Jim Afinowich

Jim Afinowich is a Founding Principal and Designated Broker at IBG Fox & Fin in Phoenix, AZ, and a nationally recognized leader in the mergers and acquisitions industry. With more than 30 years of experience and over 500 successful transactions to his name, Jim is known for his deep expertise, creative deal structuring, and commitment to ethical, high-impact advisory.

He co-founded Fox & Fin in 1993 and has overseen its growth into one of the most respected M&A firms in the Southwest, earning Arizona’s number one business broker and investment banking firm for 18 consecutive years by Ranking Arizona. A charter inductee into the IBBA Hall of Fame, Jim brings unmatched industry leadership to every engagement. He leads IBG’s Arizona office, supervising a team of seasoned dealmakers and guiding business owners through complex sales ranging from $5 million to $150 million in value. Jim’s practical experience as both an advisor and entrepreneur informs a disciplined process designed to maximize value and deliver optimal outcomes for his clients. Jim has sold businesses across diverse sectors including manufacturing, B2B services, education, aviation, and distribution. A trusted voice in the industry, he has taught, mentored, and served in leadership roles for every major U.S. M&A trade association. 

Experience

Jim’s career began as a serial entrepreneur, launching and operating 15 businesses across three countries in industries ranging from publishing to aviation. After successfully selling several of his own companies, he transitioned into the advisory space—where he quickly became a top-performing M&A intermediary. In addition to leading Fox & Fin, Jim is a Managing Partner of the International Business Group (IBG), which operates nationally with offices in four North American markets. He also serves as an expert witness in legal cases involving brokerage standards and practices.

Education and Professional Memberships

B.A., Business Administration – University of Arizona

• Certified Business Intermediary (CBI)
• Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI)
• Business Brokerage Specialist (BBS)
• Arizona Licensed Real Estate Broker
• Nevada Licensed Real Estate Broker
• Series 63 & 82 Securities Licenses (Ceiba Financial, LLC)
• International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) – Hall of Fame Inductee, Fellow, Past President, Director, Treasurer, Education Committee Chair
• M&A Source – Charter Member, Chair of Education and Credentialing Committees
• Business Intermediary Education Foundation – President and Director
• Member: ACG, AM&AA, Arizona Business Brokers Association, Turnaround Management Association

Honors and Awards

• IBBA Hall of Fame, 2024
• Tom West Award for exceptional contributions
• Top Global Producer of the Year, IBBA, 2015
• Advisor of the Year, M&A Source, 2021
• Az Business Leaders, AZ Big Media, 2018–2024
• Platinum Club, M&A Source, 2023
• "Jim Afinowich Day" – Proclaimed by the Valley Board of Business Brokers

Community and Personal

Jim is a lifelong Arizona resident and licensed pilot with a passion for aviation. He is active in organizations like the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Reno Air Racing Association, and Wings for Kids. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and participating in community initiatives throughout the Phoenix area.