Gamechangers

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

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The director says… action..…We’re LIVE! Where is private equity investing in 2026, and what does that mean if you’re thinking about selling your business? On this week's episode of Closing Remarks, host Dara Shareef sits down with @champa_sully, Managing Director at Benchmark International, to talk about where buyers are deploying capital, which industries are attracting the most attention, and the market trends shaping middle market M&A. Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #MergersAndAcquisitions #MiddleMarket #MarketTrends
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Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Bob Turner of MSA Software Systems Limited, who shares what made Benchmark International the right partner for his business and the factors that stood out throughout the selection process. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday #SettingTheBenchmark #MergersAndAcquisitions #Success #Business
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What are buyers seeing that the rest of the market might be missing? Tomorrow, Dara Shareef welcomes @champa_sully, Managing Director at Benchmark International, for a conversation about the trends, buyer perspectives, and investment themes shaping today's M&A landscape. Tune in tomorrow at 10 AM for insights every business owner should hear. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #MergersAndAcquisitions #Business #Podcast #MandA #Seller #Buyer #MarketTrends
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Five generations. Two world wars. The Great Depression. The Spanish Flu. COVID. Many businesses never make it through one defining challenge. The Gonzmart family built a legacy through all of them. On Closing Remarks, host Dara Shareef sits down with Casey Gonzmart Jr. to discuss what it takes to preserve a family business for more than a century and the lessons behind @columbiarestaurant, @uleletampa, and @santostefanotpa. 🎙️Watch on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #Podcast #BenchmarkInternational #Entrepreneur #Leadership #BusinessLeader #Business #BusinessPodcast #GenerationalBusiness
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Would you go elk hunting without a guide? Probably not. So why navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of your life without experienced advisors? In the latest episode of Closing Remarks, Dara Shareef and Wade Duncan explain why selling a business is about more than finding a buyer. It’s about having the right guide when the unexpected happens. 🎙️Watch on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #Business #Success
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What does a 50-pound bag of onions have to do with leading a fifth-generation family business? Host Dara Shareef asks Casey Gonzmart Jr. about the lesson that has stayed with him throughout his career, and the answer starts in the kitchen, not the boardroom. Discover how those early experiences helped shape the legacy behind @columbiarestaurant, @uleletampa, and @santostefanotpa. 🎙️Watch on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. Link in bio. #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #ClosingRemarks #Business #Success #Leadership #Entrepreneur #BusinessLeader
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We’re pleased to share that Dara Shareef, Board Member and Shareholder, will be the featured speaker at the upcoming Economic Club of Tampa luncheon. We look forward to connecting with fellow business leaders for an insightful conversation. #BenchmarkInternational #EconomicClubOfTampa #BusinessLeadership #TampaBay #SettingTheBenchmark
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“Not only does it feel like home, but the entire team feels like family.” - Casey Gonzmart Jr. Culture isn’t something you write on a wall. It’s something people feel. Host Dara Shareef talks with @CaseyGonzmart Jr. about creating a workplace where generations of employees and family members have helped build the culture behind @columbiarestaurant, @uleletampa, and @santostefanotpa. Link in bio. 🎙️Watch on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #BusinessLeader #Entrepreneur #Success #Business #TampaBay #FamilyBusiness
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🎙Mic check…We’re live! For more than 120 years, Casey Gonzmart Jr. and his family have built more than restaurants. They’ve built a lasting legacy. Join host Dara Shareef as they explore family business succession, leadership, and the story behind @columbiarestaurant, @uleletampa, @santostefanotpa, and more. Watch or listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational
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Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Steve Wubker of RX30, who reflects on how Benchmark International’s process generated interest from multiple qualified buyers, creating a competitive environment that helped maximize value for the founders. #BenchmarkInternational #ClientSuccess #ClientJourney #ClientTestimonial #TestimonialTuesday
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The first air-conditioned dining room in Tampa? It belongs to a restaurant you probably know. Host Dara Shareef sits down with Casey Gonzmart Jr. to uncover the stories behind @columbiarestaurant, @uleletampa, @santostefanotpa. Tune in tomorrow at 10 AM. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #Business
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We're proud to share that Dara Shareef, board member and shareholder at Benchmark International and host of the Closing Remarks podcast, will join a panel of seasoned dealmakers and investors at the Miami Finance Forum's Exit Strategies Forum on July 22. It's an honest conversation about what exit planning really looks like: the decisions that matter most, and the lessons only experience can teach. #BenchmarkInternational #MiamiFinanceForum #ClosingRemarks #MergersAndAcquisitions #ExitStrategies
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What happens when a seller believes the business is worth more than a buyer is willing to pay today? Host Dara Shareef breaks down how an earnout can bridge that gap in this Closing Remarks Q&A episode with Wade Duncan. 🎙️Watch on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music. Link in bio. #BenchmarkInternational #ClosingRemarks #Entrepreneur #Success #Valuation #Podcast #Earnouts #BusinessLeader #Business
