That gap is where deals fail, value is left on the table, and sellers end up with outcomes they didn't plan for. FFBA exists to close that gap.
Most business owners spend decades building.
Then less than a year selling.
Sell-Side M&A Advisory | Northeast Ohio
Your Advisor
Ben Calkins
Founding Partner, Fast Forward Business Advisors
After forty years advising business owners — on formations, acquisitions, disputes, and exits — I have never met an owner who regretted taking the time to prepare properly. I have met many who regretted that they didn't."
Ben Calkins is one of Northeast Ohio's most recognized M&A attorneys — Harvard honors, University of Michigan Law, over forty years and hundreds of transactions.
He founded Fast Forward Business Advisors to bring institutional-quality advisory to business owners who have never had access to it.
University of Michigan Law School (Honors)
What a properly structured engagement delivers.
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?
Our tiered, performance-based fee structure is designed so that a greater portion of your life's work stays in your pocket. We earn more only when you do.
Maximum Equity Preservation
Transactional friction is the number one deal-killer. Through our affiliation with Calkins Law Firm, FFBA clients have direct access to elite M&A legal counsel for clients who choose to engage them — with a working relationship built around M&A that eliminates the ramp-up time, reduces legal overhead, and keeps deals moving from LOI through closing.
Integrated Legal Certainty
Co-founder, Center for Free Enterprise
Former President, Ohio Venture Association
Super Lawyer — Multiple Years
Former President, Harvard Club of Northeast Ohio
Avvo Perfect 10 "Superb" (<1% of U.S. Attorneys)
Harvard College | University of Michigan Law School | 40 Years of Ohio M&A Transactions
Get a Broker Opinion of Value. No obligation. No fee.
Understanding what your business is worth — and what a sale process actually looks like — is the first step, whether you're ready to sell today or planning for three years from now. A confidential conversation with Ben Calkins takes 30 minutes.
Harvard College
University of Michigan Law School
40 Years of Ohio M&A Transactions
The Engagement
We don't post your business publicly and wait for inquiries. We run structured, confidential outreach to a curated network of qualified strategic and financial acquirers — including our active roster of buy-side clients currently searching for businesses in your sector and revenue range.
Qualified Buyer Access
Every FFBA engagement is led personally by Ben Calkins. Not handed to a junior associate after the first call. You get 40 years of M&A experience at the table for every conversation, every negotiation, and every closing.
Senior-Led From Day One
The Engagement
How the sell-side process works.
01
Discovery
We learn your business, goals, and timeline — understanding what success looks like for you.
Preparation
We organize financials and position your business to maximize value.
02
Go-to-Market
We bring your business to qualified buyers — confidentially and strategically.
03
Negotiation
We structure deal terms and advocate for your interests through every round.
04
Closing
We coordinate due diligence, legal review, and final execution to the finish line.
05
Harvard College (Honors)
Founder, Calkins Law Firm
Co-founder, North Coast Angel Fund
Start With What Your Business Is Worth
Fast Forward Business Advisors, Ltd. is an M&A advisory firm. Ben Calkins is also the principal of Calkins Law Firm, Ltd. Advisory services are distinct from legal representation. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice.
The Hard Truth About Selling Your Busines
The Hard Truth
Nearly half of all business sale transactions fall apart during due diligence — after months of preparation and negotiation. (Harvard Business Review)
70–80% of businesses listed for sale never sell. Overpricing, poor preparation, and seller ambivalence are the leading causes. (Exit Planning Institute)
25% of deals collapse after a letter of intent is signed — at the point when sellers have already mentally committed to the outcome.
Most sellers only do this once. The preparation you bring to the process determines the outcome you walk away with.
The Hard Truth About Selling Your Busines
The Hard Truth
Nearly half of all business sale transactions fall apart during due diligence — after months of preparation and negotiation. (Harvard Business Review)
70–80% of businesses listed for sale never sell. Overpricing, poor preparation, and seller ambivalence are the leading causes. (Exit Planning Institute)
25% of deals collapse after a letter of intent is signed — at the point when sellers have already mentally committed to the outcome.
Most sellers only do this once. The preparation you bring to the process determines the outcome you walk away with.
What a properly structured engagement delivers.
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 ReviewOur tiered, performance-based fee structure is designed so that a greater portion of your life's work stays in your pocket. We earn more only when you do.
Maximum Equity Preservation
Transactional friction is the number one deal-killer. Through our affiliation with Calkins Law Firm, FFBA clients have direct access to elite M&A legal counsel for clients who choose to engage them — with a working relationship built around M&A that eliminates the ramp-up time, reduces legal overhead, and keeps deals moving from LOI through closing.
Integrated Legal Certainty
The Engagement
We don't post your business publicly and wait for inquiries. We run structured, confidential outreach to a curated network of qualified strategic and financial acquirers — including our active roster of buy-side clients currently searching for businesses in your sector and revenue range.
Qualified Buyer Access
Every FFBA engagement is led personally by Ben Calkins. Not handed to a junior associate after the first call. You get 40 years of M&A experience at the table for every conversation, every negotiation, and every closing.
Senior-Led From Day One
Your Advisor
Ben Calkins
Founding Partner, Fast Forward Business Advisors
"After forty years advising business owners — on formations, acquisitions, disputes, and exits — I have never met an owner who regretted taking the time to prepare properly. I have met many who regretted that they didn't."
University of Michigan Law School (Honors)
Co-founder, Center for Free Enterprise
Former President, Ohio Venture Association
Super Lawyer — Multiple Years
Ben Calkins is one of Northeast Ohio's most recognized M&A attorneys — Harvard honors, University of Michigan Law, over forty years and hundreds of transactions.
He founded Fast Forward Business Advisors to bring institutional-quality advisory to business owners who have never had access to it.
Harvard College (Honors)
Founder, Calkins Law Firm
Co-founder, North Coast Angel Fund
Avvo Perfect 10 "Superb" (<1% of U.S. Attorneys)
Former President, Harvard Club of Northeast Ohio