About
This is Jeff Kurtz
My work as a business broker is grounded in one core belief: people make better decisions when they’re informed, supported, and confident.
I bring together experience from multiple sides of business ownership. I earned my MBA from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois and spent over a decade in banking, followed by four years in business brokering. That background gave me a deep understanding of how financial strategy, deal structure, and long-term value intersect when buying or selling a business.
Alongside my professional work, I’ve spent more than 24 years teaching and consulting at Gies, mentoring over 6,000 students and leading more than 1,500 client projects. Working with Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized firms, and family-owned businesses sharpened my ability to navigate complex decisions while keeping people and outcomes at the center.
Today, as part of the SVN North Star team, I guide business owners and investors through acquisitions, sales, and strategic exits. I approach every engagement with integrity, clarity, and care — focused not just on closing transactions, but on helping clients build lasting success.
​​I’m fortunate to share life with my amazing wife, Jill. Together, we've raised four wonderful daughters who are now off pursuing exciting careers and building lives of their own. Watching them grow into strong, independent women has been one of the greatest joys of my life.​When we're not working, Jill and I love to make the most of our time together. We enjoy traveling—whether it's discovering new places or returning to our favorite spots—playing golf and tennis, and spending quality time with close friends. Whether it's a quiet evening at home or an active weekend outdoors, we appreciate the balance and joy these moments bring to our lives.
Guiding Your Business Journey through Insight
and Strategy
With over a decade of experience in business brokerage, Jeffrey offers clients a strategic edge when it comes to buying, selling, or valuing property and businesses. His four years as a business broker, combined with ten years in the banking industry, have equipped him with a strong command of deal structuring, debt capital, business valuation, and exit strategy development—key components in today’s complex real estate market.
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Backed by an MBA from the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois, Jeffrey blends financial acumen with deep industry insight to help clients make informed, lasting decisions. As a respected faculty member at Gies for over 25 years, he has also advised more than 1,200 businesses through hands-on consulting projects, spanning Fortune 100 companies to family-owned enterprises.
Whether you're exploring a business acquisition, planning a sale, or investing in real estate, Jeffrey provides expert guidance to navigate your business journey with confidence.
