Archive

Clayton Hicks
Business Broker – Florida

Clayton was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. In 1999, with the help of Delta Air Lines, he relocated to the Metro Atlanta area. Clayton began his professional career with Delta where he held both front line customer facing roles and management positions, eventually serving as Manager- Strategic Planning for In-Flight Services. Looking for an opportunity to serve his neighbors and community, he left and entered the banking industry where he worked as Vice President of Commercial Lending. His banking career led him to the Emerald Coast in 2018 where he continued his passion for working with small business owners. Throughout his banking career Clayton gained experience in business acquisitions, partnership buyouts, mergers, valuations, and SBA lending.

In addition to his professional life, Clayton is committed to serving his community through the Rotary Club of Destin where he has held various roles including President and Area Governor. Clayton has the honor of having been selected for District Governor of District 6940 in 2026, and will hold the role for two years.

Clayton’s first experience with community involvement began in Georgia where he served on the Newnan City Council for 12 years. He also held positions as the President of the Rotary Club of Newnan, Three Rivers Regional Council member (serving on the audit, finance, and budget committees), and the Heritage School Board of Trustees. Clayton graduated with a Bachelors of Science in General Business from Excelsior College, attended Northeastern University for his MBA, and earned his Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt.

Clayton and his wife Robyn have been married for over 20 years and reside in the area with their two rescue dogs, Oreo and Cali.

Junior Matthews
Military Liaison – Georgia

Junior separates himself from his peers by being a two time recipient of the ICON award, a status that less than 1% of all real estate agents receive.

Junior is an owner of multiple businesses and is a real estate investor. He brings his business expertise to the Shark Team as a Business Broker. The Shark Team has closed over 360 million dollars in business sales in the past two years.

Junior retired from the military in 2023 after 23 years of service. He began his military career as a rifleman in the Marine Corps Infantry and finished in the Army as a logistician in the rank of Major. His illustrious military career culminated in 2019, serving as a Company Commander responsible for leading over 250 soldiers.

Junior is married to his wife, Taylor, and they have one child named Rhyland. They currently reside in Richmond Hill, GA living their best life as business owners.

Given Junior’s background, he understands how to achieve the absolute best results for his clients by negotiating fiercely on their behalf. Let’s get your best real estate experience started today with Junior and allow him to provide the unmatched level of service that you deserve!

Demetri Stewart
Business Broker – Georgia

Meet Demetri Stewart, a dynamic Business Broker with a knack for connecting entrepreneurs with their next big venture. Demetri’s journey began in Jamaica before he made his mark in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As a former student athlete at the University Of Miami turned real estate professional, he brings an indomitable will and a diverse skill set to the table.

With a background in mortgage origination residential, and commercial real estate, Demetri knows the ins and outs of the industry like the back of his hand. He’s helped countless families achieve their homeownership dreams, guided numerous businesses through the process of finding their perfect space and ultimately through the selling cycle as a business broker.

Demetri’s passion for entrepreneurship led him to explore various avenues in real estate, from wholesaling and fixing homes to his current role as a Business Broker. His experience spans building mortgage businesses to navigating the investment side of the market, giving him a well-rounded perspective that clients trust.

A proud member of esteemed associations like GABB, IBBA, Atlanta Realtors Association, NCREA, and CREIPS, Demetri is committed to staying ahead of the curve and providing top-notch service to his clients.

When he’s not busy making deals happen, Demetri is focused on personal growth and development. He’s always looking for ways to expand his knowledge and refine his skills to better serve his clients and community.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey, Demetri Stewart is the business broker you need by your side. Get in touch today and let him help you turn your business dreams into reality.

Steven Fuentes, VP
Brokerage Operations

Steven Fuentes brings a unique blend of financial expertise and entrepreneurial acumen to the business valuation and brokerage sectors. As a Business Certified Appraiser (BCA) with an MBA in Data Analytics from Louisiana State University and a BS in Business Administration, Finance from the University of Central Florida, Steven has built a solid foundation in financial analysis through extensive experience in the finance industry. This expertise seamlessly extends to business valuation and facilitating transactions. His entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on involvement in various business ventures give him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within diverse market sectors.

Steven’s proficiency in high-level financial modeling, market analysis, and operational efficiency allows him to effectively determine the true value of a business and skillfully navigate the complexities of buying and selling businesses. His tenure in finance is marked by notable achievements in enhancing business intelligence and financial reporting systems through the use of advanced analytics tools like Excel, Power BI, and Tableau.

In leadership, Steven has proven his mettle by serving on the Board of Directors for Learning Tree Academy and participating in finance and building committees. His strategic financial planning and governance skills have been instrumental in successful capital project fundraising, showcasing his ability to manage fiduciary responsibilities, assess organizational value and potential accurately, and guide clients through significant transactions.

Clients working with Steven can expect a service that merges rigorous financial analysis with a keen understanding of business dynamics. His approach is detailed yet empathetic, ensuring that valuations are not only accurate but also resonate with the entrepreneurial spirit, fostering strategic insights that drive growth and success. With Steven Fuentes, clients can trust in a service that’s backed by a profound understanding of both the quantitative and qualitative facets of business valuation and brokerage. His meticulous and empathetic approach ensures that clients not only receive numbers that add up but also strategic insights that translate into growth and success for their businesses.

Kelly Schmidt, VP
Growth & Business Development

Kelly Schmidt is a distinguished professional with over 20 years of experience in corporate finance, real estate, and business brokerage. Beginning her career in accounts receivables, Kelly quickly progressed to leadership roles within corporate finance, where she successfully led global organizations for Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies. Her strategic acumen and leadership skills have been instrumental in scaling large organizations and fostering growth initiatives across diverse sectors.

In 2013, Kelly transitioned into real estate and business brokerage, where she has developed a robust track record in facilitating the buying and selling of businesses. Her expertise spans residential, commercial, and business transactions, leveraging her deep understanding of financial strategies and market dynamics to achieve favorable outcomes for her clients.

Recently appointed as VP of Growth and Business Development, Kelly continues to drive strategic initiatives that propel business growth and enhance market presence. She has a proven track record of expanding real estate teams and optimizing operational efficiencies, demonstrating her commitment to delivering exceptional results in every endeavor.

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boise State University, where she cultivated the foundational skills in analysis, negotiation, and leadership that have defined her successful career. Known for her proactive approach and client-focused mindset, Kelly is dedicated to guiding business owners through complex transactions with integrity and expertise, ensuring their objectives are met effectively.