Business Succession

Maximize your value. Protect your future. 

Running a business takes everything you have. We know because we’ve been there — building our own business while guiding countless owners through theirs. For most business owners, the company isn’t just a career; it’s part of who you are. And when it comes time to transition or sell, preparation makes all the difference.

At Highland Trust Partners, we help small and midsize business owners take control of the exit process. Whether you plan to sell, transition to a family member, or simply want to understand your options, we’ll help you protect what you’ve built and create a clear path forward.

Download our business owner planning brochure below.

Why succession planning matters

You may not be planning to exit tomorrow, but here’s what the numbers show:

• 70–80% of business transitions fail nationally
• 50% of exits are involuntary, triggered by illness, burnout, or family change
• 98% of owners don’t know the value of their business

That means many owners leave money on the table — or never get to exit on their terms.

Succession planning is not a one-time event. It’s an evolving process that helps you:

• Grow the value of your business over time
• Minimize taxes and risk
• Prepare for unexpected events
• Align your personal financial goals with your business strategy

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Take the Succession Readiness Quiz

Curious how ready you really are?

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Take our 10-question Succession Readiness Quiz to see where you stand and get personalized insights on how to improve your readiness score.

Explore how proactive succession planning can protect what you’ve built and set the stage for your next chapter.

What makes a strong exit plan

A strong exit plan is about more than “what ifs.” It helps you build a more valuable, more transferable business — starting now.

At Highland Trust Partners, we assess every part of your business, from tangible assets to intangible value drivers. Then we help you develop a custom succession roadmap designed around your personal and financial goals.

Your plan may include:

• Identifying your assets, priorities, and succession goals
• Conducting a business and readiness assessment
• Building a financial and estate plan that supports your retirement vision
• Coordinating with attorneys, accountants, and other professionals
• Providing ongoing monitoring and adjustments
• Creating a vision for life after business

We break the process into manageable 90-day sprints so you can keep running your business while preparing for the next chapter.

Who we work with

We work with small to midsize business owners who want to exit with clarity, confidence, and control. Whether you’re ten years out or already considering a transition, it’s never too early to start planning.

Our clients include:

• Dental and medical practices
• Insurance and financial services firms
• HVAC and home services companies
• Funeral homes
• Family-run businesses
• Owners nearing retirement who rely on the business for income

We work with small to midsize business owners who want to exit with clarity, confidence, and control. Whether you’re ten years out or already considering a transition, it’s never too early to start planning.

If you’re asking, “How do I exit my business?” or “How can I retire without selling for less than it’s worth?” — we can help.

Our approach to succession planning

We’re not just advisors, we’re business owners who’ve been through this ourselves. We understand what’s at stake and how complex the process can feel. Our role is to help you slow down, zoom out, and plan with intention.

We offer:

• Fee-based, objective advice (no sales pressure)
• Collaborative support with your CPA, attorney, and key advisors
• Straightforward conversations that bring clarity, not confusion

We’re based in Athens, Georgia, and work with business owners nationwide. If you’re ready to get organized, gain clarity, and take control of your future, we’d love to talk.