Top business exit / sale strategy financial advisors in District of Columbia
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.
Selling your business is a major life event that often involves complex tax, legal, and financial decisions. Without the right guidance, you might miss opportunities to maximize your sale proceeds or face unexpected tax consequences.
- Exit timing insight. Ask how they evaluate market conditions and your business readiness to recommend the best time to sell.
- Tax impact planning. Confirm they understand how to structure the sale to minimize your tax burden, including capital gains and other taxes.
- Post-sale strategy. Look for advisors who help plan what comes next, from reinvesting proceeds to managing cash flow after the sale.
- Coordination with professionals. Ensure they work closely with your attorney and accountant to align all aspects of the sale process.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Richard H
Series 63, Series 65
Washington, DC
Merrill
Richard Haskin's expertise in business exit and sale strategy is supported by his Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation and over 25 years of experience at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, a large firm. He specializes in serving founders and mid-career professionals, offering a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million. His long-term Washington, DC residency and community involvement provide a local perspective that distinguishes him from other advisors.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $860,085
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John G
Series 63, Series 65
Washington D.C., DC
Capital Investment Advisors
John Girouard specializes in business exit and sale strategy with 42 years of experience, offering flat-fee financial planning engagements ranging from $500 to $5,000. Based in Washington D.C., he works within a five-advisor team at Capital Investment Advisors, serving high-net-worth clients and trusts with customized plans and discretionary portfolio management, distinguishing him through his extensive industry tenure and flexible fee options.
Experience: 43 years
Avg account: $832,705
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Susan C
Series 65
Washington, DC
Hightower Advisors
Susan Cantus specializes in business exit and sale strategy, leveraging 28 years of experience and expertise in tax-loss harvesting and retirement plans for business owners, which is crucial for navigating complex sale decisions. Operating within Hightower Advisors, a large firm known for serving high-net-worth clients with flat-fee structures, she combines fundamental and quantitative investment analysis, distinguishing her approach from others in the District of Columbia.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $2,848,795
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Donald H
CFA®, Series 65
Washington, DC
Focus Partners Wealth, LLC
Donald Harris specializes in business exit and sale strategy, leveraging 25 years of industry experience and credentials including CFA® and Series 65. Operating from a large firm, Focus Partners Wealth, LLC, he offers a blend of active and passive investment strategies with a focus on tax- and fee-sensitivity, serving high-net-worth clients with flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, which may provide a comprehensive approach compared to other advisors in the District of Columbia.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $2,557,933
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Ed S
CFP®
Washington, DC
Valor Wealth Partners
Ed Smith specializes in business exit and sale strategy, bringing 26 years of experience and CFP® certification to help clients in the District of Columbia navigate complex sale decisions. His flat-fee structure and focus on federal employees differentiate him, as he combines deep industry knowledge with personalized, straightforward financial planning, supported by his leadership at Valor Wealth Partners, a veteran-owned firm serving clients virtually across 19 states.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $406,747
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