Cornerstone Business Services, a lower middle market mergers and acquisitions firm, announces its 25th anniversary, marking two and a half decades of helping business owners finish strong.

Managing Partner Scott Bushkie founded Cornerstone in 2001 after seeing firsthand how many lower middle market transactions failed to close. At the time, industry estimates suggested that only 20% to 30% of companies in this segment successfully sold.

“I saw the damage that came from firms taking on too many clients or telling owners whatever they wanted to hear just to win the engagement. Low closing ratios, broken expectations, and lasting harm to people’s financial futures. I believed there had to be a better way.”— Scott Bushkie, Managing Partner

Bushkie started the firm to serve lower middle market companies that often fall between smaller business brokers and larger firms. From the start, Cornerstone focused on quality over quantity, bringing investment-banking-level advice and a disciplined process to a limited clientele of family-owned businesses.

“The goal was never just to close a transaction. It was to help owners exit on their terms, with peace of mind and no regrets about the decision or the outcome.”— Scott Bushkie, Managing Partner.

Over the past 25 years, Cornerstone has grown from a founder-led practice into a national advisory firm serving business owners across North America. The firm focuses on lower middle market companies with annual revenues ranging from $5 million to $250 million and provides sell-side advisory, valuation services, and acquisition support.

In addition to its core advisory work, Cornerstone has expanded its reach through related platforms that extend its approach and tools to broader audiences:

• Cornerstone International Alliance — A global partnership of lower middle market M&A firms focused on collaboration and expanded buyer reach.
• CAPex Program — A partner program designed to support financial advisors, CPAs, and exit planners working with business owners.
• DealCoach — A platform offering valuation insight and planning support for Main Street and closely held businesses.

As Cornerstone enters its 25th year, Bushkie says the firm remains focused on the same principles that guided its launch.

“This work has always mattered to me because the consequences are real. For most owners, this is the biggest financial transaction of their lives. What we’re really helping create is the ability to move forward, with the time and financial security to choose what comes next.”— Scott Bushkie, Managing Partner

Rodney Ott, Senior Vice President, joined Cornerstone in 2008 and has worked alongside business owners through a wide range of transactions and market cycles.

Selling a business is one of the biggest decisions most owners will ever make. Being part of that moment, and helping people walk away feeling confident about what they’ve achieved and what’s ahead, that’s what makes this work meaningful.— Rodney Ott, Senior Vice President

About Cornerstone Business Services

Founded in 2001, Cornerstone Business Services is an investment bank serving the lower middle market and specializing in transactions for businesses with annual revenue of $5 million to $250 million. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the firm advises business owners throughout North America on sell-side transactions, acquisitions, and valuation services, including its Real Market Analysis (RMA).

Cornerstone’s Assurance 360™ process is designed to create multiple qualified offers and improve deal certainty. Over the past five years, the firm has maintained an average closing ratio of about 85%. Cornerstone also publishes original research on business owner readiness and exits, including the 2025 National Study on Selling Your Business. Cornerstone’s mission is to create a positive life-changing event for all the lives they touch.