Seasoned, business succession planning financial advisors in Akron, OH
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
If you're preparing to transfer your business ownership or retire, you need a business succession planning advisor who understands the complexities of passing on your company smoothly. A common mistake is underestimating how municipal income taxes, which differ by city, can affect the financial outcome of your succession plan. Seasoned advisors bring decades of experience to navigate these challenges effectively.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they incorporate local municipal taxes into your succession strategy to avoid unexpected costs.
- Ownership transition methods. Ask about their experience with different transfer options like sales, gifts, or trusts and how they align with your goals.
- Stakeholder coordination. Effective plans consider family, partners, and employees; check how they manage these relationships during the transition.
- Long-term business viability. Inquire how they ensure the business remains stable and profitable after ownership changes.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Patrick S
Series 63
Akron, OH
Sullivan Pinnacle Advisors, Ltd.
Patrick Sullivan brings 23 years of experience in business succession planning, combining his CPA background with financial advisory expertise in Akron, OH. His firm offers flat-fee financial planning through a co-advisory model, focusing on retirement plan consulting and independent manager selection, which may provide a more tailored and cost-effective approach compared to other advisors in the area.
Experience: 23 years
-
Joseph D
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Akron, OH
Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLC
Joseph Dazey brings 27 years of experience in business succession planning and wealth management, making him well-equipped to handle complex ownership transitions in Akron, OH. His role at Hornor, Townsend & Kent, a large firm offering flat-fee and negotiated hourly consulting, complements his CFP® certification and non-discretionary investment approach, distinguishing him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 28 years
Avg account: $294,061
-
James T
Series 66
Akron, OH
Sequoia Financial Group, L.L.C.
James Thompson offers seasoned expertise in business succession planning in Akron, OH, with over 20 years of industry experience and a Series 66 designation. Working at Sequoia Financial Group, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, he provides flat-fee financial planning starting at $1,500 and integrates business exit strategies with charitable giving and philanthropy, distinguishing him from other advisors.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $2,697,996
-
Michael D
Series 63, Series 65
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Raymond James Financial
Michael Darby brings 32 years of experience in business succession planning and general retirement planning, supported by his Series 63 and 65 licenses. Operating from Cuyahoga Falls with Raymond James Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee and hourly fee structures, he serves diverse clients including business owners and retirees, providing tailored, non-discretionary investment consulting that complements succession strategies.
Experience: 32 years
Avg account: $700,796
-
Eric C
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Fairlawn, OH
ValMark Advisers, Inc.
Eric Coffman brings over three decades of experience in business succession planning, supported by his CFP® certification and affiliation with ValMark Advisers, Inc., which offers diversified, goal-based investment portfolios. His flat-fee structure and independent status provide flexible engagement options, while his background as a founder and retired professional adds practical insight into ownership transitions, distinguishing him from other advisors in the Akron area.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $554,438
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in Akron, OH
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)