Top business exit / sale strategy financial advisors in Washington, DC
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 or exit your ownership, you need an advisor who understands the unique financial and tax challenges that come with this transition. A common mistake is underestimating the impact of local tax rules and federal benefits, which can significantly affect your net proceeds.
- FERS and TSP expertise. Confirm the advisor knows how to coordinate your federal employee retirement system (FERS) pension and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) rollovers with your exit strategy.
- Estate tax navigation. Washington, DC has its own estate tax with a lower exemption than the federal level; ask how they plan around this to protect your legacy.
- Business valuation insight. Ensure they can critically assess your business's worth beyond surface-level metrics to avoid surprises at sale.
- Exit timing strategy. Discuss how they help you time your sale to optimize tax outcomes and cash flow, not just market conditions.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Susan C
Series 65
Washington, DC
Hightower Advisors
Susan Cantus specializes in business exit and sale strategies in Washington, DC, leveraging 28 years of experience and expertise in retirement plans for business owners and tax-loss harvesting. Operating within the large firm Hightower Advisors, she offers flat-fee services and serves high-net-worth clients, combining fundamental and quantitative investment analysis to support complex financial transitions.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $2,848,795
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Ed S
CFP®
Washington, DC
Valor Wealth Partners
Ed Smith specializes in business exit and sale strategies, with 26 years of experience and a focus on government employees in Washington, DC. As a CFP®-certified advisor at Valor Wealth Partners, he offers flat-fee and AUM-based pricing, combining deep federal benefits knowledge with personalized planning, which distinguishes him from other advisors in the area.
Experience: 26 years
Avg account: $406,747
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Connor K
Series 66
Washington, DC
Merrill
Connor Kannapell offers expertise in business exit and sale strategy, retirement plans for business owners, and equity compensation planning, making him well-suited for navigating complex financial transitions in Washington, DC. As a Merrill advisor with five years of experience and a 1.10% AUM fee, he serves affluent families and executives, emphasizing personalized wealth strategies and tax minimization within a large-firm environment.
Experience: 6 years
Avg account: $860,085
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Brian L
CFA®
Washington, DC
Focus Partners Wealth, LLC
Brian Leach specializes in business exit and sale strategy in Washington, DC, with 12 years of experience and a CFA® designation. He works at Focus Partners Wealth, LLC, a large firm serving high-net-worth clients, offering a flat-fee structure and expertise in private investments and retirement plans for business owners, which may provide comprehensive support beyond typical exit planning.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $2,557,933
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James S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 66
Washington, DC
Mission Wealth Management, LP
James Smith specializes in business exit and sale strategies in Washington, DC, with 11 years of experience and CFP® certification, making him well-equipped to navigate local tax nuances and optimize exit timing. His firm serves high-net-worth clients with a flat-fee structure for emerging wealth, offering discretionary investment management that includes alternatives and tax-aware trading, distinguishing him from advisors with more traditional approaches.
Experience: 12 years
Avg account: $3,159,829
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