Business exit planning is a multi-year operational process, not a financial transaction. Learn what changes must happen 3-5 years before a successful sale.

Denver EPI Summer Networking Social, Red Rocks Country Club, 7/28/26, Denver, In Person

Learn the most effective ways to increase the value of an eCommerce business, improve valuation multiples, attract qualified buyers, and maximize cash at close.

Digital due diligence is exposing SEO equity gaps that quietly reduce valuations. Here is what buyers look at during exit prep and where most sellers fall short.

Picture this: You’ve built your business from a wild idea scribbled on a napkin into a thriving empire. Now, it’s time to cash out — maybe…

Successful exit planning starts long before a sale. Learn why timing matters and how early planning can preserve more wealth for your family.

Here are the six most common things business owners should know before exiting and selling a business, including the right team at your side.

What if exiting your business did not mean selling out your people, your culture, or your legacy? In this episode, David Carr sits down with Kelly Finnell, President of EFS ESOP Consultants and one of the nation’s leading experts on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), to unpack how employee ownership can be a powerful succession and liquidity strategy for business owners. With more than 40 years of experience helping founders transition ownership, Kelly breaks down what ESOPs actually are, how they work, and why they are often misunderstood. Together, David and Kelly explore why ESOPs appeal to what Kelly calls “compassionate capitalists” — leaders who want to achieve full fair market value for their business while also protecting employees, preserving culture, and sustaining long-term legacy. The conversation covers how ESOPs differ from private equity and strategic buyers, how tax advantages play a critical role, and why alignment between owners, employees, and performance creates healthier, more resilient organizations. Grounded in real-world case studies across engineering, defense contracting, and professional services, this episode reframes succession planning as a leadership decision — not just a financial transaction. In this episode: - What an ESOP is and how it works in plain language - Why ESOPs are an alternative to private equity and third-party sales - The role of legacy, culture, and stewardship in ownership transitions - How ESOPs align employee motivation with long-term performance - Common myths and misconceptions about ESOPs - What makes a company a strong (or weak) ESOP candidate Links mentioned in this episode: - EFS ESOP Consultants https://www.execfin.com - Kelly Finnell on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/esopcoach - The ESOP Coach (book by Kelly Finnell) https://www.esopcoach.com

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