About Us
Running a business you've built from nothing? We get it. And when you're ready to sell, merge, or find the right partner, the stakes couldn't be higher. That's where we come in. Ashford & Associates isn't some faceless advisory firm that treats your deal like a checkbox. We're the people who sit across the table with you, ask hard questions, and fight to get you the outcome you actually want. We've spent the last 13 years watching deals happen — the good ones, the messy ones, the ones that could've been amazing if someone had just listened. We learned from all of it. Your company deserves more than a transaction. It deserves someone who understands what you've built and why it matters.
Over time, we’ve built a reputation for reliability, quality, and clear communication. We treat each project as a partnership and aim for outcomes that last.
Meet Our Team
The people behind Ashford & Associates
Michael Ashford
Founder & Lead Advisor
Started in investment banking, got tired of watching good deals die on details. Built Ashford & Associates to actually help owners win. Closed 47 transactions. Still takes client calls at 7 AM. Has opinions about everything.
Sarah Chen
Transaction Director
Former CFO of a $40M manufacturing firm. Knows P&L, balance sheets, and exactly what a buyer's really looking for in your numbers. She catches things other people miss. Probably because she's been on both sides of the table.
James Kowalski
Market Strategy & Sourcing
Spent 19 years building buyer networks across industrial, software, and services. Knows who has cash. Knows who's hungry. Knows who actually follows through. That matters more than you'd think in this business.
We’re a team that values ownership, clarity, and growth. We celebrate wins, learn fast, and keep client outcomes at the center.
Our Core Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Your Interests Come First
We get paid when you win. Not when a deal closes at any cost. This isn't just philosophy — it's how we structure everything. Your goals drive the strategy, not our commission calendar.
Straight Talk
You won't hear what you want to hear from us. You'll hear what's true. If a deal smells wrong, we'll tell you. If you're overvaluing your company, we'll say so. That honesty is worth more than false confidence.
Deep Relationships Matter
We don't blast your company to 300 random buyers. We know who actually fits. Real relationships with real buyers get you real options. Quality beats quantity every single time.
Preparation Wins
The best outcome comes from being ready. We spend weeks getting your financials, contracts, and story bulletproof before a single buyer sees anything. Surprises during due diligence? Not on our watch.
Our Story
Ashford & Associates started with a frustration. Our founder spent years watching smart business owners get squeezed on valuation, timeline, and terms because they didn't have someone truly in their corner. So in 2011, we decided to do it differently. Started small. Stayed scrappy. Built relationships instead of chasing volume. Over 13 years, we've worked on transactions ranging from $2M to $85M — everything from family-owned manufacturers to fast-growing tech shops. We've learned what works. More importantly, we've learned what doesn't.
Why Choose Us
Experienced Team
Our professionals have decades of combined experience. We've seen it all and know how to handle any challenge.
Quality Guaranteed
We stand behind our work with comprehensive guarantees. If you're not satisfied, we'll make it right.
Fair Pricing
Transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees. You'll always know exactly what you're paying for.
Proven Results
Thousands of satisfied customers and a track record of successful projects speak for themselves.
Our Mission
We connect business owners with the right buyers, partners, and opportunities. No nonsense. No predetermined playbooks. Just honest guidance and aggressive negotiation on your behalf. We believe your company's story matters, and we tell it in a way that actually resonates with serious buyers.
Our Vision
A world where M&A isn't something that happens *to* business owners — it's something they control. Where owners feel confident, informed, and genuinely excited about what comes next. Where deals close because they're right, not just because they're possible.