Mackenzie Sutton
Mackenzie Sutton is an award-winning business broker based in Ocala, Florida, recognized as the #1 Top Co-Broker in North Florida for her exceptional performance and client results. As a trusted professional with Ocala Business Brokers, Inc., she specializes in connecting buyers and sellers of businesses, guiding each party through complex transactions with clarity, discretion, and confidence. With a strong track record that includes million-dollar deals across industries such as construction, automotive, hospitality, and healthcare, Mackenzie has earned a reputation for delivering successful, well-structured outcomes. Mackenzie's passion for business brokerage is at the core of her work. From the moment she entered the field, she found deep fulfillment in advising sellers on how to position and sell their businesses for maximum value, while also helping buyers navigate acquisitions and the critical transition into ownership. She is known for building meaningful relationships with her clients, taking the time to understand their stories, goals, and the legacy behind each business. Recognizing that many owners view their businesses as a lifetime achievement, she is committed not only to securing strong financial outcomes but also to finding the right buyer to carry that legacy forward. Her journey into the industry began as a stay-at-home mother, balancing family life while working part-time in an administrative role for a broker. After demonstrating a natural ability to connect with clients, she was encouraged to become licensed and quickly immersed herself in the profession under the mentorship of an experienced broker. That guidance, combined with her own dedication and empathy, shaped her client-first approach and long-term success. Today, Mackenzie continues to find her work deeply rewarding, valuing both the flexibility it provides and the opportunity to support entrepreneurs while helping keep local businesses thriving within their communities.
• Real Estate Sales License
• Top Co-Broker for the North Florida District
• Million Dollar Plus Sales Award Winner
• International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
• Business Brokers of North Florida (BBF) - Treasurer for North Florida District
• Public Education Foundation of Marion County
• Outdoor Valor
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to some very influential women in my life. My mother is incredible - she's a paralegal, a licensed real estate agent, been in real estate my whole life, and she is just a book of knowledge and a giver as well, always willing to jump in and help out. And then my broker, Connie, she's fantastic. She has shown me everything that she knows, over 30 years in the industry. These two incredible women have supported me, they have lifted me up, they have adjusted my crown without ever telling the world that it was crooked. They've taken care of me and lifted me up and made sure that I had not only the knowledge, but the confidence to back it up. You have to have other women that are in your corner, and they just want to see you succeed. They want to educate you and teach you. There's so many people out there that just will push you down so that they can get ahead, and I am so grateful to be surrounded by women who are strong and intelligent, and they don't operate that way. They want to see everybody around them succeed. I am so fortunate.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice is to stay true to yourself and not try to follow someone else's script. I see women who want to come into business, and they just want to take over the voice of the person that trained them, or they think they have to follow these set scripts, but genuinely, if you just be yourself and you be genuine, the rest of it will follow. You can't just copy what someone else does - you have to find your own voice and stay true to that, and the rest of it will come.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stick to their guns and don't be scared to be the bad guy. Always stand firm. Find your voice, find your beliefs, and stay true to that, and the rest of it will come. Work hard - you gotta hustle. What you put into it is what you will get out of it, so the harder you work and you stay genuine, and you stay true to yourself, it will pay off.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges right now are economically related. People can't afford to eat right now, let alone buy a business. There's a lot of business owners out there that have been in business a really long time, but because of the way the world is now, they can't afford to keep their business open anymore. On the opportunity side, there's so much room for growth in the market, especially in Florida, because everyone is moving here. There is just so much room for a younger generation to come in and take over this business market and really make it boom. That's a huge opportunity.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is very important to me. I have a deep sense of loyalty and commitment to the people I love, and that foundation guides many of my decisions. I also believe strongly in giving back. There’s a lot of truth in the idea that “givers gain”—when you focus on taking care of others rather than chasing money, everything else tends to fall into place. I treat all of my clients like family.
I also prioritize my health, both physically and mentally. Staying active and taking care of my body isn’t about appearance—it’s about strength, balance, and the ability to handle everything life demands. Regular movement helps me stay grounded and maintain a clear, focused mindset.