Journey Consulting, LLC

👻 Haunted by your company's financials? Banish the unknown and build confidence in Financial Acumen Training! 📅 When: December 4, 11 & 18 | 8:00 - 11:00AM 📍 Where: Journey Consulting - Green Bay, WI or Virtual ➡️ Info & Registration: https://lnkd.in/ec_xXEq Designed for business owners and your company's key leaders (HR, Operations, Sales, Technical Fields). Over the course of 3 interactive half-days of training we will cover:  • Basic accounting • Types of financial statements: Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement • Financial performance: key metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), benchmarking • Preparing Cash Flow projections • Debt/financing and capital purchases • Budgeting basics • Applied learning exercises • Final Case Study Limited spots available – secure yours if you dare! 👉 https://lnkd.in/ec_xXEq #financialacumentraining #financialliteracy #businessowners #training #professionaldevelopment

🤯 Exit planning feels overwhelming—it’s outside my area of expertise. 🤯 You’re used to being the expert in your field – that’s part of what makes you a successful business owner! But when it comes to exit planning, all the unknowns can feel overwhelming and unsettling. And for good reason ➡️ exit planning isn’t just about a sale or transition; when done right, it’s a multi-layered strategy that considers every part of your business, financial future, and personal legacy. Where do you start? Who do you trust? How do you put all the pieces together? The reality is, exit planning requires collaboration between multiple advisors who each bring their own specialized insights to the table. Here’s where the role of a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) is invaluable. 🏈 CEPAs serve as your "quarterback," bringing all the players together into a cohesive strategy aligned with your ultimate goals. What does the CEPA quarterback role involve? 💠 Holistic Strategy Development: As your CEPA, we don’t just focus on one part of the exit plan. We look at every element—tax planning, estate strategies, financial goals, and even your post-exit vision. This unified approach helps clarify the big picture so you’re prepared for the exit journey ahead. 💠 Coordinating Advisors: Your accountant, wealth advisor, and estate planning attorney each have unique and valuable insights, but rarely do they have a full understanding of the entire exit process. As your CEPA, we collaborate with each advisor to ensure all pieces fit together seamlessly. We manage the flow of information and keep everyone aligned, so your plan is comprehensive and efficient. 💠 Providing Confidence and Clarity: One of the most common reasons business owners avoid exit planning is uncertainty about where to begin. We designed The Value Journey to bring clarity to the process, breaking it down into manageable steps and providing education along the way. You’ll understand each stage and feel empowered to take the necessary steps forward. Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the unknowns? Let's talk about how we can help simplify the process of exit and succession planning. Changing Lives by Transforming Businesses (920) 770-4141 #ExitPlanning #ExitStrategy #BusinessAdvisors #StrategicPlanning #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessOwners #TheValueJourney

⭐ New Blog Post! ⭐ "One of the most impactful people in my life was a mentor who saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet recognized. He believed in my abilities, guided me through challenges, and made valuable connections that shaped both my career and my business. Though he has since passed, his influence continues to inspire me, and it's a testament to the power of mentors, peer groups, and advisory boards in driving personal and professional growth." - Jayne McQuillan, President of Journey Consulting In this month's blog, Jayne explores how these relationships have not only shaped her own journey but can also accelerate success for other business leaders. As you read, consider how the right support system could make a difference for you and your business! Blog Link: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gjz6vAcc Feeling isolated as a business owner? Journey Consulting offers exclusive, small group CEO Roundtables for owners who want to grow their business and themselves. CEO Roundtable: https://lnkd.in/gawhA732 NextGen CEO Roundtable: https://lnkd.in/gxEsAwzW #CEORoundtable #BusinessOwners #BusinessMentor #ExecutiveCoaching #Coaching #PeerGroups #BusinessValueGrowth #ValueCreation #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment

