THE TRANSITION TRAP: HOW FIRST-TO-SECOND GENERATION HANDOFFS CAN MAKE OR BREAK BUSINESS VALUE
The handoff from a founder to the next generation is one of the most critical (and most underestimated) moments in a family business. While most planning conversations focus on legal structures and ownership transfer, the real risk lies in the operational and cultural transition. Without a clear strategy, businesses often experience a “value dip” in the 12–24 months following succession, as leadership uncertainty, cultural tension, and competing visions slow momentum. This session explores how to avoid the Transition Trap by aligning legacy with innovation, codifying the founder’s wisdom into systems, and empowering next-gen leaders to scale with confidence. Our goal is to share practical tools to de-risk generational handoffs, preserve enterprise value, and position the business for long-term success—whether the goal is a future exit or continued family ownership.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the hidden risks of founder-to-next-generation transitions that can erode enterprise value.
- Learn practical frameworks for empowering next-gen leaders to innovate without losing what made the business successful.
- Explore strategies to avoid the “value dip” that often occurs in the 12–24 months following succession.
- Gain actionable tools to de-risk the generational handoff and preserve long-term value for both family and potential buyers.
Event Details
Who Should Attend?
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Attorneys
You have close relationships with clients, and can benefit from being the first advisor to introduce the idea of exit planning.
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CPAs/Accountants
Owners participating in the State of Owner Readiness research continue to indicate that you are the No. 1 "Most Trusted Advisor." You are a natural fit to lead the exit planning team and deepen your relationship (and retention) of next generation owners.
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Wealth Managers
You’re a skilled relationship person. Being entangled into your clients’ professional lives matters as you build a strategy to manage their wealth upon them harvesting it from their business. Exit planning allows you to build a deeper relationship with your client, expands your COI network, while giving you an early seat at table well before the liquidity event.
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Financial Advisors
One of the critical ‘legs of the stool’ is personal financing planning. An owner must have a strong financial plan & contingency plan post-transition to enable them to thrive in the next act of the lives personally and financially. Exit planning brings this future mindset into the present. Exit is now.
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Valuation Analysts
Valuation is both a billable engagement AND an opportunity to provide owners some perspective on how to accelerate value drivers (and deal with value killers). Use exit planning to make that valuation into a longer term value acceleration engagement.
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Investment Bankers
Only 2 of every 10 businesses that come to market actually sell. Learn how exit planning can bring attractive AND ready business to your purview.
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Estate Planners
Exit planning is a natural fit for estate planners who want to operate more holistically with their owner clients.
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Strategic Consultants
One of the most critical roles in exit planning is building transferable value. Strategic consultants have the ability to expand options and drive rapid business value that affect performance today.
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Insurance Professionals
Exit planning addresses the 5 D's. So do you. Approach the risk conversation differently with exit planning.
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Mergers & Acquisition Advisors
Proper exit planning causes less deals to fall through at the last minute. Connect with CEPAs to build your healthy deal flow network.
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Commercial Lenders
One of the best relationships a business owner makes is with their banker. How can you help your corporate clients think about the future and ensure financial continuity? Answer: exit planning.
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Family Business Advisors
More than 50% of lower middle market business owners would prefer to transition to the next generation. Help them succeed with exit planning strategies.
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Other Professional Advisors
Regardless of your unique specialty, there is seat at the exit planning table for you. Learn more at www.EarnCEPA.com.
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Private Business Owners
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Members of Family Business Boards
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Professional Advisors
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Business Consultants
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Other Business Professionals
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Business Owners
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Business Owners & Their Trusted Advisors
EXIT PLANNING IS GOOD BUSINESS STRATEGY
The Exit Planning Institute, provides Financial Advisors, Accountants, Consultants, and other advisors of business owners with the critical education to differentiate themselves and add value to their existing client relationships through a credential, conference, courses, and content. Download the CEPA brochure for more information.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Cameron is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor located in Tampa, FL, who specializes in helping businesses drive value through strategic planning, execution, and coaching. He brings a holistic approach, focusing on Culture, Leadership, Operations, Sales/Marketing, and Financials. His clients are typically between $2mm-$150mm, owner-operators, and are looking to bring a higher level of accountability and execution to their teams and grow the value of their business.
Joey Brannon is the founder and CEO of Axiom Strategic, where he drives the firm’s vision, strategy, and business development. With 20+ years advising business owners, he has developed proprietary tools and frameworks that guide Axiom’s client engagements. Joey is sought after for his perspective on complex leadership, growth, and succession challenges, equipping advisors to deliver transformative results for business owners.