Top business succession planning financial advisors in California
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 own a business and are thinking about stepping back or retiring, you need a business succession planning advisor to help you pass your company on smoothly. Without careful planning, you might face unexpected tax bills or disputes that can jeopardize your legacy.
- Tax impact awareness. California's high income taxes and Proposition 13's property tax limits can affect your succession plan; ask how they navigate these rules for your benefit.
- Ownership transition strategies. Confirm how they handle transferring control to family, partners, or buyers to avoid conflicts and ensure continuity.
- Valuation and timing. A good advisor explains how they determine your business's worth and the best time to transfer ownership to minimize risks.
- Integration with estate plans. Check if they coordinate your succession plan with your overall estate and tax planning to protect your assets.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Bryan H
Series 66
Lodi, CA
Raymond James Financial
Bryan Hickingbottom specializes in business succession planning in California, leveraging 25 years of experience and a Series 66 designation to help business owners navigate ownership transitions and tax implications. Operating within Raymond James Financial, a large firm, he offers flat-fee and hourly planning services, combining general retirement and cash flow planning to support comprehensive succession strategies for founders and retired clients.
Experience: 25 years
Avg account: $700,796
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Ronald B
Series 63, Series 65
Encino, CA
Hornor, Townsend & Kent, LLC
Ronald Bertke specializes in business succession planning in California, leveraging 32 years of industry experience and expertise in wealth management to navigate complex ownership transitions and tax implications. Operating within the large firm Hornor, Townsend & Kent, he offers flat-fee and negotiated hourly pricing, serving a diverse client base including trusts and businesses, which may provide broader resources compared to smaller practices.
Experience: 33 years
Avg account: $294,061
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Scott B
CFA®
Carmel, CA
CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC
Scott Brubaker specializes in business succession planning in California, offering flat-fee services tailored to various complexities, from basic plans to complex estate planning. With 12 years of experience and a CFA® designation, he works at CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, which integrates wealth, tax, estate, and insurance professionals to provide coordinated planning, distinguishing him from advisors who may not offer such comprehensive firm-level support.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $1,730,668
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Steven M
Series 66
Laguna Niguel, CA
Merrill
Steven Miranda specializes in business succession planning with 19 years of experience at Merrill, a large firm known for comprehensive wealth management services. His expertise includes tax minimization, estate planning, and business exit strategies, which are crucial for navigating California's complex tax environment. Compared to others, Steven's multiple professional designations and focus on mid-career professionals and business owners provide tailored guidance for those preparing to transition their business ownership smoothly.
Experience: 19 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Mary G
Series 66
Novato, CA
Edward Jones
Mary Gernetzke specializes in business succession planning and business ownership considerations, making her well-equipped to assist California business owners with ownership transition strategies and tax impact awareness. With 16 years of experience at Edward Jones, a large full-service wealth management firm serving over four million clients, she offers a comprehensive approach supported by a broad network and charges up to 1.35% annually in program fees.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $246,728
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