Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Eric Abbott

05/29/2026

Enjoyed attending the Atlanta chapter meeting of the Exit Planning Institute yesterday.

One takeaway that stood out to me is the importance of operating a business with the eventual transition in mind, even if an exit feels years away.

Too often, owners find themselves making major decisions under pressure because of an unexpected life event, an unsolicited offer, or a lack of planning. In those situations, timelines shrink, leverage decreases, and owners may accept terms or valuations that don't fully reflect what they've built.

The discussion was also a reminder that there are many potential pitfalls throughout the transition process, which is why having the right professional guidance well before a transaction becomes a reality can make a meaningful difference.

Appreciated the opportunity to learn from and connect with other professionals in the Atlanta CEPA community.

05/27/2026

Most business owners think about their exit too late.

Not because they are unprepared, but because they are focused on running and growing the business.

The CEPA framework challenges that thinking.

Exit planning is not a transaction. It is an ongoing process.
The goal is not just to exit, but to build a business that is ready when opportunity presents itself.

One of the advantages I bring to business owners is access to a coordinated team of experienced professionals, including a dedicated M&A program with investment banking, tax, legal, and valuation resources.

This allows us to start planning years in advance, focus on value drivers, and help you understand your options long before a decision needs to be made.

A key mindset shift is:
Learning to view your business as an asset, not just a job.

That means spending more time working ON the business instead of IN the business, with a focus on building transferable value.

If you have ever wondered what your business is worth or what you would do if an offer came in, that is the starting point.

05/26/2026

This guy has no concept of personal space.

I was walking back after taking one of the horses out this weekend and got an unexpected check-in. Donkey nose about two inches away from my face.

No warning. Just decided we were having a moment.

Moments like that are a good reminder that not everything needs to be overthought or perfectly timed.

Some of the better interactions, out here and elsewhere, happen when you just stay present and deal with what’s in front of you.

05/26/2026

Bond yields have moved back toward multi-year highs, raising important questions about whether equities can sustain their recent momentum. Senior Global Investment Strategist Angelo Kourkafas provides insights into why yields are rising, why today’s inflation backdrop differs from 2022, and what higher rates may mean for portfolios in the latest Weekly Market Wrap.

https://bit.ly/43wW4Nk

05/21/2026

A lot of what makes a business strong is not captured in a quick snapshot.

It shows up in how the team operates, how customers respond, and how consistently things get done. Over time, it also shows up in how the business is perceived.

The strength of your team.
The loyalty of your customers.
The consistency of your processes.
The reputation you have built in your community.

These are the elements that often determine whether a business can operate independently or if it still relies heavily on the owner.

The interesting part is that many owners are already strengthening these areas. They hire better people, build trust with clients, improve how work gets done, and make decisions that reinforce their reputation.

But very few stop to measure or track that progress.

Without a way to define and evaluate these areas, it becomes difficult to understand how they are influencing the overall strength and long term independence of the business.

And in many cases, this is what separates a business that can be transferred smoothly from one that cannot.

It raises a simple question.

If someone looked at your business today, how much of it would continue to run well without you?

05/20/2026

Celebrating a 2 year anniversary on our Cu***ng, Georgia team at Edward Jones.

I want to recognize and thank our incredible Office Administrator for the impact she makes every day. Her dedication, organization, and commitment to serving our clients truly elevate our entire practice.

One of the things I appreciate most is how often clients share positive feedback about their experiences working with her. The care and professionalism she brings to every interaction makes a meaningful difference.

Grateful to have her on the team and excited for what we will continue to build together.

05/18/2026

As markets push toward new highs, many investors may be wondering whether it’s time to “sell in May.” Senior Investment Strategist Mona Mahajan explains why fundamentals and staying invested still matter more than seasonality in our Weekly Market Wrap.

https://bit.ly/3Rg2IEY

05/18/2026

Honored to be part of this cohort and excited to apply this knowledge to help business owners create stronger, more valuable, and more transferable businesses.

Join us as we welcome 287 new Certified Exit Planning Advisors (CEPA®) from our April 2026 graduating class.

Sound off and celebrate them in the comments below!

https://hubs.li/Q04gYmRV0

05/18/2026

Had a great golf outing this weekend.

There is something about standing on the tee box and looking down the fairway.

Everyone is aiming somewhere. Sometimes it is just getting the ball in play. Sometimes it is the fairway. Sometimes it is the green. And occasionally, it is a very specific spot.

The more clearly you define the target, the easier the decisions become.

Where to aim
What club to use
How much to swing

Without that, it is easy to just step up and swing without much intention.

I have noticed the same pattern in other areas of life.

Clarity does not remove uncertainty, but it does create direction. It helps you stay focused instead of reacting to everything along the way.

The target looks different for everyone, but having one matters.

Curious what helps you step back and get clear on where you are aiming?

05/14/2026

Right now, pause for a moment and ask yourself this:

Do I know how what I am working on today is moving me closer to where I want to be?

Not a general idea. Not a vague feeling. I mean a clear, specific vision you could articulate if someone asked you on the spot.

Yesterday, I was walking around Chattanooga at sunset. There were paths everywhere, one turning into five, and each of those leading to even more. It struck me how easy it would be to wander without any real direction.

Life can feel the same way.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying the journey, but without a clear destination, it is easy to end up somewhere you never intended to be.

If your vision feels a little unclear right now, take 20 minutes today with no distractions and really think about it. What does where you want to go actually look like?

Clarity is not something you find. It is something you decide.

05/11/2026

Despite ongoing geopolitical noise, markets have increasingly refocused on underlying fundamentals. Strong corporate earnings, a resilient economy and solid labor market data have helped drive equities to new record highs.

Senior Economist James McCann outlines three key trends to watch in the latest Weekly Market Wrap.

https://bit.ly/4dmKZD7