Independent, 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 plan that protects your legacy and your employees. Without careful planning, you risk losing value or control at a critical moment.
Being an independent advisor means these advisors can offer advice without firm-imposed product restrictions, focusing on what fits your unique situation.
- Exit timing strategy. Ask how they help determine the best time to transition ownership to maximize value and minimize disruption.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm they consider tax consequences of different succession options to avoid unexpected liabilities.
- Buyer readiness. Check if they evaluate potential successors’ financial and operational readiness to ensure a smooth handover.
- Employee transition plans. See if they incorporate strategies to retain key staff and maintain morale during ownership changes.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Scott B
CFA®
Carmel, CA
CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC
Scott Brubaker specializes in business succession planning and exit strategies, making him well-suited for owners in California seeking to transition their businesses smoothly. His firm offers flat-fee services tailored to various complexities, and he brings 12 years of experience along with a CFA® designation, providing a comprehensive approach that integrates wealth, tax, estate, and insurance planning for diverse client needs.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $1,730,668
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Dave B
CFP®, CFA®
Orinda, CA
Private Financial Management LLC
Dave Born specializes in business succession planning and business ownership considerations, making him well-equipped to assist California business owners with exit timing strategies and buyer readiness. As a CFP®-certified and CFA®-credentialed independent advisor serving high-net-worth clients, he offers a personalized approach with a fee structure starting at 0.35% AUM and $6,250 quarterly, distinguishing him through his extensive investment management background and focus on intergenerational families.
Experience: 10 years
Avg account: $5,408,468
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Steven H
Series 63, Series 65
Sunnyvale, CA
IP Financial Advisory Services LLC
Steven Hoffman specializes in business succession planning in California, offering flat-fee and hourly consulting options that can suit various client needs. With 12 years of industry experience and a background as a business owner and CEO, he brings practical insight into exit timing and employee transition strategies. His firm focuses on customized portfolio management and retirement-plan consulting, differentiating him through a comprehensive approach that includes charitable giving and long-term care insurance expertise.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $240,578
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Clayton D
Series 65
Sonoma, CA
Sonoma Wealth Advisors
Clayton Dunkle specializes in business succession planning and retirement plans for business owners, making him well-equipped to assist California business owners with transitioning ownership while considering tax impacts and employee retention. Operating independently with a flat-fee structure starting at $5,000, he brings five years of experience and a Series 65 designation, offering personalized financial planning from Sonoma through Fermata Advisors, which supports small businesses and fiduciaries with ERISA-compliant services.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $244,427
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Nalin B
Series 63, Series 66
Murrieta, CA
Fireplace Financial Inc
Nalin Bhatt specializes in business succession planning in California, leveraging 22 years of experience and expertise in executive and founder/business owner needs. His firm, Fireplace Financial Inc, offers flat-fee and hourly consulting options, combining financial planning with professional accounting and tax services, which differentiates him by integrating tax impact awareness and operational readiness into succession strategies.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $236,842
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