Business owners preparing to sell or transition their companies often face a significant shortfall between what they receive and what they could have planned for, a gap that Certified Exit Planning Advisor Dan Conklin says is frequently measured in seven figures. In his new book, Business Strong, Beyond the Trap, Conklin addresses this preparation gap with a structured methodology designed to help owners build sellable, transferable businesses. The book, available at major retailers and through Business Strong, Beyond the Trap, introduces the V.R.T. Going Vertical framework, which stands for Valuable, Repeatable, and Teachable.
Conklin, founder of the exit-planning coaching practice Bizical Fitness, argues that the difference between an owner's actual proceeds and their potential proceeds is not a failure of ambition but of preparation. His book identifies eight value drivers that distinguish a sellable company from one that primarily functions as the owner's high-income job. By focusing on these drivers, owners can increase the enterprise value of their businesses and position themselves for more favorable exit outcomes, whether through a sale, employee ownership, or family transition.
The book is organized around six stages of an owner's journey: The Calling, The Training, The Crossroads, The Close, The Legacy Path, and The Champion Mindset. This structure allows readers to start at whatever point their business currently occupies, making the guidance immediately applicable. Practical tools include a 24-week owner sprint, exit planning worksheets, and a glossary of exit-planning terms, all aimed at helping owners take actionable steps toward readiness.
Conklin holds both the Certified Exit Planning Advisor and Certified Employee Ownership Advisor credentials, and his practice, bizicalfitness.com, works with companies generating between $900,000 and $15 million in annual revenue. He has advised owners on a range of exit structures, including stock sales, ESOPs, family transitions, and employee ownership arrangements. His focus on employee ownership as an alternative to private equity sales reflects a growing interest among owners in preserving legacies and rewarding employees.
The implications of Conklin's work extend beyond individual business owners. As the Baby Boomer generation continues to retire, millions of businesses will change hands in the coming years. Without proper planning, many of these transitions could result in lost wealth, shuttered companies, and diminished community impact. By providing a clear framework for value optimization and exit readiness, Business Strong, Beyond the Trap offers a roadmap that could help preserve economic value and jobs. The book is published by New York Publishing Labs.
For owners who have dedicated years to building their companies, the stakes are high. Conklin writes in the book's introduction, "You built something most people would never attempt. This book makes sure it's worth everything you put into it." That sentiment captures the core message: with the right preparation, owners can ensure their life's work yields its full worth, both financially and personally.
