Course Description

Over 80% of business owners report being dissatisfied with the outcome and financial value harvested after leaving their business. This is primarily due to a lack of planning, poorly qualified advisors, and not learning from other owners’ experiences.

In this course, you will learn how to achieve financial security, maintain harmony with family members, control how and when you transition, and minimize your tax burden. With peer business owners, you will participate in hands-on activities and achieve milestones such as:

• Creating a personal transition plan
• Identifying possible transition strategies
• Understanding how to increase the value of your business
• Visualizing life after your business

This course is part of the Business Owner Academy, a curriculum of courses open only to owners of companies generating up to $25 million in annual revenue.

Instructors

Bruce Leech (MBA '81)

Bruce Leech founded CrossCom National, Inc. in 1981, a company that achieved $90 million in annual revenues. CrossCom installs and services voice and data systems for large US retailers like Walgreens, CVS, Kohls, Kmart, and TJ Maxx. Bruce also expanded CrossCom into the UK and supported both US and UK retailers. In 2004, Bruce sold a majority interest in the firm to a private equity group, and continues to serve on CrossCom's Board of Directors. Bruce is Co-Founder of evolve, LLC a membership organization of business owners working on their value creation and business transition strategies. Having been through this process himself, Bruce is able to provide insight into this very important area in the life of the business owner. Furthermore, he serves as an advisor to several companies and is involved with a number of non-profit organizations and educational institutions. Bruce earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University, and an MBA from DePaul University. He is also Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center at DePaul.

David Jackson

David is Evanston Advisors' Chief Operating Officer where he is responsible for strategic planning, operations, and relationship management. Prior to joining Evanston Advisors in 2001, he owned FirstChoice HealthCare, a middle-market home health care company. David's business plan for rapid growth and significant competitive advantages led to a two-part sale of the business in 1996 and again in 1998. Since that time David has been an active business investor and professional business advisor sharing his knowledge and experience with other successful business owners. As a way to give back to the community, he continues to be involved with many non-profit and charitable efforts. David earned bachelor degrees in Business Administration and in Public Policy from Carthage Collage.