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

Explore

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Through our partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation and Vinik Sports Group, Benchmark International is proud to help support families across Tampa Bay. From addressing food insecurity to expanding mentorship opportunities and supporting health and wellness programs, these initiatives are helping create greater access to resources and opportunity throughout our community. #BenchmarkInternational #CommunityImpact #LightningFoundation
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Join us at The Tampa Club for a fireside chat on entrepreneurship, value creation, and the pivotal moments that shape successful transactions and sustainable growth. Dara Shareef of Benchmark International will share insights from advising business owners across industries and navigating complex middle-market deals. #BenchmarkInternational #MiddleMarket #TampaBusiness
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Benchmark International was proud to sponsor the April Member Social with Embarc Collective. An evening connecting founders, partners, and innovators shaping the future of the Tampa Bay business community. #BenchmarkInternational #EmbarcCollective #TampaBay
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Testimonial Tuesday This week, Ross Edlund of Skillets Inc. reflects on the impact of having Benchmark International lead the sale of the business. With strong early buyer interest and experienced guidance throughout the process, Ross highlights how the right representation helped position the company for the outcome they were looking for. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
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Wishing you a joyful and peaceful Easter filled with renewal and meaningful moments. #Easter #HappyEaster #BenchmarkInternational
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Dara Shareef of Benchmark International will be moderating the DealMaker Forum panel on April 7 at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club. #BenchmarkInternational #MergersAndAcquisitions #Dealmakers #TampaEvents
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Testimonial Tuesday In this week’s Testimonial Tuesday, Simon Williams of Label Express shares how Benchmark International kept everyone informed with consistent updates and feedback while understanding their specific needs and presenting the business effectively to prospective buyers. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
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Benchmark International is proud to join the Embarc Collective Corporate Partner Program, supporting founders earlier in their journey with insight into M&A, valuation, and long-term value creation. #BenchmarkInternational #SettingTheBenchmark
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Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Chet Joglekar of Conarc, Inc., who shares his experience navigating the sale of his business with Benchmark International. With the right guidance, new opportunities emerged, the right buyers were identified, and Chet was able to confidently make decisions about the future of his company. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
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Benchmark International recently partnered with Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay, volunteering at Muma BizTown and JA Finance Park to help students explore real-world business and financial decision-making. We were also proud to present a $25,000 donation to support programs focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness across the Tampa Bay community. #BenchmarkInternational #SettingTheBenchmark
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Our Austin team stepped away from the office for an afternoon of game show-style challenges and friendly competition. It was a great opportunity to connect outside the office, share some laughs, and enjoy time together as a team! #BenchmarkInternational #SettingTheBenchmark
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Testimonial Tuesday This week, we hear from Joe Maynard of ECHO Power Engineering, who reflects on his experience navigating the sale of his business. Having never been through a transaction of this scale before, Joe shares how partnering with Benchmark International provided the guidance, market access, and expertise needed to successfully move the process forward. #BenchmarkSuccess #BenchmarkInternational #TestimonialTuesday
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Wishing you a day filled with celebration and a touch of Irish luck. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Benchmark International! #StPatricksDay #BenchmarkInternational
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Celebrating the strength, care, and love of mothers everywhere. Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mums across the UK. #MothersDay #BenchmarkInternational
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Sending warm wishes for a proud and joyful St. David’s Day. Here’s to Wales’ heritage, spirit, and resilience. #StDavidsDay #BenchmarkInternational
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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
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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