Business Consulting Services, Inc. v. Wicks

Leroy Wicks, as seller, and Hawkeye Business Brokers Company (Hawkeye), as broker, entered into a listing contract for the sale of Wicks’ business. When Wicks refused to pay a commission as demanded by Hawkeye, Hawkeye sued and obtained a judgment against Wicks. We reverse and remand.

I. Facts and Prior Proceedings.

Hawkeye is a company, called a “business broker,” that provides brokerage services to buyers and sellers of businesses, similar to the services of a real estate broker. Wicks is a Des Moines businessman who owned a security business called Homeguard Security, providing antitheft and…