FFBA runs a targeted off-market search program for serious acquisition entrepreneurs in Ohio — identifying business owners open to selling before they've listed, before the competition arrives.
Most businesses worth buying are never listed for sale.
We find them for you.
Off-Market Business Acquisition | Ohio
The listings you're reviewing are overwhelmingly businesses that won't sell — overpriced, over-dependent on the owner, or carrying problems that surface the moment due diligence begins.
The businesses worth buying are owned by people who haven't listed them.
Your Advisor
Ben Calkins
Founding Partner
Most advisors have read about M&A. Ben has spent forty years doing it in Ohio. He knows what separates the deals that close from the ones that fall apart — and he applies that judgment from the first conversation.
Through the Center for Free Enterprise, Ben has spent ten years convening Ohio's business community around M&A.
Harvard College (with Honors)
How the search program works.
Selling my family business was deeply personal. Ben treated it that way — protecting not just the financials, but our legacy and our employees.
David L.
Avvo Review
After two failed attempts with other firms, Ben closed our acquisition in 60 days. Professional, responsive, and razor-sharp on every clause.
Michael T.
Google Review
I cannot recommend Calkins Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional guidance during the sale of our construction company. Navigating a successful exit after years of hard work is complex, but their expertise helped us to get through and made all the difference. What really stood out was how expertly they managed a very complicated financing structure on the buyer's side. They were diligent, professional, and ensured every detail was covered so the deal stayed on track.
Rita Samorezov
Google Review
Cleveland, Ohio
Fast Forward Business Advisors provides M&A advisory services and is not a law firm. Legal services are provided by Calkins Law Firm, an affiliated but separate legal entity. | 7160 Chagrin Road, Suite 155, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 | hello@fastforwardba.com
Ready to protect your business transaction?
We start with your acquisition criteria — industry preferences, geography, revenue range, deal structure, and financing capacity.
01
DEFINE
The businesses on BizBuySell are the ones nobody else wanted.
The Market You're Not Seeing
We help you find them.
We manage the transaction — LOI, due diligence, and deal structure — until closing.
03
CLOSE
We run targeted outreach to business owners matching your criteria before they list publicly.
02
SEARCH
University of Michigan Law School (with Honors)
40 Years of M&A Transactions — Northeast Ohio
Founder, Center for Free Enterprise — 2,000+ Ohio Business Leaders
President, Ohio Venture Association
Co-founder, North Coast Angel Fund
When you call FFBA, Ben takes the call.
Harvard College | University of Michigan Law School | 40 Years of Ohio M&A Transactions
Ready to run a serious search?
A confidential conversation with Ben Calkins is the first step. No obligation. No fee.
Harvard College
University of Michigan Law School
40 Years of Ohio M&A Transactions