The CapTrust Guide to Stewarding Your Wealth Through a Business Exit
Your financial future after a business exit is shaped by your choices today.
We want to help you prepare wisely for a business exit that’s personally fulfilling, financially rewarding, and intentionally structured for the next phase of your journey.
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Navigate Your Exit Across Four Critical Time Horizons
Finish Well brings together real world wisdom from nearly 30 years of helping steward the wealth management side of business exits.
We’ve organized the guide around four key time horizons: the five‑year runway, the two‑year plan, the sale year, and post‑sale.
The 5-Year Runway
Focus: Vision and Readiness. Before you meet with advisors, talk to your family. Figure out your number. Consider what you'd like life to look like following the sale. This is where you build the foundation for everything that follows.
The Sale Year
Focus: Transition and Handover. Don't let fatigue cost you money. Ensure deal terms actually hit your number. Nail down your post-sale role in writing. Think about your charitable giving window. This is where discipline protects your interests.
The 2-Year Plan
Focus: Financial and Operational Preparation. Get your advisory team talking. Know the tax consequences of your deal structure. Get a formal business valuation. Start conversations with key stakeholders. This is where strategy becomes action.
Post-Sale
Focus: Identity and Stewardship. Plan around your payout structure. Live into your charitable legacy. Have conversations about wealth with your family. Move toward something purposeful, not just away from the business.
How to Use This Guide
Each time horizon includes two sections ➞
Section 1: Strategic Overview
A short strategic overview, including summarized takeaways, top priorities for each phase, and examples of how other owners have navigated similar transitions while keeping their personal and professional goals on track.
Section 2: Comprehensive Table
A comprehensive table to help you track the potential impacts across critical four critical planning areas. You’ll discover questions to help you and your family clarify goals, mistakes to avoid, next steps to consider, advisors to engage, and more.
Each time horizon includes 4 key planning areas for long-term success.
1. Wealth Management
How you financially prepare for the right exit, including cashflow needs, ownership allocations, etc.
2. Tax Strategy
High-leverage activities to take now and prior to the sale to minimize your tax burden
3. Legacy Planning
Intentional steps to help achieve your desired familial or social goals from the business sale
4. Family Dynamics
Clarify expectations around wealth and responsibilities, especially when selling or transitioning a family business
Planning early gives you the necessary time to communicate expectations, and then to stay nimble and communicative as life circumstances inevitably shift.
Brian VandenBrink
Wealth Advisor | CEO & Partner
