Welcome to Capitaliz Insights. This podcast serves as the go-to for conversations about all things exit and succession planning, from industry trends and best practices, news, case studies and success stories, plus advisor tips and strategies for making a mark in this space. Co-hosts Dr. Craig West and Jared Johnson create a place for both business owners, giving actionable insights to the owners planning for an eventual business exit or transition, and the advisors navigating them through the journey.
Dr. Craig West is an accountant and mentor with more than 25 years of experience in advising business owners on exit planning, succession, and mergers and acquisitions. For the last 15 years, he has provided strategic direction to Succession Plus, the largest Business Succession and Exit planning consulting firm in Australia that is entirely focused on designing and implementing successful exit strategies to achieve the owners' goals, separate them from the business, and provide them with financial reward they deserve. The team's proven planning methods and processes have been digitized and systemized as a comprehensive Saas platform, Capitaliz, that has been serving professional advisors since 2021.
Capitaliz President, Jared Johnson, has spent just shy of two decades in the exit planning space and is passionate about working with advisors and providing them with the resources to help their clients to maximize business value and achieve successful exits. Jared specializes in implementing strategies designed to grow revenue through client centric models, and works to conceptualize and implement innovative solutions for Capitaliz advisors and the broader Capitaliz network.
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Welcome to Capitaliz Insights. This podcast serves as the go-to for conversations about all things exit and succession planning, from industry trends and best practices, news, case studies and success stories, plus advisor tips and strategies for making a mark in this space. Co-hosts Dr. Craig West and Jared Johnson create a place for both business owners, giving actionable insights to the owners planning for an eventual business exit or transition, and the advisors navigating them through the journey.
Dr. Craig West is an accountant and mentor with more than 25 years of experience in advising business owners on exit planning, succession, and mergers and acquisitions. For the last 15 years, he has provided strategic direction to Succession Plus, the largest Business Succession and Exit planning consulting firm in Australia that is entirely focused on designing and implementing successful exit strategies to achieve the owners' goals, separate them from the business, and provide them with financial reward they deserve. The team's proven planning methods and processes have been digitized and systemized as a comprehensive Saas platform, Capitaliz, that has been serving professional advisors since 2021.
Capitaliz President, Jared Johnson, has spent just shy of two decades in the exit planning space and is passionate about working with advisors and providing them with the resources to help their clients to maximize business value and achieve successful exits. Jared specializes in implementing strategies designed to grow revenue through client centric models, and works to conceptualize and implement innovative solutions for Capitaliz advisors and the broader Capitaliz network.
Exit planning is entering a new era, with a strong emphasis on implementation, customization, technological integration, and strategic collaboration. Capitaliz co-hosts Dr. Craig West and Jared Johnson discuss how the shift was on full display at the 2025 Exit Planning Summit this summer, making note of the industry's aversion to fragmented approaches and the demand for more comprehensive, integrated solutions that better serve business owners.
The pair talked through emerging trends impacting the capabilities of professional planners including the use of AI, a focus on ESG considerations, and tailored exit strategies for individual clients. Tune in to the full conversation as we discuss how advisors can stay ahead by embracing innovation, building strong partnerships, and staying proactive to adaptation.
In this episode, Craig and Jared are joined by Sam Walters, the longest-serving Capitaliz team member, as he shares his journey from public accounting to exit and succession planning and his transition to the client success and technology side of the profession. His twelve-year career path reveals valuable insights into the evolution of exit planning from "cottage industry" to sophisticated discipline, highlighting the growing demographic opportunities and technology advancements reshaping the field.
The episode’s discussion covers:
How Public accounting provided Sam a valuable foundation before discovering his passion for succession planning
The benefits and mentorship opportunities the “duo model” of advisory services offers over the traditional one-person approach
What expectations and demographic trends with Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials are creating compounded opportunities for exit planning
How Capitaliz Value Potential tools allows advisors to demonstrate tangible ROI by tracking business value increases
The new Capitaliz integration with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero and how it saves significant time in data collection and what improvements are in the pipeline.
How monitoring business value over time is often neglected but critical for business owners
We encourage advisors to take advantage of these powerful platform features, and the trends and considerations shared by Sam, to improve efficiency and demonstrate clear value to clients. Stay tuned for more insights from the Capitaliz team on our next episode.