💰 Death and money—two things nobody likes to talk about. 🕰️ For business owners, these conversations are tough but essential. We shy away from talking about mortality because it’s uncomfortable. And when it comes to money, there’s a fear of embarrassment—whether it’s not having saved enough or even feeling uneasy about having “too much.” But facing these realities is critical for your business exit plan and your personal financial future. Ignoring the value of your business or avoiding the conversation can leave you, or your loved ones, blindsided when the time comes. It’s essential to understand what your business is worth and if the actual value matches your expectations. Often, a business owner will work with their financial advisor and create a plan based on, "Hey, I think my business is worth $3 million. So let's use that number." The advisor will run the numbers, and everything looks good, but that number has no validity. This guessing game can lead to a very sobering realization when you’re ready to exit and realize you’re short on the funds needed to realize your next chapter dreams.   ⚠️ Ignoring the actual value of your business is like walking blindly toward the edge of a cliff that you will inevitably fall off. Regular business valuations ensure a solid foundation for your exit planning assumptions and allow you to make necessary adjustments to meet your goals. 💡 The first step is knowing the real value of your business. Are you ready for that conversation? Let’s talk! www.journeyconsult.org 920.770.4141 | info@journeyconsult.com #ExitPlanning #ExitStrategies #BusinessOwners #BusinessValuation #TheValueJourney

🔐 “If I start planning my exit, will everyone know I’m leaving?” 🔐 Many business owners fear that if they begin exit planning, the rumor mill will start churning. 🧨 Competitors might see it as a sign of weakness, 🧨 employees could get nervous, and 🧨 clients might worry about the future of the business. But exit planning doesn’t mean 📢 telling the world about your future plans—it’s about strategically building value and aligning your team so that your business is stronger whether you’re there or not. 📖 Client Story: One of our clients, a second-generation business owner, was concerned about how exit planning would impact his team's morale. We worked together to ensure that strategic decisions were baked into the day-to-day operations, so it felt like “business as usual.” In fact, his team became more engaged as they saw the business growing and improving without feeling like it was preparing for a sale. Now, he has the peace of mind that whether he stays or leaves, the business will continue to thrive. 🔎 Are you holding back on exit planning because of confidentiality fears? #ExitPlanning #ExitStrategy #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessOwners #JourneyConsulting #TheValueJourney

💡NEW SERIES: 6 Reasons Business Owners Avoid Exit Planning 💡 Many business owners view exit and succession planning as a distant event, something to tackle once retirement is on the horizon. But in reality, exit planning is about 📈 creating value today, 📝 preparing for the future, and 🕺staying agile in the face of unexpected changes. In the coming weeks, we’ll explore the six common reasons business owners often delay exit planning—and why facing these concerns early can lead to a stronger, more profitable business today and in the long run. 🏭 Plus, you’ll hear real stories about clients who have successfully navigated their exit journeys! 🙌 What’s your biggest concern when it comes to planning your exit? 📖 Our new series is based on Chapter 2 of "The Value Journey: How to Drive Profits, Build Wealth, and Exit Your Business on Your Own Terms," written by Jayne McQuillan, CPA, MBA, CEPA. Available on Amazon! #ExitPlanning #ExitStrategy #BusinessStrategy #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessOwners #TheValueJourney

🌟Celebrating 4 Years with Journey Consulting!🌟 Tomorrow marks my four-year anniversary on the Journey team, and I couldn't be more grateful! Coming from 20 years in HR at a mission-driven non-profit, I wasn't sure how I’d feel transitioning into the for-profit world. But what I found at Journey Consulting was a company rooted in its mission—Changing Lives by Transforming Businesses. Working alongside our clients is incredibly rewarding. From that very first call when I can hear the stress in a business owner's voice, I get a little giddy with anticipation because I KNOW we can help and am envisioning their future. The positive impact we make is something I truly believe in. ✨ We don't just guide owners through exit/succession planning and business value growth...we build relationships and care deeply about their personal and professional success. And that success continues on through their employees, families, and communities. The friendships that have grown with clients, industry partners, and our team through shared stories, challenges, and quite a bit of laughter are such a blessing in my life. 💓 I'm especially thankful to work alongside Jayne McQuillan, CPA, MBA, CEPA, whose vision and passion for helping others succeed continue to inspire me. Here’s to many more years of making a difference! Brenda ☺️ Executive Assistant/Marketing Specialist/Wearer of Many Hats JOURNEY CONSULTING, LLC #Anniversary #Blessed #Grateful #JourneyConsulting #MakingADifference #ExitPlanning #BusinessOwners

