Dora Lanza
Principal & C.O.O
Dora Lanza is Co-Founder and Operations Officer of Plethora Businesses, a boutique lower middle-market M&A advisory firm that has served founder-owned businesses since 1998. With more than 30 years of hands-on experience spanning financial reporting, operational management, business valuations, and mergers & acquisitions, Dora is one of the most seasoned transaction professionals in her field.
Since 1985, she has worked alongside entrepreneurs, institutional investors, family offices, and private equity groups — guiding business owners through growth, transition, and exit strategies. In her leadership role at Plethora Businesses, Dora oversees transaction execution, valuation analysis, and the structuring of complex deals designed to maximize value and deliver successful outcomes for clients.
A recognized national speaker, educator, and has served as a faculty member at both IBBA University and the M&A Source, Dora develops and teaches advanced coursework for M&A advisors, investment bankers, and business intermediaries. She presents regularly at regional and national conferences on topics including business valuations, exit planning, sell-side strategy, growth through acquisition, and negotiation dynamics.
Dora has also been a pioneering force within the profession — becoming the first woman nominated to serve as Chair of the M&A Source, the nation’s leading association for lower middle-market M&A professionals.
Dora holds several of the industry’s most respected professional credentials, including the Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI) designation from the M&A Source and the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation from the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA). She is also a Senior Appraiser in business valuations, a Machinery & Equipment Appraiser, and a Certified Credit Underwriter. In addition, Dora holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 79 securities licenses through an affiliated broker-dealer and is a licensed California real estate broker.
Dora and her husband, George, have been partners in both business and life for more than 40 years and are proud parents of four sons and grandparents to five grandchildren. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys boating, travel, hiking, and supporting charitable organizations focused on underserved and at-risk youth.
Since 1985, she has worked alongside entrepreneurs, institutional investors, family offices, and private equity groups — guiding business owners through growth, transition, and exit strategies. In her leadership role at Plethora Businesses, Dora oversees transaction execution, valuation analysis, and the structuring of complex deals designed to maximize value and deliver successful outcomes for clients.
A recognized national speaker, educator, and has served as a faculty member at both IBBA University and the M&A Source, Dora develops and teaches advanced coursework for M&A advisors, investment bankers, and business intermediaries. She presents regularly at regional and national conferences on topics including business valuations, exit planning, sell-side strategy, growth through acquisition, and negotiation dynamics.
Dora has also been a pioneering force within the profession — becoming the first woman nominated to serve as Chair of the M&A Source, the nation’s leading association for lower middle-market M&A professionals.
Dora holds several of the industry’s most respected professional credentials, including the Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI) designation from the M&A Source and the Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) designation from the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA). She is also a Senior Appraiser in business valuations, a Machinery & Equipment Appraiser, and a Certified Credit Underwriter. In addition, Dora holds FINRA Series 7, 63, and 79 securities licenses through an affiliated broker-dealer and is a licensed California real estate broker.
Dora and her husband, George, have been partners in both business and life for more than 40 years and are proud parents of four sons and grandparents to five grandchildren. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys boating, travel, hiking, and supporting charitable organizations focused on underserved and at-risk youth.
