ABOUT US
Business Broker Profiles
Meet the WCI Commercial Team
Susan Tanko-Manogue
Susan has 23+ years of experience functioning as the intermediary between buyers and sellers – the results of which are evident. She has successfully facilitated closings on 100’s of businesses including large construction, medical, transportation, financial, and service businesses.
Susan ultimately acquired WCI with partner Dennis Hayes, from WCI’s founding father Chuck Tanko. Susan is the firm’s Designated Broker and “go-to” source for guidance for WCI licensed agents. The “team” spirit and approach to business sales are fostered by Susan at every opportunity.
If considering an exit from your business, you’ll be in excellent hands with Susan.
She can be reached at 602-373-4637.
Dennis Hayes
Dennis brings to WCI a wealth of knowledge and experience in connection with business and financial matters. Most notably, he grew a Michigan based auto finance company from 6 to 212 employees, from 2 auto dealers in Michigan to 2100 dealers in 17 states and from $3 Million to $180 Million in auto loan receivables. He has successfully negotiated and closed working capital credit facilities for hundreds of millions of dollars from institutional lenders.
Dennis is known as a “fixer” of broken business issues and truly excels at complex problem resolution. With lawyers, accountants, and bankers involved in most transactions, it’s comforting to have an experienced, calm voice of reason representing your best interests.
Please call Dennis at 602-795-2005 in the office, or on his cell at 480-518-7111.
Vaneet (Vinni) Sapra
Vinni was born and raised in India, and from a young age always aspired to work with people, and break into the world of business. He learned much from his father, who owned and operated business. Vinni graduated from Punjab University with a degree in Psychology in 1998, and then “took the leap” to move to the United States in pursuit of his business interests. His story is classic…start from the bottom (clerking in his Uncle’s convenience store,) graduating to the exciting and proud acquisition of his first store, and ultimately expanding over time into a portfolio of 10 owned stores.
Vinni has won several business achievement awards, and, with joining WCI, has turned his focus to helping others to do the same. Being fluent in 3 languages helps him to make connections and facilitate deals involving people from all over the world.
Richard Epstein
Richard is an Associate Broker at WCI Commercial. He graduated from the Boston University School of Management, was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, and spent 10 years as a National Sales and Marketing Manager for LG Advertising in Baltimore, Maryland. He moved on to become the C.E.O. of Commercial Real Estate Consultants in Boston, Massachusetts, handling sales and marketing of commercial real estate and other types of businesses.
Richard relocated to Arizona in 1992 and has been engaged in sales and leasing of commercial properties, and instrumental in all types of business sales, manufacturing, distribution, franchises and service companies. He excels at both the identification of excellent seller opportunities, and the identification of an appropriate buyer to fill the shoes of the exiting seller.
Steve Anderson
“The only broker you will ever need”. Call me and “profit from my thinking” Arizona’s business sales and acquisitions specialist. Enriching my clients with a unique blend of financial expertise, marketing savvy, and creative energy. The exceptional quality, uncompromising integrity, passion, unparalleled performance and boundless energy distinguishes me from all other Arizona business brokers.
My passion is to achieve your objectives whether buying or selling, exceed your expectations, and ensure our relationship will be a profitable one.
Paul Peterson
Relocating from Michigan to Arizona, Paul came to WCI from a position of Executive Management with a large International Company. He has 30+ years in a professional capacity with a diverse background in Management, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Sales. Paul’s skills very much relate to the early identification of obstacles, and the problem resolution that logically follows. Paul has always been outcome-driven and believes that excellent communication is at the core of all successful transitions from our sellers to anticipatory and excited buyers.
Paul can be reached at 734-582-3071 or paul@wcibroker.com.
Cameron Peterson
Relocating to Arizona from Michigan, Cameron spent five years as an equitable partner in a well-established, east coast pest control company wherein he managed a first-rate sales division.
He thrives in high-paced, outcome driven environments. Since becoming a licensed agent himself, his tenacity and talent have not gone unnoticed by WCI ownership/management who believe him to be a perfect fit for the team.
In service to Buyers, Sellers, and all licensed WCI agents, Cameron has assumed the role of “Transaction Coordinator” and is responsible for everything from the production of purchase agreements that govern sales, to adherence to buy-side and sell-side closing checklists. He also interacts with lenders and escrow agents to our transactions, all with an eye toward facilitating smooth transitions as business ownership changes hands.
He can be reached directly at: 480.923.6219 or cameron@wcibroker.com.
