What happens to your business when you step away, or worse, can’t come back? In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Lowell Mora, fractional CFO and founder of Impact CFO, to talk about the silent risks that cause nearly half of family-owned businesses to fail within two years of the founder’s exit. Lowell shares what most owners get wrong about succession planning, the trap of customer concentration, and why keeping total control can actually destroy the value you’ve worked so hard to build. You’ll also hear real-world strategies for preparing your business for sale, transitioning to the next generation, and using capital wisely to protect your legacy. This is a must-listen for any business owner who’s built something great, but hasn’t built a plan for what’s next.
What You’ll Learn
Why nearly 50% of family-owned businesses fail after the founder exits
What buyers really want to see before buying your business
How customer concentration quietly lowers your company’s value
When to sell, pass down, or bring in a CEO, and how to know the difference
How to use debt smartly to grow, not sink, your business
Why most owners overestimate their company’s value
How to make a succession plan that actually works
The surprising risks of staying “in control” too long
Episode highlights: (0:27) The harsh truth: 50% of family businesses fail post-founder (2:08) Lowell’s journey from CPA to exit expert (6:16) Why so few businesses prepare for the founder’s exit (8:09) Top two value-killers: weak management & customer concentration (12:09) What buyers expect, and why you’re probably not ready (17:04) “Debt-free” sounds good, but may hurt you more (23:07) Are you running a business, or just holding a job? (27:51) Letting go: how to pass the torch the right way (34:32) What happens if you get hit by a bus? (36:01) The power of planning: personal and professional alignment (38:54) Final thoughts: Don’t wait for a crisis to make a plan Connect with Lowell Mora Website → https://impactcfo.net Email → lowell@impactcfo.net
/ lowellmora Connect with Melissa Aarskaug LinkedIn → 
0 comments
Leave a comment
Please log in or register to post a comment