I just sold my company after 23 years in business. My first call? An investment banker/broker who knows the market. Next, an accountant to vet the numbers we provide. Third, a lawyer for the M&A transaction. Fourth, a tax specialist/accountant to shed light on tax-efficient strategies. And I would stop taking calls from “experts” claiming to reduce taxes. Finally, a gym trainer so you can burn stress there, not at the bar — Orange Theory worked well for me.
DR. MARK LASKA
President & Chief Executive Officer, Great Ecology, Inc.
San Diego, California
Vistage member since 2023
Vistage member since 2023
Recognize that selling your business can feel like a roller coaster of emotions. I recommend having a trusted advisor with M&A deal experience, a process playbook and your best interests in mind. They can support your personal transition readiness as well as the transactional aspects of an exit.
LAURIE BARKMAN
Owner, Business Transition Sherpa LLC
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Vistage member and speaker since 2021
Vistage member and speaker since 2021
If the person is a Vistage member, they should get their Chair to set up a conversation with other Vistage members who sold their companies or tried and failed to sell their companies.
RICH BOND
Principal, Bond & Company, Inc.
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Joined Vistage in 2013
Joined Vistage in 2013
I say a wealth manager who is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). Net proceeds should be identified, usually done through the financial plan. The owner then knows what they need to get from the sale.
RICHARD DVORAK
Managing Partner, Discovery Point Wealth Advisors
Houston, Texas
Vistage member since 2022
Vistage member since 2022
It should definitely be your spouse … if you have one.
GREGORY NOONE
Founding Partner, BPCA
Bellevue, Washington
Vistage member since 2019
Vistage member since 2019
DON’T KNOW WHO TO CALL?
Learn how to build your transaction team at myvistage.com/firstcall.
Learn how to build your transaction team at myvistage.com/firstcall.
