exit planning advisors Archives - Business RadioX ®

How XPX Atlanta Makes Advisors Better, with Scott Ward, Corporate Real Estate Advisors

August 27, 2024 by John Ray

Scott Ward, Corporate Real Estate Advisors, on The Exit Exchange Podcast, hosted by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

How XPX Atlanta Makes Advisors Better, with Scott Ward, Corporate Real Estate Advisors

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How XPX Atlanta Makes Advisors Better, with Scott Ward, Corporate Real Estate Advisors (The Exit Exchange, Episode 18)

In this episode of The Exit Exchange, host John Ray welcomes Scott Ward, an active member of XPX Atlanta and a commercial real estate tenant representative. They discuss the role and benefits of XPX Atlanta, a group dedicated to improving exit planning services for business owners. The conversation highlights the collaborative nature of XPX Atlanta, the value it offers to members, and the significance of early planning for business transitions. Scott explains in detail how XPX Atlanta makes its members better at the work they do for clients. He also touches on various events and learning opportunities provided by XPX Atlanta to enhance professional skills and foster genuine relationships among its members. Finally, Scott also shares insights into his own real estate business, the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest, and how he helps businesses secure better leases.

For more information on Exit XPO 2024, mentioned in the show, follow this link or download a flyer here.

The host of The Exit Exchange is John Ray, and the show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. John Ray and Business RadioX-North Fulton are Gold Sponsors of XPX Atlanta.

Scott Ward, Corporate Real Estate Advisors

Scott Ward is a veteran of over 25 years owning businesses.

Successfully representing and consulting other business owners in lease negotiations in the technology, healthcare, retail and manufacturing industries, Scott’s unique perspective as a business owner ensures a tight focus on the owner/tenant’s long term cash flow needs as a catalyst for the future health of his client’s company.

Scott has mentored five former employees to own their own businesses and applies these techniques in formulating winning space solutions for his clients. He has served on boards or as an officer in Rotary International (Treasurer/International Director), The Chattahoochee Nature Center Board, The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, Scouts BSA (adult training), Toastmasters International, The Georgia Production Partnership (membership, industry relations and governmental relations) and the Atlanta Theatre to Go Board.

Scott is a member of the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors and a graduate of the University of Florida. Scott is also a public speaker and presentation coach.

He loves fly fishing, sailing and has been known to swing a golf club or two! His family’s accomplishments overwhelm him with pride. If you would like to share a coffee, please reach out!

Company Website | Company LinkedIn | Scott Ward LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to the Exit Exchange
01:18 Meet Scott Ward: Commercial Real Estate Expert
03:45 The Role of XPX in Business Transitions
05:07 XPX Meetings and Networking
08:13 The Importance of Listening and Learning
21:06 Experience XPX: Monthly Zoom Meetings
22:46 XPX Membership and Conferences
26:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta

Their members work with business owners through all stages of the private company life cycle: business value growth, business value transfer, and owner life and legacy. Their Vision: To fundamentally change the trajectory of exit planning services in the Southeast United States. XPX Atlanta delivers a collaborative-based networking exchange with broad representation of exit planning competencies. Learn more about XPX Atlanta and why you should consider joining our community by following this link.

The host of The Exit Exchange is John Ray, and the show is produced by Business RadioX® – North Fulton in Alpharetta. The show archive can be found by following this link.

John Ray and Business RadioX North Fulton are Gold Sponsors of XPX Atlanta.

Diana Murphy, Diana Murphy Coaching, and Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach

August 22, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Diana Murphy, Diana Murphy Coaching, and Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach

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Diana Murphy, Diana Murphy Coaching, and Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach (The Exit Exchange, Episode 16)

On this episode of The Exit Exchange, Diana Murphy and Bill McDermott each shared how they help business owners achieve successful exits. Bill noted that the difficult part of getting clients to sell their businesses is not necessarily the lack of understanding of what needs to be done, but the mental block of getting them to take that first step. He offered an example of a recent engagement where breaking through that inertia was critical to the desired client outcome. Diana discussed how she focuses on the business owner’s thoughts and feelings to better understand their concerns and worries. She notes that many times, spouses or other family members can influence the business owner’s decisions without them even realizing it. By taking the time to ask specific questions and really listen to the answers, she noted, advisors can help uncover these hidden issues and create a faster process. Diana and Bill also shared why they are members of XPX Atlanta.

This episode of The Exit Exchange was hosted by John Ray and David Shavzin and was produced in the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Diana Murphy, Owner, Diana Murphy Coaching

Diana Murphy Coaching serves successful business owners when they need support during challenging transitions. Diana serves owners in big growth when they are thinking about selling and also during personal transitions that are affecting the business.

