Bonza Broker Simon Schroder Named AIBB Deal Maker of the Year 2026

He came home with the AIBB Deal Maker of the Year Award, given to the broker who settles the highest number of business sales in a year. Simon settled 57 in the twelve months to 30 June 2026, more than one a week. He shared the award with fellow broker Jonathon Parker, who posted the same number.

Reflecting on the win and what goes into getting that many deals across the line, Simon said:

A lot of this outcome is process. Focus, systems, staying across every moving part until settlement. But underneath that, the real job is reminding both sides why the deal matters in the first place, especially through the parts that wear people down before they get there. That's what I try to hold onto on every deal, buyer and seller both.

None of this happens on my own. The people surrounding me of business consultants, appraisals, onboarding and brokers have been behind every one of these deals, and I honestly don't think I can put into words how proud I am to be part of Bonza as a company and the supportive, fun and creative culture this team has built.
It makes it easy when work doesn't feel like work.

Lastly, a question that was raised to the panel at the AIBB conference was who were your Idols / role models as part of your career. I can confidently say Matt (Bonza's GM) has been a pivotal role model of mine in becoming the broker I wish to be with his expansive level of knowledge and left hand problem solving approach when things can get road blocked.

What the Award Actually Measures

Award nights can be generous with titles, so it's worth being clear about what this one isn't. It's not a peer vote or a marketing panel's pick. The AIBB pulls the number straight from Bizstats, the industry's transaction reporting platform, so it's counting settled sales, not listings taken or deals half-done.

57 completed sales means 57 businesses that made it all the way through: appraised, marketed, negotiated, contracted and settled.

Why It's Good News If You're Selling With Bonza

A broker who moves that many deals in a year isn't doing it by working faster on the same old process. At Bonza, brokers aren't also writing their own listings or chasing their own admin, that's handled by dedicated people elsewhere in the business, so brokers like Simon spend their time on what actually sells a business: getting it in front of the right buyers and getting the deal signed.

If you're thinking about selling and want a broker with a track record like that in your corner, get in touch for a free consultation, or start with a free appraisal to see what your business could be worth.

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