Exit Is Now - Plan Accordingly With Scott Snider

Julie Keyes, an award-winning CEPA and entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience, shares her journey from founding Keys Legal and Title Services to becoming a leading advisor in exit planning. She discusses the importance of focus and the art of saying no, alongside her passion for helping small and lower-middle-market owners. Julie highlights the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, her upcoming book on women-focused exit planning, and the evolving landscape of entrepreneurial support. Tune in for insights on balancing business and family while preparing for successful transitions!

In this engaging discussion, Craig West, founder of Succession Plus and an expert in exit planning, shares his transformative journey from accountant to exit strategist. He dives into the evolution of his nine-step exit methodology and the impact of generational shifts and COVID on business readiness. Craig emphasizes the importance of insights reports in exit planning and contrasts the succession challenges faced by family businesses in Australia and the U.S. Additionally, he reveals key findings from his PhD, highlighting how wealth and legacy shape owners' exit choices.

In this engaging conversation, Christopher Snider, CEO of the Exit Planning Institute and author of Walking to Destiny, shares his entrepreneurial journey from corporate CIO to business owner. He discusses the challenges of pivoting from early ventures, including a failed startup, to establishing a successful decentralized business model. Christopher reveals key strategies from the Value Acceleration Methodology, the resilience displayed during COVID-19, and the importance of personal financial planning. The dialogue highlights lessons learned and the path to owner independence.

Joe Strazzeri, the 2023 Exit Planner of the Year, and his son Sal, a law student and young business advisor, discuss their family's entrepreneurial journey. Joe shares insights on integrating exit planning across his advisory firms, while Sal reflects on his early exposure to business that sparked his passion for entrepreneurship. They also explore the challenges of succession planning, including the fear of handing over key processes. Sal's unique background growing up in the boardroom adds a fascinating layer to their dynamic as they prepare for the future of the family business.

Joshua Koza, a key player at the Exit Planning Institute for eight years, shares insights into the organization’s impressive journey from a small startup to a powerhouse with over 5,000 CEPAs. He discusses the challenges faced, including the pressure of ambitious sales targets and the impact of the pandemic on operations. Joshua reflects on personal growth, the importance of team resilience, and how EPI has adapted and redefined its core values for a post-COVID world. He also shares exciting future plans for expanding EPI Academy and strengthening partnerships.

Explore the challenges next-generation family business owners face as they prepare for leadership. Rick and Joe share their journey from humble beginnings to manufacturing success, highlighting how trade skills evolve into business acumen. They discuss the impact of parenthood on succession planning and the importance of retaining institutional knowledge. Conflict resolution with the previous generation reveals the dynamics of family-run ventures. Balancing ambitions with life priorities is key for sustainable growth and preserving company culture.

Michael Sheppard, a Certified Financial Planner and community educator, discusses his unique journey from engineering to financial advisory. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement and fostering financial literacy in youth, particularly in inner-city schools. The conversation touches on the low representation of Black CFPs and the need for diversity in finance. Michael also shares insights on emotional support for business owners during exits and advocates for early financial education in schools to prepare future entrepreneurs.

Join financial advisor Justin from Arliss Wealth, who emphasizes life-centered financial planning and the power of collaborative communities among advisors. He shares insights from his book, "More Than Money," that illustrates dynamic planning stories. Meanwhile, marketing expert Michael from Microfame Media discusses the art of hype-driven marketing, unraveling how emotional storytelling can elevate exit planning services. Together, they reveal strategies that transform client engagement and personal branding in the financial world.

In this discussion, James Jack, a leader at UBS focusing on business owners, shares insights on resources tailored for entrepreneurs, while emphasizing multi-generational planning. Joe Srazzeri, an acclaimed exit planning expert, discusses the evolution of exit strategies and the importance of team-based processes. Both guests highlight the growing respect for entrepreneurs in exit planning, shifting conversations towards structured and empathetic approaches. They also explore the future of exit planning with trends like sustainability and AI's impact.

Alex Freytag, founder of ProfitWorks and EOS Implementer, shares his entrepreneurial journey from high school t-shirt sales to launching a successful business with his brother. He dives into the importance of ownership thinking and how EOS can transform company culture. Alex discusses educating employees on financial concepts to boost engagement and creating a self-funded incentive plan that aligns team goals. He emphasizes transparency in leadership and previews his upcoming fable aimed at promoting profit education. Tune in for valuable insights on empowering teams!