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Exit Planning During Uncertain Times

By Generational Equity

Exit Planning Uncertain Times

The importance of developing an effective exit strategy is vital for all businesses no matter what the external circumstances may be. However, during periods of economic and political turmoil, doing so becomes even more critical. Or as Lewis Carroll famously said, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”

This piece is scheduled to publish on November 7th, 2022, the day before the election in the U.S. It is also in the midst of record-breaking inflation rates, growing recession concerns, a war in Ukraine, and general unease about where the country is heading (not to mention weather events like Hurricane Ian).

Now, more than ever before, it is vital to develop an exit strategy that is well thought-out, timely, and cohesive, addressing all your personal financial concerns and your legacy. During the best of times that can be a challenge for many business owners; during times like this, far too many entrepreneurs take a defensive mode and focus on short-term survival rather than longer-term exit planning success.

No matter where you stand on the political spectrum and regardless of your economic forecasting skills, the reality is that you need experienced, trusted, exit planning guidance that has proven successful no matter what external issues you/we are confronting.

Fortunately for you, one M&A advisory firm has the track record you can trust no matter what short-term political/economic issues the nation may be facing: Generational Group and its family of companies.

Here is the reality: All things eventually pass (even bad times), and the wise person knows how to adapt, react and plan for changes, and take advantage of opportunities that abound even during tough times. Just look at the amazing resiliency of U.S. entrepreneurs during the 2020 pandemic. Some businesses in several industries actually thrived during those dark months because they did what Marines do: Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome!

Can you guess how many recessions we have had since the end of WWII? In total we have had 13 in the past 77 years. And how many have we recovered from and, in the long run, thrived? You guessed it, 13!

So, you need to take the long-term view when you look at exiting your business. If it takes 9-14 months to close a transaction with an optimal buyer (from the day you start your process by hiring an M&A advisory firm until the day the deal closes and you head to the next phase of your life), even if you decided to start today, it would most likely be January 2024 when you close ­– well beyond the end of the 2023 recession that many are predicting.

Getting back to the Generational Group and the services we provide business owners on their exit journey, our deal teams have decades of experience in creating buyer ready businesses, analyzing and evaluating businesses, and most importantly, finding prime buyers for our clients. Our track record speaks for itself:

In summary, we may be facing some uncertain months ahead, but you need to plan regardless. Even if we are thrilled with the election results, inflation is tamed, and we avoid a recession, you still need to plan for your eventual exit. And not just plan, but truly drill into what your exit will look like and the legacy you want to leave for your company, its employees, your family and your community.

These are tough questions to answer even during the best of times; during uncertain times, these become even more critical to address.

If you want to learn more about the opportunities that will open up for your business over the next few months or years, please plan to attend a Generational Growth and Exit Planning Conference soon. While there you will learn just how you too can plan and execute an effective (and profitable) exit no matter what the external circumstances may be.

And I leave you with some kernels of wisdom to contemplate tomorrow and the following days and weeks:

  • If there's one thing that's certain in business, it's uncertainty

Stephen Covey

  • Uncertainty will always be part of the taking charge process

Harold S. Geneen

  • It's a skill to navigate uncertainty

Monty Williams

Carl Doerksen is the Director of Corporate Development at Generational Equity.

© 2022 Generational Equity, LLC All Rights Reserved

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We were represented by Michael Goss with Generational. The due diligence was grueling and exhausting, but Michael propped us up and kept us motivated throughout the process. Debi and I continued to ask each other how we could possibly make it through this process without the assistance of Michael. Michael's professionalism and knowledge is absolutely amazing, and we are so blessed to have had him by our side as we made our future dreams come true.
Bob and Debi Lee, Owners of BL Technology, Inc and BL Tl Services, LLC
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Larry Moore, Owner, A Company Portable Restrooms
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Rick Nowak, President/CEO, Kurz Electric Solutions, Inc.
Your wisdom and experience were invaluable to me during this once-in-a-lifetime transaction.
Ralph Noblin, President of Noblin & Associates
After attending a conference with GE, I decided that the value they bring would be worth the expense and as soon as I started working with them, I realized that was the right decision. When we started to get LOIs, Fred Zweifel took the lead on the communication and supported negotiations throughout the process, which got tricky as we moved forward. I learned that it can be common for companies to make a great offer then work to erode that price with their discoveries, but Fred and the GE team kept that from happening.
Caroline Connelly, CEO, OptoTest
The most important contribution I think Ahmad made was with his personality and work ethic. He is sincere, efficient, and very hard working. He was available to me at all times, whether it was for specific detail of the negotiation or just to talk through the bigger picture. He listened, advised, and recommended, but never forced his idea or opinions. In the time we worked together, he became a valued colleague and also a friend.
Salvo Stoch, Founder and CEO of Sleeping Partners
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all that you have done for us. Not only did you take care of all the aspects of the sale but took extra care to make sure we knew what it looked like every step of the way. I will definitely recommend your company to anyone that is in a position to or looking to exit their business.
Shane and Johanna Kline, Owners of Vision Upfitters
I am pleased that I was able to work with Andrew Byrd throughout this experience. From the first meeting we had in Minneapolis I felt that I was in good hands. His knowledge and expertise is second to none. He guided the process consistently throughout. I feel lucky that I was pared with Andrew and could not be happier that I chose Generational Equity to handle this major life event. Thank you Andrew and GenEq for everything!
Eric Erlandson, Owner, Action Fastenings, Inc.
We knew it would be a difficult task to have someone really understand our business and our market, prior to researching a possible buyer, so it was imperative that we found someone of your caliber, with definite proven experience in this area.
Rick Nowak, President/CEO, Kurz Electric Solutions, Inc.
We had the pleasure of working with Mr. Ahmad Behjati Managing Director, M&A, for Generational Equity during our acquisition of Papa's Dodge in late 2021. Generational Equity and Mr. Behjati represented and marketed Papa’s Dodge. As our primary contact, Mr. Behjati was professional in every facet of this acquisition process, conveying valuable advice most times and assisting us in every step of the process.
Rick Greene of Dobbs Equity Partners LLC
I decided to attend the conference and hopefully receive some guidance on how to structure an exit plan of my business. Upon arriving at the conference, I was so impressed with the presentation given by Generational Equity that I set a future appointment that week to discuss the possibility of selling my business with their Senior Managing Director David Robinson.
JoAnn Ellis, Owner of Fondren 5 Star Kennels
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Larry Moore, Owner, A Company Portable Restrooms
Generational Equity educated and informed us – so that we could be on the upside of a good decision (to sell).
Bil MacLeslie, CEO, ipHouse
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Bil MacLeslie, CEO, ipHouse
I need to say an immense thank you to Don Ho for his stellar work ethic, attention to detail, and tireless effort. Also thank you to the whole crew at GE! Without you, Don could not do such a phenomenal job. We were shooting for closing and funding before the end of 2020, due to the uncertainty of the political landscape and taxes. I am happy to report we closed last week and will be funding tomorrow.
Dr. Caty J. Catron PhD, RN, VA-BC – Owner, Vic The Picc, LLC
The help you provided us during each step of this process made us feel very comfortable and confident we were selecting the right approach to transition our Company.
Andy Graham, Vice President, Modern Heating & Plumbing
The professionals at Generational Equity then helped develop a roadmap for enhancing the value of the firm and an evaluation report. This was completed by June 14, 2021. We then developed the Confidential Information Memorandum and put Taylor Studios, Inc. on the market by July.
Generational Equity’s professional staff helped me every step of the way. Their network and professionals are the only reason I sold my company this quickly. For me this is a once in a lifetime sale and I was unfamiliar with the process. I was able to lean on them with questions and concerns.
Betty L. Brennan, President, Taylor Studios
I couldn’t have asked for a better team than Michael and Deborah. We couldn’t have done it without them.
Robert Evans, President and CEO of Mealtracker Dietary Software
The process was much more involved than I expected and your help, experience and advice was a big factor in making the negotiations go as smoothly as possible.
Terry D. Wickman, President, Keytroller
Thanks to you, the entire GE team and especially Michael Goss for driving a great valuation, coaching me and driving the process across the finish line. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to support GE going forward. P.S. Given my experience with GE I felt comfortable enough to sign up with Generation Wealth Advisors!
Tom Currier, Former President & CEO, Rackmount Solutions
I must say that I have never worked with a more driven, competent and focused individual as Don Ho.
Jay Dinnison, Owner of Sharpe Mixers
I would like to thank you and your firm, Generational Equity, for being our valued advisors in our journey.
Bil MacLeslie, CEO, ipHouse
I wanted to write you a quick letter to express our appreciation and our delight on the outcome of helping us through the process of our recent sale. We are very happy with the end result, and are very happy to be able to move forward with all of our future growth plans.
Terry D. Wickman, President, Keytroller
T.D., thank you so much! You are a great leader! I love how you are using your gifts and talents to better others. You are clearly a GREAT COACH! This 3 day session undoubtedly changed the future of our business, and very well may have been the sole catalyst to save my company, my health and my marriage! A genuine “thank you” from the bottom of my heart.
Bryan D. Horn, Owner, Over Under Clothing
We are very happy with the end result, and are very happy to be able to move forward with all of our future growth plans.
Rick Nowak, President/CEO, Kurz Electric Solutions, Inc.
I quickly recognized that Don was working for Sharpe Mixers above all else, and held our interests above others.
Jay Dinnison, Owner of Sharpe Mixers
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Robert Evans, President and CEO of Mealtracker Dietary Software
Through the sale process, Generational brought in several interested buyers and we closed in about 6 months. I am so glad I accepted that invitation to the conference and could not be happier with the whole process. The team at Generational coupled with their knowledge and guidance was so valuable that in the end, I know I could never have done this on my own!
JoAnn Ellis, Owner of Fondren 5 Star Kennels
Greetings Mike. Thank you for the captivating and compelling presentation you made at the Phoenix presentation last week. Over many years in business yours was the most informative and well-presented presentation, on any subject, that I have ever attended! Your energy and enthusiasm combined with your concise and captivating support of your positions with easily understood examples and data was compelling.
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