Seasoned, 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 or planning your exit, you need an advisor who understands the complexities of business succession. A common mistake is underestimating how tax laws and property tax limits like Proposition 13 affect your long-term financial outcome.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they incorporate California's high income taxes and property tax protections into your succession plan.
- Ownership transition strategies. Ask about their experience structuring sales, gifts, or transfers that align with your personal and business goals.
- Legacy and family dynamics. Ensure they consider how succession affects family relationships and future business control.
- Long-term cash flow planning. Verify they model your income needs post-transition, not just the immediate sale proceeds.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Robert E
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Richmond, CA
Raymond James Financial
Robert Emmer's 47 years of experience and CFP® certification equip him to handle complex business succession planning, including cash flow and budgeting strategies. Based in nearby Richmond, CA, he operates within Raymond James Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee and hourly pricing, serving diverse clients from individuals to institutions, which may provide broader resources compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 48 years
Avg account: $700,796
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Damian H
Series 63, Series 65
San Francisco, CA
Merrill
Damian Hedley specializes in business succession planning with 24 years of experience, focusing on business exit strategies and ownership considerations, which suits those preparing for ownership transfer in Berkeley, CA. Based in nearby San Francisco and affiliated with Merrill, a large firm, he serves ultra-high-net-worth clients and offers a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies, differentiating him by his focus on complex wealth coordination and executive compensation planning.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Ann L
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
San Francisco, CA
SVB Wealth
Ann Lucchesi brings 26 years of experience in business succession planning, with expertise in business sale tax planning and retirement plans for business owners, making her well-equipped to handle complex ownership transitions in Berkeley, CA. As a CFP®-certified advisor at SVB Wealth, she offers flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, serving high-net-worth clients with a comprehensive approach that includes charitable giving and family dynamics considerations.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $2,365,410
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Kurt R
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 65
San Francisco, CA
Dedicated Capital Advisors, LLC
Kurt Rauzi offers seasoned expertise in business succession planning, backed by 39 years of experience and a ChFC® designation, serving high-net-worth clients in the San Francisco area near Berkeley. His firm employs a structured four-phase process with outsourced portfolio management and negotiable flat fees, distinguishing him through comprehensive planning and independent asset management compared to other advisors.
Experience: 40 years
Avg account: $2,597,123
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Stephen G
Series 63, Series 66
San Francisco, CA
Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLC
Stephen Grochol brings 21 years of experience in business succession planning and wealth management, offering expertise in structuring ownership transitions and long-term cash flow planning. Operating from a large firm in San Francisco, he provides negotiated flat fees and serves a diverse client base including businesses and trusts, distinguishing him with a broad advisory approach and flexible fee options.
Experience: 21 years
Avg account: $294,061
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