter Viteri and Kyle Helmus of Marsh McLennan for a live webinar exploring how insurance considerations can help mitigate risk throughout the M&A process. February 18 | 11 AM EST Link in bio to register.
@benchmarkinternational
Benchmark International partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay during National Mentoring Month, donating $50,000 in partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning to support youth mentorship and make a meaningful impact across greater Tampa Bay.