Our business owner planning services go well beyond those offered by traditional wealth management firms. We have developed a deep network of resources to help alleviate the pain points that arise when running a company. As a result, our process helps our clients’ businesses run more smoothly and are better prepared to weather the inevitable storms that arise.
Stearns Financial Group has a long history of advising businesses and their owners in growth strategies, positioning for super trends, leadership planning, financing, cash management and exit strategies. As a fiduciary with your primary interest as our number one consideration, we help business owners examine business planning options consistent with their goals.
HOW WE SUPPORT BUSINESS OWNERS AND THEIR COMPANIES
At Stearns Financial Group, we recognize that business owners aren’t typical investors and that they require a set of distinct services and solutions to ensure this asset endures. From tax and risk mitigation analysis to comprehensive financial planning, we make sure our clients are thinking about all aspects of their personal and business goals.
We also collaborate with business and personal CPAs, estate attorneys, business lawyers and other professionals to bring business owners the sophisticated planning services they require.
Our business owner planning services include:
Designing traditional business planning strategies such as buy-sell agreements, combining asset protection strategies with estate tax planning strategies, coordinating business and personal philanthropy and foundations and many other approaches to minimize risk.
Evaluating the company’s robustness with a Private Business Moat Analysis to determine whether new business planning strategies are needed.
Examining profit focus to review financial strength, including brand value, pricing power and competitive products and services. Is this a NextGen product or service solution?
Creating growth strategies and tactics, including a focus on promising new “bolt-on” opportunities and other resources to grow with intention. Services include eliminating areas creating a drag on future growth.
Analyzing exit plan strategies or growth/exit hybrids in conjunction with business entities, including strategic partners, private equity, venture capital, family offices, ESOPs, large angel networks and ultra-high net worth angel investors. SFG often develops integrated exit plans that combine maximizing value, substantial tax planning, legacy planning, estate planning, asset protection and investment planning.
Developing specialized transition planning, including the evaluation of tax-smart personal planning coupled with business planning, management buy-outs, ESOP strategies and family business transitions.
Coordinating with your professional tax advisors, SFG uses a number of tools and techniques including the SFG Financial Independence Roadmap™ to develop business tax planning and personal tax planning that balances family and business issues.
SFG’S FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE ROADMAP®
As part of our multi-pronged approach to helping business owner clients develop a smooth exit strategy, Stearns Financial develops a multi-scenario Financial Independence Roadmap® of your potential future course based on current economic conditions, assets, liabilities and your individual goals.
Our process puts business sale scenarios into clear focus and sets the stage for pro-active financial independence planning, potential income tax savings techniques before and after the sale (developed with your accountant and tax attorney), estate planning (developed with your estate attorney), risk management and other key planning steps needed for the next chapter of your life.
BUSINESS OWNER SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS
Through our partnership with Hightower Advisors, we deliver business valuations, investment banking services, real estate solutions including UPREIT transactions, concentrated stock strategies and tax solutions as needed for businesses of all sizes and complexity.
