About Viking Mergers & Acquisitions
Who We Are
In 1995, serial entrepreneur Brad Offerdahl sold his third business. In the process, Brad recognized a need for a professional firm that could help the typical business owner – the business owner who doesn’t have $500 million in sales and a board of directors running the company.
Always an entrepreneur, Brad realized he could transform his real-world knowledge into a business opportunity and meet that need. So, in 1996, Brad Offerdahl and his son Jay Offerdahl started Viking Mergers & Acquisitions.
They focused on providing comprehensive business acquisition and business brokerage services with an
emphasis on communication, confidentiality, and closing sales.
Viking Mission Statement: Securing entrepreneurs’ futures through professional representation.
Viking Vision Statement: To be the largest and most reputable business sales and advisory firm serving closely held businesses in the U.S.
Our Growth
At Viking Mergers, we have experienced significant growth over the years, driven by our commitment to delivering exceptional service and results to our clients. Here are some key statistics that highlight our continued success:
- The Viking team has closed more than 950 business transactions, the vast majority of which are still in business today despite the economic downturn.
- Viking has become the largest group of its kind in the Southeast, with a dedicated team focused on helping business owners get top dollar when it’s time to sell.
- Our success rate in selling businesses is 3x the industry average.
- On average, businesses we list sell for at least 96% of the published asking price.
Our Team.
President, Florida Division
Larry Lawson
Throughout the Southeast, Larry closed over 350+ transactions. Additionally, he sourced and raised funding for the buyers in excess of $900 million. Due to his efforts, Larry received national accolades for acquisition and divestiture successes. He attributes his 20 years of consistent transaction acumen to stringent attention to detail, to utilizing proven practices, and to…...
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Partner
Christian Aunspaugh
Christian is a Partner at Viking Mergers & Acquisitions. His experience at Viking includes facilitating transactions from initial exit strategy discussions to post closing operations. He has facilitated transactions across various industries throughout the lower and middle market. Christian is dedicated to working with owners of privately-held businesses to further enhance their full cycle business…...
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Partner
Larry Lawson III
Tripp Lawson grew up in a family of entrepreneurs with five generations in business. As a Partner, Tripp works closely with business owners, entrepreneurs, and their advisors to educate and develop tailored strategies for buying or selling businesses. His background in finance and real estate, combined with strong business acumen, allows him to understand the…...
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Associate Partner
Jacob Middleton
Jacob serves as Associate Partner with Viking Mergers & Acquisitions in Tampa, where he works closely with business owners throughout their exit planning and transaction process. He brings a relationship-driven approach to helping clients navigate their complex exit plan with a focus on understanding their goals and delivering thoughtful, strategic guidance from initial planning through…...
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Office Manager
Jenifer Garcia
Jenifer is originally from Louisville, Kentucky and has been a Florida native for the past 29 years. Jenifer is married and has two daughters and five grandchildren and spends most of her time outside of work volunteering at her church and helping with community events and fundraisers. Jenifer has held various roles in her professional…...
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Marketing & Support Manager
Pilar Lugo
Pilar Lugo joins Viking Mergers & Acquisitions as the Marketing & Support Manager, bringing a strong foundation in marketing strategy, business operations, and client service developed through roles in both corporate and agency environments. Reporting directly to the President, she supports the firm’s marketing initiatives, business development efforts, internal operations, and day-to-day practice management across…...
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Client Services Specialist
Frances Romero
Frances Romero was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York City with her family at the age of 10 years old. After getting married, Frances relocated to Florida in 2003. She has since made her home in the Plant City area with her family. Following nearly 16 years as a dedicated stay-at-home mom,…...
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Advisor
Ian Giovinco
Ian Giovinco was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from Jesuit High School in 1984 and Florida State University in 1989 where he attained a double major in Political Science and Economics. Following graduation from law school in Mississippi, Ian returned to Florida where he has been a member of the Florida Bar…...
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Advisor
Max Roix
Max Roix serves as an Advisor at Viking Mergers & Acquisitions, guiding clients with a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on expertise. As a key member of the Viking team, Max helps both buyers and sellers through the transaction lifecycle, providing a high level of support, insight, and integrity, ensuring a seamless process. Clients are…...
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Advisor
Tom Murphy
Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Tom attended the University Florida, where he obtained Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Science Degree in Accounting, graduating Cum Laude. Tom is a licensed CPA, giving him a unique combination of analytical skills, a strategic mindset, and a strong understanding of financial principles to foster…...
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Advisor
Cody Mizelle
Cody Mizelle brings more than a decade of experience in real estate finance, acquisitions, and investment management to Viking Mergers & Acquisitions as an Advisor. His background spans underwriting and structuring complex transactions, originating debt and equity capital, and overseeing investment management activities for both middle-market and institutional investors. Over the course of his career,…...
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Associate Advisor
Dylan Bradley
Dylan is a fourth-generation Florida native, born and raised in Land O’ Lakes. He graduated Cum Laude from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. During his time at FSU, he was an active member of the Real Estate Society, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, and several other campus organizations. Coming from…...
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Associate Advisor
Jake Iacovella
Jake Iacovella is an Associate Advisor at Viking Mergers & Acquisitions, where he assists members of the Viking transaction team in helping business owners position, market, and successfully exit their companies at maximum value. He brings a strong foundation in financial analysis and valuations, as well as transaction support completion, with hands-on experience guiding owners…...
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Core Values.
It is the goal of Viking Mergers and Acquisitions to represent, defend, and adhere to the following Core Values in every aspect of business:
Integrity
We strive to uphold the highest level of professional behavior and ethical standards so that our clients are treated respectfully and fairly each and every time.
Empathy
With over half of our staff being previous business owners, we know the challenges of buying and selling a business, and we are there with you every step of the way. You are never alone in our process.
Entrepreneurial
We believe in the power of small business and the importance of entrepreneurs. We know how to nurture, grow, and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit internally and externally.
Perseverance
We remain consistent in our determination to grow and help our clients succeed. We persevere: never settling and always seeking a positive and effective way forward.
Collaborative
The Viking team consists of individuals who bring an array of skills, knowledge, and experiences together to form a diverse group that functions fluidly, serving our clients to the best of our abilities.
A MessageFrom Our CEO
It is the goal and highest honor of Viking Mergers & Acquisitions to represent sellers and buyers in the most important transaction of their lives. We look forward to assisting you to achieve your goals of selling your business and securing your financial future.
Jay Offerdahl, President
We've BeenIn Your Shoes.
Unlike other brokerage firms, more than half of our advisors have been business owners themselves. They have a keen understanding of what it takes to build and sell a business. We’ve been in your shoes, and we can put our experience to work for your business. Get in touch with Viking today for a complimentary consultation with one of our team members.
