Building Trust at 23: Corwin Davidson's Journey from Buy-Sell Expert to Exit Strategist

 In this episode of the Exit Planning Coach podcast, host John F. Dini interviews Corwin Davidson, CExP, who transformed from a 23-year-old financial advisor into a seasoned exit planning specialist over the past 11 years. After discovering that business owners would listen to his expertise on buy-sell agreements despite his youth, he expanded his knowledge through BEI certification and now helps owners prepare their businesses for successful transitions. His process typically begins with an "ExitMap" assessment, focusing on clients with at least $500,000 in profitability, particularly in service industries like medical practices, veterinary clinics, and engineering firms. Davidson sources clients primarily through referrals and faces common challenges like unrealistic valuation expectations and owners' reluctance to delegate. He advises new professionals entering the field to master one aspect of exit planning before expanding their expertise, drawing from his own experience of starting with buy-sell agreements before broadening his services.

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Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfdini/ ============================================
“In the past decade surveys have shown that 75% of former business owners are “unhappy” or “have regrets” a year after their transition. The Exit Planning Coach podcast is dedicated to reducing that number by helping advisors create deeper conversations with their clients.” John F. Dini, CEXP, CEPA
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👇Subscribe To The Channel By Clicking Below!👇 CHECK OUT THESE TOP TRENDING PLAYLISTS NOW! The Exit Planning Coach Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theexitplanningcoach6299 ============================================
About John: John is the leader of MPN, the parent company of ExitMap® LLC and the creator of the ExitMap coaching tools. He has spent 30 years successfully coaching hundreds of business owners and was the most successful operator of The Alternative Board® peer groups in that organization’s history. He is the author of three books, two of which won multiple awards. John received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Rutgers University, and a Masters of Business Administration from Pepperdine. He also holds seven business-related certifications. ============================================
 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-exit-planning-coach/id1637966130 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7G8YOy14dx4EEXIeq8C44T iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/100351872 ============================================
CONNECT WITH JOHN ON SOCIAL MEDIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs5TGbGJCuuoR3piEuahmfg Website: https://exitmap.com/ #TheExitPlanningCoach #TheExitMap #JohnDini ============================================
Learn more about John: https://exitmap.com/meet-the-team/

From Law to Legacy:
How John Brown Pioneered the Exit Planning Industry In this Exit Planning Coach podcast interview with John F. Dini, John Brown, founder of the Business Enterprise Institute (BEI), shared his journey from Michigan grocery store roots to becoming a pioneer in exit planning. Brown's path led from the Colorado Attorney General's office to founding the law firm Minor and Brown, where his focus on business owners naturally evolved into exit planning expertise. He authored "How to Run Your Business So You Can Leave It in Style," reportedly the first book specifically focused on exit planning, which sold over 200,000 copies. After 12-15 years of law practice, Brown founded BEI, developing it into one of the oldest certifying organizations for exit planners in the US. The organization created proprietary software (EPIC, now called "Planet") to support advisors in comprehensive exit planning. BEI continues to innovate with new initiatives like Owner Based Planning (OBP), focusing on value growth and business continuity. Brown's legacy includes transforming exit planning from an unknown concept to a recognized field, emphasizing the importance of planning beyond traditional buy-sell agreements.

Podcast Summary:

Mastering Business Transitions: Insider Secrets from a Wealth Planning Expert
Dan Springer's Blueprint for Seamless Owner Exits

In this insightful episode of the Exit Planning Coach podcast, host John F. Dini interviews Dan Springer, Director of the Wealth Planning team at MacLean Financial Group. Dan shares insights on his firm's comprehensive approach to exit planning for business owners, detailing their proprietary "Master Planning Program" - a flexible one-year process covering personal financial planning, contingency planning, business analysis, and strategic visioning. He emphasizes the importance of meeting clients where they are, determining their unique "call to action," and building strategic partnerships to provide holistic services. Dan also introduces the TEAMS acronym (Transition planning, Execute, Adopt, Measure, Success) and discusses strategies for cultivating referrals. He discusses strategies for cultivating referrals. Throughout the discussion, Dan underscores the critical need for a structured, client-centered approach to exit planning,  and streses the value of integrating tools like ExitMap into their practice.

