Karl’s experience spans both Fortune 50 executive management and entrepreneurship.

On the corporate side he was formerly an executive at Microsoft in Redmond, Wash., where he managed groups in corporate and international marketing, channel sales, product development, business development, and government affairs.

As an entrepreneur Mr. Buhl has bought and sold his own companies as well as having started several companies from scratch, including a successful management consulting practice that has structured industry-specific joint ventures to assist clients with national business development and strategic marketing.

Karl started his career in Chicago in advertising agency account management where he worked with national clients such as General Mills, McDonald’s, Wrigley, Pillsbury, and Wilson Sporting Goods, among others.

Karl has his BA from Michigan State University and MSJ from Northwestern University.

Lic. Real estate broker BK3129130
Real Estate corporation lic. CQ1032983

Karl F. Buhl
President

Nick Carbone began his career as a CPA with KPMG in Orlando where he directed audit services as well as M&A engagements.

After KPMG he was a founder of PCE Investment Bankers—a boutique investment banking firm with engagements of over $100M in value, and private equity placement of over $80M. Nick was responsible for business development and private investment banking services for clients including private placements of capital, mergers & acquisitions, business valuations, ESOPs, and shareholder liquidity scenarios.

While at PCE Nick also directed the firm’s business valuation engagements.

Nick is also a founder of Fat Dog Spirits—a micro distillery company in Tampa where he developed an award winning ‘Touch’ vodka brand as well as Absinthe and Gin brands.

Nick is a graduate of the University of Florida in Gainesville with a B.S. in Accounting.

He is also a licensed Series 7 securities broker.

Nick Carbone
Sr. Managing Director

Isabel Ramirez graduated from University of South Florida with a B.A. in Finance and Marketing. She joined The Venture Group in January 2008 as an intern, and in April 2009 assumed the position of office manager..

Isabel Ramirez
Office Manager

Lani Prilliman, a graduate of the University of South Florida, has nearly 35 years experience in real estate sales, appraising, and mortgage lending, including entrepreneurship and management. Her effective communication skills, diverse networks, and attention to detail in preparing financial packages and visa applications helps facilitate smooth and timely closings.

Lani’s elections, appointments, and affiliations include serving as Vice President and Secretary of the Florida Association of Realtors, sole honorary life member of the East Pasco Association of Realtors, member of the Zephyrhills Downtown Redevelopment Committee, member of the Real Estate Advisory Committee of Pasco Hernando Community College, charter director of East Pasco Habitat for Humanity, director of Rotary, Pilot Club, and the YMCA, as well as a volunteer for the United States Marine Corps 6th MTBN, Orlando.

Lani Prilliman
Associate

Craig McMahan has a BA in Marketing from Western Michigan University and has been a licensed real estate agent since 2002.

Craig joined The Venture Group in 2008 and developed a specialty of working with Auto Repair Shops, Car Washes, Sports Bars, and Liquor Stores. He also specializes in working with first time buyers. He helps educate and navigate them through the entire business buying process including researching, making an offer, and financing.

Before joining the Venture Group in 2008, Craig spent five years as a top producing agent with EXIT Extreme Realty where he won the EXIT Excellence Award in 2005 and 2006, and the EXIT Team Player Award in 2006. In February 2008 Realtor.com presented Craig with the Award of Excellence. This award was given to only 21 of over 10,000 Realtors® in the Tampa Bay area for their excellence in online marketing.

Craig is a certified e-PRO, an elite group of Realtors who earn the only technology certification offered by the National Association of Realtors. Only 2% of the nation’s 1 million plus Realtors are e-PRO certified.

Craig McMahan
Associate

John Briscoe graduated from St. Leo University with his bachelor degree in Marketing. After graduation, John obtained his Florida real estate appraiser trainee license. He worked as an appraiser for 2-1/2 years with Calhoun Collister Y Parham, Inc., specializing in eminent domain cases where John developed skills and knowledge in valuations and negotiations.

John Briscoe
Associate

Before joining The Venture Group Craig spent 15 years as a manager of the sales division of a local custom homebuilder. His knowledge of the real estate market and the experience of working closely with clients in their pursuit of realizing their goals gives him the experience to create successful customer relationships. Craig is a member of Bell Shoals Baptist Church as well as a leader in BSF International. He is also a member of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce.

Craig Owens
Associate

Kevin O’Neill brings both corporate and small business experience to his clients, including dedication to the transaction, an excellent work ethic, and a focus on effectiveness.

His career began as a mechanical engineer and project manager with ASML Lithography (ASML)—a leader in fabrication equipment for microchip producers—where he managed contract manufacturing and worked as account manager for Intel and IBM.

After completing his MBA, he joined Axsys Technologies (AXYS), a precision optics, subsystem and defense components company, as manager of strategic planning. While there he planned the commercialization of Axsys’ defense businesses. Kevin also supported M&A activity and divestment of several AXYS divisions, during which time three transactions were completed.

Kevin has consulted with small businesses; and has helped manage his family owned business in the ‘art-education products’ market. He also co-founded Custom Wood Beams LLC , a ‘wood ceiling’ business, serving interior designers, architects, and builders.

Kevin has earned a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree from RIT and an MBA with finance concentrations from UCONN. He is active in both church and community.

Kevin O’Neill
Associate