20 Years of Partnership, Community, and Growth
Celebrating Sunbelt Business Advisors' Milestone
It's hard to believe, but this year marks 20 years of Sunbelt Business Advisors serving the lower middle-market business owners of Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Two decades of relationships, transitions, and success stories. Two decades of helping business owners navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives.
The journey began when Gerry Chadwick decided to chart a new course. After a fulfilling corporate career that brought him and his family back to Dayton, he asked himself a straightforward question: what do I want to do next? Encouraged by his wife, Margo, to pursue a new path, that answer became Sunbelt Business Advisors. From the start, Sunbelt was built on a simple but powerful principle: a deep commitment to community and to the entrepreneurs who build and sustain it.
For a decade, Gerry built the firm’s foundation, earning the trust of business owners and their advisors. Along the way, he brought on talented brokers like Roland Rapp and Dori Gabriel to expand the team’s reach and capability. Then, his daughter Kate joined as well. Today, the entire team, including all the brokers who have been part of Sunbelt’s journey, continues to grow the firm while staying true to Gerry’s original vision: a community-minded firm that genuinely cares about the long-term success of the families and business owners we serve. We wouldn’t be here without the exceptional brokers we’ve had over these 20 years, and they remain the heart of what we do.
Over these 20 years, we've had the privilege of working with hundreds of business owners in our region. We've listened to their dreams, understood their concerns, and helped them execute thoughtful exit strategies. Whether it was identifying the right buyer, preparing the business for transition, or navigating the complexities of valuation and deal structure, we've been there every step of the way. The relationships and outcomes we've been part of are what make this work meaningful.
Our success isn't measured in transactions closed. It's measured in the peace of mind we've provided to business owners. It's measured in the families who've been able to transition their life's work successfully. It's measured in the professional relationships we've built with CPAs, attorneys, bankers, and insurance brokers across our territory. And it's measured in our commitment to give back to the communities that have supported us.
As we celebrate this milestone, we're grateful. Grateful to the business owners who trusted us with their stories. Grateful to our referral sources and partners who have been integral to our success. Grateful to our team members who bring their talents and energy every day. And grateful for the opportunity to continue serving businesses in transition for the next 20 years and beyond.
Here's to two decades in Dayton. Here's to the owners we've served. And here's to what's next.
