Top business succession planning financial advisors in Berkeley, CA
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 to a family member, partner, or buyer, you need an advisor who understands the complexities of timing and valuation. Without focused expertise, you might overlook tax implications or fail to align the succession plan with your long-term financial goals.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they navigate California's high income taxes and the effects of Proposition 13 on property tax limits during succession.
- Valuation approach. Ask how they determine your business's worth and incorporate that into the succession timeline.
- Stakeholder coordination. Effective plans balance the interests of family, partners, and buyers; check how they manage these relationships.
- Exit strategy options. Explore whether they discuss various paths like sale, transfer, or merger tailored to your situation.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Dave B
CFP®, CFA®
Orinda, CA
Private Financial Management LLC
Dave Born's expertise in business succession planning and business ownership considerations, combined with his CFP® and CFA® designations, equip him to address the complexities of transferring a business in the Berkeley area. His independent advisory approach, focus on high-net-worth clients, and experience managing portfolios at a $300M firm distinguish him from others, while his fee structure starting at 0.35% AUM and $6250 quarterly reflects his tailored service level.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $5,408,468
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Joseph G
Series 63, Series 65
San Francisco, CA
Hornor, Townsend & kent, LLC
Joseph Guevara's 20 years of experience and expertise in business succession planning and wealth management position him well to address the complexities of transferring a business in the Bay Area. Operating within Hornor, Townsend & Kent, a large firm offering flat-fee structures and serving diverse clients including businesses and trusts, he provides advisory services with a focus on client-directed implementation and non-discretionary asset management, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller practices or different fee models.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $294,061
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Michael W
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Francisco, CA
ValMark Advisers, Inc.
Michael Watson's 19 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to handle complex business succession planning, including tax impact and valuation considerations in the Berkeley area. His work at BPM Wealth Advisors, which manages nearly $50 million with a blend of passive and active strategies, offers clients flat-fee and hourly options, serving individuals and institutions with tailored financial planning and asset management.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $554,438
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Roland M
Series 66
Oakland, CA
Raymond James Financial
Roland Martin specializes in business succession planning with 13 years of experience and a Series 66 designation, operating from nearby Oakland, CA. Affiliated 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 financial plans with a focus on non-discretionary investment consulting.
Experience: 14 years
Avg account: $700,796
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Robert S
CFP®
Alameda, CA
Fireside Finances, LLC
Robert Shaye specializes in business succession planning with seven years of experience and a CFP® certification, offering expertise in tax-aware strategies and valuation approaches relevant to Berkeley's business environment. His firm, Fireside Finances, provides flat-fee and hourly consulting focused on education and diversification without managing assets, distinguishing him through a strong emphasis on financial wellness programs and academic involvement at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business.
Experience: 7 years
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