Diana Murphy is a life and mindset coach for the business owner/expert advisor/solopreneur. She helps business owners grow to reach their business goals while they take brilliant care of their health and life. Diana coaches her clients to achieve their life and business goals by learning how to handle the obstacles that are inevitable along the way.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram |

Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach, Founder and CEO, McDermott Financial Solutions

Bill McDermott is the Founder and CEO of McDermott Financial Solutions. McDermott Financial helps business owners improve cash flow and profitability, find financing, break through barriers to expansion and financially prepare to exit their business. When business owners want to increase their profitability, they don’t have the expertise to know where to start or what to do. Bill leverages his knowledge and relationships from 32 years as a banker to identify the hurdles getting in the way and create a plan to deliver profitability they never thought possible.

Bill currently serves as Treasurer for the Atlanta Executive Forum and has held previous positions as a board member for the Kennesaw State University Entrepreneurship Center and Gwinnett Habitat for Humanity and Treasurer for CEO NetWeavers. Bill is a graduate of Wake Forest University and he and his wife, Martha have called Atlanta home for over 40 years. Outside of work, Bill enjoys golf, traveling, and gardening.

Company website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta (XPX) is a diverse group of professionals with a common goal: working collaboratively to assist business owners with a sale or business transition. XPX Atlanta is an association of advisors who provide professionalism, principles, and education to the heart of the middle market. Our members work with business owners through all stages of the private company life cycle: business value growth, business value transfer, and owner life and legacy. Our Vision: To fundamentally changing the trajectory of exit planning services in the Southeast United States. XPX Atlanta delivers a collaborative-based networking exchange with broad representation of exit planning competencies. Learn more about XPX Atlanta and why you should consider joining our community: https://exitplanningexchange.com/atlanta.

The Exit Exchange is produced by John Ray in the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. The show archive can be found at xpxatlantaradio.com.

John Ray and Business RadioX are Platinum Sponsors of XPX Atlanta.

Bruce McFadden, Carr, Riggs & Ingram

February 18, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Bruce McFadden, Carr, Riggs & Ingram

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Bruce McFadden, Carr, Riggs & Ingram (The Exit Exchange, Episode 11)

As a CPA and Partner at Carr, Riggs & Ingram, Bruce McFadden has seen many missteps in how businesses handle an exit. He shares common mistakes, including not bringing the CPA into the process early enough. Bruce discussed ways to get the CPA on board early, questions to ask, quality of earnings statements, and much more. This episode of The Exit Exchange is co-hosted by Maria Forbes and Bob Tankesley and is produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Carr, Riggs & Ingram

CRI is one of the fastest-growing CPA firms in the U.S., now a top 25 firm in the U.S. and a superregional firm in the S.E. they’ve been present and involved in the Atlanta market for over 40 years.

Providing traditional audit, accounting & tax services, and additionally consulting transaction advisory services in the M&A and exit planning space along with our portfolio companies. A very advisory approach.

Along with a number of professionals from their advisory teams at CRI, they are joined at the XPX Atlanta table by their portfolio companies: CRI Capital Advisory and Level Four.

Carr, Riggs & Ingram is pleased to be a gold sponsor of XPX Atlanta.

Company website | LinkedIn

Bruce McFadden, Partner, Carr, Riggs & Ingram

Bruce has 40+ years of experience in public accounting, including audit and attest services for clients in the manufacturing, distribution, technology, retail, construction, and hospitality industries, as well as audits of employee benefit plans. Bruce is one of the CRI-Atlanta partners responsible for overseeing the office’s quality control, a member of the firm’s SEC Practice Committee, and serves or has served as engagement partner on some firm’s public registrant clients.

He has in-depth knowledge and experience with mergers and acquisitions, systems consulting, cash flow modeling, benchmark analyses, business consulting, and exit planning.

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta (XPX) is a diverse group of professionals with a common goal: working collaboratively to assist business owners with a sale or business transition. XPX Atlanta is an association of advisors who provide professionalism, principles and education to the heart of the middle market. Our members work with business owners through all stages of the private company life cycle: business value growth, business value transfer, and owner life and legacy. Our Vision: To fundamentally changing the trajectory of exit planning services in the Southeast United States. XPX Atlanta delivers a collaborative-based networking exchange with broad representation of exit planning competencies. Learn more about XPX Atlanta and why you should consider joining our community: https://exitplanningexchange.com/atlanta.

The Exit Exchange is produced by John Ray in the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. The show archive can be found at xpxatlantaradio.com.

John Ray and Business RadioX are Platinum Sponsors of XPX Atlanta.

