Independent, 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 new ownership, you need an advisor who understands the complexities of timing and valuation. Without this expertise, you might undervalue your business or face unexpected tax consequences.
- Ownership transition timing. Ask how they help determine the best moment to transfer ownership to maximize value and minimize disruption.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm they consider local tax factors like California's high income taxes and Proposition 13's property tax limits in their planning.
- Independent advice. Since these advisors operate independently, check how they tailor strategies without firm product constraints.
- Stakeholder coordination. Inquire about their approach to aligning interests among family members, partners, and potential buyers during succession.
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 specializes in business succession planning with a decade of experience and holds both CFP® and CFA® designations, making him well-equipped to handle complex ownership transitions in the Berkeley area. His independent approach, focus on high-net-worth clients, and background in investment management distinguish him from others, along with a fee structure starting at 0.35% AUM and $6,250 quarterly, reflecting his tailored, comprehensive financial management services.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $5,408,468
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Sergio F
CFP®, Series 63
San Francisco, CA
ValMark Advisers, Inc.
Sergio Fernandez brings 19 years of experience and CFP® certification to business succession planning, offering independent advice with a flat-fee structure. Based in San Francisco, he supports a diverse client base including high-net-worth individuals and trusts, utilizing both passive and active investment strategies through third-party managers, which may provide a broader perspective compared to advisors focused solely on local markets or single investment approaches.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $554,438
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Juan Z
Series 65
San Francisco, CA
Dedicated Capital Advisors, LLC
Juan Zuniga specializes in business succession planning and general estate guidance, serving high-net-worth clients in the San Francisco area near Berkeley. His firm uses a structured four-phase process with outsourced portfolio management and offers flat-fee financial planning, differentiating him through multidisciplinary planning and coordination with independent third-party managers.
Experience: 9 years
Avg account: $2,597,123
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La Shaun H
Series 63, Series 66
San Francisco, CA
SVB Wealth
La Shaun Howard specializes in business succession planning and business sale tax planning, making her well-equipped to handle complex ownership transitions in the Berkeley area. Operating independently with a flat-fee structure, she serves high-net-worth clients and offers access to private fund opportunities through SVB Wealth, differentiating her from advisors with more traditional fee models or narrower service scopes.
Experience: 5 years
Avg account: $2,365,410
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Robert S
CFP®
Alameda, CA
Fireside Finances, LLC
Robert Shaye specializes in business succession planning with a focus on independent, flat-fee advice, making him well-suited for Berkeley-area business owners preparing ownership transitions. His seven years of experience, CFP® certification, and role as a UC Berkeley Haas faculty member distinguish him by combining practical expertise with academic insight, while his firm emphasizes education and tax-aware strategies without managing client assets.
Experience: 7 years
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