Main Street
Built America.
Millions of entrepreneurs spent decades building businesses with courage, sacrifice, and grit.
They opened the doors before sunrise.
They signed payroll checks.
They took risks.
They created jobs.
They supported families.
They strengthened communities.
They built America.
Yet when the time comes to transition those businesses, many owners face a difficult reality.
They do not know what their business is worth.
They do not know how prepared they are for the future.
And too often they do not know what options are available to them.
That must change.
The Systems Were Never
Built for Main Street
For decades, Main Street business owners have operated without the same valuation tools, readiness systems, and transition infrastructure available to larger companies.
Professional valuations have often been expensive.
Business readiness planning has often been inaccessible.
The process of transitioning a business has often been fragmented and confusing.
As millions of Baby Boomer-owned businesses approach transition, too many owners remain unprepared.
Not because they built bad businesses.
But because the systems designed to support them were never truly built for Main Street.
Millions of Businesses
Are About to Change Hands
Millions of businesses are expected to change hands over the next decade. Many industry experts call this the Silver Tsunami.
But there is a deeper truth. Unless better tools, better data, and better opportunities become available, much of that wealth may never transfer at all.
Some businesses will sell.
Some will transition to family members.
But many will simply close their doors.
Not because they failed. But because the owners never had a clear path forward.
12M+
Businesses Expected to Change Hands
Over the next decade
$10T+
In Business Wealth at Stake
Across Main Street America
70%
Of Owners Have No Written Transition Plan
According to industry research
I AM SHARK Was Created
to Bring Transparency,
Readiness, and Opportunity
to Main Street
A Movement Built on One Simple Belief
Every Business Owner Deserves
To Know Their Value.
Business owners deserve access to affordable tools.
Business owners deserve access to meaningful data.
Business owners deserve access to real opportunities.
Business owners deserve access to a better future.
Built Specifically for
Main Street Entrepreneurs
I AM SHARK Is
A Movement
I AM SHARK is not a company.
It is not a slogan.
It is not a marketing campaign.
A movement for business owners who believe in measuring what matters.
A movement for entrepreneurs who want to build with intention.
A movement for those who believe legacy deserves planning.
A movement for those who refuse to leave the most important financial moment of their lives to chance.
When someone says:
I AM SHARK.
They are making a commitment.
I will know my value.
I will build with intention.
I will create opportunity.
I will leave a legacy.
Gerard Perillo
I AM SHARK was founded by Gerard Perillo, a nationally recognized business valuation expert, Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary (M&AMI), Amazon Best-Selling Author, and founder of MAKO Score™, SHARK Team®, and SHARK DealRoom™.
Over his career, Gerard has participated in more than 817 business transactions representing over $575 million in transaction volume while helping Main Street business owners understand, grow, and maximize the value of their businesses.
817+
Business Transactions
Across nearly every industry
$575M+
Transaction Volume
Representing Main Street owners
96%
Historical Success Rate
Proven results over decades
Mission
"Helping Main Street business owners understand, grow, and maximize the value of their businesses."
The Movement Is Supported
by a Complete Ecosystem
Built for Main Street
The movement is supported by a complete ecosystem built specifically for Main Street entrepreneurs.
Ready to Discover
Your Value?
Every business owner deserves to know where they stand today. Start with a business readiness assessment and begin building a roadmap for the future.
The future of Main Street
belongs to those who prepare for it.
The movement has begun.