Dr. Larry Gard, Hamilton-Chase Consulting (The Exit Exchange, Episode 3)

March 18, 2021 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Dr. Larry Gard, Hamilton-Chase Consulting (The Exit Exchange, Episode 3)

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Dr. Larry Gard, Hamilton-Chase Consulting (The Exit Exchange, Episode 3)

Selling or transitioning out of a business isn’t all about dollars and cents. Acknowledged or not, psychological and emotional issues come into play, and those considerations must be navigated by business owners and their advisors. On this edition of “The Exit Exchange,” Dr. Larry Gard covers the four psychological mistakes business owners make as they approach an exit. This edition of “The Exit Exchange” is co-hosted by David Shavzin and Bob Tankesley and is produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.

Hamilton-Chase Consulting

Hamilton-Chase Consulting offers pre-hire assessments to ensure that the people you hire are a good fit for the job, executive coaching and 360-degree feedback to help your key staff perform at their best. They specialize in career coaching and pre-retirement consulting to foster a positive, smooth transition to your next chapter. Find your retirement transition readiness score here: https://assess.coach/donewithwork.

Dr. Larry Gard, Consulting Psychologist, Hamilton-Chase Consulting

Dr. Larry Gard is a consulting psychologist and president of Hamilton-Chase Consulting in Chicago. From hiring to retiring, Dr. Gard’s work centers around the concept of goodness-of-fit, ensuring that people are engaged in activities that are well-suited for their personality. He teaches firms how to refine their selection process so that hiring decisions are more accurate and the right candidates are chosen. Larry also works with late-career professionals and business owners, offering brief coaching to help them prepare emotionally for a satisfying transition to their next chapter.

He is the author of “Done with Work: A dozen perspectives on the decision to retire”.

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook

Questions and Topics in this Interview

What led you to focus on psychological preparation for a business owner getting ready to sell?
What mistakes have you seen people make?
When business owners aren’t emotionally ready to retire, what consequences have you seen?
What specifically will affect business owners in the lower middle market that our XPX members can take into account when advising their clients?
How can we, as advisors, best raise this topic with our clients?
Why are you a member of XPX?

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta (XPX) is a diverse group of professionals with a common goal: working collaboratively to assist business owners with a sale or business transition. XPX Atlanta is an association of advisors who provide professionalism, principles and education to the heart of the middle market. Our members work with business owners through all stages of the private company life cycle: business value growth, business value transfer, and owner life and legacy. Our Vision: To fundamentally changing the trajectory of exit planning services in the Southeast United States. XPX Atlanta delivers a collaborative-based networking exchange with broad representation of exit planning competencies. Learn more about XPX Atlanta and why you should consider joining our community: https://exitplanningexchange.com/atlanta.

“The Exit Exchange” is produced by John Ray in the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. The show archive can be found at xpxatlantaradio.com. John Ray and Business RadioX are Platinum Sponsors of XPX Atlanta.

Business Planning and Succession Planning with special guest Steve Capizi from Apex Exit Advisors

September 11, 2019 by Mike

Gwinnett Studio

Business Planning and Succession Planning with special guest Steve Capizi from Apex Exit Advisors

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Senior Salute Radio brings timely information to leading age Boomers and Seniors addressing the issues of aging, care-giving and maintaining quality of life. Learn from both professionals and regular people going through the process with their families.

Special guest Steve Capizi, Managing Principal of Apex Exit Advisors as well as the Georgia Chapter President of the Exit Planning Institute will be continuing our discussion about Business Planning and Succession Planning.

Steve Capizi/Apex Exit Advisors

At Apex Exit Advisors, they possess the unique skill set and experience that makes them the exclusive choice for your exit planning needs.

Benefits of using Apex Exit Advisors as your exit planning partner:

An experienced guide: Connecting and aligning your business and personal goals, so you gain control and exit with clarity, confidence and peace of mind… on your terms.
One firm coordination: Provides advisor accountability and timing results.
One collaborative plan: All bases are covered and planning points are not overlooked.
Flexible planning platform: Rely on their subject matter experts or they collaborate with your own advisors.
Leadership to achieve results: A fully integrated team and approach.
High Return on Investment: Typically planning pays off more than 100%

When you choose Apex Exit Advisors, you are choosing a flexible partner who’s well-suited to guide you to the mountain top and ensure a safe journey or next big adventure.

About The Estate & Asset protection Law Firm of Victoria Collier

The Estate & Asset Protection Law Firm was established to serve the legal needs of senior citizens when their health care needs increase. The Firm focuses its entire practice on Asset Protection and Estate Planning matters, which encompasses the areas of Medicaid Planning, VA Benefits Planning, Special Needs Planning, and Estate Planning. Victoria Collier has grown her law practice through her personable nature and good management skills. The office is located in downtown Decatur, GA. The Firm makes house calls to those clients who are unable to come to the office. They understand that you might not be able to make it into the office, so they have no problem coming to you! Take comfort in knowing that it is the mission of Victoria Collier to support her clients in the creation of a long-term care plan for preserving assets, maximizing independence, and enhancing quality of life.