Top business succession planning financial advisors in Petaluma, CA
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 timing and valuation. A common mistake is underestimating tax impacts and property tax protections, which can erode your legacy or financial goals.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they navigate California's high income taxes alongside Proposition 13's property tax limits to protect your wealth.
- Valuation expertise. Ask how they determine your business's worth, considering both market conditions and your long-term plans.
- Transition timing. Inquire about their approach to sequencing the sale or transfer to optimize tax outcomes and business continuity.
- Stakeholder coordination. Ensure they work with your legal and tax professionals to align all aspects of the succession plan.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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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, offering expertise in valuation and tax impact awareness crucial for Petaluma-area clients. Operating from Sonoma, CA, he provides flat-fee and independent advisory services through Fermata Advisors, with a focus on small businesses and fiduciary retirement-plan consulting, distinguishing him from advisors with broader or less specialized practices.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $244,427
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Drake M
Series 66
Santa Rosa, CA
Raymond James Financial
Drake Medeiros specializes in business succession planning with 12 years of experience and a Series 66 designation, operating from nearby Santa Rosa, CA. Affiliated with Raymond James Financial, a large firm offering flat-fee structures and extensive advisory support, he serves diverse clients including business owners, which may provide broader resources compared to smaller firms in Petaluma.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $700,796
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Krystalynn S
ChFC®, Series 63, Series 66
Novato, CA
ValMark Advisers, Inc.
Krystalynn Schlegel's 19 years of experience and ChFC® designation equip her to handle business succession planning complexities, including tax impacts and valuation, for clients near Petaluma, CA. At ValMark Advisers, she offers flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, leveraging diversified, goal-based portfolios and serving individuals and institutions, which distinguishes her from advisors focusing solely on local or smaller client bases.
Experience: 20 years
Avg account: $554,438
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Michelle M
CFP®, Series 66
Petaluma, CA
Edward Jones
Michelle Moller specializes in business succession planning in Petaluma, CA, with 17 years of experience and CFP® certification, making her well-equipped to handle complex timing and valuation issues. She operates within Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, offering a comprehensive advisory program with fees up to 1.35% annually, which may provide broader resources compared to smaller local advisors.
Experience: 17 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Oscar R
Series 63, Series 65
Santa Rosa, CA
Merrill
Oscar Robles is well-equipped to assist with business succession planning in the Petaluma area, leveraging 18 years of experience and expertise in business ownership considerations and retirement plans for business owners. As a Resident Director at Merrill, a large firm, he offers a comprehensive approach that includes tax minimization and legacy planning, serving diverse clients including business owners and executives across California.
Experience: 18 years
Avg account: $860,085
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