Brett Barker

Brett Barker – CEO & Founder, Barker Business Brokerage

Expert in Business Sales, Mergers & Acquisitions, and SME Growth | New Zealand Business Leader

Profile Summary
Brett Barker is the CEO and Founder of Barker Business Brokerage, one of New Zealand’s leading business brokerage firms. With over two decades of experience in business sales, entrepreneurship, and strategic leadership, Brett has built a reputation for integrity, transparency, and results-driven service. His philosophy of “Business Sales with Integrity” defines the firm’s culture and approach to every client relationship.

Professional Background
Brett’s career spans multiple industries, from manufacturing and IT consulting to hospitality and franchise ownership, giving him a deep understanding of how businesses operate from the inside out.

• Education: Business Studies, Waikato Polytechnic (now Wintec).
• Early Career: Began in Aluminium Joinery, quickly advancing through production, quoting, and sales roles.
• International Experience: Spent five years in London as an IT Process and Communications Engineer, consulting for major global banks on operational systems and business efficiency.
• Australasian Roles: Worked as a Business Development Consultant before returning to New Zealand.

Entrepreneurial Ventures
Brett has owned and operated several successful businesses, including:

• A 200-seat restaurant and bar in Devonport, Auckland.
• Involved in franchising, where he gained hands-on experience in franchise business operations, staff management, and growth strategies.

These experiences shaped his practical understanding of SME ownership, valuation, and exit strategy, insights that would later become foundational to Barker Business Brokerage’s success.

Founding Barker Business Brokerage
In partnership with his parents, Neil and Lynn Barker, Brett founded Barker Business Brokerage to raise the standard of business sales and acquisitions in New Zealand. His mission was clear: deliver an ethical, professional brokerage service built on trust, communication, and follow-through.  Since its founding, the firm has grown steadily to become a respected name in the industry, known for its honest advice, consistent communication, and client-first ethos.

Leadership & Values
As CEO, Brett leads with a focus on sustainable growth and ethical business practice. He mentors his team to always act with honesty, even when delivering hard truths, and to maintain strong client relationships built on transparency.  Under his guidance, Barker Business Brokerage continues to champion integrity, communication, and client success as the cornerstones of every transaction.