In this episode of Capitaliz Insights, Brent Heflin, Capitaliz VP of Sales, shares his consultative sales philosophy and leadership approach that's driving growth for the team, and for advisors using the platform. He details how Capitaliz stands apart from other tools by offering an end-to-end exit planning solution built specifically for advisors who want to scale their practice while delivering exceptional client outcomes.
This brief episode with Brent explores:
• The value in a consultative and empathetic sales approach focused on understanding each advisory practice's unique challenges
• Building a sales team based on trust, removing obstacles, and creating effective feedback loops
• The Capitaliz differentiator: an elegant approach to intrinsic value calculation that aligns with the Value Acceleration Methodology
• The ways that the Capitaliz platform intentionally fosters professional collaboration in exit planning among disciplines
• The "chicken and egg" dilemma: invest in your systems before pursuing clients
• How our success-based pricing model creates alignment: "we win when you win"
• The importance of being selective and honest about compatibility and being the right fit.
Whether you are looking for perspective on your sales philosophy or want to learn more about how Capitaliz can help scale your exit planning practice, this episode has insights for everyone.
Listen to the episode at the link below and visit capitaliz.com/get-started to see the platform in action.
In Episode 7 of the Capitaliz Insights podcast, hosts Craig West and Jared Johnson explore how advisors can leverage the Value Gap Assessment as a powerful marketing and prospecting tool.
From email signatures to newsletters, social media, and even event marketing, they share actionable strategies to engage prospects and spark meaningful conversations. Learn how this versatile tool can set you apart, create deeper client connections, and drive business growth.
If you're looking for innovative ways to attract new clients and add value from the very first interaction, this episode is for you. Tune in now!
Learn more about Capitaliz and the Value Gap Assessment here: http://capitaliz.com/value-gap
In Episode 6 of Capitaliz Insights, we introduce you to the leadership team that propels our success. Get to know Sam Walters, Zach Broyles, Maddie Ernzen, and Brent Heflin as they share their backgrounds and roles at Capitaliz, previewing more to come in later episodes.
Sam Walters discusses his journey from public accounting to VP of Client Delivery, focusing on his current functions of developing the software to meet the most pressing client needs. Zach Broyles talks about his inspiration to join Capitaliz and play a role in the vast opportunity that is exit planning. Maddie Ernzen shares her passion for marketing and what she specifically enjoys about marketing in the advisor space. Brent Heflin reflects on his extensive experience in FinTech and his enthusiasm for joining the team.
Tune in to understand how each leader contributes to our mission and sets the stage for future growth.
In this insightful episode of Capitaliz Insights, Jared Johnson interviews Craig West, CEO and Founder of Capitaliz, to explore his take on the evolving nature of business ownership through the lens of his own experience with his advisory firm, Succession Plus. The pair discuss key shifts in owner mindsets towards risk-aversion and a desire for stability, and the importance of early planning and leveraging technology for younger owners.
Craig also shares how common pitfalls such as flawed assumptions on time requirements have a major impact on value acceleration. The discussion gives valuable advice on exit planning and emphasizes how to build an attractive, "ready-to-sell" business.
Tune in to learn about the collaborative approach to advisory and effective tools for time management, informed planning efforts, and maximizing business value.
In Episode 4 of the Capitaliz Insights podcast, Craig West and Jared Johnson dissect the pivotal roles advisors play in exit planning engagements. Discover how you can enhance your advisory services by understanding three key roles: the Exit Planning Generalist, the Project Manager, and the Exit Planning Expert.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to specialize, this episode provides valuable lessons in defining your role on the advisor team, how to use your strengths, and how to add significant value as you guide clients through the process.
Tune in and learn how Capitaliz can support you at every stage of your advisory journey.
In the latest episode of the Capitaliz Insights podcast, hosts Craig West and Jared Johnson share valuable insights from their recent attendance at various industry conferences and events. They discuss several key trends shaping the future of Exit Planning and advisory services, including the growing importance of planning earlier, planning for uncertainty, and the transformative role of AI and technology for advisors. Additionally, they explore the increased owner emphasis on leaving a legacy and emphasize the rising need for collaboration among advisors from different disciplines. The episode also highlights the importance of networking and attending events for advisors to stay informed and connected in a rapidly changing landscape. Join Craig and Jared as they unpack these trends and their implications for advisors and business owners alike.
