Seasoned, 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're preparing to transfer your business to a family member, partner, or buyer, you need an advisor who understands the complexities of business succession planning. A common mistake is treating the process as a simple sale rather than a strategic transition that affects your financial future and legacy.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they plan to minimize taxes during the transfer, including potential capital gains and estate tax consequences.
- Valuation expertise. Ask how they determine your business's worth and incorporate that into the succession plan.
- Continuity planning. Ensure they address how operations will continue smoothly after ownership changes, including leadership and management roles.
- Legal coordination. Check how they work with your legal team to align financial and legal aspects of the succession.
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's 25 years of experience and focus on business succession planning make him well-equipped to guide California business owners through complex ownership transitions. Operating within Raymond James Financial, a large firm known for tailored financial planning and non-discretionary investment consulting, he offers flat-fee and hourly pricing, serving a diverse client base including founders and retirees, which may provide a broader perspective compared to smaller practices.
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's 32 years of experience and focus on business succession planning in California equip him to handle complex transitions involving tax impact, valuation, and continuity planning. Operating within the large firm Hornor, Townsend & Kent, he offers flat-fee and negotiated hourly consulting, 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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Michael H
Series 63
Orange, CA
Merrill
Michael Hulley brings over 41 years of experience in business succession planning, wealth management, and estate guidance, making him well-equipped to handle complex transitions for California business owners. As a Senior Vice President at Merrill in Brea, he offers a tax-sensitive, integrated planning approach and serves intergenerational families and established professionals, differentiating himself with leadership roles and a focus on multi-generational wealth transfer.
Experience: 41 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Nalin B
Series 63, Series 66
Murrieta, CA
Fireplace Financial Inc
Nalin Bhatt's 22 years of experience and expertise in business succession planning make him well-equipped to guide California business owners through complex ownership transitions. His firm, Fireplace Financial Inc, combines financial planning with professional accounting and tax services, offering flat-fee and hourly consulting options, which may appeal to executives and founders seeking integrated financial and tax strategies.
Experience: 22 years
Avg account: $236,842
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Daniel S
Series 65, Series 66
Carmel, CA
Topturn Capital, LLC
Daniel Stewart's 26 years of experience and expertise in business succession planning and exit strategies make him well-equipped to guide complex ownership transitions in California. As an independent advisor at Topturn Capital, he serves high-net-worth clients with a 1.50% AUM fee, employing a proprietary allocation model that blends fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis, distinguishing him from others by integrating diverse investment approaches and personalized risk management.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $1,512,631
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