Top business exit / sale strategy financial advisors in Clearwater, FL
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 sell your business, you need an advisor who understands the full financial impact beyond just the sale price. A common mistake is focusing solely on the immediate payout without planning for taxes, reinvestment, or your next steps.
- Exit timing strategy. Ask how they evaluate market conditions and your business cycle to recommend the best time to sell.
- Tax implications. Confirm they consider federal taxes and Florida's unique tax environment, including property and sales taxes.
- Post-sale planning. Look for guidance on managing proceeds, whether reinvesting, retirement planning, or wealth preservation.
- Coordination with professionals. Ensure they work closely with your legal and tax advisors to align all aspects of your exit.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Christopher B
Series 63, Series 65
Clearwater, FL
Cetera
Christopher Bartkus brings over 53 years of experience in business exit and sale strategy, supported by his Series 63 and 65 credentials and expertise in retirement plans for business owners. Operating within Cetera, a large firm managing $256 billion in assets, he offers flat-fee and hourly consulting options, distinguishing him with flexible fee structures and seasoned insight in Clearwater, FL.
Experience: 53 years
Avg account: $306,089
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James P
Series 63, Series 65
Clearwater, FL
Calton & Associates, Inc.
James Petkoson specializes in business exit and sale strategies, leveraging 35 years of experience and expertise in wealth management and retirement plans for business owners. Operating independently with a flat-fee structure, he offers negotiable fees for financial planning and retirement consulting, distinguishing him from others by combining seasoned insight with flexible pricing and a comprehensive approach to post-sale planning in Clearwater, FL.
Experience: 35 years
Avg account: $286,773
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John W
Series 63, Series 65
Clearwater, FL
Raymond James Financial
John Wire's extensive 41 years of experience and expertise in business exit and sale strategy make him well-equipped to guide Clearwater business owners through complex exit planning. Operating within Raymond James Financial, a large firm known for non-discretionary planning and a broad affiliate network, he offers flat-fee and hourly pricing, catering to founders and executives seeking comprehensive post-sale and retirement income strategies.
Experience: 41 years
Avg account: $700,796
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Shon F
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Clearwater, FL
Flaharty Asset Management, LLC
Shon Flaharty offers expertise in business exit and sale strategy with 30 years of experience and CFP® certification, making him well-equipped to navigate the complexities of selling a business in Clearwater, FL. His firm employs a strategic asset-allocation approach and serves high-net-worth clients, providing flat-fee financial planning up to $25,000, which distinguishes him from advisors with different fee structures or client focuses.
Experience: 30 years
Avg account: $785,156
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Erick M
Series 66
Clearwater, FL
Edward Jones
Erick Martiak specializes in business exit and sale strategies in Clearwater, FL, leveraging six years of financial advising experience and two decades as a business owner. Affiliated with Edward Jones, a large full-service wealth management firm, he offers comprehensive retirement and wealth management solutions with a program fee up to 1.35% annually, distinguishing him through his combined industry and entrepreneurial background.
Experience: 7 years
Avg account: $246,728
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