Practical guidance for business owners navigating ownership transition, succession, and equity compensation.
A buy-sell agreement protects your ownership, your partners, and your business when life changes. Here's how they work, what they cover, and the mistakes that make them worthless.
March 25, 2026 · 7 min read
Performance equity compensation defined in plain English. What it is, how it differs from bonuses, the main instruments, and why closely held businesses use it.
March 22, 2026 · 7 min read
A management team that wants to buy the company isn't enough. Lenders need to see cash flow, track record, deal structure, and skin in the game before they'll finance a management buyout.
March 18, 2026 · 7 min read
Key employees don't leave just for money. Learn how phantom stock, SARs, and performance equity can retain your best people without diluting ownership.
March 15, 2026 · 7 min read
Business valuation in a management buyout isn't the same as valuation in a third-party sale. Here's what owners get wrong and how to use valuation as a planning tool, not a weapon.
March 8, 2026 · 7 min read
Before designing an equity compensation plan, ask these three questions. The wrong plan for the wrong reason causes more problems than it solves.
March 4, 2026 · 7 min read
Financing a management buyout is the seller's problem too. A practical guide covering the financing mix, SBA lending, seller notes, earn-outs, and why deal structure matters more than headline price.
March 1, 2026 · 7 min read
Selling and gifting your business to your children both carry real trade-offs. Here's how to think through the financial, tax, and family dynamics before you decide.
February 25, 2026 · 7 min read
Phantom stock can be a powerful tool for business owners planning their exit strategy and for incentivizing key employees.
February 18, 2026 · 3 min read
