Transitioning out of a business can be one of the most important financial decisions an owner will ever make. Whether you are preparing for a future sale, transferring the business to family, or simply exploring your options, having a clear, structured plan can help you move forward with confidence.

Our team works closely with business owners to help them understand their choices, prepare for the transition ahead, and align their exit strategy with their long‑term financial goals.

As part of that process, Sam Catlett has obtained the Certified Exit Planning Advisor designation. The CEPA® designation is held by financial advisors who have successfully completed coursework surrounding business succession and exit strategies, including organization of financial information, exploration of planning choices, and development of transition strategies.

Working with Stifel’s well‑established planning resources, we can help business owners:

1. Define their goals and priorities for life after leaving the business
2. Gather and organize necessary financial and business data
3. Analyze potential options and considerations
4. Develop a personalized transition or exit plan
5. Coordinate with other professionals as needed
6. Periodically review the plan as circumstances evolve

Together, these steps form a structured approach that seeks to bring clarity to the various complex decisions that business owners face, including:

• Evaluating ownership, control, and liquidity objectives
• Reviewing employee‑benefit programs, such as retirement plans, stock‑based incentive plans, non‑qualified deferred‑compensation plans, and employee‑retention strategies
• Streamlining the management of assets across brokerage and checking accounts – ask us about Stifel’s cash management services

We welcome the opportunity to discuss your goals and begin exploring the approach that may best support you.

Stifel’s banking and lending services are provided by Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust (collectively Stifel Banks). Stifel Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 451163, is affiliated with Stifel Bank & Trust, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 375103, and Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Member SIPC & NYSE, each a wholly owned subsidiary of Stifel Financial Corp. Unless otherwise specified, references to Stifel may mean Stifel Financial Corp. and/or any of its subsidiaries. Unless otherwise specified, products purchased from or held by Stifel are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits or other obligations of Stifel Banks, are not guaranteed by Stifel Banks, and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of the principal.