Exit Planning for Next Gen Success with Susie Cranston | Cresset

Why It Matters

Effective exit planning safeguards family wealth and legacy, turning a business sale into a strategic, multi‑generational advantage for entrepreneurs.

Key Takeaways

• Plan exits with family impact in mind, not just finances.
• Use comprehensive checklists to avoid common entrepreneur exit mistakes.
• Consider multi‑generational wealth transfer when structuring the sale.
• Leverage experienced advisors to navigate tax and legal complexities.
• Early planning enables smoother transition and preserves legacy assets.

Summary

The video features Susie Cranston of Cresset discussing exit planning for entrepreneurs seeking next‑generation success. She emphasizes that a business sale is not merely a financial event but a family transition that can affect multiple generations.

Cranston outlines a framework built on detailed checklists, seasoned experience, and proactive risk mitigation. Key points include assessing family dynamics, structuring deals for multi‑generational wealth transfer, and engaging tax and legal experts to avoid common pitfalls that derail many exits.

She illustrates the concepts with a personal story: her father built and sold a landscaping and maintenance company, enabling her first home purchase. That experience underscores how thoughtful exit execution can create lasting legacy benefits.

The takeaway for business owners is clear: start exit planning early, use structured tools, and partner with advisors to preserve wealth, protect family harmony, and ensure a smooth transition that sustains the founder’s legacy.

Original Description

Family is a key consideration when planning your exit. Cresset President and Chief Operating Officer Susie Cranston reflects on her personal life, recalling how she was positively impacted by her father, an entrepreneur who went through a liquidity event of his own. Through her story, Susie emphasizes the importance of understanding the multi-generational impact of selling a business.

Cresset is a firm built by clients, for clients. As an independent, award-winning multi-family office and private investment firm, we are reimagining the way wealth is experienced. Our purpose is to help ensure that both wealth and life are fully optimized*—integrated, intentional, and aligned with each client’s vision of success.

We provide access to the caliber of talent, ideas, and investment opportunities typically available to the largest single-family offices and institutions. Our approach is personalized, entrepreneurial, and client-first.

Proudly owned by our clients and employees, Cresset was built to endure. We are creating a 100+ year firm—one focused on delivering an exceptional experience, not only for the families we serve but for the team that serves them. Recognized by Barron’s and Forbes among the nation’s top multi-family offices* Cresset is guided by long-term relationships, shared success, and a belief that wealth should serve a life well lived. Learn more at www.cressetcapital.com.

*Disclosures related to awards, recognitions, and rankings available here.

*Cresset was recognized in Barron’s Top 100 RIA Firms. Each year’s rankings awarded by Barron’s in September and determined using proprietary algorithms based on data covering July of prior year through June of award year.

*Cresset was recognized in Forbes Top RIA Firms. Each year’s rankings awarded by Forbes in October based on data covering April of prior year through March of award year and determined using proprietary algorithm based on qualitative and quantitative data developed by SHOOK Research.

**Wealth Optimized, Life Elevated refers to the firm’s philosophy and process in providing advisory and planning services and is not intended to convey a guarantee of results.

Cresset refers to Cresset Capital Management, LLC and its respective direct and indirect subsidiaries and controlled affiliates. For full list of Cresset subsidiaries and controlled affiliates, please see cressetcapital.com/disclosures/