Case Study 1

Business Owner Near Retirement

Traveling with his wife and spending time with family is Rick’s ultimate dream in retirement.

The Challenge

Profile / Timeline

Targets an exit within five years as a 60‑year‑old owner of a multi‑million‑dollar rural Illinois company.

Family / Lifestyle

Balances he and his wife’s wish for the freedom of retirement with the reality his business is a big part of his identity by weighing options from a complete sale to limited post-exit involvement.

Team / Culture

Protects long‑tenured employees and small‑town reputation throughout any transition.

Options / Legacy

Assesses sale or succession paths to preserve family wealth and community impact.

Our Approach

Discovery / Alignment

Clarify values, family priorities, and succession goals through focused conversations.

Team / Integration

Coordinate CPA, Estate Planning Attorney, Business Attorney and business‑transition advisor to align legal, tax, and operational strategies.

Scenarios / Modeling

Work with team to compare private‑equity sale, out‑of‑area competitor sale, ESOP, and CEO succession with tax‑aware cash‑flow projections.

Execution / Monitoring

Guide family‑inclusive checkpoints, valuation updates, and negotiations to keep progress on track.

The Plan

Timeline / Milestones

Outline decisive dates and family checkpoints leading to a five‑year exit.

Execution / Path

Select the succession route that best supports family and employees, then engage buyers or leadership search under NDA.

Tax / Legacy

Coordinate structures with CPA and Estate Planning Attorney to cut taxes and safeguard multigenerational family wealth.

Review / Adjust

Hold consistent family‑inclusive check‑ins to keep the plan on track as markets and goals evolve.

The Results

Valuation / Clarity

Identified realistic price and net proceeds, ending guesswork.

Tax / Savings

Captured seven‑figure savings through coordinated deal and estate structure.

Liquidity / Flexibility

Analyzed cash‑flow scenarios under multiple deal structures to maintain liquidity while diversifying wealth.

Retirement / Assurance

Confirmed sustainable cash flows so the family can pursue travel and lifestyle goals.

Curious how a plan like this might work for your family‑owned business? Let’s talk.

Case study is hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Clark Wealth Partners provides fiduciary financial planning; results will vary.