About Us
EARL KEMPER
CEO & Founder
Earl has over 38 years as business coach. Coached over 1,800 businesses. He became a business broker in 2014 with Empire Business Brokers and has been the leading broker for numerous years, closing $5M+ deals. Earl and Nick founded The Empowered Business Brokers together. Earl also founded The Premier Advisory Group of companies with a purpose and passion to be a catalyst for the success of business owners. He has nearly 40 years of business coaching and business brokering experience. In
the past 15 years, he was awarded Global Coach of the Year 3x, and America’s Coach of the Year 6x. In 2013, Earl was inducted into the ActionCOACH Business Coaching Hall of Fame.
NICHOLAS GUGLIUZZA
Co-Founder
Founded Empire Business Brokers in 1981 in Buffalo, NY.
Added Franchise brokering and ranked #1 business
brokerage firm in the country by Entrepreneur Magazine Grew to 71 offices coast–to–coast and 14 Internationally. Nick has developed numerous commercial lending sources, franchise opportunities and franchise development services. Nick has trained hundreds of business brokers throughout the world and served as CEO of Empire Business Brokers prior to partnering with Earl Kemper and The Empowered Business Brokers.
ANTHONY BLANCO
Business Associate
Anthony has been coaching professional services practices for nearly 20 years, with a specialty in high–performance dental practices since 2016. He is a triathlete, and was awarded Global Coach of the Year twice in the past four years out of 1000+ coaches in 76 countries. His average clients double their profits within 18 months of initiating coaching. Anthony is a connector of multiple business owners throughout the United States who are seeking to buy businesses throughout the world.
PAUL MAY
CFO
Paul is a proactive, growth–focused CFO with more than 30 years of experience in financial management, in a variety of industries. He provides outsourced CFO services when our clients need to improve their financials in preparation for an acquisition. He works closely with you and your coaching and brokerage team to ensure your numbers are in top–shape to inform decisions and forecast your business financial plans. For The Empowered Business Brokers, LLC. Paul is tuned into the critical details that make our business run smoothly, and provides mastery–level knowledge, helping us guide our clients to success.
BRIGITTE MARASZIL
Business Development
Brigitte Maraszil is a commercial real estate broker specializing in expansions, profitable exits, and generational wealth investments. With a background in real estate acquisitions, investment strategies, and hospitality, she guides businesses to optimize assets and scale operations. As Founder of Home Free PGH and partner in Nied’s Hotel, she merges design, renovation, and financial strategy to create high-performing properties. Formerly a tenured design professor for 15 years, she now mentors professionals in scaling businesses, leading teams, and achieving time freedom. Through eXp Business Advisory at The Empowered Business Brokers, Brigitte leverages expertise and networks for strategic, high-value real estate decisions.
STEVEN NG
Business Broker
With a robust background in Industrial and Office Commercial Real Estate, Steven has facilitated over $100 million in sales and leasing transactions. His extensive experience with small to medium-sized businesses gives him a deep understanding of their operational challenges and unique needs. Steven specializes in helping owners navigate the complexities of exiting their businesses and supports investors in finding the right opportunities. He fosters collaborations with clients, providing tailored support to empower informed decisions. As a trusted advisor, he equips clients with resources and expertise to achieve their goals in commercial real estate and M&A transactions.
JORDAN BROOKS
Business Broker
With a successful exit from his manufacturing business to Private Equity, Jordan L. Brooks brings firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities business owners encounter. He is passionate about helping other business owners maximize value, achieve their personal and professional goals, and navigate smooth transitions. His robust background equips him to provide tailored support and strategic guidance.
KRIS KAUSS
Business Broker
Kris is an accomplished business leader, who, over 35+ years, has served in finance, sales and general management roles across several industries, leading groups with sales ranging from $13M to $45M and teams of from 25 to 60 associates. He has led team turnarounds, continuous improvement projects, has championed organic and geographic sales growth, and improved profitability in each role. Kris serves practice owners and office managers as a conduit between coaching services and business intermediary services provided by the Firm.
Ashley Golladay
Executive Administrator
Ashley Golladay grew up immersed in real estate, learning from her successful agent mother. In 2004, she became a financial manager for multiple franchises in Dallas, excelling in process improvements and training others. In 2010, she launched a consulting firm, tackling challenges like accounting fraud, outdated technology, and inefficiencies, saving brokerages millions. Ashley also collaborated with developers to enhance tech stacks. With a Bachelor’s in Business, a Master’s in Finance, and a real estate license through eXp Realty, she balances her career with family life, enjoying time with her husband, newborn, and dogs.
SHAYNA NELSON
Staff Accountant
Shayna is the Staff Accountant for The Empowered Business Brokers, LLC. with a wide–ranging skill set in Finance. Previously, Shayna served as the Accountant for the Kansas State Air Guard and was a member of the US Air National Guard for over 10 years. Shayna is a highly motivated team player at The Empowered Business Brokers, LLC., who believes communication and a positive attitude are vital for every day success. She has a passion for creative problem–solving, maximizing working
relationships and taking on new challenges, all with a high attention to detail.