every business owner needs to “regret proof” their exit!

If you’re a business owner with a desire and vision for selling to key employees who have helped you build the business, the following is a short list of important issues to seriously consider prior to moving forward. And, the sooner you begin the greater chance of a successful transition.

An ESOP, or an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, can be an attractive exit route for business owners.  It can provide a path to “take chips off the table”, sustain the business culture, motivate employees, and ensure that employees have a future with the business.  Selling owners can also have more control over the timing of their departure from the business, with the most enticing aspect often being the favorable tax consequences of a transaction.

Up until a successor takes over as an owner, they have typically only ever been an employee.  Therefore, it is critical to help them begin adopting an Owner’s Mindset prior to handing over the keys.

Owners and employees generally think differently.  I remember when I first became the owner of a company.  I co-owned a restaurant development company, where developed our own restaurant chain and also developed a territory for a national franchise.

In some cases, employees are capable of successfully operating a business, but lack the capital to acquire it. This may become the last resort for a seller, who takes a note rather than close the doors. This approach leaves the seller in the role of silent partner, hoping that the employees can maintain the business well enough to pay the debt.