Ken Hanover
Ken has owned and operated several businesses over the past 30 years. His early interest was in fine clothing, working for larger corporate entities, then later forming his own stores in his native State of Maryland and Washington DC. His easy-going manner brought him many prestigious clients such as: Chief Justice Rehnquist, the Kennedy family, and many U.S. senators.
He relocated to the Phoenix Valley in 1993, switching careers to real estate, where he found much success and joy in matching sellers and buyers. Moving on to business brokerage has allowed him to combine his business skills and people skills in an affable manner to please the most discriminating buyer and seller.
Ken can be reached at 602-980-2464 or kenhanover@wcibrokertucson.com.
Leah Hayes
Leah joined WCI in 2020, after acquiring a real estate license, a Juris Doctor, J.D. (graduating #2 in her law school class), and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology + Law, all in her home state of Arizona. She has rapidly become the firm’s “go-to” source where research is needed and has demonstrated a heightened ability to meticulously and skillfully draft the documents and contracts that govern the business and real estate transactions in which WCI facilitates. Leah’s excellent attention to detail, an inherent personality trait further cultivated throughout her law school training, has certainly not gone unnoticed by Sellers and their Buyers.
With youth on her side, Leah is engaging, innovative, and passionate about the concept of continuing education for purposes of staying ahead of the industry and providing every business listing with a first-rate professional representation. She is communicative, thorough, and detail-oriented — and she’ll be alongside you every step of the way!
She can be reached at 480.216.5612 or leah@wcibroker.com.
Jesse Hayes
Jesse has spent his career in the finance industry working as a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones; and Securities Broker for Charles Schwab where he worked on the active trader and derivatives desk.
Licensed with both a Series 7 and 66, he is accustomed to assisting clients with all forms of complex financial matters.
Our clients find him to be highly organized and an excellent problem solver.
He can be reached at 480-204-6003, or by e-mail at jesse@wcibroker.com.
Randall Stone
Mr. Stone is a Business Broker and Attorney. He received his J.D. from the University of Tennessee, his M.B.A from The College of William and Mary Graduate School of Business, and his LL.M(Tax) from the William and Mary College of Law. He is admitted to practice in Arizona, Colorado, Virginia, the U.S Federal Court, and the United States Supreme Court.
A pilot himself, he specializes in litigation and aviation law and has represented pilots and aviation interest around the country. His business interests include service businesses, franchises, technology, and aviation.
WCI clients are always well represented by Randall who can be reached at 602-363-4882 or at randall@wcibroker.com.
Ray Hinesly
Ray moved to Arizona from Iowa in 1965. He has owned and operated several businesses including a business brokerage, a manufacturer’s representative firm, a motorsports promotion company, a courier service, and a towing/impound company. Ray acquired extensive corporate business experience in 19 years of construction materials sales with the largest construction accessory supply company in North America.
He began in sales and transitioned through sales management, profit center management, operations troubleshooter, North American Division Manager to ultimately to Vice President. He has a BA from Iowa State University, and an MBA from the University of Texas -Denton. Ray will always devote himself to the tasks at hand and the time necessary to provide professional representation in the sale of your business.
Ray can be reached at 602-820-8590 or rjhinesly@q.com.
Joe Decker
Joe has been active in the commercial real estate and development industry in the western states, primarily Arizona, for over 40 years. His focus has been on sales and development of multifamily housing, land and subdivision acquisition, custom home building, and venture capital funding. Joe also served as a VP of a savings and loan.
More recently, Joe has been associated with new business acquisition and development, with sales recruitment and training in corporate agricultural sales. His business ownership and management, in tandem with his role at a savings and loan, proves a valuable asset when counseling our business sellers in transitioning their companies to acquirers who are ready to hit their new road running.
Joe is always reachable at 480-416-2582 or email at decker.jj88@yahoo.com.
Keith Elgin
Keith found his way from Virginia to Arizona in 1973 and graduated from ASU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1984. Following a 5-year stint with the Motorola Government Electronics Group, Keith was retained by ASU as its Property Control Manager where he retired following 22 years of service.
He has assisted hundreds of clients to plan their financial future through his ownership and operation of a financial services business.
Keith has always possessed the personal drive and commitment to make a finish line, clearly evidenced with his capture of the National Junior College Wrestling Championship in 1981.
He currently holds active Life Insurance and Real Estate licenses and can be reach here: 480-695-1843 or by email at keith@wcibroker.com
Steve Leal
Steve is an Arizona native and graduated from Arizona State University with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He brings 40 years of experience in marketing, lending and finance including 15 years as a business acquisition specialist. He will work tirelessly and professionally to get your deal done.
