Business Owners have a unique set of opportunities and challenges to plan around. Every financial decision impacts the business, their family personally, as well as each family that the business employs. Summit has unique expertise in helping business owners plan comprehensively around the business issues and the owners personal wealth outside of the business. Many of the business issues, like buy/sell agreements, key employee incentives, company retirement plans, and the succession plan, will have impacts on the owner’s personal financial life, and that of their people. Our planning process creates clarity and cohesion for the owner and their family as they make these important decisions.

We also pride ourselves on understanding and collaborating with the many professionals in the business owners life: CPA, Attorney, Banker, Business Insurance Advisor, etc. to ensure that the owners objectives are identified and there is a clear plan in place to meet their objectives. Many owners share goals of maintaining their current lifestyle throughout retirement, keeping the business healthy and prospering, while creating a legacy for the next generation behind them. Knowing the personal impact of the various business decisions for the owners family gives them the confidence and understanding to execute on their objectives.

Owner Financial Independence

• Comprehensive wealth management: balancing stocks, bonds, business and real estate investments
• Personal retirement cash flow planning: How will I replicate my paycheck when I retire?

Succession Planning 

• Internal sale, ESOP, third party acquisition

Corporate Retirement Plans

• 401K
• Defined benefit pension

Key Employee Retention

• Deferred comp
• Phantom stock
• Stock appreciation rights

Buy/Sell Agreement Funding

• Insurance and/or liquidity