Nick Dunnom

Business Broker

612-590-6685

218-235-4047

ndunnom@sunbeltmidwest.com

1300 Godward St. NE, Suite 6000, Minneapolis, MN 55413

About

I help business owners across Northern Minnesota successfully sell their companies with confidence, discretion, and maximum value. As a Business Broker with Sunbelt Business Advisors, I specialize in representing owner-operated businesses in the $1M to $20M range. Most recently, I was awarded the 2025 ACE Award – “Awarded to the broker who best exemplifies the power of partnerships with business throughout their community.” Whether you're preparing for retirement, feeling burned out, or ready for your next chapter, I guide you through the entire process—from valuation to closing—so you can exit on your terms.

Who I Work With

I work with business owners throughout Northern Minnesota, including the Duluth, Iron Range, Grand Rapids, Ely, Bemidji, and Brainerd Lakes markets.

My clients are typically:

Owners of manufacturing companies
Service-based businesses
Construction and trades companies
Hospitality & Lodging businesses
Other Family-owned and owner-operated companies

Northern Minnesota Business Broker

Selling a business in Northern Minnesota is different than in larger metro areas. Buyer pools are smaller, businesses are often more relationship-driven, and many deals require creative structuring to get across the finish line.

As a Northern Minnesota business broker, I focus on:

Attracting both local and out-of-market buyers
Positioning businesses to stand out in a smaller market
Maintaining strict confidentiality in tight-knit communities
Navigating seasonal and industry-specific challenges unique to the region

What It’s Like to Sell a Business in Northern MN

Many Northern Minnesota businesses are highly profitable but under-marketed. That creates opportunity—but also risk if not handled correctly.

Key factors that impact a sale:

Limited local buyer pools → requires broader marketing reach
Strong community ties → confidentiality is critical
Workforce and housing constraints → buyer qualification matters
Seasonal revenue swings → financial storytelling is essential

Business Valuation & Exit Strategy

A successful sale starts long before your business hits the market.

My process includes:

Confidential business valuation based on real market data
Exit strategy planning to align with your personal goals
Professional marketing materials that highlight value drivers
Targeted buyer outreach through national and regional networks
Buyer screening and negotiation to protect your time and outcome
Deal management through closing

Through Sunbelt Business Advisors, I leverage one of the largest buyer networks in the country while maintaining a local, hands-on approach.

Buyer Network

I work with a wide range of qualified buyers, including:

Individual owner-operators relocating to Northern Minnesota
Strategic buyers expanding their footprint
Private investors and small private equity groups
Industry professionals looking to acquire their first business

Areas I Serve

As a Northern Minnesota business broker, I actively work with clients in Duluth, The Iron Range, Grand Rapids, Ely, Bemidji, The Brainerd Lakes Area, and surrounding Northern Minnesota communities.

If your business is based in Northern Minnesota, I understand your market and the buyers who are actively looking in it.

Northern Minnesota Association Memberships:

AMFA (Arrowhead Manufacturing & Fabricating Association)
MMA (Midwest Manufacturing Association)
Laurentian Chamber of Commerce
Ely Chamber of Commerce

Start the Conversation

If you're thinking about selling your business in Northern Minnesota—even if it’s a few years out—it’s worth having a conversation early.

Reach out for a confidential discussion about your goals, timing, and what your business could be worth in today’s market.

What It’s Like to Work Together

Authentic perspectives from business owners I’ve helped successfully reach their goals.

Nick Dunnom was extremely professional and accommodating. The process of buying commercial real estate is detailed and arduous. Nick kept the process moving with good communication and thorough follow-up. Sunbelt's internal systems make the process as stream-lined as possible (ex. employing third- party lawyers to draw up paperwork). I would highly recommend utilizing Sunbelt's services for anyone selling commercial real estate. In contrast to a real estate agent, their ability to valuate the business, anticipate roadblocks and network with potential buyers makes them ideally suited to put the right buyer with the right seller. If you are wondering if Sunbelt is the right fit, they are. – Joe W.

Nick Dunnom was helpful and very easy to work with. He helped us navigate a couple of hurdles successfully. He communicated as information arrived or changed. When we needed to speed up the process, he facilitated the faster process and made it work for both parties. Nick was great. – Adam J.

We are very pleased with our experience working with Sunbelt Brokers. Peggy and Nick are knowledgeable and responded to all our questions and concerns in a timely manner. They guided us through a complicated and involved process. Always “ahead of the curve” in anticipating what comes next. We would not hesitate to recommend Sunbelt Brokers to anyone planning to sell their business. – Mike K.

Nick was extremely knowledgeable with all aspects of selling our business, and was helpful with the new buyer as well! I could never have sold my business as successfully as he did for me. I had it for sale on my own for 4 years, listed with Nick and had a buyer within a few months. He was there for both the seller and buyer every step of the way. I would recommend him for anyone wishing to sell their business. – Vicki H.

Can't say enough about the experience with Sunbelt and Nick Dunnom, in particular, in the selling of our business. Extremely helpful and informative through every step of the process, from initial consultation, to business valuation, to the final sale, and all points in between. We never felt lost, always had a clear "next step," and had all the information needed to make the best decisions and keep the whole process smooth and painless. – Jimmy H.

The decision to sell a business requires time and preparation. Sunbelt helped plot the course toward understanding what was necessary long before we made the listing. Nick Dunnom was able to help take my small rural business to a far greater network for insight and visibility. This representation secured a sale in a difficult market, allowed for confidence in the details and comfortable communication between parties. Preparation is key and Sunbelt has a format to get you on the road to a sale. – Rebecca S.

In Their Words

Our clients trust Sunbelt Business Advisors to protect their legacy, navigate every detail, and secure the outcome their life’s work deserves. Their stories reflect the honesty, care, and expertise we bring to every engagement.

More Reviews

Joe Jelinek

AEC - Roofing & Exterior Construction

Mitchell Mulert

Landscaping

Dan Sundin

Technology/IT

Maximize Your Life’s Work

Your business is more than an asset–it’s your heart, your team, and your impact. Partner with Sunbelt Business Advisors to navigate your exit while honoring everything you’ve built or to buy a business and continue building your legacy.

Sell Your Business

Buy a Business

Fund a Business