Meet Gerard Perillo
Helping Main Street Business Owners Know Their Value and Own Their Future
Appointed
FICPA Valuation, Forensic Accounting & Litigation Services Committee — 2026–2027
My Story
Built on a Foundation of
Main Street Values
Long before I became a business broker, valuation expert, software founder, or author, I was the son of two hardworking Main Street business owners.
My parents built Joe & Eddie's Restaurant into one of the most iconic family-owned restaurants on Florida's Emerald Coast. Growing up around the restaurant taught me lessons that no classroom ever could.
I witnessed the sacrifices required to build a successful business. I watched my parents work long hours, overcome challenges, support employees, serve customers, and create something that became part of the community's history.
Those experiences shaped my understanding of entrepreneurship and gave me a deep appreciation for business owners who dedicate their lives to building something meaningful.
The Inspiration Behind I AM SHARK
Over the years, I have worked with hundreds of business owners from nearly every industry imaginable. One thing became clear.
Most business owners spend decades building a business but rarely stop to evaluate what it is worth, how prepared it is for the future, or what options may be available to them.
Many owners wait until a major life event, health issue, family situation, or unexpected opportunity forces them to make important decisions. I believe business owners deserve better.
"I AM SHARK was created to help owners gain clarity before those moments arrive."
Professional Credentials
Expertise You Can Trust
Certified Exit Planning Advisor
Advanced certification in business exit planning strategy and execution.
Certified Business Intermediary
Professional designation for business brokerage and transaction advisory.
Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary
The highest credential in the M&A intermediary profession.
Graduate Degrees in Business & Law
Advanced academic foundation in business strategy and legal frameworks.
Published Author
Nationally recognized author on business valuation and readiness.
Florida Institute of CPAs
Member, Valuation, Forensic Accounting & Litigation Services Committee 2026–27.
Founded & Built
Founder
I AM SHARK™
The national movement for Main Street business owners.
Founder
MAKO Score™
Affordable valuation and readiness intelligence for Main Street.
Founder
SHARK DealRoom™
Confidential marketplace for buyers, sellers, and advisors.
Founder
SHARK DealRoom Live™
Invitation-only events connecting owners, buyers, and capital.
Founder
SHARK Team®
Transaction professionals with 817+ closed deals.
Why I Built MAKO Score
Valuation Shouldn't Be
Reserved for Wall Street
After helping hundreds of business owners, I noticed a common challenge. Many owners only learned the value of their business when they were preparing to sell it.
I believed there had to be a better way. MAKO Score was built to give Main Street business owners access to affordable valuation, readiness, and business intelligence tools that help them understand and improve the value of their businesses long before a transaction occurs.
Because understanding value should not be reserved for large corporations or Wall Street. It should be available to Main Street.
A Personal Message
I believe every business owner deserves to know the value of what they have built.
I believe readiness creates opportunity.
I believe legacy matters.
"Most importantly, I believe the sacrifices made by Main Street business owners deserve recognition and appreciation."
That belief is what inspired I AM SHARK. And it is why I remain committed to helping entrepreneurs create stronger businesses, stronger futures, and lasting legacies.