So, When Are You Going to Exit?
April 28, 2026 •
That’s a big question. And it’s probably the question most business owners in the trades are not asking themselves early enough.
A lot of owners avoid this conversation because they think having it is going to jinx something. Or they’re scared because their whole identity is wrapped up in the business. “Who am I if I’m not running this company?”
That’s normal. The math is the math, we can put projections on paper all day long.
But helping an owner get mentally ready to walk away with the paycheck, that’s a bit of an art.
Good news is, you don’t need to have it figured out today. You just need to start planning for the possibility of it.
Three to five years out is when we really like to dig in, because that runway lets us do things you can’t do when somebody’s writing you a check next Tuesday.
What That Runway Gives You
With three to five years, we get to work with the whole team.
Your accountant, your attorney, your insurance advisor, us. Everybody talking, everybody rowing in the same direction. That’s the piece that’s missing for almost every owner I meet. They have all the right people, but nobody is talking to each other. The compound effect of that coordination, you can’t see it until you look backwards.
With that runway, we can position the business to maximize its value, work the tax planning so Uncle Sam isn’t taking it all off the top, and map out what life looks like on the other side so you’re not sitting there six months after the sale wondering who you are.
And, look, maybe the answer isn’t a sale at all. Maybe you pass it to your kids or an employee. The point isn’t to force you toward an exit, it’s to give you options.
Where to Start
You don’t need answers today. Just sit with a few questions:
- If somebody offered you a check tomorrow, would you know if it was the right number?
- Do you have an idea of what your business is actually worth?
- Who on your advisory team is thinking about this with you, and are they talking to each other?
If those feel fuzzy, that’s the starting point. Give us a call. Let’s talk it out together. No pitch, just a conversation entrepreneur to entrepreneur about where you are and where you want to go.
You worked really hard to get here. Let’s make sure the next chapter is as good as you’ve earned.
— Michael
Interested in how this works? Let’s talk.
Book a JobWalk and we can start the conversation.
Interested in other Rungs? Check out:
- The full Ladder here or the audio edition here
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HFM Investment Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser. All statements and opinions expressed are based upon information considered reliable although it should not be relied upon as such. Any statements or opinions are subject to change without notice. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. All investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Information expressed does not take into account your specific situation or objectives and is not intended as a recommendation appropriate for any individual. Listeners are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment advisor to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
