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Office Announcements, Awards, and Insights!
Welcome to Benchmark News, your go-to source for the latest updates and insights in the world of Benchmark International. Stay informed about office announcements, celebrate our achievements and awards, and provide a sneak peek into upcoming events, campaigns, and webinars. Stay tuned for detailed event posts, highlights of deal completions, and inspiring testimonials from our valued clients. Join us as we share our successes, milestones, and industry expertise to keep you at the forefront of the M&A landscape.
Eric Kolesnikov & Lindsey Price Earn the M&A Advisor’s Emerging Leaders AwardsBenchmark International is pleased to announce that two outstanding members have been recognized as winners in the 17th annual Emerging Leaders Awards. Congratulations go to Eric Kolesnikov, Associate Transaction Director, and Lindsey Price, Marketing Specialist, on this well-deserved achievement. Closing Remarks with Jerry Bell: Reinventing Identity After SuccessWhat happens when the thing that defines your identity disappears overnight? In this episode of Closing Remarks, host Dara Shareef sits down with Jerry Bell, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end and CEO of Bell & Associates Business Consultants, to discuss discipline, reinvention, resilience, and preparation for life after the point when everything changes. Closing Remarks with Blake Poole: Life After the DealMost M&A conversations focus on getting to closing. This episode of Closing Remarks begins where those conversations usually end. Benchmark International Delivered over 300 meals with Austin Voices for Education and YouthEarlier this week, Benchmark International spent the morning volunteering at a local middle school alongside Austin Voices for Education and Youth (AVEY). Closing Remarks with Jason Caras: Leadership, Failure, & the Fight to RebuildOn this episode of Closing Remarks, host Dara Shareef sits down with Jason Caras, co-founder of IT Authorities, for a deeply honest conversation about leadership, culture, failure, and rebuilding after nearly losing everything. Closing Remarks Podcast Episode 2: Derrick Brooks on Life Beyond the GameOn the next episode of Closing Remarks, Dara Shareef sits down with Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks. And the conversation goes beyond football.
Closing Remarks with Thaddeus Bullard (a.k.a. Titus O’Neil): Purpose, Leadership, and Building a Lasting Legacy
Many know Thaddeus Bullard as WWE Global Ambassador and WWE Hall of Fame Warrior Award recipient Titus O’Neil. Throughout Tampa Bay, however, he has become equally recognized for creating opportunities for underserved families, supporting students, and investing in the next generation of leaders.
Benchmark International Attends Real Deals PE Live 2026 in LondonBenchmark International attended Real Deals PE Deals Live 2026, one of the private equity industry’s leading events, bringing together investors, corporate finance advisors, lenders, and dealmakers from across the UK and Europe. Held in London, the event provided a focused forum for thought leadership, market insight, and relationship-building within the mid-market M&A and private equity landscape.Closing Remarks Podcast: Conversations That Shape What’s NextBenchmark International is proud to introduce Closing Remarks, a new conversational podcast featuring founders, advisors, and business leaders exploring pivotal decisions, defining moments, and life transitions that shape the journey of selling a business and stepping into what comes next. Brittney Zoeller is Awarded Financial Services Brand Strategy Businesswoman of the Year 2026Benchmark International proudly celebrates Brittney Zoeller, Global Creative & Brand Strategy Director, on being named Financial Services Brand Strategy Businesswoman of the Year presented by Acquisition International. Lightning Foundation Partnership: Voices of Benchmark are Impacting the Tampa Bay CommunityAt Benchmark International, giving back is more than a commitment; it’s a core part of who we are. Through our partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning, we’re proud to support the communities where we live and work, focusing our efforts on three key pillars: Health, Education, and Food Insecurity. Benchmark International Career FairYour next career opportunity awaits! Benchmark International invites you to step into the world of opportunity at Benchmark International’s upcoming Career Fair. Whether you’re actively exploring your next move or simply curious about mergers and acquisitions, this event offers a chance to gain clarity, make connections, and explore open positions. CLS Cleanaway Logistic Services Client TestimonialBenchmark International facilitated the transaction between CLS and Eternity Systems. Watch as Henning Hilmer, founder of CLS, discusses what he was looking for in a strategic partner and how Benchmark International managed to achieve this for him.
How Benchmark International and the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation Are Supporting Families Across Tampa BayNearly 689,000 people across Tampa Bay face food insecurity. More than 1,000 children remain on mentorship waitlists, while access to care and mental health support continues to present a critical need. These numbers underscore where support can meaningfully shift outcomes. Benchmark International Sponsors Embarc Collective’s April Member SocialBenchmark International was proud to sponsor the Embarc Collective’s April Member Social, bringing together founders, partners, and operators. Benchmark International Joins Embarc Collective’s Corporate Partner Program to Expand Founder SupportBenchmark International has joined Embarc Collective’s Corporate Partner Program, strengthening its commitment to supporting founder-led companies earlier in their growth journey.Benchmark International Drives Impact with Volunteers and a $25,000 Donation to Junior Achievement of Tampa BayBenchmark International recently partnered with Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay to support its mission of preparing young people for success. Benchmark International Hosts Women’s Networking Event, Bringing Leaders Together at Benchmark International ArenaConnection, collaboration, and the continued advancement of women in sports were at the center of the Lightning Morning Skate and Women’s Network event held at Benchmark International Arena. Women from across Tampa Bay gathered to watch the team prepare on the ice while engaging in meaningful conversations that strengthened relationships across their various disciplines. Brittney Zoeller Named 2026 BusinessWoman of the Year by Tampa Bay Business JournalBenchmark International is proud to announce that Brittney Zoeller, Global Creative and Brand Strategy Director, has been named a 2026 Business Woman of the Year honoree by the Tampa Bay Business Journal.