"We don't ever want to sell to private equity. We don't like private equity." The three partners who (emphatically) said these words when we first met ended up selling to - of course, private equity! It was the best option for everyone involved, allowing two of the partners to retire and the third to continue leading as president, but with less risk. It was an outcome our clients never thought possible! When crafting your business exit strategy, exploring all available options is crucial. For many business owners, private equity has emerged as a powerful option, providing pathways to liquidity, growth, and succession. But how do you know if this route fits with your business and personal goals? Key Considerations When Selling to Private Equity: ➡️ Strategic Alignment with Your Vision Beyond just capital, private equity firms can influence your business's direction. Before you engage, it’s essential to assess if their investment philosophy matches your long-term vision. Shared values and growth plans are key to ensuring a partnership that will thrive long after the deal is closed. ➡️ Industry Expertise and Resources One of the biggest advantages of partnering with private equity is access to their broad network and industry expertise. However, not all firms bring the same value. Evaluate their portfolio, industry specialization, and success stories to determine if their resources can fuel your business’s growth ambitions. ➡️ Understanding Valuation and Deal Structure Private equity firms have a distinct approach to evaluating businesses and structuring deals. Make sure you're well-prepared with accurate financials and a clear growth story. Having experienced advisor by your side ensures that you negotiate terms that not only maximize value but align with your business goals. ➡️ What Comes After the Deal? Selling to private equity isn’t the end—it’s often the beginning of a new chapter. What role will you play post-transaction? What is the firm's plan for management continuity, growth, and value creation? A well-defined post-transaction strategy will set the stage for long-term success. ➡️ Cultural Fit Matters A mismatch in culture or values can quickly derail even the best-intentioned partnerships. Make sure to assess the cultural alignment between your team and the private equity firm. Shared leadership styles, values, and operating approaches will lay the groundwork for a smooth transition and productive collaboration. At Journey Consulting, we help private and family-owned businesses navigate the complex journey of business exits and succession planning. Selling your business is a momentous decision—knowing your options, whether private equity or otherwise, is the first step in crafting the right exit strategy for you. We’re here to provide expert guidance. Give us a call! (920) 770-4141 www.journeyconsult.com #privateequity #exitstrategies #businessowners #successionplanning #exitplanning

Journey's monthly CEO Roundtable is designed for owners who want to grow their business and themselves. Today we welcomed attorney Brian T. Flood of DeWitt LLP - Law Firm to answer questions around Employment Law. Thank you for leading a valuable discussion, Brian! We appreciate your insights and guidance on these tricky topics for business owners. Interested in joining our next CEO Roundtable cohort launching January 2025? Learn about our value creation focus and complete an application: https://lnkd.in/gawhA732 www.journeyconsult.com | info@journeyconsult.com | 920.770.4141 #businessownerroundtable #valuecreation #businessowners #professionaldevelopment #employmentlaw

🤵 New Blog Post! 👰 Jayne's family is in the middle of planning her daughter's wedding, and no surprise - it's expensive! But it got Jayne thinking...most people spend significant dollars on their wedding and never once ask the question: What's the Return on Investment (ROI)? In contrast, ROI is one of the biggest hesitations business owners express when we discuss Business Exit and Succession Planning. It's an important topic, so let's dive in! Blog Link: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gX6NH4xj #valuecreation #exitplanning #businessexit #businessowners #exitstrategy #strategicplanning