Why We Plan

In this insightful episode of "Why We Plan," host John Brown welcomes Charis Santillie, CFLC, CFT, a life coach specializing in the emotional aspects of Exit Planning for entrepreneurs and business owners. Drawing from her own personal experiences and professional expertise, Charis delves into the often-overlooked emotional challenges business owners face when transitioning away from their companies. This conversation sheds light on the importance of addressing fear, maintaining internal balance, and the role of communication in smoothing the exit process, offering invaluable advice for entrepreneurs and advisors alike.

In this insightful episode of "Why We Plan," host John Brown, founder of BEI, is joined by Kelly Finnell, a distinguished expert in Exit Planning & ESOPs, and a longtime friend of BEI. Discover why ESOPs are not just an exit strategy but a powerful tool for ensuring the continuity of a business while benefiting employees.

In this episode, our host John Brown, founder of BEI, delves into Vince D'Addona's journey and development of his Exit Planning practice, highlighting his expertise in guiding business owners through the complexities of protecting and transferring wealth. They explore critical topics such as the importance of addressing 'gray swan' events, the transformative impact of Exit Planning on client relationships, and the value of aligning business exits with personal goals and aspirations.

"Why We Plan" host John Brown, founder of BEI, discusses the intricacies and importance of Exit Planning with Izak Smith, an experienced Exit Planning advisor. This episode delves into Smith's journey into Exit Planning, highlighting the transformative impact of aligning business owner activities with their ultimate exit goals. Their discussion emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach involving a team of professionals and underscores the significance of strategic planning, accountability, and a growth mindset in enhancing a company's value and preparing for a successful business transition.

Happy New Year, and welcome to another episode of "Why We Plan"! We're joined by Jim Carlisle, a seasoned lawyer and preeminent member of BEI. With over three decades of experience, Jim shares how his association with BEI has revolutionized his approach to Exit Planning, particularly in mergers and acquisitions. He discusses the transformative impact of integrating Exit Planning into his practice, offering invaluable insights into the creation of a steady deal flow and managing client relationships effectively.

In this insightful episode of "Why We Plan," host John Brown, founder of BEI, is joined by Bruce Willey, an experienced attorney and CPA. They delve into the nuances of exit planning, exploring Bruce's journey and the role BEI has played in his career. The discussion covers the importance of building a network of advisors, the dynamics of third-party sales versus insider transfers, and the impact of these decisions on business succession. Bruce shares his personal preference for insider transfers, emphasizing the value of keeping businesses within families or with those who have contributed to their growth. The episode concludes with Bruce offering sage advice to aspiring exit planners, highlighting the importance of patience and truly understanding client needs.

In this engaging episode of "Why We Plan," host John Brown, founder of BEI, speaks with Simon Horowitz, a new Exit Planner nearing the end of his certification journey. Simon shares his experiences in the training and certification process, providing insights into how he plans to apply his newfound knowledge in Exit Planning. With a background in life insurance and estate planning, Simon discusses his approach to assisting business owners, particularly focusing on generational transfers. He also delves into his personal life, revealing his role as a father of twelve and how it influences his professional perspective. The episode concludes with insights from the BEI conference, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the field of Exit Planning.

In this episode of "Why We Plan", John Brown, founder of BEI, sits down with Stuart Sorkin, a seasoned attorney and CPA, to delve into the transformative power of strategic delegation and goal alignment in exit planning. He shares his unique approach to overcoming the reluctance of business owners to delegate and the criticality of setting achievable, measurable goals. Sorkin also discusses practical tools for ensuring business continuity, emphasizing the need for a clear succession plan that caters to both current and future generations.

In this episode of "Why We Plan", John Brown, founder of BEI, sits down with Ken Rumbaugh, an advisor who specializes in business & exit planning. Together, they delve into the intricacies of Exit Planning, highlighting the importance of teamwork, continuous learning, and the immense satisfaction that comes from aiding business owners through crucial financial decisions.

In this episode of "Why We Plan," John Brown, founder of BEI, interviews David Blauzvern from CSG Partners. This discussion revolves around Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), their benefits, and their complexities. Blauzvern emphasizes that while ESOPs offer unique advantages, especially for owners looking to preserve company culture and benefit employees, a lack of education about ESOPs prevents more business owners from considering this option.