Large-firm, 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 the next generation or sell it, you need an advisor who understands the complexities of business succession planning. Without focused expertise, you might overlook tax implications or timing strategies that can affect your financial future. Large-firm advisors often bring extensive resources and specialized teams to handle these multifaceted issues.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they navigate high income taxes alongside local rules like Proposition 13, which can limit property tax increases.
- Transition timing. Ask how they help you plan the sequence and timing of ownership transfer to balance business continuity and personal financial goals.
- Stakeholder coordination. Effective succession involves aligning interests of family, partners, and employees; check how they manage these relationships.
- Resource depth. Large firms may offer access to legal, tax, and valuation experts—see how they integrate these services into your plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Damian H
Series 63, Series 65
San Francisco, CA
Merrill
Damian Hedley specializes in business succession planning and exit strategies, making him well-suited for owners preparing to transfer or sell their businesses. Based in nearby San Francisco, he brings 24 years of experience at Merrill, a large firm, and focuses on high earners and executives, offering a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Cliff D
Series 66
San Francisco, CA
Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLC
Cliff Duester specializes in business succession planning within a large firm environment, offering 16 years of experience and a Series 66 designation. His firm, Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLC, serves diverse clients including businesses and trusts, emphasizing client-directed implementation and oversight, and offers negotiated flat fees alongside hourly rates, distinguishing him from advisors with different fee structures or less firm resource depth.
Experience: 16 years
Avg account: $294,061
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Patrick C
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 63, Series 66
San Francisco, CA
Edward Jones
Patrick Cross specializes in business succession planning within a large firm environment, bringing 21 years of experience and certifications like CFP® and ChFC®. His affiliation with Edward Jones offers access to extensive resources and a broad network, supporting complex transitions for founders and business owners, with a fee structure up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him from advisors with smaller firm affiliations or less experience.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Roland M
Series 66
Oakland, CA
Raymond James Financial
Roland Martin specializes in business succession planning and general retirement planning, supported by 13 years of industry experience and a Series 66 designation. Operating from Oakland 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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