In this season of gratitude, I’m reflecting on one of the most meaningful deals of my career—and why every owner should build an off-ramp before they need one.

Many business owners worry that preparing for a future transition means turning their business into something bland and formulaic.

That’s a false choice. The most compelling companies in a sale process are the ones that are both well-run and clearly differentiated.

Here’s how to build your unique vision and make it transferrable in the long run.

When most business owners hear “exit planning,” their mind immediately jumps to one thing: selling.

But selling your business is just one form of exit. There are others.

What all these paths have in common, though, is this: they go better when you’ve planned ahead.