Biography of Doug Van Liew

Doug Van Liew is a Hampton Roads based business broker who specializes in helping Main Street business owners confidently prepare for, navigate, and complete the sale of their businesses. With firsthand experience as a business owner who has personally bought and sold companies, Doug brings a rare, owner-first perspective to the brokerage process—one rooted in empathy, clarity, and real-world understanding.

Doug works primarily with service-based and locally owned businesses, including home services, accounting firms, salons, and other owner-operated enterprises throughout Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and the greater Hampton Roads area. Having been on both sides of a transaction, he understands that selling a business isn’t just a financial decision—it’s deeply personal. His approach is designed to remove confusion, reduce stress, and help owners make informed decisions at every stage.

Before focusing on business brokerage, Doug built a strong foundation in real estate, operations, and small-business ownership. That background allows him to look beyond the numbers and evaluate what truly drives value in a business—systems, people, cash flow stability, and transition readiness. Rather than pushing sellers into premature exits, Doug emphasizes education, preparation, and strategic timing to maximize outcomes.

Known for his approachable communication style and transparent guidance, Doug positions himself as an advisor first and a broker second. He frequently works with owners who are early in the exit-planning phase and may not yet be “ready to sell,” helping them understand valuation drivers, common pitfalls, and realistic expectations well before going to market.



Doug lives and works in Hampton Roads and is deeply connected to the local business community. His mission is simple: help business owners protect what they’ve built and transition on their own terms—with clarity, confidence, and trust.