As a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and having spent 35 years in the military, Santa Clarita resident Mike Grover is no stranger to a challenge — after all, he was sent to Afghanistan for his 50th birthday.

Along with serving his country, Grover built an impressive business resume over 25 years spanning non-profit leadership, international business development, business ownership and consulting.

“I was able to maintain parallel careers in the military and business and was fortunate to be successful in both,” said Grover, who was a commander in the Navy and most recently served as a Crisis and Contingency Planner for the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

He also served as the Commanding Officer of the reserve components of Naval Security Group, Lemoore and Commander, Amphibious Squadron ONE as well as Executive officer for Commander, Surface Forces, an Expeditionary Port Unit for Military Sealift Command and Amphibious Squad ONE.

Along with his business consulting practice, the 53-year-old Grover is bringing his wealth of experience to a new endeavor since recently becoming an advisor with Transworld Business Advisors, the world leader in the marketing and sales of businesses, franchises and commercial real estate.

Whether for an acquisition-minded corporation or individual interested in owning a franchise, Transworld Business Advisors offers clients throughout Santa Clarita Valley the professional services that successfully bring buyers and sellers together.

Grover was most recently the COO of a $15 million non-profit agency in Bakersfield, but left that career and his former home when he fell in love with his new wife, Nancy, and the Santa Clarita community.

Because Grover has built such a diverse business background over the last 25 years, he knows exactly what his clients are seeking.

“My clients are entrepreneurs,” Grover said. “They are looking to improve their existing business, start a new business, or capitalize on their success. Buyers are looking for a type of business they can sink their teeth into or have a passion for, while a prospective seller is typically looking to craft an exit strategy with a 1, 2 or 3-plus years horizon, depending on their need.”

The Transworld business model is unique because it combines the synergy of three separate industries: a business brokerage, franchise consulting and franchise development, which has helped it to become the No. 1 franchise in the business brokerage industry of the annual Entrepreneur “Franchise 500” listing.

“My clients are typically successful in their field but are entering into an arena that is almost always new to them,” Grover said. “I am a professional intermediary and help walk them through the processes involved, in concert with their legal and accounting team.”