In this first episode of the re-launched, second season of Capitaliz Insights Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Craig West and Jared Johnson invite you to dive deep into the journey of Jared Johnson, President of Capitaliz. Discover the personal and professional experiences that shaped his path in Exit Planning, from his early corporate days to his current leadership role. Jared shares personal stories and insights into the evolution of the exit planning industry, discussing the past and present challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Tune in to learn how his vision for Capitaliz is set to transform the way advisors and business owners navigate exit strategies and hear what’s being said about the trends and shifts in the current market for the rest of 2024 and beyond.
In this episode, host Craig sits down with Tommy Battle, President of Financial Designs and one of our trusted Capitaliz advisors. Tommy's career journey has been nothing short of fascinating, and he shares insights from his diverse experiences ranging from education to financial advisory.
Tommy's current focus on value acceleration and business exit strategy is particularly interesting, and he offers valuable advice on how to prepare for a successful exit. Listeners will also gain insight into the important lessons Tommy has learned along the way, including the crucial role of structure and discipline in achieving success as an advisor.
In this episode of Capitaliz Insights join Craig as he delves into the world of financial planning with Thom Hall, managing partner at Carson Wealth. Discover how Carson Wealth helps business owners uncover their 'Why' to guide them in their 'How', as well as Thom's personal experience with estate planning and his journey into financial planning, with a particular focus on exit and succession planning. Through their conversation, Craig and Thom highlight the crucial importance of developing an exit strategy in advance and how Carson Wealth's expertise in this area can help business owners navigate potential risks and knowledge gaps.
Learn about the evolving financial advisory landscape and how Carson Wealth's approach emphasizes each business owner's unique purpose.
In this episode, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Zach Broyles, one of the key players on our team. Zach joined Capitaliz in late 2022 and is currently leading the sales team from our North American headquarters in Denver.
In this engaging conversation, Zach shares his career journey, which began in the tech industry, followed by starting his own business, and finally transitioning to financial services. He provides valuable insights into the day-to-day workings of his role and his personal philosophies on client service and the Capitaliz approach.
Join Craig and Zach as they discuss the exciting plans for the future at Capitaliz, including how they plan to innovate and develop their process to deliver the best possible value to their advisors and their clients. This episode is packed with useful information and inspiring ideas that will leave you feeling motivated and ready to take your business to the next level!
In this episode of Capitaliz Insights, Craig interviews Joe Scheid, the owner of Strategic Financial Concepts and Managing Partner of Legacy Advisors Arizona. Joe shares how he recognized the need for Exit Planning in the market and his involvement with the Legacy Advisors Network. The discussion also covers the LAN's growth and plans for the future, including their partnership with Capitaliz.
Craig and Joe highlight the importance of strategic partnerships in the succession, exit, and continuity planning space, emphasizing the significance of collaboration between advisors. The episode explores building strategic partnerships in the exit planning industry, risk areas when working with business owners, and LAN's process in growing their network.
In this episode of Capitaliz Insights, we hear from CEO Nic Foster. From his early days as a graduate accountant at PWC to his successful 20-year journey at Sony, where he saw the inception of Playstation in Australia and drove significant transformational changes as COO of Sony Australia. Nic's experience as CEO of CocoRepublic, where he quadrupled the business size ahead of selling to a US private equity firm, triggered his interest in exit and succession planning. This led him to seek out Craig and ultimately come on board as CEO of Capitaliz. Join Craig as they discuss Nic's core principles, including his rule of 3s, which have been instrumental in his success. Explore Nic's current role with Capitaliz and the business's future as they discuss what lies ahead. Tune in and hear from the two leading the charge!
In the latest episode of Capitaliz Insights, Craig interviews Chris Snider, the CEO of The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and author of the acclaimed book "Walking to Destiny." They delve into Chris's background and how he became involved in Exit Planning through the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) course, ultimately taking over the EPI with his son, Scott Snider.
The conversation covers a range of topics, including the Value Acceleration Methodology for maximizing business value, the importance of trigger events in Exit Planning, and strategies for decentralizing business ownership. Chris also shares insights from the updated edition of "Walking to Destiny," highlighting changes made since its original release seven years ago.
