Minneapolis, MN – May 31, 2026 – The International Business Brokers Association (IBBA), the world’s largest professional association for business brokers, is proud to announce the induction of Steve Wain, LCBI, Fellow of the IBBA and John Johnson, LCBI, Fellow of the IBBA into the IBBA Hall of Fame, one of the organization’s highest honors.
The IBBA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose extraordinary service, leadership, and lasting contributions have significantly advanced the business brokerage profession and strengthened the IBBA. Hall of Fame inductees are distinguished by their dedication to the industry, commitment to professional excellence, and enduring impact on business brokers around the world.
Steve Wain and John Johnson have each demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout their careers, helping shape the growth and evolution of both the IBBA and the business brokerage profession. Their contributions have influenced countless business intermediaries through mentorship, education, advocacy, and service to the industry.
“Steve and John exemplify the values and professionalism that define the IBBA,” said Emily Bowler, Executive Director of the International Business Brokers Association. “Their commitment to advancing our profession, supporting fellow business brokers, and giving back to the industry has left a lasting legacy. We are honored to recognize their achievements with induction into the IBBA Hall of Fame.”
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony was held during the 2026 IBBA Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where business brokerage professionals from around the world gathered to celebrate excellence, education, and industry leadership.
As Hall of Fame inductees, Steve Wain and John Johnson join an elite group of industry pioneers whose contributions have helped elevate the standards, credibility, and success of the business brokerage profession.
About the International Business Brokers Association
Founded in 1984 and with more than 3,000 members worldwide, the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) is the largest international non-profit association operating exclusively for people and firms engaged in business brokerage and mergers and acquisitions. The IBBA provides education, professional credentials, networking opportunities, and advocacy designed to enhance the professionalism and success of its members.
For more information, visit www.ibba.org.
Media Contact:
Emily Bowler
Executive Director
International Business Brokers Association
[email protected]
888-686-4222
IBBA Magazine
IN THIS ISSUE: “The Next Chapter,” Letter from the 2026 IBBA Chair. Plus, The Integrated Deal Platform, The Listing That Should Never Have Been Listed, Putting AI to Work in Your Brokerage, and more!
Articles
A pre-engagement framework for knowing when to walk away, before you invest 60 hours in a deal that was never going to close. I once spent six months working a listing that checked every box on paper. Profitable service business, clean books, motivated seller, reasonable asking price. We went to market, fielded fourteen NDAs, and […]
Articles
The business brokerage and M&A advisory profession is going through a quiet but significant shift in how deals are packaged, marketed and executed. Buyers now expect a level of presentation that a decade ago would have been reserved for major sell-side mandates. Sellers are more attentive to confidentiality and want to know exactly who has […]
Newsletter Sign UpGet the latest insights on buying and selling small businesses direct to your inbox.