He can be reached at 602-818-3947 or steveleal@wcibroker.com.
Russell Standage
Russell comes to WCI as a seasoned business broker and M&A advisor. Owning and operating small businesses for >20 years, combined with his business brokerage experiences, has provided him with excellent instincts when structuring the sale and purchase of a privately held company. From listing to marketing to financing and through closing, business sales always seem to run most smoothly with a first-rate intermediary like Russell. He received his CM&AP (Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional) designation from Kennesaw State University and is a graduate of the W.P Carey School of Business.
Charles “Charley” Beck
Charles (“Charley”) is an Arizona native whose family has been operating a variety of businesses, ranging from auto dealerships to gasoline stations, since the 1920s. After graduating locally from Brophy College Prep, Charley earned a Bachelor and Master of Finance at Texas A&M University. He then spent 5 years with one of the world’s largest commodities trading firms, devoting half of that time in their Latin American headquarters in Montevideo, Uruguay, and the other half in Houston, Texas.
Charley’s formal education in finance, in tandem with his employment experiences in Uruguay and Texas, nicely positioned him to transition back to Arizona and to take over his family businesses. He grew income streams, diligently maintained books and data, and ultimately sold one location through WCI Commercial. Charley found the process was drama-free and seamless, and his selling experience was the catalyst for securing his Arizona real estate license, and for joining the WCI team.
Jim Carroll
Jim migrated to Arizona with his wife when his son purchased a WCI listed business in the Phoenix area in 2021. He has a diverse and deep background in the business world, with experience in a variety of industries such as manufacturing, wholesaling, contracting, B2B, and digital marketing. Jim holds a business degree in finance from Western Washington University.
Doing the right thing, teamwork and trust, and having a passion for winning are strong guiding principles that direct him in his work with clients. By prioritizing integrity, collaboration, and a drive to succeed, Jim can help you and your business navigate challenges and make the most of opportunities for financial success.
Overall, Jim brings a unique combination of business expertise, community involvement, and personal values to his work. Clients who work with him can expect a dedicated partner who is committed to facilitating their successful sale or purchase of an Arizona business.
Aaron Gilletti
Aaron Gilletti has always maintained a service-first perspective; do what’s right for others and good relationships will follow. With more than ten years in engineering, operations, and sales, Aaron has used his corporate leadership experience to help business owners achieve their goals by serving as a business intermediary facilitating the sale and purchase of small to mid-sized businesses. While meeting with business owners and discussing their exit strategies, Aaron heard firsthand how difficult it could be to obtain a cash infusion to take advantage of new opportunities to grow their businesses and realized there was an opportunity to help Main Street business grow by bridging the gap in commercial finance and so he offers the additional service of helping business owners obtain financing for both acquisitions and working capital.
Outside of work, Aaron has donated much of his time mentoring young athletes to be positive leaders, pursue self-accountability, and be strong role models to their peers. Both on and off the playing fields, Aaron enjoys spending time with his wife and three children seeking out new adventures and experiences through travel, food, and friends.
Amy Newman
Amy has been a treasured asset of WCI for over 20 years. She started in a general admin capacity, graduating to the role of an executive assistant to the company’s founder, Chuck Tanko. Her front desk in the WCI lobby functions daily as an information hub, disseminating documents to buyers, sellers, lenders escrow companies, and licensed agents of WCI.
Amy acquired an extremely useful degree in 2012, graduating from Brown Mackie College with an Associates in Paralegal Sciences. When entering the WCI offices, Amy is always the first friendly face encountered.
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TESTIMONIALS
“We want to Thank You WCI, for the help and guidance in buying our new company.”
JERRY & DAN
“Thank you for all of your help. You helped the process go smoothly!”
MELISSA & HERB
“It is great working with Susan, Dennis and all of your agents. They are always professional and knowledgeable with each and every closing. We look forward to many more years of working with all of you.”
HELEN AND AMY AT EMPIRE WEST TITLE
“Your level of professionalism and dedication made me feel totally secure!”
BOB
“The Sellers are happy, the team is happy and we have received a lot of compliments and positive feedback from customers on our messaging and announcement to them.
We are very happy! Thank you again to you and your team for all yall’s hard work and support in this opportunity. Thank you!!”
JARED
We simultaneously sold our 4 related companies in a complex mix of “C” and “S” Corps, and LLC’s.
The professional advice we received from the WCI team proved invaluable. From valuation to the identification of a wonderful buyer, and through closing, we had reliable access to information 24/7. 5 stars!
MARK