
How To Talk Through Transitioning a Family Business
Five strategies to navigate difficult conversations around succession planning and help bring a family together.
At Baird, we support business owners with the expertise and resources you need to reach your professional and personal goals. We partner with your attorneys, accountants and other advisors, and leverage our team of business transition experts as needed. The Hock Group can help you with your exit planning and transitional needs, or simply to assess the current value of your business as a benchmark for your future plans. Whether big or small, you've poured your life's efforts into building a business asset and income stream to support your financial endeavors. We take the time to understand each situation so we can present owners with the most creative, attractive solution to your transition and succession goals. Let The Hock Group support you in managing your greatest asset and connect you with the appropriate experts.
59% of surveyed business owners do not have a formal, written plan for their life post-business.1
80% of surveyed business owners' net worth is locked in their business.1
58% of surveyed business owners do not have a written financial plan prepared by a professional.1
1 2023 National State of Owner Readiness Report, Exit Planning Institute
To help you produce a valuation that supports your business objectives, our experienced and credentialed valuation professionals will deliver an accurate, in-depth analysis of your company’s value using the latest approaches and cutting-edge tools.
When you’re ready to transition your business to new ownership or to the next generation, Baird's Business Owner Solutions team can help you develop a comprehensive and detailed exit plan that creates long-term financial security for you and your family and preserves your business legacy.
Whether you’re positioned on the buy-side or sell-side, our Business Owner Solutions experts deliver the strategic advice and practical solutions to help your M&A transaction run smoothly, regardless of its scope or complexity.
Even if a transition is not imminent or hasn't been identified yet, every business owner could benefit from our complimentary transition assessment - including business valuation estimate. Complete the information request below or schedule a consultation today.

Five strategies to navigate difficult conversations around succession planning and help bring a family together.

It’s your most valuable asset, so make sure you maximize its value before you make a sale or other business transition.

Why you might benefit from a business valuation, when to get it, and other common questions.

Why succession plans are key for preparing to sell or transfer ownership of your business – and five ways you can do so.

How developing a strong plan for selling your business is key to a smooth adjustment into this new stage of life.
Retirement plans are powerful. They can help employers attract and retain the right talent. More importantly, they can help participants prepare for a successful retirement. As an independent consultant on corporate retirement plans, The Hock Group serves a growing number of small companies – the heart of Arizona, Colorado, and Southern California business communities – to provide advice on all aspects of their plans. We help to design a customized and flexible solution for our clients, choosing plan providers based on their merit and quality over time. We understand that each company’s needs are unique and we will recommend the most appropriate tailor-made solution, helping employers and employees navigate this often complex but essential component of the benefits puzzle.
The Hock Group is part of Baird’s Qualified Plan Consulting Group (QPCG), an exclusive collaboration of Financial Advisors who have significant experience and expertise in qualified plans. Lana Hock has obtained the Qualified Plan Financial Consultant (QPFC) designation developed by the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA) and the University of Michigan, which provides an in-depth understanding of retirement planning concepts, terminology, distinctive features of qualified plans and the roles of retirement plan professionals. To earn this credential, one must demonstrate a proficiency in the knowledge of plan administration, compliance, investments, fiduciary, and ethics issues, and the completion of continuing education courses is required to maintain the credential.

Employee stock purchase plans are powerful investment vehicles. Learn their key benefits and how to take advantage of them.

With the right planning, your equity compensation can be a cornerstone of your financial future.

It’s critical you identify the right retirement plan for your business.

You took on a pandemic, you dealt with inflation, and now, you’re faced with the challenge of adjusting to our ‘new normal.’

How you structure your business can impact taxes, fundraising and what you’re responsible for if things go wrong.

Certain kinds of insurance plans can be a valuable strategy to enhance benefits and ensure the longevity of your business.
No matter if you are in the midst of growing your business, recruiting and retaining top talent with the benefits you offer, or beginning to consider a legacy plan, our specialized team of experts can support you. With a constant eye out for you and your business’s best interest, we will collaborate with our in-house specialized teams and your other advisors to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.