Most business owners don't plan their exit—until it's too late. With over 20 years of experience in business valuation and exit strategy, Melisa Silverman has seen firsthand how unplanned transitions can erode a company’s value and legacy. As President of Avenue M Advisors and Managing Partner at the Founders Group, she’s helped countless business owners align personal goals with business value to ensure smoother, more profitable exits. 

In this episode, Melisa joins host Mark Osborne to share actionable strategies on how to make your business more attractive to buyers, reduce risk, protect intellectual property, and ultimately, exit on your own terms. Whether you're years from retirement or just starting your company, you'll walk away with a roadmap to long-term value and freedom. 

Quotes: 

1. “Every company has created something that is unique in their own way, and they should be able to sell it and get the value out of their business that they put into it.” 

1. “Most companies sell at a discount because the business just isn’t ready to sell.” 

1. “Exit planning is a team sport. One advisor can't do it all and shouldn't.” 

Takeaways: 

1. Start exit planning as early as possible, ideally from day one. 

1. Knowing the true value of your business is the starting point of any transition. 

1. Identify and protect your intellectual property, even if it’s not patented. 

1. Reduce risk by building systems, teams, and documented processes. 

1. Use business and personal readiness assessments to guide planning. 

1. Bring in qualified advisors (like CEPA professionals) to help build and execute your transition strategy. 

1. Set up your data room and due diligence documentation early to increase your chances of a successful sale.[Text Wrapping Break] 

Conclusion: 

Your exit is not just a transaction, it’s a transition. By thinking ahead, protecting what you’ve built, and bringing the right team together, you can ensure that the legacy of your business lives on and that you walk away with the rewards you deserve. 

Links Mentioned: 

Guest Links: 

Avenue M Advisors: https://avemadvisors.com 

Founders Group: https://foundersgroup.biz 

LinkedIn: Melisa Silverman