Why We Plan

This episode of the Why We Plan podcast features a candid conversation between BEI Founder John Brown and Robert dePalo Jr., JD CExP, Director of Business Planning with National Financial Network, about attracting and engaging Exit Planning clients. Robert shares his experience in Exit Planning and how both planning processes and advisor tactics have evolved to meet the needs of the modern-day business owner.

Robert details which BEI tools have best served his practice and emphasizes the importance of staying relevant and present in the eyes of your clients and prospects. He shares one of his most effective social media strategies and how his partnership with BEI has improved his LinkedIn impressions, email open rates, and overall perception as a thought-leader in the Exit Planning space.

To get connected with Robert, follow him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdepalojr/

National Financial Network: https://www.natfin.net

In this episode of Why We Plan, John Brown interview Randy M. Long, J.D., CFP®, CExP™ of Long Business Advisors on his experience in Exit Planning. Randy’s perspective is built upon an extensive background of 30+ years in law and finance, which enables him to help business owners build and transition their business, allowing them to create a family business legacy.

Randy believes that the key to building trust and working towards achieving aspirational goals comes down to a focus on culture. This focus, plus his foundational Exit Planning training with BEI has positioned him to take on both the offense and defense role in each Exit Planning engagement. Knowing how to bring the right players to the table, leveraging network connections, and properly issue-spotting for his clients have ultimately helped many owners find success with their “one shot” at a meaningful business exit.

To learn more about Randy's work, visit his website: https://www.thebraveheartbusiness.com

In this episode of Why We Plan, John Brown interviews Todd Feldman CFP®, CExP™, Financial Advisor with Obsidian Planning Solutions, on his experience with Exit Planning and BEI. As Todd describes Obsidian’s three-level service structure, he shares how BEI Planning software and tools have provided added solutions to the planning work he does with clients.

Specifically, Todd places emphasis on business continuity planning, sharing his take on how they deepen client relationships and uncover the gaps between the current resources and future desires of the owner. Tune in to learn more about crafting business continuity instructions, using them to get clients in the door, and the importance of engaging owners where they want to begin when it comes to Exit Planning.

To connect with Todd or to learn more about his work at Obsidian Planning Solutions, connect with him on LinkedIn or view the company website at the links below:

Connect with Todd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-m-feldman-cfp%C2%AE-cexp%E2%84%A2-7419208/

Learn more about Obsidian Planning Solutions: https://www.obsidianplanning.com/

In this episode of Why We Plan, BEI founder John Brown interviews Matt Di Francesco, Financial Technician at HighLift Financial. Matt joined the BEI Network this year beginning with BEI Boot Camp and is now continuing his training as he works towards the BEI Certified Exit Planner (CExP) designation. Matt shares his story of how he fell into Exit Planning work and describes how implementing the BEI 7 Step Exit Planning process has made a world of difference to his clients, specifically in his niche specialty. He shares details of one of his recent client experiences, tools he uses, as well as his appreciation for the access that he gets to a network of professional expertise by being a BEI Member.

Learn more about Matt and High Lift Financial here: https://highliftfinancial.com/

In this episode of Why We Plan, John Brown interviews Natalie McVeigh, 2022 BEI National Conference keynote speaker and EisnerAmper’s Managing Director of the Center for Family Business Excellence. This interview explores the dynamics and intersections of family and business as it relates to Exit Planning.

Natalie details her work in providing clients with tools, training, coaching and support to ensure the successful transition from one generation of legacy and business leadership to the next. In sharing some examples, this episode contains tips on mediating “family conflict,” the importance of a family business consultant in an Exit Planning Team, and how to implement policies and processes that keep a balance between economical and emotional decisions.

On the latest episode of Why We Plan, BEI’s John Brown interviews Kelly Finnell, Founder and President of Executive Financial Services, Inc., a Memphis-based firm specializing in Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). In addition to walking through the evolution of ESOPs as an exit path, Kelly shares:

His history of working with and consulting BEI Members

The importance of continued support and post-transaction advice to business owners

General qualifiers of ESOP candidates

Where and how to get more ESOP education to fuel conversations with clients and prospects

His #1 tip to advisor’s who seek to learn more about the intricacies of ESOPs

Tune in now!

Learn more about Executive Financial Services, Inc. here: https://www.execfin.com/

Connect with Kelly on Linked in at the following link, or by email at [email protected].

https://www.linkedin.com/in/esopcoach/

In this episode of Why We Plan, John Brown interviews Chris Bua, Senior Vice President of Sales at Independent Life, and Chad Ettmueller, Senior Vice President of JCR Settlements, LLC. This interview uncovers the unique and seasoned strategies of structured installment plans and how they relate to Exit Planning.

Both Chris and Chad attest to the advantage that this type of transaction brings the business owner when it comes to design flexibility, tax savings, and financial security. Tune in to hear how these structured installment sales evolved from personal injury settlements, how they bring value to an Exit Planner’s toolkit, and how the concept gets owners thinking deeply about “what’s next for my future?”

Learn more about Structured Installment Sales techniques at the following sites:

Independent Life: https://www.independent.life/

JCR Settlements, LLC: https://www.jcrsettlements.com/

This episode of the Why We Plan podcast shares an interview with John Brown, founder of BEI, and David Jean, CPA, CCIFP, CExP, Albin Randall & Bennett, about David’s start in the Exit Planning industry. David details his “wake up call” moment watching the aftermath of a client he had nearly a decade ago, who failed to plan and whose business was left in disaster when he passed away. Learn the tools that David has found most valuable in his Exit Planning journey, as well as how he has expanded his accounting service and built a strong reputation as an Exit Planning expert.

John Brown, founder of BEI, sits down with Ken Stiefler, retired CExP and founder of eXITS, LLC, to discuss his lengthy career in Exit Planning and how he got involved in the industry. What began as an insurance practice slowly grew and evolved into a lucrative, fee-based Exit Planning company.

Until his retirement, Ken was one of the most experienced CExP advisors as he began Exit Planning alongside the formation of BEI. Ken’s unique perspective on the industry and how to market his services made for a successful company that brought him and his client’s fulfilment and success. Tune in to hear Ken’s real-life client stories as well as pricing strategies that helped him create a fruitful practice.

John Brown, founder of BEI, sits down with Ken Stiefler, retired CExP and founder of eXITS, LLC, to discuss his lengthy career in Exit Planning and how he got involved in the industry. What began as an insurance practice slowly grew and evolved into a lucrative, fee-based Exit Planning company.

Until his retirement, Ken was one of the most experienced CExP advisors as he began Exit Planning alongside the formation of BEI. Ken’s unique perspective on the industry and how to market his services made for a successful company that brought him and his client’s fulfilment and success. Tune in to hear Ken’s real-life client stories as well as pricing strategies that helped him create a fruitful practice.