Thomas Taricani Podcast Summary 

In this informative Exit Planning Coach podcast interview, Tom Taricani, CPA/APV, CVA, CEPA and Principal at Boyer Ritter, shares his expertise in business valuation and succession planning, focusing on the automotive dealership industry. Taricani discusses the challenges of valuing businesses post-COVID-19, emphasizing the need to reconcile historical data with future projections, especially given potential IRS scrutiny. He stresses the importance of timely succession planning, particularly with the approaching sunset of certain tax provisions in 2026 and advises business owners to act promptly to leverage current tax benefits. Taricani also touches on the increasing involvement of private equity in various industries and offers advice to aspiring exit planning professionals, recommending specialization and the cultivation of strong professional networks.

How Scott Barth Transforms Businesses with Long-Term Strategic Planning

In this episode of the Exit Planning Coach podcast, John F. Dini interviews Scott Barth, an experienced exit planning professional from Colorado. Scott shares his journey from corporate America to becoming an exit planning coach, detailing how he transitioned through consulting and business coaching before finding his passion in exit planning. He discusses the importance of creating valuable, sellable businesses and shares success stories of clients he's helped grow and sell their companies. Throughout the conversation, Scott highlights the transformative power of exit planning for business owners, even those not initially interested in selling, and how it can lead to significant growth and successful exits. The podcast also touches on the evolution of the exit planning industry and the importance of simplifying complex exit planning concepts for business owners.

Harvesting Value with Chris Cimaglio:
 
Navigating the Unique Challenges of Exit Planning in Horticulture In this compelling Exit Planning Coach podcast, Chris Cimaglio, a seasoned exit planning advisor with deep roots in the horticulture industry, shares eye-opening insights on the unique challenges of succession planning for growers, retailers, and wholesalers. Drawing from his personal experience leading a multigenerational family business, Chris emphasizes the critical importance of proactive planning, separating real estate ownership, and addressing owner-centricity. Through a cautionary tale of a client's unexpected passing, Chris drives home the dire consequences of delaying exit planning. He advises fellow advisors to continuously educate themselves, refine their processes, and guide clients through the emotional journey of letting go. Packed with industry-specific wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for exit planners looking to cultivate success for clients of family-owned businesses.

“When I interviewed Peter Christman, I didn't know it would be one of his last comprehensive interviews. The privilege of Peter's friendship is matched only by the opportunity to share his story. I first met Peter at EPI while pursuing my CEPA in 2018, and we instantly connected. During our conversation, Peter was his typical irrepressible and dynamic self, despite his health challenges. When I decided to launch a Founders Series for my podcast, Peter was the obvious choice for the inaugural interview. I'm grateful that Peter had the opportunity to reflect on his remarkable career, and I'm honored to share this conversation with everyone. His insights and the story of his journey in shaping the exit planning industry serve as a fitting tribute to his legacy.”
~John F. Dini, CExP, CEPA, CBEC Preserving a Legacy:
Peter Christman's Thoughts on the Industry He Shaped On June 3rd, Peter G. Christman, CEPA, CPBA, a pioneer in exit planning, shared his journey from corporate roles at Ford and Xerox to founding the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) in this Exit Planning Coach podcast interview with John F. Dini. Christman developed the concept of exit planning in the late 1990s, focusing on a three-pronged approach: maximizing business value, personal financial planning, and preparing for life after selling a business. He is the co-author of The $10 Trillion Opportunity and author of The Master Plan. After selling EPI to Chris and Scott Snider in 2012, the organization has grown significantly, with the concept of exit planning becoming widely recognized in the business world. Christman expressed pride in seeing his ideas come to fruition and the continued influence of his "three legs of the stool" approach.

In this Exit Planning Coach podcast episode, John Dini interviews Greg McLaughlin, founder and partner of Business and Financial Strategies. Greg discusses his journey from financial planner to Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and shares his approach to working with business owners. He highlights the importance of referrals, building trust, and using the ExitMap Assessment to guide clients through a structured five-meeting process. Greg emphasizes the value of a team-based approach to exit planning, addressing common challenges such as time constraints and helping owners understand return on equity. He concludes by offering advice to new advisors, encouraging them to focus on building a strong team and following a proven process like ExitMap to best serve their clients.

Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfdini/

Podcast Overview: T. Ray Phillips
How T Ray Phillips Leverages his Family's Business Lessons to Help Clients Succeed

In this podcast interview, John F. Dini speaks with T. Ray Phillips, a certified family business specialist and investment advisor based in Indianapolis. T. Ray shares his personal story about his family's business, Dawson Produce, and how it failed to transition ownership due to a lack of restrictive covenants on stock given to family members. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear target market, building relationships with clients, and assembling a team of professionals to provide comprehensive exit planning services. He also shares his approach to initial client meetings, stressing the value of face-to-face interactions and conducting meetings in the client's space to build trust and understanding. He highlights the significance of assigning "homework" to clients, such as completing the ExitMap assessment, to gauge their readiness and commitment to the exit planning process. T. Ray also discusses the value of becoming a thought leader in the exit planning space. The interview concludes with advice for advisors just starting in the industry, emphasizing the need to develop technical knowledge in areas such as tax law, business entity structures, and buy-sell agreements to effectively collaborate with other professionals and serve clients' needs comprehensively.

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“In the past decade surveys have shown that 75% of former business owners are “unhappy” or “have regrets” a year after their transition. The Exit Planning Coach podcast is dedicated to reducing that number by helping advisors create deeper conversations with their clients.”
John F. Dini, CEXP, CEPA
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👇Subscribe To The Channel By Clicking Below!👇
CHECK OUT THESE TOP TRENDING PLAYLISTS NOW! 
The Exit Planning Coach Podcast: 
https://www.youtube.com/@theexitplanningcoach6299
Interviews With Experts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIVA4ISmnDEXAbSaPG4442-TV05_X10VJ
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About John:
 
John is the leader of MPN, the parent company of ExitMap® LLC and the creator of the ExitMap coaching tools. He has spent 30 years successfully coaching hundreds of business owners and was the most successful operator of The Alternative Board® peer groups in that organization’s history. He is the author of three books, two of which won multiple awards. John received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Rutgers University, and a Masters of Business Administration from Pepperdine. He also holds seven business-related certifications.
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-exit-planning-coach/id1637966130
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7G8YOy14dx4EEXIeq8C44T
iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/100351872
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CONNECT WITH JOHN ON SOCIAL MEDIA   
 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs5TGbGJCuuoR3piEuahmfg
Website: https://exitmap.com/
#TheExitPlanningCoach #TheExitMap #JohnDini
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Learn more about John: https://exitmap.com/meet-the-team/

In this episode of the Exit Planning Coach podcast, John interviews Tom Jordan, a seasoned advisor who shares his journey from executive compensation work in the banking industry to building a thriving exit planning practice. Tom discusses how he combines exit readiness, value creation, and an innovative "Half-Retire" concept to help business owners explore alternatives to selling their companies outright. He also shares his process-driven "Clarity" approach that incorporates various methodologies, as well as practical tips for marketing an exit planning practice using workshops, compelling content, and assessment tools to engage owners effectively. Throughout the conversation, Tom emphasizes the importance of having a clear strategy and leveraging technology to build a successful practice while maintaining a balanced workload and enjoying the diversity of working with business owners.

Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfdini/

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“In the past decade surveys have shown that 75% of former business owners are “unhappy” or “have regrets” a year after their transition. The Exit Planning Coach podcast is dedicated to reducing that number by helping advisors create deeper conversations with their clients.” John F. Dini, CEXP, CEPA

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👇Subscribe To The Channel By Clicking Below!👇 CHECK OUT THESE TOP TRENDING PLAYLISTS NOW! The Exit Planning Coach Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@theexitplanningcoach6299

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About John: John is the leader of MPN, the parent company of ExitMap® LLC and the creator of the ExitMap coaching tools. He has spent 30 years successfully coaching hundreds of business owners, and was the most successful operator of The Alternative Board® peer groups in that organization’s history. He is the author of three books, two of which won multiple awards. John received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Rutgers University, and a Masters of Business Administration from Pepperdine. He also holds seven business-related certifications.

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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-exit-planning-coach/id1637966130 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7G8YOy14dx4EEXIeq8C44T iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/100351872

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CONNECT WITH JOHN ON SOCIAL MEDIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs5TGbGJCuuoR3piEuahmfg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.f.dini Website: https://exitmap.com/ #TheExitPlanningCoach #TheExitMap #JohnDini

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Learn more about John: https://exitmap.com/meet-the-team/