In this episode, Kelly Finley, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and financial advisor at Edward Jones in San Antonio, breaks down what it really takes for business owners to exit successfully. Kelly explains the CEPA designation, why exit planning should start three to five years before a sale, and why culture, clean financials, and reduced owner-dependency are the biggest drivers of business value.
Kelly also covers the three main exit paths (liquidation, internal transfer, and third-party sale), why only 1-3% of businesses sell at the price owners actually want, and how her “wealth gap” approach helps owners figure out exactly what they need from a sale to fund retirement. Whether you’re planning to sell in a few years or just starting to think about your eventual exit, this conversation offers a clear roadmap for building a business that’s ready to sell on your terms.
Find Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellymfinley/