Comments for Your ExitMap

Comment on NQDCs – “Let Me Count the Ways” by Valerie Koenig

Valerie Koenig — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:51:56 +0000

Good article, thanks John.

Comment on The Inexperienced Advisor – An Exit Planning Horror Story for Business Owners by Vickie Lucero

Vickie Lucero — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:08:57 +0000

Ouch. This was as painful as it was informative to read. Thanks John (and Steve).

Comment on Owners are a Minority by Patrick T Bradley

Patrick T Bradley — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 14:57:36 +0000

Great post John!

Comment on My Interview with Jerry West on Management by Tom Ledbetter

Tom Ledbetter — Fri, 09 May 2025 20:10:03 +0000

Great story about Jerry West! You are right about management of our companies at a much lower level than the Lakers. I was up at 3ish this morning going over my options and next steps just like the big guys. There is no substitution for total and singular focus.

Comment on Addressing the Value Gap – Living Expenses by michael desiato

michael desiato — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 01:31:44 +0000

excellent points

Comment on Family Succession Planning: Who Gets the Office? by Phil R.

Phil R. — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 01:35:09 +0000

I enjoy reading the commentary. I am coming up to that decision in the next few years….who gets the office

Comment on Business Continuity Planning by Karen Parker

Karen Parker — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 17:27:41 +0000

This is an excellent, well written article. Michael, thank you for sharing your insight!

Comment on Why You Can’t Sell Your Business Overnight by Alison Tugwell

Alison Tugwell — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:25:15 +0000

Not a quick fix! Thanks for making us aware!

Comment on Purpose After the Sale by Joseph

Joseph — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:16:00 +0000

Finding a renewed sense of purpose and meaningful work is a must for a long and healthy life after the business.

Comment on Exit Strategies for Small Business Owners: A Summary Guide by Stephen Oliver

Stephen Oliver — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:26:37 +0000

Thank you Joe. It’s great to read about the 4th strategy – Adjusting to Life after the Sale. Your point to get started before the sale is finalized is spot on. In fact, I’m developing a process to work with business owners prior to entering the exit phase to “map out” life after the sale before they enter the exit phase.

It starts with personal reflection and establishing a vision about the rest of their life. And it can begin today, not on Day 1 or 366 or 733 after the sale. There are many tools and books out there to guide the individual as one transitions. The hardest part is “fear of the unknown” as your identity and purpose changes. Get started today so that when the exit happens, you are already transitioning.

Comment on Exit Strategies for Small Business Owners: A Summary Guide by Valerie Koenig

Valerie Koenig — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 22:39:24 +0000

Great piece, John, shared it on LinkedIn and bookmarked it.

Comment on Non-Qualified Plans by Andrew Karlen

Andrew Karlen — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 12:38:24 +0000

Great post John. One problem that I’ve seen is clients’ viewing the term “key employee” on a sentimental basis. Key employees are typically those who’s departure would impact the bottom line. Longevity alone does not make someone a key employee. Long-time loyal employees who are not “key” can be recognized in other ways, e.g. bonuses.