Overcoming Obstacles in Business Transition Planning

1. Business owners are not sure how to start the process.
Understanding where to begin, for business owners, is challenging due to the complexities of a business transition plan. To help alleviate confusion, involving a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) is essential from early on in the process. Since transition plans require an advisory team of individuals with expertise in valuation, financial and estate planning, accounting, legal and wealth management, a CEPA is necessary as they will oversee the advisory team and act as a liaison between the advisory team and the business owner. With the appropriate team in place, a business owner can now begin their transition plan.2. Business owners have a personal fear of letting go.
Despite the fact that business owners know it is time to sell their business, it is often hard for them to let go and begin the process. They are often concerned about the future of their employees and what will happen once new ownership is in place. At the same time it is also hard for owners to tell their employees that they are selling the company. Most business owners have owned their company for quite some time and might have even been the ones to start it. Moving forward from this position is very challenging but they must keep in mind the reasons that brought them to the decision to transition. Whether it be to pursue retirement or to follow another interest, they must be careful not to be clouded by the emotional struggles that come with letting go.3. Business owners are too busy with daily business operations.
It is a common misconception that the business transition planning process will add additional work to the business owners’ already busy schedule. This misunderstanding often delays business owners from starting the process. In reality, the goals of the CEPA and advisory team are to help decrease the business owners’ workload by encouraging them to delegate their responsibilities to management and employees so that they have more time to work on their business instead of in their business. This helps grow the company and build value which prepares it for sale or succession. Just because a business owner knows they are ready to transition doesn’t mean they begin the process instantly. The issues mentioned above can be enough to cause the owner to sit on his or her decision and stall the process. Having a thorough understanding of the first key steps in the transition planning process can help relieve procrastination. There will always be the fear of letting go for any owner who has worked hard over countless years building and growing a company. However, staying focused on the reasons they want to transition and the benefits it can bring to them professionally and personally will help relieve the worries and hesitations.
- Activator, Achiever, Individualization, Analytical, Focus
Bill Kenedy
Bill Kenedy, Consulting & M&A Shareholder, began his career in 1990. He established Lutz's M&A practice in 2015 and has led its growth since then while serving on both the firm's board of directors and the Lutz Financial board.
Specializing in mergers and acquisitions, Bill guides business owners through critical transition decisions. He provides comprehensive exit planning and transaction services, with specialized expertise in the construction industry. Bill values helping owners achieve optimal outcomes by developing strategic solutions tailored to their unique situations.
At Lutz, Bill says it straight, offering candid guidance that helps owners make informed decisions about their businesses' futures. His direct approach to setting realistic expectations, combined with his focused drive to get deals done, has made him the go-to advisor for business transitions. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and Accredited Business Valuator (ABV), Bill brings technical expertise to every transaction. Under his leadership, the M&A practice has grown from a concept to a cornerstone of Lutz's service offerings.
Bill lives in Elkhorn, NE, with his wife, Angela. Outside the office, he spends time fishing, hunting, and following various sports teams.
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