What It Means to Be Named a Notable M&A Dealmaker by Crain’s Cleveland Business

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are key moments that can lead to growth, change, and long-term value. When handled well, they create pathways for business growth, generational transitions, and new investment in the regional economy. When mishandled, they can leave value on the table or derail years of hard work. That’s why strong leadership and expertise in dealmaking are so critical and why Crain’s Cleveland Business created its annual Notable M&A Dealmakers award.

The award shines a spotlight on professionals across Northeast Ohio who are moving the region forward through strategic transactions. From attorneys and bankers to corporate development leaders and independent advisors, these honorees share a track record of navigating complex deals and producing outcomes that matter, not only for their clients but for the economic strength of the region.

This year’s list features just 21 leaders across Northeast Ohio, underscoring the select nature of the recognition. Each honoree represents the kind of vision and execution that strengthens Cleveland’s reputation as a hub for M&A activity.

Among them is Nick Fares, President of NEO Business Advisors.

A Specialized Approach to M&A

When Nick founded NEO Business Advisors in 2019, his vision was clear: to bring a specialized focus to owners of industrial and manufacturing businesses. His focus is on companies with revenues between $1 million and $50 million. These businesses form the backbone of Northeast Ohio’s economy, but too often their owners aren’t equipped with the right tools or guidance when it comes time to sell, scale, or transition.

In just a few years, Nick has completed more than $62 million in transactions while managing $10–50 million in annual deal volume. What makes that achievement notable isn’t just the numbers, but the fact that he has done so as a solo practitioner. Nick leads each deal directly, guiding clients through valuation, preparation, negotiation, and closing.

One recent example highlights this well: a metal processing firm that had received an unsolicited offer of $4 million. Nick helped the owner understand the true value of the business, marketed it effectively, and negotiated a final sale price of $5.8 million, nearly 50% higher than the original offer. In another deal, he oversaw the successful sale of a plastic injection molding business for $3 million, ensuring the seller received full value for years of hard work.

Why Manufacturing Expertise Matters

So what sets Nick apart in a crowded advisory field? The answer lies in his manufacturing background.

Before launching his advisory firm, Nick owned and operated manufacturing companies. He sees businesses not just as numbers on a spreadsheet, but as complex operations that fuel the economy with real people and specialized equipment.

Manufacturing businesses face unique challenges in valuation:

• Equipment — age, capabilities, and market demand must be factored into value.
  
• Inventory — raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods all require careful assessment.
  
• People — in an industry where skilled labor is hard to find, the tenure and expertise of a workforce often become one of the company’s most valuable assets.
  

Nick’s ability to speak the same language as manufacturing owners helps bridge the gap between numbers and narrative in a way that resonates with buyers and ensures sellers get credit for everything they’ve built.

Educating Business Owners

Nick’s work extends beyond deal tables. In his best-selling book, American-Made Millions, he lays out the “value blueprint,” a framework for helping business owners understand what drives their company’s worth and how they can increase it over time.

Too often, owners spend decades building a business only to walk away with less than its worth because they didn’t prepare early enough or didn’t understand the process. Nick’s mission is to close that gap, empowering owners with knowledge and guidance so they can exit on their terms.

A New Chapter: Summit Capital Advisors

Recognition from Crain’s comes at a pivotal time for Nick and his firm. In 2025, NEO Business Advisors is rebranding as Summit Capital Advisors.

The change reflects both growth and focus. While 80% of transactions remain rooted in Northeast Ohio, Nick’s reach has expanded across the broader Great Lakes and Midwest, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. More importantly, the new name highlights the firm’s specialization in industrial and manufacturing deals.

“Summit” is also personal. It’s a nod to Summit County, Ohio, where Nick grew up and where his former manufacturing companies were based. But it also symbolizes the journey business owners take when preparing for and completing a transaction. Much like summiting a mountain, it requires preparation, expertise, and a trusted guide to navigate the challenges and reach the top.

Why This Award Matters

Being named one of Crain’s Notable M&A Dealmakers isn’t just a personal accolade for Nick. It underscores the importance of specialized expertise in M&A and the impact that thoughtful, strategic dealmaking has on the region.

Every successful transaction means more than a signed contract. It can mean preserving jobs, unlocking growth, fueling new investment, or enabling an owner to move confidently into the next chapter of life. Advisors like Nick play a critical role in making sure those outcomes are realized.

That’s why this recognition matters for Nick, for NEO Business Advisors as it evolves into Summit Capital Advisors, and for the business community across Northeast Ohio.

At its core, the Notable M&A Dealmakers award celebrates leaders who help businesses achieve their most significant milestones. For Nick Fares, that mission has been clear from the start, and this honor is another step in his journey of guiding business owners to their own summit.