How Goodwin Investment Advisory helps you exit smart and protect your legacy
As a business owner, you’ve poured your time, energy, and passion into building something truly meaningful. But what happens when it’s time to step away? Whether you’re considering selling your business, transferring ownership to family, or retiring altogether, having a clear business exit strategy is crucial—not just for your financial future but also for preserving the legacy you’ve worked so hard to create.
At Goodwin Investment Advisory, we specialize in helping entrepreneurs and business owners navigate the complexities of exiting their business with confidence, purpose, and financial clarity.
Why a thoughtful exit strategy matters
Most business owners spend years growing their company, but far fewer spend adequate time planning how they’ll leave it. Without a well-defined exit strategy, you risk:
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Leaving money on the table during a sale
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Paying more taxes than necessary
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Failing to transition leadership smoothly
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Losing control over the company’s future
What business owners are asking:
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“How can I exit my business without getting crushed by taxes?”
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“What’s the best way to transfer my business to the next generation?”
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“When should I start planning my exit?”
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“Can I retire on the proceeds from selling my business?”
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“How do I ensure my employees and clients are cared for after I leave?”
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“How will this sudden wealth event affect my long-term financial plan?”
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“Should I pay off debts or invest the proceeds?”
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“What should I consider when selling or keeping real estate or business interests?”
Common pain points:
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Unclear Valuation
Are you aware of your business’s actual worth or how to maximize its value before a sale?
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Tax Exposure
Are you concerned about capital gains and how much you’ll keep after the sale?
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Impact on estate planning
Should I update my estate plan, will, and other documents to reflect this change?
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No Succession Plan
Unsure who will take over or how to transfer leadership effectively?
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Legacy Concerns
Worried your company’s mission, culture, or people won’t be protected post-exit?
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Uncertainty surrounding retirement
Wondering if your exit will fully fund your desired retirement lifestyle?
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Overwhelmed
Are you unsure what to do with the sudden cash influx or how to plan around it?
How Goodwin Investment Advisory can help
We provide a comprehensive, collaborative process to help business owners like you exit wisely and with peace of mind.
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Business valuation guidance
We work with your CPA or valuation experts to understand the complete picture of your business’ worth and ensure your financial plan aligns with real numbers. -
Tax-savvy exit planning
We help minimize your tax liability through proactive planning—leveraging tools like installment sales, charitable trusts, Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) exemptions, and retirement-focused strategies. -
Succession & legacy planning
Whether you’re passing the business to your children, selling to a key employee, or preparing for a third-party sale, we help you create a plan that preserves what matters most. -
Investment strategy post-exit
Once the business is sold, we help you build a portfolio that reflects your new goals, whether that’s retiring early, launching a new venture, or simply enjoying your freedom. -
Coordinated advisory team
We collaborate with your attorney, CPA, and other professionals to ensure that all aspects of your exit, including the legal, financial, and emotional components, are handled with care.
Example planning timeline
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5 Years Out: Begin valuation, clean up books, identify successors, legal restructuring
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1–2 Years Out: Tax optimization, formalize succession plan
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6–12 Months Out: Execute deal prep, finalize estate and investment plans
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Post-Sale: Transition plan, reinvestment strategy, lifestyle planning
Tax savings through thoughtful planning
For example, a doctor sold his medical practice. By planning five years in advance, he restructured ownership, qualified for QSBS, and ultimately saved over $600,000 in taxes. This could be you! Let us help you strategize and plan ahead.
Estate planning considerations
We help ensure the proceeds from your business exit are integrated into your estate plan—minimizing estate tax, funding trusts, and protecting assets for future generations.
Emotional & identity transition
Business owners often struggle with the emotional side of letting go. Your business may feel like a child you’ve raised, and your identity could be wrapped up in its success. That’s why we also provide guidance on finding a new purpose and vision for the next season of life.
Is your business exit-ready?
Even if you’re not planning to exit soon, there’s value in making your business “exit-ready.” Early planning increases valuation, reduces risk, and provides flexibility. Think of it as building future options—and peace of mind.
Questions to ask yourself today
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What does life after my business look like?
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Have I considered the tax implications of my exit?
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Do I have a plan for what happens to my employees, clients, and company culture?
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Have I created a strategy for turning business proceeds into sustainable income?
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How could a sudden wealth event affect my taxes, estate, or long-term plan?
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Do I have a trusted team to help me manage this transition?
Your legacy deserves more than a hasty exit
Exiting your business is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. You don’t have to do it alone. At Goodwin Investment Advisory, we specialize in helping business owners retire by design, not by default.
Let’s talk about your exit strategy
Start the conversation today.
👉 Schedule a Free Consultation
👉 Schedule a Free Consultation
Disclosure:
All investment carries risk, and we cannot guarantee performance or results. Past performance does not guarantee future results. GIA does not earn any compensation from any of the non-GIA links provided in these resources. The market insights, podcast, blogs, book recommendations, self improvement thoughts, food recipes and activities are based on our perspectives and experience, and may not apply to your unique situation or be appropriate for your health and wellness. We are not aware of any conflicts of interest relating to any testimonials or endorsements. Please contact us for any questions relating to the content above, or to discuss how we can support you in your specific situation, and help you to reach your financial and personal goals.
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