Succession by Design (How Visionary Leaders Prepare Their Organization for What's Next)

Succession by Design shows business owners how to turn years of hard work into a lasting legacy, creating peace of mind for their families, security for their teams, and the freedom to exit on their own terms.

Most business owners spend years building their companies—but few prepare for how they’ll step away. The result? Lost value, family conflict, and legacies left to chance. In Succession by Design, veteran advisor Jim Erben shows you how to avoid becoming another statistic and instead craft a future you’ll be proud of.

With clarity and compassion, Erben shares real-life stories of both caution and success, revealing the roadmap every owner needs to transition their business with confidence. From calculating your “Happily Ever After Wealth Number” to protecting your team and securing your family’s future, this book equips you to exit not by default, but by design.

Whether you’re preparing to retire, pass your business to the next generation, or simply want to be ready for the unexpected, Succession by Design gives you the tools to safeguard your hard work and leave an enduring legacy.

You will learn:

· Why every business—no matter its size—needs a written succession plan.
· How to calculate your “Happily Ever After Wealth Number.”
· Ways to determine and maximize your business’s true market value.
· Steps to create continuity and emergency operating plans that protect family, staff, and clients.
· Proven strategies to align personal wealth with exit goals.
· How to build a succession “dream team” of advisors.
· What it means to leave not only financial security but also an enduring legacy.

With Succession by Design, you’ll gain the clarity and confidence to make intentional choices about your future—and the future of your business.