As a successful business owner, you know that your business has value. It likely supports the lifestyle you and your family live. It provides a paycheck and perhaps benefits to the people you employ. The products or services you provide are meaningful to your clients. But if someone asked you, “How much is your business […]

Many advisors to business owners think a sale to key employees is a great option for companies that don’t reach the “sale to third party” threshold. Typically, they define this threshold as the point at which a business can be sold for (largely) cash. Depending on a variety of factors, this threshold is usually around […]

“My investment advisor suggested that I sell my company to an ESOP. Is that a good idea?” “My estate planning attorney recommended that I begin giving my business to my children. What do you think?” “I’m getting tired of running my business every day. My accountant thinks a sale to a third party is a […]

Successful business owners do a lot of things well, and they make it look easy. This is often a sign of well-running processes and years of discipline. However, it can also be a trap for successful business owners who intend to pass their businesses onto their children or business insiders. While you may love the […]

There’s a big difference between not wanting to retire and not being able to retire. Even business owners who intend to die at their desks can appreciate the safety net of financial independence should something unexpected occur. But many business owners look forward to an ideal future without implementing the proper planning to achieve it. […]

The last two-and-a-half years have been tumultuous, and owners of small to mid-sized businesses have borne the brunt of the pain. Though few people could have predicted the effects of the pandemic, business owners with plans for a successful future tended to feel more comfortable confronting the challenges they faced. Now, as whispers about a […]

Running a successful business is complex per se. Adding the element of “family” to a business often creates more complexities, especially as the business grows. Lifelong family bonds and expectations can run headlong into business realities and needs. Today, we’ll share some ideas about how to keep the family business running and the business family […]

If you’re considering transferring your business ownership to family, you might be tempted to put your family’s wants over your own goals. While this altruism may be admirable, it can also cause more problems than it solves. Consider the case of Darnell Orie. Darnell Orie was unsure how to approach his business exit. His son, […]

In the checkered, but always interesting, history of nepotism (as it relates to business transfer) we find that parents hope a child will take over a business for several reasons: The joy of working together. (At least that’s what some owners claim.) Greater employment and financial opportunities for family members than that available elsewhere. Maintenance […]

If you’re like many business owners, your business plays a large role in supporting your family’s lifestyle. As you plan for your business’ future, you may run into questions about how to treat family members fairly in your plans. This is especially crucial if you have children who work in the business and children who […]