Most business owners have dedicated their lives to building their business. When the time comes, deciding what’s going to happen next and when is often tougher than getting it off the ground in the first place. Whether handing it to the next generation, considering selling to employees or seeking an outside buyer, our process helps clients analyze their goals, balance family dynamics, determine value, and assess business strengths and weaknesses.

Who We Serve

Businesses come in all shapes and sizes that range from single generation to multi-generation. We have experience working with owner-operated small businesses and professionally managed large enterprises in a variety of industries, including agribusiness, construction, distribution, food & beverage, hospitality, manufacturing, professional services, real estate, and retail. While many service firms approach ownership transition planning by the amount of transaction value, we understand and serve our clients by their goals and unique circumstances.

Our Approach to Serving You

We’re dedicated to helping you reach your financial goals. Our approach is holistic, integrating expertise in business valuation, deal structuring strategies, tax and estate planning. We consider your total financial picture and vision to provide you with a tailored service approach. That means we, alongside your other advisors, provide the services you need most at the level of depth you desire.

How We Can Help

Collaboration with Other Advisors

Business owners often work with a team of professionals by their side, including financial advisors and attorneys. We will collaborate with your other advisors to ensure everyone keeps your goals as the highest priority, while maintaining efficient communication between all team members.

And if you don’t already have a relationship with an attorney, we’d be happy to recommend advisors with whom we have longstanding trusted relationships to partner with you.

Business Valuation Services

An official valuation financially analyzes your business and can help you sell, obtain financing, perform estate planning, or update a buy-sell agreement for your business. We have four team members who have earned the Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) credential from the American

Institute of Certified Public Accountants, making us the largest accredited team of any other firm in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. The ABV certification ensures our team has the sophisticated understanding of all aspects of business valuation.

Deal Structuring

There are many different options to structure a business sale. We can help both sides during negotiations to ensure the deal meets the needs of both the buyer and the seller. Financing, taxes, risk, and many other considerations are taken into account. The objective is to have a clearly defined deal outline in place when going into the legal phase, which ultimately helps streamline the process.

Tax Planning and Preparation

We understand how tax return preparation may seem like only a compliance requirement. However, we use it to spearhead discussion of other key topics.

While the preparation of your tax returns is one thing, we also proactively look at ways to minimize future tax liability. Our approach to tax planning focuses on bottom line savings, while keeping a vigilant eye on opportunities that benefit long-term interests.

Estate Planning

The sale of your business can significantly impact your personal financial situation, which is why it’s critical to ensure your estate plan is accurately updated. With appropriate planning, we can help limit estate taxes while ensuring your assets will be distributed how you wish in the future.