Introducing Our New Director of M&A Services: David Downing
In the dynamic world of business brokerage and entrepreneurship in Texas, few stories are as layered and inspiring as those of David Downing. From founding a health food startup to navigating high stakes finance roles and ultimately becoming a trusted advisor for business owners looking to buy or sell his journey embodies strategic pivots, growth and a deep commitment to helping others succeed.
Early Life & Education
Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, David grew up as the son of British immigrant parents, his father was an anesthesiologist and his mother a natural in sales.
David went on to study Economics at Rice University and later earned a master’s in professional accounting from University of Texas at Austin. This educational foundation equipped him with rigorous financial experience from the start.
Corporate & Consulting Foundation
Before diving into his entrepreneurial venture, David held several notable finance and consulting roles. He worked with firms such as KPMG and Alvarez & Marsal and engaged in corporate finance and performance improvement in the aviation industry. These early experiences sharpened his ability to analyze business models, scale operations, and navigate complex strategic challenges.
The Entrepreneurial Chapter: Founding ChipMonk
In 2019, David co founded ChipMonk Baking, a health focused cookie company based in Houston that made low carb, gluten free desserts. The idea emerged from a real life need: one of his co founders had type 2 diabetes and sought a sweet treat that wouldn’t throw off his health.
They started small testing product demand at local markets, then scaling their production by securing commercial kitchen space, refining packaging and building wholesale relationships. Through this venture, David gained firsthand insight into product development, brand building, operations, and exit planning, a powerful precursor to his next professional phase.
Transition to Business Brokerage
After the sale of ChipMonk and becoming a parent, David made a strategic pivot, he moved into business brokerage. At First Choice Business Brokers Houston Memorial, David collaborated with various business owners and buyers across the state of Texas.
Why this transition made sense:
His hands on founder experience means he can empathize with business owners selling their ventures, or buyers acquiring them. His financial/consulting background gives him credibility in valuations, deal structuring, exit planning and due diligence. Being based in Houston also positions him well in a robust small business ecosystem.
Areas of Focus & Expertise
David’s broker profile highlights the following specialties:
Owner operated retail and service businesses
Light industrial and logistics companies
Food & beverage (including CPG and franchises)
Recurring revenue and franchised enterprises
His services typically include business valuation, confidential marketing of businesses for sale, screening of buyers, structuring deals and guiding both sides to closing, bringing clarity to what can be a complex process.
Personal Life & Values
On the personal side, David lives in Houston with his wife Michelle and their children. He emphasizes family, balance, and growth both in business and life. In his newsletter he described how becoming a father changed his perspective:
One of his guiding life lessons, inherited from his father, is: “Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” This reflects how he approaches business relationships, not just as transactions, but as meaningful collaborations rooted in respect and empathy.
What He’s Doing Now & Future Focus
David currently serves as the Director of Merger & Acquisition Services at Cooper CPA Group. Moving forward, his goal is to combine his entrepreneurial past with his brokerage knowledge to serve Cooper CPA Group’s client base more deeply: helping them plan exits earlier, prepare operations for sale, and align personal goals with business decisions.
Why His Story Matters
Holistic experience: Many business brokers come from sales or M&A backgrounds. David’s path—founder → finance consultant → broker gives him unique vantage.
Human centered: His emphasis on values, family, real world empathy sets him apart.
Expanding small business support: With Texas’ booming economy and many owner operated firms, brokers like David are helping bridge the “what next?” gap for entrepreneurs.
Thought leadership: He’s contributing educational value, not just transactional value.
Key Takeaways & Lessons for Entrepreneurs
Validate early: David’s ChipMonk story underscores starting with small tests, real customer feedback, and iterating quickly.
Leverage your background: His finance & consulting credentials didn’t go to waste they became foundational assets in his brokerage role.
Plan for exit from the get go: His transition into M&A shows the importance of thinking not just about building a business, but how you might eventually leave it.
Relationships matter: Whether it’s clients, buyers, employees or family, the relational side of business is just as important as the numbers.
Be open to pivot: David didn’t think he’d end up in M&A but when the opportunity and fit aligned, he embraced the opportunity.
David Downing’s story is a compelling case study of how varied experiences corporate finance, startup founding, family life can converge into a purposeful career helping others achieve their business goals. For any entrepreneur wondering what’s next (whether it’s scale up, sell-out, buy in), his path offers both inspiration and a blueprint, build diverse skills, stay open to change, and always keep people front and center.