Greetings from Nashville! I’m Daniel Askew, and I’m thrilled to pull back the curtain on Icon Business Advisors—a company born from my own entrepreneurial highs, lows, and everything in between. If you’re a business owner with a company valued between $5 million and $50 million, you’ve likely felt the squeeze: too big for the small-fry solutions, but too small for the Wall Street giants to care. That’s where we come in, and I’m excited to tell you why this matters.

Who I Am

I’m a third-generation real estate and finance guy who’s been around the block—literally and figuratively. I kicked off my career helping over 500 families buy and sell homes, racking up $125 million in sales in just four years. That hustle led me to Five Doors Network, where we scaled real estate businesses nationwide and landed at #118 on the INC 500 list. Later, I grew our family holding company, Owen Capital, into a vertically integrated powerhouse with agent services, a mortgage firm, a title company, and even a lawn care business (because who doesn’t love a well-manicured yard?). We served over 2,400 families and generated $450 million in sales—pretty wild ride, right?

But here’s the thing: after all that growth, I hit a wall. Burnout crept in, and I started asking, “What’s next?” I reflected, prayed, and realized I wanted to be the guy I’d always needed—someone who gets it, who’s been in the trenches, and who can help other entrepreneurs win big. That’s the heartbeat of Icon Business Advisors.

What Icon Business Advisors Is

We’re a tech-enabled M&A advisory firm built for the lower middle market—those unsung heroes running businesses that keep America humming. Think of us as your business’s wingman, armed with cutting-edge tools and a team of pros who’ve walked the walk. We’re here to help you buy, sell, grow, or protect your company with a mix of smarts, grit, and a little Nashville swagger.

What We Do

At Icon, we’ve got a full toolbox to tackle your biggest challenges:

  • M&A Advisory: Whether you’re buying your dream company or selling your life’s work, we make the process smoother than a Tennessee whiskey pour.
  • Capital Raising: Need cash to fuel growth? We connect you with investors or lenders who get your vision.
  • Debt Placement: From SBA loans to equipment financing, we find the right debt fit without breaking your back—or your bank.
  • Commercial Insurance: We shield your business from risks, so you can sleep easy (and not worry about that alpaca spitting on a client—true story).
  • Fractional CFO Services: Big-time financial strategy without the big-time price tag.

Oh, and did I mention our secret weapon? We’ve got a proprietary AI assistant—let’s call her Betty—who crunches numbers, spots deals, and keeps us ahead of the curve. Tech plus heart—that’s our jam.

Why It’s Important

Here’s the deal: the lower middle market is the backbone of our economy, but too often, you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. Big advisory firms chase the billion-dollar whales, while generic business brokers miss the nuance of your world. That leaves a gap—a big one—for companies like yours. At Icon, we’re filling it with personalized strategies, enterprise-level tech, and a team that’s been in your shoes. We’re here to turn your headaches into high-fives, whether you’re scaling up, cashing out, or just figuring out what’s next.

What’s Ahead

This blog is just the start. Over the coming weeks, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of growing and exiting a business—think practical tips, real stories, and a few “aha” moments from my own journey. I’d love for you to stick around, share your thoughts, or drop me a line. After all, CEOs need friends too, and I’m here to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and business nerds like me.

So, if you’re ready to transform your business journey, let’s chat. Hit us up for a complimentary consultation—no pocket protectors required. Welcome to Icon Business Advisors—where your success is our mission.

Daniel Askew is the CEO of Icon Business Advisors and a proud Nashvillian. When he’s not geeking out over business growth, you’ll find him exploring Forest Hills with his wife Rachel, sons Charlie and Peyton, and their dog Delilah.