Beyond the Owner-How Family Systems Shape Successful Exits Compressed
Beyond the Owner: How Family Systems Shape Successful ExitsInclusive planning, legacy thinking and trusted advisory teams drive long-term success.In this episode of the Exit Planning Coach Podcast with John F. Dini, family business expert Amy Wirtz shares powerful insights on how family dynamics, collaboration, and clear communication shape successful business transitions. Drawing from her background as a collaborative divorce attorney and senior consultant with the Family Business Consulting Group, Amy discusses the importance of listening first, educating owners on their options, and engaging the full family system—not just the founder. She offers real-world examples of navigating generational shifts, avoiding conflict, and building governance structures that support long-term success. Whether you’re an advisor or a business owner, Amy’s perspective will change how you think about planning for the future.
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32:41
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32:41
Building EPIC - The Story Behind the Software that Launched Exit Planning
Building EPIC: The Story Behind the Software that Launched Exit PlanningIn this episode of The Exit Planning Coach Podcast, host John F. Dini interviews Elizabeth Mower, former president of the Business Enterprise Institute (BEI) and the original architect of EPIC—the first exit planning software on the market. Elizabeth shares how her background in law and business led her to a pivotal role in shaping the early exit planning profession. She recounts the creation of EPIC’s planning logic, her unexpected 15-year tenure at BEI, and how that experience inspired her current work at entreVector. The conversation then shifts to the evolving needs of business owners and the workforce, as Elizabeth introduces her latest innovation: Vector Connect, a DIY program designed to bridge the generational gap in employee engagement through community impact initiatives.
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39:50
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39:50
Dustin Cordier - Designing a Business You Can Step Away From
Designing a Business You Can Step Away FromDustin Cordier, CEPA, founder of StepZero Coaching, shares his journey from Air Force pilot to aviation entrepreneur to exit planning advisor. He explains the meaning behind "StepZero"—the importance of clarity and intention before taking action—and how these ideas shaped his approach to business growth and exit planning. Dustin discusses why he chose to focus on the aviation industry, the power of niching, and how strong systems allowed his former business to thrive even after he and his partners exited. He also offers advice for business owners and advisors on building companies that create real freedom and options, and how authentic community involvement leads to stronger business development. His insights offer a practical roadmap for anyone looking to create lasting value in both business and life.
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24:54
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24:54
Navigating the Descent - John Leonetti on Protecting Wealth and Legacy in Business Exits
Navigating the Descent: John Leonetti on Protecting Wealth and Legacy in Business ExitsIn this episode of the Exit Planning Coach podcast, host John F. Dini interviews John Leonetti, founder and CEO of the International Exit Planning Association (IEPA). Leonetti shares his journey from working in his father's textile business to founding the IEPA after experiencing firsthand the lack of succession planning resources. After obtaining law and finance degrees and working in M&A and wealth management, he wrote "Exiting Your Business, Protecting Your Wealth" and established the IEPA (originally Pinnacle Equity Solutions). The IEPA distinguishes itself by focusing on practical implementation and requiring members to submit actual exit plans for certification. Leonetti emphasizes that successful exit planning isn't just about financial outcomes but about transforming entrepreneurs' lives by helping them prepare for life after business and preserve their legacy.
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35:48
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35:48
Sheryl Linck on Time, Purpose, and Planning- Keys to a Successful Business Exit
Sheryl Linck Podcast SummaryTime, Purpose, and Planning: Keys to a Successful Business ExitIn this episode of the Exit Planning Coach podcast, host John F. Dini interviews Sheryl Linck, a strategy and financial planning specialist at The Trust Company of Tennessee. Sheryl discusses her expertise in comprehensive exit planning, which includes continuity planning, personal financial planning, business planning, and estate planning. She emphasizes the importance of holistic planning for business owners, addressing challenges like time management, family harmony, and post-exit purpose. Sheryl also shares her ideal client profile (businesses with $5M+ in revenue) and advises new exit planners to focus on their expertise and collaborate with a team rather than trying to handle everything alone.
Welcome to The Exit Planning Coach, a podcast for financial consultants, advisors, and anyone who works with business owners. Hosted by John F. Dini CExP, CEPA, expect to hear tips and tricks from experts across many areas of business. This is a podcast for beginners just starting and those who have been active in this field for years. Expect episodes weekly across all podcast platforms, as well as YouTube.
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