Succession planning is one of the most important aspects of exit planning for small business owners. Without a clear plan, the transfer of leadership can create confusion, disrupt operations, and reduce the value of your business. A well-designed plan ensures continuity, protects employees, and preserves the wealth you’ve built over time.

The Mental Readiness Index (MRI) is a tool used in exit planning to measure how emotionally and psychologically prepared a business owner is to transition out of their business. It’s not about financials or operations—it’s about the owner’s mindset, goals, and readiness to let go.

Your business exit won’t happen by accident. Without a clear exit timeline, you risk leaving money on the table, rushing decisions, or missing personal goals like retirement or family succession. According to Inc., most owners underestimate how long it takes to prepare for a successful exit—often three to five years or more.

Exiting a business isn’t just about finding a buyer—it’s about knowing when to sell. Exit timing can significantly influence valuation, deal terms, and your personal financial security. If you wait too long, you risk declining market interest. Exit too early, and you may leave growth potential—and cash—on the table. Strategic timing means aligning your exit with business cycles and market readiness so you can walk away with maximum value.

Selling a business isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting point of a new chapter. Too often, owners think of the sale as the end of the story. In reality, what happens after the sale can define your financial freedom, personal fulfillment, and legacy even more than the transaction itself.

A family-owned assisted living facility wanted a valuation to support its strategic planning and a potential sale. We helped with that.

A UPS franchise operator with 10 locations needed a valuation to plan for an eventual sale. We helped with that.

A small accounting firm with a longstanding client base was preparing for the owner's retirement. We helped with an exit plan.

The owner of a small marina with boat rentals was preparing for retirement and wanted to sell at a high value. We helped with an exit plan.

A family-owned assisted living facility was preparing for an sale as the founders neared retirement. We helped with an exit plan.

A third-generation custom metal manufacturing business was preparing for the owner's retirement. We helped with an exit plan.

A fitness studio chain was preparing for a private equity sale as the owner sought to exit the business and retire.

A software as a service company wanted an exit strategy to prepare for acquisition by a larger tech firm.