Gregory J. Carafello, CEPA, CFE, CHA, is President and Principal Broker for First Choice Business Brokers of the New York City Region.  A 44-year Business veteran, Carafello has bought businesses, started 6 businesses, and sold hundreds of businesses, as well extensive experience as a Master Franchisee for several additional leading brands and currently serves as the first Area Representative for FastSigns, Intl- representing the Five Boroughs of New York City, Master Franchisee for Cartridge World with over 80 stores in 10 States and 18 Liberty Taxes in Manhattan.

He began as a copier sales trainee in 1981 in Manhattan and rose through the ranks to become their youngest Branch Director at age 26.

He and his wife went on to found their own company, Abra Cadabra Digital Color Centers, which he built to five locations and sales to a profitable $4,000,000 business.  He sold the business nearly two decades after founding to focus on the franchise endeavors.  

Mr. Carafello has attained many accreditations over the last 21 years:

1. Certified Exit Planning Advisors (CEPA) - With over 100 hours of classroom to help business owners set up their business for sale, whether it is today OR five years from now.  The objective is to prepare the owner's firm to sell at the highest amount, with legally minimized tax consequences.

2. Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) - The Certified Franchise Executive program (CFE) has been the gold standard of franchise education for 40 years.  It is the elite class of franchise Executives and industry leaders who have earned their CFE and are shaping the future of the industry.  The franchise industry has approximately only 2,300 of the 44,000 franchise industry executives who have accomplished this elite status.

3. Certified Healthcare Advisor (CHA) - He has been thoroughly trained to help all areas of the Medical field prepare and exit their practice for the highest fee with the best buyers available.

4. Birthing of Giants - A 4-year Annual 70-hour-per-week program coordinated by MIT, Inc. Magazine, Success magazine and the Young Entrepreneurs Organization.  There are 60 Entrepreneurs that meet to study 6-8 firms (like AOL, Sam Adams, Dell, etc) from startup to current status determining profitability areas and improvements, sales growth, industry competition, and technology shifts, followed by a 1-2 hour LIVE call with each founder/owners—fantastic stretching of our business acumen and knowledge.

These accreditations are to enhance the professionalism of independent business owners and the franchise industry by certifying the highest standards of knowledge and training.

Greg resides in North Jersey with his wife Christine where they raised 4 children.