MODERNIZING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION: AN HVAC BUSINESS CASE STUDY IN SUCCESSION, TECHNOLOGY, AND ENTERPRISE VALUE
What happens when a successful family-owned HVAC company is ready for its next chapter—but its technology hasn't kept pace with the business? In this case study, we'll follow a fictitious HVAC company through a year of digital transformation, showing how reducing technology risk, modernizing operations, strengthening cybersecurity, and adopting smart technologies can increase enterprise value and position the business for a successful family transition. Along the way, we'll explore how digital de-risking can help close valuation gaps, create new revenue opportunities, and leave both the retiring owner and the next generation better prepared for long-term success.
Learning Objectives:
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Identify common technology and cybersecurity risks that can reduce business value, complicate succession planning, or create barriers to a successful ownership transition.
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Evaluate how strategic investments in technology modernization, cybersecurity, and operational improvements can increase enterprise value, improve transferability, and create new growth opportunities.
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Recognize opportunities to incorporate digital risk and technology readiness into succession planning conversations with business owners to help prepare companies for the next generation of leadership.
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
Laura Baker, CISM, MBA, ARM, CEPA®
Co-Founder & Executive Director, CyberWyoming
Laura Baker is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of CyberWyoming, where she leads statewide initiatives to help average citizens, microbusinesses, and organizations understand and manage their cybersecurity risks. As the Executive Director of CyberWyoming, she oversees nationwide, regional and state programs that promote cybersecurity awareness, workforce development, and community resilience. Her work includes managing the Cybersecurity Competition for Small Businesses (aka Made Safe Cybersecurity Business Training Program), advancing practical cybersecurity education for the small business community, and developing workforce pathways through tech and business advisor cybersecurity apprenticeship programs.
As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), Laura brings specialized training in guiding business owners through holistic exit strategies that build organizational value while planning for life beyond the business. CEPAs® are uniquely equipped to serve as trusted advisors who understand the intersection of business operations, personal goals, and long-term financial planning. With 9 years of guiding businesses through the Made Safe Training Program and additional credentials including CISM (Certified Information Security Manager), MBA, and ARM (Associate in Risk Management), Laura blends expertise in cybersecurity, risk management, and strategic business planning to support small businesses at every stage of growth and transition.