Business Owner Academy

This program equips wealth management professionals with the knowledge and skills to advise business-owner clients through every stage of business planning. From entity selection and risk management to succession planning and executive compensation. This program emphasizes practical client application, integrating technical strategies with client communication and planning insight.

Areas of Study:

Business Challenges & Choice of Entity Issues
Gain a foundational understanding of how business structure impacts liability, taxation, and continuity.

• Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, and Corporations

• Decision-making factors and client-specific considerations

• Real-world application of entity planning

Buy-Sell Planning
Master the structure and strategic purpose of buy-sell agreements to protect client ownership interests.

• Agreement types and triggering events

• Valuation mechanics and funding strategies

• Guiding clients through plan implementation

Investment and Insurance Planning
Integrate investment and insurance strategies tailored to business-owner risks and goals.

• Coordinating asset allocation with business goals

• Evaluating appropriate insurance coverage

• Balancing protection with growth opportunities

Asset Protection Planning
Develop advanced strategies to help clients preserve personal and business assets.

• Use of trusts and legal structures

• Navigating family dynamics in planning

• Identifying red flags and advisor responsibilities

Business Succession Planning – Intra-Family Transfers
Explore succession strategies focused on keeping the business in the family.

• Trust-based succession

• Balancing fairness and control

• Aligning client legacy with planning tools

Business Succession Planning – Sales to Third Parties
Prepare clients for external sales by understanding valuation and deal structuring.

• Preparing the business for sale

• Third-party valuation methods

• Deal structuring and risk management

Executive Compensation Planning
Guide business clients through compensation structures to attract and retain key talent.

• Stock options and equity-based plans

• Deferred compensation and insurance-based solutions

• Transition planning for executives

Teaming and Partnering
Help clients structure internal and external partnerships for long-term success.

• Identifying the right partner fit

• Defining roles, responsibilities, and exit strategies

• Facilitating growth through collaboration