Listeners also get a sneak peek into the upcoming Exit Planning Summit, EPI's premier event for exit planning advisors and professionals. Craig and Chris discuss this year's summit and its history, as well as offering insights into what attendees can expect from the event in the future. Tune in for an informative discussion on Exit Planning and its crucial role in successful business transitions.
On this episode of Capitaliz Insights, Craig sits down with Chris Nelson, the Chief Technical Officer at Capitaliz and co-founder of JuiceBox, a leading Australian digital agency. Together, they delve into Chris' background and how his experience in the digital and creative world led to his involvement with Capitaliz. As the driving force behind the build and development of the Capitaliz platform, Chris and his team at JuiceBox have been instrumental in its success. In addition to discussing his role with Capitaliz, Chris also shares insights into his work within the broader FinTech space. Finally, they explore the future of Capitaliz, including the upcoming dynamic revaluation feature. Join us for this exciting episode to learn more about the intersection of digital technology and finance.
On this week's episode of Capitaliz Insights, Craig chats with Scott Duke, founder of boutique M&A advisory firm OpnRoad and VP of Sales at Capitaliz. Scott shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from running a hot dog stand to property management, and how he built a successful business with OpnRoad. Craig and Scott also discuss how they first met at the 10x Live event and how Scott joined the Capitaliz team as VP of Sales.
As a seasoned M&A advisor, Scott offers valuable insights into how he leverages the Capitaliz platform to engage with business owners on a deeper level. He shares his personal experiences and success stories in using Capitaliz's tools in his own practice, and how they've helped him streamline his workflow and improve client engagement.
Join us for this insightful conversation as we explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, M&A advisory, and cutting-edge financial technology.
In this week's episode of Capitaliz Insights, Craig interviews Mark Dorman, the founder of the Legacy Advisors Network (LAN), a professional community of advisors specializing in guiding private and family businesses through succession and transition planning. As one of the early adopters of the Capitaliz platform in North America, Mark shares his professional background and journey into exit planning, as well as how he discovered Capitaliz and incorporated it into his practice.
During the interview, Mark provides insights into how he and his team leverage the platform's features to streamline their workflow and engage with clients more effectively. Additionally, he discusses how the Capitaliz platform has helped him grow his business and better serve the needs of his clients.
Join us for this engaging conversation to learn more about Mark's experience with exit planning and how the Capitaliz platform can help advisors like him succeed in the industry.
On this episode of Capitaliz Insights, Craig interviews Scott Snider, president of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth. As the leading Exit Planning association, EPI offers educational opportunities for advisors and a network of exit planning professionals. Scott and Craig delve into EPI's extensive community and discuss how Scott entered the field of exit planning.
Moreover, the episode features Scott's upcoming podcast, Exit is Now, which highlights his entrepreneurial career and execution of the value acceleration methodology in his own business endeavors. Scott shares his insights into how he has successfully implemented these strategies and offers tips for other entrepreneurs looking to do the same.
Join us for this insightful conversation and learn more about the Exit Planning Institute's educational and networking opportunities for advisors.
Welcome to Capitaliz Insights. This podcast serves as the go-to for conversations about all things exit and succession planning, from industry trends and best practices, news, case studies and success stories, plus advisor tips and strategies for making a mark in this space. Co-hosts Dr. Craig West and Jared Johnson create a place for both business owners, giving actionable insights to the owners planning for an eventual business exit or transition, and the advisors navigating them through the journey.
Dr. Craig West is an accountant and mentor with more than 25 years of experience in advising business owners on exit planning, succession, and mergers and acquisitions. For the last 15 years, he has provided strategic direction to Succession Plus, the largest Business Succession and Exit planning consulting firm in Australia that is entirely focused on designing and implementing successful exit strategies to achieve the owners' goals, separate them from the business, and provide them with financial reward they deserve. The team's proven planning methods and processes have been digitized and systemized as a comprehensive Saas platform, Capitaliz, that has been serving professional advisors since 2021.
Capitaliz President, Jared Johnson, has spent just shy of two decades in the exit planning space and is passionate about working with advisors and providing them with the resources to help their clients to maximize business value and achieve successful exits. Jared specializes in implementing strategies designed to grow revenue through client centric models, and works to conceptualize and implement innovative solutions for Capitaliz advisors and the broader Capitaliz network.
