About Us

Cooperhawk was founded on a simple idea: business owners deserve clear guidance, careful preparation, and experienced representation when it comes time to sell. We provide hands-on guidance throughout the process, with an emphasis on confidentiality, clear communication, and personal attention.

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Built on Experience, Delivered with Care

After nine years with an Upper Midwest business brokerage firm, Brian Aagaard founded Cooperhawk with a vision to offer a focused, tailored approach for business owners preparing to sell. His experience reinforced the value of clear guidance, thorough preparation, and personal attention. These principles now define Cooperhawk’s service. We combine business brokerage experience with a hands-on process to help sellers navigate each stage of a transaction.

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Our Philosophy

Every business has a different story, and every owner has different priorities. We take the time to understand both.

We help owners sell their business with careful preparation, straightforward advice, and experienced representation. We ask thoughtful questions and identify the factors that influence value and marketability. When something needs attention, we address it. When there is value worth highlighting, we make sure buyers understand it.

We believe owners should understand what is happening, why it matters, and what comes next. Above all, we approach each engagement with care and respect for what the owner has spent years building.

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Why Business Owners Choose Us

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Proven Track Record

We’ve helped sellers across various industries navigate business sales with clarity and personalized attention, from Main Street to multi-million-dollar businesses.

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Honest, Transparent Guidance

We’re known for our candor and straightforward guidance, designed to give you the clarity to make intentional, informed decisions.

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Vetted Buyer Network

We don’t market your business indiscriminately. Our business brokerage firm works to connect your company with qualified buyers who have the financial capacity and interest to pursue the opportunity.

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Thoughtful Offer Evaluation

We help you evaluate offers based on more than price, including deal structure, financing, timing, contingencies, and other terms that may matter to you.

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Real Stories from Sellers Like You

“Brian played an instrumental role in not one, but two significant business sales we navigated over the years. His expertise and guidance were absolutely critical in both transactions, ultimately enabling us to secure the best possible price—a result that speaks volumes about his negotiation skills and market knowledge.”

Mike & Kelly B

“We chose to sell our business at a very hectic time. Brian not only has expertise, but he is willing to go the extra mile for all his clients. He made us feel safe and he made the whole process so much easier. Prior to listing our business, we had heard so many horror stories. Brian made a very stressful process seamless and painless.”

Breck and Natalie S.

Professional & Industry Affiliations

IBBA

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M&A Source

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ASBA

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NFIB

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MBBI

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Join Our Business Brokerage Team

Selling a business is one of the most significant financial and personal decisions an owner may make. The responsibility of representing that owner is something we take seriously.

At Cooperhawk Business Brokers, we’re building a team of experienced business brokers and M&A advisors who share a commitment to professionalism, integrity, and exceptional client service.

We believe great advisors bring more than transaction experience. They exercise sound judgment, communicate openly, follow through on their commitments, and treat every client relationship with care and respect. They understand that earning trust takes time and that how we conduct ourselves matters just as much as the work we accomplish.

Those same principles shape how we work together. We value collaboration, shared knowledge, mutual respect, and a genuine willingness to support one another. We want Cooperhawk to be a place where talented professionals feel valued, take pride in their work, and contribute to something larger than their individual success.

Our expectations are high because the responsibility entrusted to us is significant. We believe those standards are best upheld by people who respect one another, hold themselves accountable, and share a commitment to doing what is right for their clients.

If you are an experienced business broker or M&A advisor who shares these values, we welcome a confidential conversation about becoming part of Cooperhawk.

Cooperhawk FAQ

A business brokerage helps owners sell their businesses by handling all the details involved with valuation, marketing, buyer vetting, negotiations, and deal management. We help coordinate the process and work alongside attorneys, accountants, lenders, and other professionals as needed throughout the transaction. The goal is to help business owners understand their options, navigate the sale process, and make informed decisions from preparation through closing.

Most owners don’t realize how complex selling a business is. Valuation, confidential marketing, buyer screening, negotiations, due diligence, financing, and closing can all affect how a transaction progresses. A business brokerage helps coordinate these moving parts, identify and screen prospective buyers, and provide guidance throughout the sale process so owners can evaluate their options and make informed decisions.

We believe a business brokerage should be straightforward and personal. We take the time to truly understand your business, dig into the numbers, and guide you through a clear, honest, and tailored process.

We do the research. Our process includes building detailed industry profiles so we can position your business effectively and identify qualified prospective buyers.

Yes. If we identify issues that may affect value or marketability, we’ll discuss them with you and help you consider what may be practical to address before going to market.

Very involved. We stay closely engaged throughout the sale process, helping coordinate the transaction, communicate with the parties involved, and guide owners from preparation through closing.

Clients say they value our work ethic, transparency, and industry knowledge. We take your business seriously, value your time, and prioritize personalized service with integrity.

Success By the Numbers

10 +

Years of Experience

Years of Experience

$
1.4M

Average Sale

Average Sale

9

Months Average Time to Sell

Months Average Time to Sell

Thinking About Selling or Buying a Business?

Most business sales begin long before an owner decides to sell. For many owners, that starts with understanding what the business may be worth and thinking through the timing.

Cooperhawk offers complimentary business valuations and confidential conversations for owners at any stage, whether you’re planning years ahead or ready to explore a sale. We also work with buyers evaluating acquisition opportunities.

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