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What if there isn’t just one right buyer? Different buyers see different opportunities and value businesses in different ways. In this Q&A episode of Closing Remarks, Dara Shareef explains why creating a competitive buyer process can lead to different valuations, different deal structures, and ultimately, more options for business owners. 🎙️ Watch the full episode with @benjaminwagner now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Buyers #Seller #Business #Success #Podcast #Entrepreneur #BusinessLeader
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Today, we celebrate the legacy of Nelson Mandela, a symbol of courage, hope, and unwavering commitment to justice. #MandelaDay #BenchmarkInternational
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The best earnouts are purpose-built. Host Dara Shareef explains why earnouts should be designed to solve a specific challenge, whether that’s bridging a valuation gap, confirming diligence, or aligning incentives after closing. 🎙️ Watch the full Q&A with Wade Duncan now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Business #Podcast #Earnouts #Valuation
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“I think earnouts should be used to bridge a valuation gap.” - Dara Shareef. That’s the philosophy host Dara Shareef explores in this Closing Remarks Q&A featuring Wade Duncan, breaking down when earnouts make sense and why structure matters. 🎙️Watch on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music to find out. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #Business #Success
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Rolling… We’re live! What if the number buyers care about most isn’t the one you’re watching? Host Dara Shareef answers questions from Wade Duncan, Managing Director at Benchmark International, about why earnouts matter, what it reveals about a business, and how understanding it today can shape tomorrow’s opportunities. 🎙️ Now streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #Earnouts #Business #SettingTheBenchmark
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Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Les Palmer of Marlyn Chemicals, who shares how Benchmark International’s guidance and dedicated support gave him the confidence to navigate the sale process, providing a trusted partnership every step of the way. #BenchmarkInternational #ClientSuccess #MergersAndAcquisitions #ClientJourney #ClientTestimonial #TestimonialTuesday #SettingTheBenchmark #SuccessStory #DealCompletion #SellSide #MakeADeal #Mergers #Acquisitions #BenchmarkSuccess #DealTransaction
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Fear grows where there are unanswered questions. What is my business really worth? What do buyers want? Am I even ready? Tomorrow on Closing Remarks, host Dara Shareef answers questions from Wade Duncan, Managing Director at Benchmark International, in a conversation about what business owners need to understand well before entering a transaction. If you’ve wondered what buyers are really looking for or how to prepare before going to market, this episode is for you. Tune in tomorrow at 10 AM. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Podcast #Business
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What sets Benchmark International apart is the combination of data, technology, and experience. With a proprietary database of buyer relationships, extensive research capabilities, and insights drawn from thousands of M&A conversations, the firm is equipped to identify the right opportunities for clients. Dara Shareef and @tyrus_oneill discuss how these advantages help bring the right buyers and sellers together in this episode of Closing Remarks. Watch the full episode to hear the strategies behind stronger M&A outcomes. 🎙️ Now streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #BusinessLeader #Leadership #Podcast #Business
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Are your KPIs telling you where your business has been or where it’s headed? Host Dara Shareef sits down with @tyrus_oneill, CEO of the Americas at Benchmark International, to explore why successful leaders don’t just measure performance; they use it to anticipate what’s next. Watch to find out what it takes to stay 10 steps ahead. 🎙️ Now streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Leadership #BusinessLeader #Business #Podcast
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Are your KPIs telling you where your business has been or where it’s headed? Host Dara Shareef sits down with @tyrus_oneill, CEO of the Americas at Benchmark International, to explore why successful leaders don’t just measure performance; they use it to anticipate what’s next. Watch to find out what it takes to stay 10 steps ahead. 🎙️ Now streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #Leadership #Business
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Could recognizing the right patterns change the outcome of your business? Host Dara Shareef sits down with @tyrus_oneill, CEO of the Americas at Benchmark International, to explore how experience across hundreds of transactions shapes strategy, buyer expectations, and better decision-making. What has Tyrus learned that every business owner should know? 🎙️Watch on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music to find out. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #BusinessLeader #Leadership #Podcast #Business
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“People are the most important thing to our business.” - @tyrus_oneill It’s a phrase many leaders say, but how do you actually build a business around it while scaling, embracing AI, and driving growth? On Closing Remarks, host Dara Shareef sits down with Tyrus O’Neill, CEO of the Americas at Benchmark International, to discuss why people remain at the center of every growth decision, even as technology continues to reshape business. Watch the full conversation to hear why culture may be your greatest competitive advantage. 🎙️ Now streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Link in bio. #ClosingRemarks #BenchmarkInternational #BusinessLeader #Leadership #Success #Podcast #Business