How To Find the Owner of a Business: Quick Tips
By Danica Djokic
July 5, 2023
It is not uncommon for people to have questions or concerns about the ownership of a particular business. Whether you are a potential customer of a business, an investor, or simply curious, there are several ways you can go about finding out who runs the show.
If you’re wondering how to find the owner of a business, here are some of the best methods to try.
Check the Company Website
Most companies list their ownership information on their website, either on the “About Us” or “Contact Us” page, so start there. This is the quickest and most efficient way to identify the owner of any business, anywhere in the world.
If the company is a large corporation or publicly traded, you may find an executive team page with contact information for the board of directors. It’s also helpful to research whether the business is a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, or a corporation.
Check Social Media Accounts
When you’re pondering how to find out the owner information of a business, and the business owner’s name isn’t listed on the website, you can try social media.
Many registered businesses list their ownership information in the “About” section of their social media accounts. Check the business’s Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts to see if this information is available.
Many business owners list LinkedIn as their social media of choice as it generates 277% more leads than Facebook and Twitter. So it’s also worth checking if the owner has a personal social media account. This can give you insights into their background, interests, and goals for the business.
Contact the Business Directly
If all else fails and you can’t find the owner’s name through their social media company page, you can try contacting the business’s Facebook page administrator. But how do you find the owner of a Facebook business page? The task is not complicated, as it only requires you to find the business’s page, click on Settings, and then on Page Roles.
Regardless of whether the actual owner of a business is listed among the page administrators, you’ll be able to find a name there that you can contact for further information. You may even find a listed phone number and ask to speak with the owner, or you can send an email to the provided contact email address.
Keep in mind that the business may not be willing to disclose this information, but it is worth a try.
Look Up the Business’s Legal Documents
Depending on the type of business and its location, the owner’s information may be publicly available through legal documents such as articles of incorporation or business licenses, as all businesses should be registered by state. You can typically find these documents if you browse registered business databases, search registered business databases, or the portal of local government.
If you need to find a business owner due to a legal issue or dispute, you can always hire a law firm or online legal services to handle this for you.
Use a Business Search Service
Here’s a potentially unpopular opinion on how to find the owner of a business at a given address without fail: pay for a business search service. While these private search companies often require a subscription or a fee before allowing access to their business records, they are a useful resource.
Look for Press Releases or News Articles
If the business has received any media attention, your job should be easier, as you’ll likely be able to find the owner’s name in a press release or news article. Search online for the business name and see what information has been shared.
From there, you can peruse articles in search of a CEO’s name or other clues that may lead you closer to finding the person you’re looking for.
Final Thoughts
Searching for information on who owns a business may seem complicated at first, but it is entirely up to how you go about it. By using the strategies we’ve presented in this article, you should be able to do a thorough search and hopefully find the owner of a business with ease.
Once you find the owner or someone who works for this business, be polite and professional when you talk to them. And be prepared to explain why you are looking for this information.
Now that you know how to find the name of a business owner, it’s time to give it a try. With a little bit of effort and persistence, you should be able to find the information you need in no time.