Getting better outcomes for my clients: review of the CEOA Program
- Dan Conklin
I am an investment advisor at Hunter Street Investment Advisors. I recently completed the Certified Employee Ownership Advisor (CEOA) Program, Project Equity’s accredited employee ownership training program for business advisors.
Becoming a CEOA has allowed me to serve my clients better, differentiate my abilities from competitors, and deliver comprehensive exit planning solutions to business owners.
How the CEOA Program aligns with my professional goals as a business advisor
As an investment advisor and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), I have worked with many independent business owners. I realized the advice they seek often is a holistic view that includes a detailed plan for their business.
The Certified Employee Ownership Advisor Program deepened my knowledge and ability to deliver that.
How becoming a Certified Employee Ownership Advisor has impacted my work with clients
Gaining a deep understanding of the employee ownership options differentiates my abilities from other advisors—leading to better outcomes for exiting owners looking to protect or reward trusted employees.
These often-overlooked owner options, like partial exits, governance and control, timeline, and tax efficiencies, can also ensure the owner’s legacy.
While working with a family-owned service industry business with a few long-term trusted employees, I was able to show them something other advisors were missing. I was able to listen and then reach for a “toolbox” that included a driver that could deliver an important feature that other advisors did not consider.
The people they trusted to do the work for years might be the best buyers.
How employee ownership benefits businesses
As a Certified Employee Ownership advisor, I am able to offer a deep understanding of business exit options that others may not. The benefit of these options can be the most important considerations for a business owner.
They are not just financial, like tax savings or providing a path to incrementally step away from their business, but can change the lives of their employees, plus protect the legacy of the owner and the future of the employees.
Advice for other advisors in the field
I am confident that as a Certified Employee Ownership advisor, I can deliver holistic exit planning options that consider owner legacy tax savings, governance, control considerations, and partial exits. I am now able to offer a tailored approach that includes benefits for trusted employees as future owners, the current owner’s legacy, as well as financial benefits.
As an advisor to business owners, it is important that you are an expert in your field; the CEOA Program prepared me to know what to listen for and what questions to ask, then be able to provide expert, tailored advice.
Ready to offer holistic exit planning options to your clients, including employee ownership? Learn more about the CEOA Program or browse all of Project Equity’s learning programs.
