Independent, business succession planning financial advisors
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 planning to transfer your business ownership, you need an advisor who understands the complexities of business succession planning. Without this expertise, you risk undervaluing your business or creating tax issues that could reduce your heirs' inheritance. Independent advisors operate without ties to specific firms, which can mean more flexible advice tailored to your unique situation.
- Valuation insight. Confirm how they determine your business's worth, including intangible assets like customer relationships and brand value.
- Tax impact awareness. Ask how they plan to minimize taxes during the ownership transfer to preserve more wealth.
- Transition strategy. Look for advisors who consider your goals for both the business and your family, balancing financial and personal factors.
- Contingency planning. Ensure they help prepare for unexpected events, like sudden illness or market changes, that could affect succession.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Ethan S
CFP®, Series 65
Auburn Hills, MI
Plante Moran financial advisors
Ethan Siekkinen specializes in business succession planning and offers expertise in managing concentrated stock and private investments, which is crucial for transferring business ownership effectively. As a CFP®-certified independent advisor based in Auburn Hills, MI, he serves high-net-worth clients with a flexible fee structure including flat fees and hourly rates, supported by Plante Moran Financial Advisors' strategic asset allocation and proprietary market valuation approach.
Experience: 1 year
Avg account: $6,699,075
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Jeffrey M
CFP®, ChFC®, Series 66
Greenville, DE
Investment Management & Planning LLC
Jeffrey Macdonald specializes in business succession planning with 18 years of experience, offering expertise in tax strategies for small businesses and wealth management, which is crucial for transferring business ownership effectively. Based in Greenville, DE, he is a CFP®-certified independent advisor serving high-net-worth clients, providing negotiable fee structures including up to 2.5% AUM and $175 hourly rates, distinguishing him through personalized, fee-based investment advisory and comprehensive financial planning.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $466,894
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Patrick F
Series 66
New Market, MD
Intentional
Patrick Ferguson's 17 years of experience and expertise in business succession planning make him well-equipped to assist with transferring business ownership while considering tax impacts and valuation. As an independent advisor at Intentional, he offers flat-fee financial planning and pension consulting services, combining fundamental, technical, and economic analysis, which may provide a more tailored and comprehensive approach compared to others in the US.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $426,607
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Jerald L
Series 63
San Antonio, TX
Frost Investment Services
Jerald Liesman specializes in business succession planning with 33 years of experience, offering expertise in tax-loss harvesting and estate planning to help navigate complex ownership transfers. Based in San Antonio, TX, he operates independently through Frost Investment Services, which provides discretionary portfolio management and integrates ESG and tax overlay services, distinguishing him with a research-driven investment approach and a focus on diverse client types including trusts and business entities.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $708,997
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Eldin F
Series 63, Series 65
Southfield, MI
Sterling Advisory Group LLC
Eldin Foco specializes in business succession planning with 18 years of experience, offering expertise in equity compensation tax strategy and retirement income strategy, which are crucial for smooth ownership transitions. Operating independently with a flat-fee structure ranging from $1,500 to $7,500, he provides tailored portfolio management and financial planning services from Southfield, MI, distinguishing him through a comprehensive approach that includes values-based investing and alternative investments.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $354,030
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