By John English, Contributing Writer
When the Chicotsky family launched God Bless Retirement in early 2024, their mission was clear: to assist business owners in navigating the often complex and precarious process of transitioning into retirement.
Brandon Chicotsky, 39, serves as the Managing Principal of the newly founded brokerage, which has seen remarkable growth in just a few months.
“Our father was ready to retire,” Chicotsky shared. “All the business brokers we encountered were charging retainers without offering the necessary attention. They prioritized heavy fees over meaningful engagement with targeted buyers and private listings.
“My brother and I stepped in to help our father sell his business. Soon after, his friends began seeking our assistance, followed by their friends. Before we knew it, my brother, sister, cousin, and I joined forces to launch a business dedicated to helping people retire with dignity. Now, we also assist buyers.”
In addition to his leadership role at God Bless Retirement, Chicotsky is a Marketing professor at the TCU Neeley School of Business. He was previously the youngest full-time business faculty member at Johns Hopkins University at age 32 and later worked as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Integrated Marketing at NYU.
God Bless Retirement specializes in managing the buying or selling of businesses, emphasizing certified valuations, financing resources, and effective targeting of private and public marketplaces. The firm takes pride in being a family-led brokerage offering a personal touch.
“We serve small business owners up to mid-market clients,” Chicotsky explained. “Our expertise in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) allows us to bring sophisticated strategies to the lower market, where the mission of strengthening families and supporting dignified retirements is most important.”
Chicotsky’s private equity experience spans nearly 15 years, and his family’s diverse skill set plays a pivotal role in the company’s success.
“My work in private equity, fundraising, and serving as a CMO, alongside my academic background, always pointed me toward this path,” he said. “My brother, David, has brokered over $100 million in real estate contracts in the past decade, bringing invaluable deal evaluation expertise.”
The Chicotsky family contributes unique talents to the business:
· Marla, Brandon’s sister, serves as the company’s legal consultant with a stellar record of over 100 jury case victories.
· Michaela, David’s wife, excels in community-building and event planning.
· Kevin, their cousin, specializes in logistics as one of the firm’s brokers.
“We have additional team members, but this is the Chicotsky core,” Brandon noted. “It made perfect sense to combine our skills and dedication to create this business. While the company is new, our expertise spans more than a decade.”
As part of its business model, God Bless Retirement hosts monthly forums covering a range of business trends and topics.
“Every month, we bring together M&A professionals and others with a book of clients who benefit from gaining an information advantage,” Chicotsky said. “We cover topics such as real estate banking, AI, commercial banking, energy, supply chain innovations, venture capital, and even longevity science.”
Tax planning is another frequent forum topic.
“We’re all about building community and helping people form meaningful relationships,” he added. “For us, the downstream effect is referrals from those who know someone ready to buy or sell a business.”
Fostering personal relationships is a cornerstone of the Chicotsky family’s approach.
“It makes the work more meaningful,” Chicotsky said. “It builds trust, strengthens contracts, and ensures a fulfilling experience. Helping friends and family succeed financially is the greatest reward.”
As God Bless Retirement continues to grow, Chicotsky assures potential clients that his family’s company is ready to guide them every step of the way.
“If anyone is ready to buy or sell a business, we’ll handle the entire process from start to finish,” he said. “From sourcing and vetting to navigating complex administrative and evaluative processes, we’ll bring all stakeholders together to ensure deals get done.”
