You’ve built a business with care, grit, and vision. But what happens when the finish line is in sight and you realize you’re not ready to cross it? 

For business owners nearing retirement, the decision to sell is about far more than spreadsheets and valuations. It’s personal. It’s strategic. And it can be overwhelming.

In this episode of Retirement Unlocked, Larry Heller sits down with Paul Cronin, a seasoned entrepreneur and M&A advisor with Touchstone Advisors, to walk through how and when to start planning for your exit, on your terms.

What you can expect from this release:

Resources: 

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About Our Guest:

Paul Cronin has over 30 years of professional experience in sales, management, consulting, and entrepreneurship. He has owned three businesses, including a data analytics business, a golf training business, and an exit planning/consulting business. He has been part of the M&A world since 2009, initially in the exit planning field before moving to transactional work at several firms. Paul joined the M&A practice at Touchstone Advisors in 2025

Paul’s background includes being part of the team that grew Eden Toys, a small NY-based toy manufacturer, into a $100 million company serving thousands of US retailers, including TJX, Macy’s, and Nordstrom. Paul led a team of 16 salespeople (both field reps and inside sales reps,) generating $20 million/year and serving 6,000 customers.

As a speaker, Paul has presented at law firms, CPA societies, professional associations, and colleges such as Harvard Business School, Northeastern University, Babson College, Bentley University, Wheaton College (MA), Emerson College, Wellesley College, and Salem State University (MA).

Paul has a Bachelor of Science from the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University in Boston. Paul is an avid golfer, splits his time between Boston and Cape Cod, and is married with two adult daughters.