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In the dynamic world of business brokers and entrepreneurship, partnerships can pave the way for greater opportunities, broader reach, and deeper expertise. This spring of 2025 marks such a milestone for me personally and professionally—the merger of DePersia Associates with Midtown Mergers and Acquisitions. My journey with DePersia Associates began not as a business partner but as a client, and over nearly a decade, it evolved into a partnership built on trust, shared values, and a passion for helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of buying and selling businesses.
From Client to Business Broker: A Personal Journey
Back in 2016, ready to leave corporate America, I sought to explore entrepreneurship by buying my first business—a restaurant. Like many prospective business owners, I turned to business brokers for guidance, and that’s when I met Neil DePersia of DePersia Associates. Neil guided me through the purchase process with expertise and patience, helping me find an opportunity that seemed promising. As often happens in entrepreneurship, that first venture wasn’t the perfect fit, so within months, I found myself back at Neil’s door, this time seeking assistance to sell the restaurant.
What could have been a discouraging experience turned into a formative one. Neil and Michael DePersia welcomed me warmly, and seeing my energy and commitment, they invited me to join the DePersia Associates team. For the next several years, I immersed myself in business brokerage, listing and marketing businesses, learning the ins and outs of business valuations, and honing my skills helping buyers and sellers alike. Through this immersion, my appreciation for the craft of buying a business and supporting entrepreneurs deepened profoundly.
Growing Together: Mentorship and Professional Development
Neil was more than a broker; he was a mentor. His integrity, emphasis on relationships, and thoughtful approach to deals taught me lessons I carry today. Michael brought complementary strengths—sharp business insights and a collaborative spirit—that made our small team already feel larger than its headcount.
In 2017, I also started expanding my entrepreneurial footprint by founding Steel Mountain Fire and Safety, a service company catering now to over a thousand restaurants and businesses across the Carolinas and Virginia. Then in 2022, I ventured into launching Midtown Mergers and Acquisitions, a firm specialized in business brokerage and commercial real estate, building upon the foundation laid during those formative years at DePersia Associates.
The Seeds of a Merger: Shared Values and Trust
By 2025, as Neil was looking toward stepping back and retirement, an idea sparked over a simple cup of coffee. How could we combine DePersia Associates’ strong market presence, goodwill, and client trust with Midtown’s growing resources, listings, and buyer networks to create a full-service brokerage powerhouse? The answer felt natural. Our teams shared the same work ethic, client-first mindset, and commitment to confidentiality and professional service.
Michael and I had always struck a strong rapport working together—our shared restaurant industry backgrounds fostered an intuitive understanding. Bringing together two companies with complementary strengths felt like more than a merger; it felt like an evolution designed to serve our clients better.
What This Merger Means for Clients and Entrepreneurs
If you’re wondering how this affects you as an entrepreneur, buyer, or seller, the core message is simple: the trusted relationships and service standards you’ve known are not changing—they’re getting stronger.
Bringing DePersia Associates under the Midtown Mergers umbrella means more resources, a deeper bench of experienced business brokers, expanded business valuations expertise, and a larger marketplace of buyers and sellers. Whether you’re buying a business, selling, or seeking advisory support, you’ll benefit from the combined strengths and synergies our united teams offer.
Neil will remain involved in a consulting role, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining his personal connection with clients. Michael continues as senior business advisor, lending continuity and stability.
Looking Toward the Future
This merger isn’t just about growth; it’s about honoring the relationships, reputation, and integrity built over 20 years by DePersia Associates while aligning with Midtown Mergers’ forward momentum and innovative approach.
Our collective vision is to be the premier choice for business brokers across North Carolina and beyond, supporting entrepreneurs in finding meaningful opportunities, accurately valuing businesses, and navigating every step of the transaction process with confidence.
As an entrepreneur who once needed guidance in buying a business, I’m incredibly proud of the journey we’ve taken and excited for the next chapter. Together, we bring decades of experience, industry knowledge, and client-first values to the table—prepared to help businesses and entrepreneurs thrive.
