06/26/2026
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping families think through situations before they become problems.
I recently met with a business owner who is in the process of selling his business to his three sons.
On the surface, it sounds simple: the next generation takes over and Dad enjoys retirement.
But one of the questions we discussed was:
“What happens if something unexpected happens to one of the sons during the buyout period?”
When a business transition is spread over several years, there can be significant financial obligations still owed to the seller. Without proper planning, an unexpected event could create financial stress for both the family and the business.
To help address that risk, we put a plan in place designed to protect the buyout agreement and help ensure the father’s retirement plans stay on track.
Business succession planning isn’t just about transferring ownership. It’s about protecting everyone involved and making sure years of hard work result in the outcome the family intended.
I’ve found that many business owners spend decades building their business but very little time planning how they’ll eventually exit it.
If you’re a business owner and haven’t reviewed your succession or exit strategy recently, it may be worth having a conversation before you need one.