Business Succession Done Right: Balancing Family, Control, and Company Legacy

Whether you’re planning your own exit or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode is packed with practical advice and relatable stories to help you map out a successful succession plan for your own business.

Welcome back to another episode of Empowering Entrepreneurs! Today, hosts Glenn Harper and Julie Smith talk about a topic that’s top of mind for many business owners: business succession planning. They share lessons drawn from their work with clients, demystifying the often complicated journey of passing a business from one generation to the next.

Glenn and Julie explore key challenges entrepreneurs face when it’s time to step away—whether transitioning the business to family members or loyal employees. They discuss the emotional hurdles of letting go, handling entitlement, and ensuring a smooth transfer that keeps employees and clients happy.

You are going to hear real-world scenarios, from the solopreneur who’s never shared their “secret sauce,” to the well-oiled operation ready for a seamless handoff. Plus, you’ll hear their thoughts on staggered transitions, the importance of open communication, and, above all, keeping family relationships intact through the process.

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Here are 3 key takeaways from the episode:

Your Mindset Matters Most Succession isn’t just about logistics; it’s a major emotional journey for owners. Are you truly ready to step away, or are you holding on out of habit or fear? Recognizing where you are in the process helps create a smoother transition.

Communication Is Critical From addressing possible resentment among employees to clearly outlining new roles and expectations, open communication is the bedrock of a successful handover—especially with family involved.

Succession Is a Two-Way Street A healthy transition depends on BOTH the outgoing owner and the incoming leader. Alignment, patience, and lots of honest conversations are necessary to avoid clashes and ensure ongoing success.

Running a business doesn’t have to run your life.

Without a business partner who holds you accountable, it’s easy to be so busy ‘doing’ business that you don’t have the right strategy to grow your business.

Stop letting your business run you. At Harper & Co CPA Plus, we know that you want to be empowered to build the lifestyle you envision. In order to do that you need a clear path to follow for success

Our clients enjoy a proactive partnership with us. Schedule a consultation with us today.

Download our free guide - Entrepreneurial Success Formula: How to Avoid Managing Your Business From Your Bank Account.

Glenn Harper, CPA, is the Owner and Managing Partner of Harper & Company CPAs Plus, a top 10 Managing Partner in the country (Accounting Today's 2022 MP Elite). His firm won the 2021 Luca Award for Firm of the Year. 

An entrepreneur and speaker, Glenn transformed his firm into an advisory-focused practice, doubling revenue and profit in two years. He teaches entrepreneurs to build financial and operational excellence, speaks nationwide to CPA firm owners about running their businesses like entrepreneurs, and consults with firms across the country. Glenn enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, cooking, and spending time with his family.

Julie Smith, MBA, is a serial entrepreneur in the public accounting space. She is the Founder of EmpowerCPA™, Founder of PureTax, LLC, COO for Harper & Company CPAs Plus, and Co-host of the Empowering Entrepreneurs podcast. 

Named CPA.com's 2021 Innovative Practitioner of Year, Julie led Harper & Company's transition to an advisory-focused firm, doubling revenue and profit in two years. She now empowers other CPA firm owners nationwide through consulting and speaking, teaching them how to run their businesses like entrepreneurs. Julie lives in Columbus, OH with her family and enjoys travel, coaching basketball, sporting events, and the occasional shopping spree.

Copyright 2025 Glenn Harper

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