Exit Planning

Thoughtful transition planning for value, legacy, and continuity.

You’ve poured years (and often decades) into building a company you’re proud of, and you deserve to exit on terms that reflect your values, your effort, and your long-term goals.

The transition out of your business—whether in one year or five—requires more than just legal documents and financial projections. Across nearly two decades in investment banking and private equity, I’ve supported business owners through some of the most pivotal—and profitable—transitions of their careers. And in every case, without fail, better preparation would have led to better outcomes. Through that experience, a few core truths hold steady:

  • Start before you’re ready: The best exits aren’t reactive. They’re planned. The earlier you prepare, the more options you create—and the more value you’re likely to realize. Waiting too long to plan can mean leaving money on the table or feeling forced into decisions that don’t align with your goals.

  • Design with intention: A successful exit is more than a transaction, it’s an organization-wide transition physically and emotionally. Whether your goal is to protect your team, maximize your payout, shift into a new role, or preserve your company’s legacy, your plan should reflect what matters most to you.

  • Don’t go it alone: Selling your business or stepping away from day-to-day leadership is one of the most significant and personal decisions you’ll ever make. At Daybreak, we guide owners through the complexities of the sale process, acting as both translator and advocate. We ensure you understand each step, collaborate seamlessly with your M&A advisors, and help drive the best possible outcome. You’ll receive grounded, strategic guidance that balances M&A expertise with a deep understanding of the emotional weight of transition.

Exiting well doesn’t happen by luck—it happens by design. Let’s make sure the next chapter is just as rewarding as the one you’ve written so far.

Current Offerings

  • Exit Readiness Assessment

    Exit Readiness Assessment

    If you're thinking about a sale in the next 1–5 years, start here. We’ll assess how prepared your business is for a successful transition and help identify the biggest levers to increase value. Through our detailed financial and operational analyses, you’ll come away with:

    - A clear understanding of your business’s readiness for sale

    - A prioritized list of operational and financial value drivers

    - Practical steps to enhance valuation and reduce risk

  • Trusted Sounding Board

    Trusted Sounding Board

    The sale process is complex, emotional, and full of high-stakes decisions. We serve as your confidential advisor throughout the journey. Expect:

    - Straightforward explanations of legal, financial, and deal terms

    - Guidance that keeps your goals at the center of every decision

    - A steady hand to bring perspective and keep the process on track

  • Selecting M&A Advisors

    Selecting M&A Advisors

    Choosing the right investment banker, attorney, and other key advisors can make or break your exit. We help you build a trusted team aligned with your goals. You’ll benefit from:

    - Introductions to vetted professionals with the right experience and fit

    - Support evaluating advisor proposals and negotiating terms

    - An unbiased partner focused solely on your best interests

  • M&A Sale Process Support

    M&A Sale Process Support

    You don’t have to manage the sale process alone. We support your internal team and coordinate efforts with your external advisors. Services include:

    - Execution support to the executive team (CEO, CFO primarily)

    - Advisor selection and Quality of Earnings (QoE) preparation

    - Internal readiness and data gathering for due diligence

    - Coordination across stakeholders to keep the process moving

  • Management Meeting Preparation

    Management Meeting Preparation

    How you and your team show up during buyer meetings directly impacts valuation and deal momentum. We’ll help you make a powerful impression. This includes:

    - Coaching on how to confidently present your company’s strengths & opportunities

    - Messaging development tailored to buyer expectations

    - Mock meetings and Q&A preparation to build readiness

  • Compensation Negotiation

    Compensation Negotiation

    Whether you're staying on post-sale or not, your compensation structure matters. As a partner to you and your legal counsel, we help you navigate complex terms with clarity and strategy. We’ll support you in:

    - Structuring and negotiating earnouts, equity rollover, and retention

    - Ensuring alignment with your financial goals and risk tolerance

    - Securing competitive and fair terms for your next chapter

  • Private Equity Board Coaching

    Private Equity Board Coaching

    If you’re stepping into a board-facing role post-transaction, the learning curve can be steep. We help you adjust with confidence. You’ll receive:

    - Coaching to prepare for board-level communication and expectations

    - Strategic insight into governance dynamics and value creation

    - Support aligning your role with long-term investor goals

  • Post-Transaction Integration

    Post-Transaction Integration

    Closing the deal is just the beginning. We help ensure a smooth handoff—for your team, your customers, and your legacy. Services include:

    - A tailored integration plan covering culture, operations, and financial systems

    - Communication strategies to support transparency and trust

    - Support navigating early post-close challenges

Select Writings

Below is a selection of recent and popular writings. For a full list of articles see the Writings section.

Get in touch.

Want to learn more about Daybreak’s exit planning services? Schedule a complimentary 30-minute exploration call below. After learning more about you, your business, your aspirations, and what challenges you are facing, I can provide a specific and detailed proposal for ways we could work together.