Capitaliz Insights

Exit planning is entering a new era, with a strong emphasis on implementation, customization, technological integration, and strategic collaboration. Capitaliz co-hosts Dr. Craig West and Jared Johnson discuss how the shift was on full display at the 2025 Exit Planning Summit this summer, making note of the industry's aversion to fragmented approaches and the demand for more comprehensive, integrated solutions that better serve business owners.

The pair talked through emerging trends impacting the capabilities of professional planners including the use of AI, a focus on ESG considerations, and tailored exit strategies for individual clients. Tune in to the full conversation as we discuss how advisors can stay ahead by embracing innovation, building strong partnerships, and staying proactive to adaptation.

In this episode, Craig and Jared are joined by Sam Walters, the longest-serving Capitaliz team member, as he shares his journey from public accounting to exit and succession planning and his transition to the client success and technology side of the profession. His twelve-year career path reveals valuable insights into the evolution of exit planning from "cottage industry" to sophisticated discipline, highlighting the growing demographic opportunities and technology advancements reshaping the field. 

The episode’s discussion covers:  

How Public accounting provided Sam a valuable foundation before discovering his passion for succession planning 

The benefits and mentorship opportunities the “duo model” of advisory services offers over the traditional one-person approach 

What expectations and demographic trends with Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials are creating compounded opportunities for exit planning  

How Capitaliz Value Potential tools allows advisors to demonstrate tangible ROI by tracking business value increases 

The new Capitaliz integration with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero and how it saves significant time in data collection and what improvements are in the pipeline. 

How monitoring business value over time is often neglected but critical for business owners 

We encourage advisors to take advantage of these powerful platform features, and the trends and considerations shared by Sam, to improve efficiency and demonstrate clear value to clients. Stay tuned for more insights from the Capitaliz team on our next episode. 

In this episode of Capitaliz Insights, Brent Heflin, Capitaliz VP of Sales, shares his consultative sales philosophy and leadership approach that's driving growth for the team, and for advisors using the platform. He details how Capitaliz stands apart from other tools by offering an end-to-end exit planning solution built specifically for advisors who want to scale their practice while delivering exceptional client outcomes. 

This brief episode with Brent explores:

• The value in a consultative and empathetic sales approach focused on understanding each advisory practice's unique challenges

• Building a sales team based on trust, removing obstacles, and creating effective feedback loops

• The Capitaliz differentiator: an elegant approach to intrinsic value calculation that aligns with the Value Acceleration Methodology

• The ways that the Capitaliz platform intentionally fosters professional collaboration in exit planning among disciplines

• The "chicken and egg" dilemma: invest in your systems before pursuing clients

• How our success-based pricing model creates alignment: "we win when you win"

• The importance of being selective and honest about compatibility and being the right fit.  

Whether you are looking for perspective on your sales philosophy or want to learn more about how Capitaliz can help scale your exit planning practice, this episode has insights for everyone.  

Listen to the episode at the link below and visit capitaliz.com/get-started to see the platform in action.

In Episode 7 of the Capitaliz Insights podcast, hosts Craig West and Jared Johnson explore how advisors can leverage the Value Gap Assessment as a powerful marketing and prospecting tool.

From email signatures to newsletters, social media, and even event marketing, they share actionable strategies to engage prospects and spark meaningful conversations. Learn how this versatile tool can set you apart, create deeper client connections, and drive business growth.  

If you're looking for innovative ways to attract new clients and add value from the very first interaction, this episode is for you. Tune in now! 

Learn more about Capitaliz and the Value Gap Assessment here: http://capitaliz.com/value-gap

In Episode 6 of Capitaliz Insights, we introduce you to the leadership team that propels our success. Get to know Sam Walters, Zach Broyles, Maddie Ernzen, and Brent Heflin as they share their backgrounds and roles at Capitaliz, previewing more to come in later episodes. 

Sam Walters discusses his journey from public accounting to VP of Client Delivery, focusing on his current functions of developing the software to meet the most pressing client needs. Zach Broyles talks about his inspiration to join Capitaliz and play a role in the vast opportunity that is exit planning. Maddie Ernzen shares her passion for marketing and what she specifically enjoys about marketing in the advisor space.  Brent Heflin reflects on his extensive experience in FinTech and his enthusiasm for joining the team. 

Tune in to understand how each leader contributes to our mission and sets the stage for future growth. 

In this insightful episode of Capitaliz Insights, Jared Johnson interviews Craig West, CEO and Founder of Capitaliz, to explore his take on the evolving nature of business ownership through the lens of his own experience with his advisory firm, Succession Plus. The pair discuss key shifts in owner mindsets towards risk-aversion and a desire for stability, and the importance of early planning and leveraging technology for younger owners.

Craig also shares how common pitfalls such as flawed assumptions on time requirements have a major impact on value acceleration.  The discussion gives valuable advice on exit planning and emphasizes how to build an attractive, "ready-to-sell" business. 

 Tune in to learn about the collaborative approach to advisory and effective tools for time management, informed planning efforts, and maximizing business value. 

In Episode 4 of the Capitaliz Insights podcast, Craig West and Jared Johnson dissect the pivotal roles advisors play in exit planning engagements. Discover how you can enhance your advisory services by understanding three key roles: the Exit Planning Generalist, the Project Manager, and the Exit Planning Expert.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to specialize, this episode provides valuable lessons in defining your role on the advisor team, how to use your strengths, and how to add significant value as you guide clients through the process.  

Tune in and learn how Capitaliz can support you at every stage of your advisory journey. 

In the latest episode of the Capitaliz Insights podcast, hosts Craig West and Jared Johnson share valuable insights from their recent attendance at various industry conferences and events. They discuss several key trends shaping the future of Exit Planning and advisory services, including the growing importance of planning earlier, planning for uncertainty,    and the transformative role of AI and technology for advisors. Additionally, they explore the increased owner emphasis on leaving a legacy and emphasize the rising need for collaboration among advisors from different disciplines. The episode also highlights the importance of networking and attending events for advisors to stay informed and connected in a rapidly changing landscape. Join Craig and Jared as they unpack these trends and their implications for advisors and business owners alike.  

In this first episode of the re-launched, second season of Capitaliz Insights Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Craig West and Jared Johnson invite you to dive deep into the journey of Jared Johnson, President of Capitaliz. Discover the personal and professional experiences that shaped his path in Exit Planning, from his early corporate days to his current leadership role. Jared shares personal stories and insights into the evolution of the exit planning industry, discussing the past and present challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Tune in to learn how his vision for Capitaliz is set to transform the way advisors and business owners navigate exit strategies and hear what’s being said about the trends and shifts in the current market for the rest of 2024 and beyond.