Always End with the Beginning in Mind
How Firms Remain Great AFTER the Founder Exits
Winner of the Firebird Book Award
When it comes to exiting, it will either be at your volition, someone else’s volition, or God’s volition. While we cannot know when, where, how, or even why, everyone knows to whom this certainty applies. There is only one thing guaranteed in life—eventually, everything ends. And this book is based on the premise that endings are just new beginnings.
After succeeding the firm I ran for the better part of 3 decades, I had the pleasure of watching it grow another 21% this last year. There are many reasons why this firm grew in such a way. A large part of their growth was because I succeeded too early. Yep, you read that right.
People love to talk about succession planning, but few ever accomplish the task. The numbers are staggering. The US Department of Labor Statistics tells us that after one year in business, 20% of new businesses in America fail, but after 20 years, only about 20% of those same businesses will have survived. Of those who survive, less than 20% will continue to a second generation! Most businesses have a cessation plan (a plan that leads to a business ceasing to exist), while very few have succession plans (a plan that leads to a business not only continuing but thriving after the founder exits).
Let’s dive into how we can change that.
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What People Are Saying
“Donald White has put this outstanding book together from his learnings from thousands of business owners he knows moving through the transition process of selling or stepping back from their businesses. Don is a man of the highest integrity, and his clients and colleagues listen when he speaks. He has spoken all over the world about real topics that make you think, reflect, and get on with the job!”
— Angus McQueen CEO, McQueen Group
“Any business owner (or someone who is inspired to become one) should read this book. From start to finish, I was captivated by the stories and didn't want to put the book down. I only wish this book was written three years earlier before we sold our business (to my kids). Informative, educational, inspiring, a great benefit to all who read. It really had me thinking about how I ran my business. Don's success came because he always put the customer first.”
—Nick Fiorella, Founder, Fiorella Insurance
“For any seasoned financial services practitioner who has yet to both declare and have a written business transition strategy for their business, this book is a must. Don provides a personal and very applicable business view to the most important things which need to be considered when thinking about your own exit strategy—long before you intend on such a transition.”
— —Jim Brownlee, CFP, CLU, ChFC , Vice President Independent Distribution, Canada Life Assurance Company
“I found this book to be both honest and thought-provoking. Thank you for your insight and the wisdom of your experience. I am now motivated to plan for succession for myself and my clients.”
—Randy Reed, CPA Managing Partner, Reed & Company CPA Firm
Awards
You Will Learn
Succession vs Cessation
Whether you know it or not, your business has an automatic plan for your departure: Cessation. Learn why some succession plans succeed while others fail and how to begin planning for yours through personal and powerful stories that Don both experienced himself and watched happen to friends and colleagues.
Alice in Wonderland Syndrome
Wandering through the forest of life without commitment in search of an unknown destination will leave you in Wonderland for good. Don documents his own experience in Wonderland and offers a guide that will help you get out.
The Ten Commandments of Succession
This straightforward guide will prepare you for a graceful exit that will leave the company better than you left it. Every pitfall Don has seen and experienced is outlined in detail so that you do not find yourself looking up at the pit you fell in.
And much more..
A little about me.
A world renowned communicator, Donald has spoken on virtually every corner of the globe, including several talks at the MDRT Annual Meeting, the keynote to the first-time attendees of the 2000 MDRT Annual Meeting and was a main platform speaker at the 2014 meeting in Toronto.
He is the proud father of twin adopted girls from China, Sydney and Reagan. His wife Grace does all she can to keep him home with her and their kids, rather than riding his bicycles, golfing, rowing, boating, scuba diving, or skiing in the Rockies.