01 · Profile
Paul Coate
Founder. Operator. Advisor. Business Broker.With nearly two decades of experience in business ownership, brokerage, commercial real estate, and consulting, Paul Coate helps founders navigate growth, valuation, acquisition, and exit decisions. In 2008, Paul and his wife Yulia acquired and scaled a coffee company into a successful multi-location operation before ultimately exiting the business. Having sat on both sides of the table as an owner and advisor, Paul brings real-world operating experience to every transaction. Today, Paul works with business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs throughout Florida, helping them buy, sell, fund, grow, and transition businesses with confidence.
02 · Background
From the founder's chair to the deal table.
2008 · Western Washington
Coffee founder & operator
Paul and his wife Yulia bought a struggling coffee shop amid the downturn and grew it into a profitable multi-location brand across the greater Seattle area—running operations, branding, sales, and expansion themselves.
2019 · Palm Beach County
Relocated to South Florida
The family resettled in Palm Beach County, where Paul carried his operator's instincts into a new market and began advising owners through the same growth and transition decisions he had lived firsthand.
Today · The Keyes Company
Business broker & commercial real estate
Having exited the coffee business, Paul now serves owners across hospitality, retail, healthcare, construction, and franchise operations—handling valuations, exit strategy, M&A, and commercial real estate sales and leasing.
03 · Origin
A career built by building.
- 2008Acquired & Scaled Coffee CompanyAcquired an existing coffee business during the financial crisis and grew it into a recognized multi-location brand serving the Seattle market.
- 2019Relocated to South FloridaBrought an operator's mindset into Florida's growing business and commercial real estate market.
- 2024Business Exit & Full-Time BrokerageSuccessfully exited the coffee business and focused full-time on business brokerage, commercial real estate, and advisory services.
04 · By the Numbers
- ~2 decades
- Entrepreneurial experience
- 25+
- Industries served
- Hundreds
- Transactions
05 · Specialties
Specialties
01
Hospitality & Restaurants
Restaurants, coffee companies, bars, cafés, quick-service concepts, and hospitality businesses.
02
Construction & Trades
Plumbing, HVAC, electrical, roofing, restoration, and service-based companies.
03
Healthcare & Wellness
Medical practices, chiropractic clinics, med spas, wellness centers, and healthcare businesses.
04
Franchises & Multi-Unit Operations
Single-unit, multi-unit, resale, and expansion opportunities.
05
Retail & Service Businesses
Owner-operated companies, recurring revenue businesses, and established local brands.
06 · Affiliations
The rooms where deals find each other.
The Keyes Company
Business broker & commercial real estate specialist.Florida Real Estate License
Licensed real estate agent in the State of Florida.Lake Worth Beach Chamber of Commerce
Active in the local South Florida business community.Biz Broker Expert
Business Advisory, Brokerage & Valuations07 · Connect
Reach Paul directly.
08 · Mission
I help founders build value, create options, and exit with confidence.
Paul Coate · Principal · Senior Business Analyst · South Florida