Take Control of Your Business’s Future—Start Planning Today

Video Transcription

Hi, I’m James Graham, a director out of MarshBerry’s California office. I specialize in mergers and acquisitions and strategic consulting.

At MarshBerry, we believe it is important for owners to have a long-term plan in order to stay in control of their future. Consider the following, some time ago an owner in his mid-80s who has spent his life building a successful business came to me looking to sell. In the decades prior he had never taken the time to value his business, consider his succession plans, or identify the risks that would diminish its value. Twenty years ago, the business was thriving. By the time he contacted, revenue was down around 50%, his clients and employees were aged and ready to retire –there was simply no viable market for his business. It’s a cautionary tale that we see all too often. Our conversation and the outcomes for this owner would have been dramatically different had he acted years ago.

Compare this to a different scenario. A business owner who was a client of ours and spent time working on his business contacted me. He already had an offer; it was a good one for his business but wanted me to take a look. In one phone call I was able to get that offer increased with the buyer of his choice by 30%. While that isn’t always the outcome, proactive planning and knowledgeable representation have real, tangible impacts on your ability to shape your future and that of your business. One hard truth I tell my clients is you can’t take the stocks to your grave, but proactive planning enables you to exit on your own terms.

If you’re looking for guidance on how to grow the value of your business plan for the future or plan your succession strategy, that’s what we’re here for. Reach out to MarshBerry today to start the conversation.