Many business owners dedicate decades to building profitable, resilient companies—yet surprisingly few invest meaningful time into preparing for their eventual exit. A lack of exit planning does far more than delay retirement; it directly erodes business value, weakens negotiating leverage, and exposes owners to substantial financial risk. Insights from industry veteran Mark Howley highlight how poor preparation can unintentionally destroy years of hard-earned equity.

In the world of business valuation, growth strategy, and mergers and acquisitions, financial metrics are often prioritized when assessing a company’s worth. However, beyond revenue, EBITDA, customer concentration, and operational scalability, another critical value driver is frequently overlooked: strategic communication and brand alignment.

For many entrepreneurs, launching a business begins with enthusiasm, creativity, and a desire for independence. However, few business owners strategically plan for the entire lifecycle of the company—including its eventual transition or sale. This lack of foresight can leave substantial value on the table.

The modern creative economy has evolved beyond traditional studio work, galleries, and live performance. Today, artists, creators, and digital innovators operate as business owners—often long before they recognize the financial and strategic implications of their work. The journey from creative expression to sustainable enterprise requires intentional development, structure, and market awareness.

Valuing intellectual property (IP) remains one of the most complex and intellectually demanding tasks within business valuation. In industries like medical devices, where innovation and regulation intersect, IP valuation determines not only financial worth but also strategic viability. From royalty assessments to replacement costs, every factor influences how investors, estates, and acquirers perceive value.

The art market has long been a mirror reflecting global wealth and cultural priorities. Yet today, that reflection is shifting rapidly. As women inherit, manage, and invest unprecedented levels of wealth, they are also transforming the art world—redefining how value is created, preserved, and transferred across generations.

As businesses grow, so does the complexity of managing employees. Hiring, performance management, and termination may seem straightforward, but one misstep can lead to costly employment law disputes. Understanding employment law is not optional—it is a fundamental component of sustainable business management.

Most business owners are too busy working in their companies to think about what happens when they want—or need—to step away. Yet, for many entrepreneurs, the business represents their single largest asset and primary source of income. Without a clear exit plan, that hard-earned value can evaporate overnight.

Wealth acquired through inheritance, divorce, or unexpected gain often arrives without a roadmap. While it may seem like a blessing, sudden wealth can create confusion, anxiety, and emotional disconnection. Managing resources that were not personally earned requires a new mindset—one that balances financial responsibility with self-awareness.

Preparing a business for sale is not a single event—it is a strategic process that can take years of foresight and disciplined planning. In a recent episode of ValuationPodcast.com, Melissa Gragg, business valuation expert and financial mediator, interviewed Monica Garcia Duggal, financial strategist, bestselling author, and creator of the Financial BITES Method. With more than 30 years of experience in investment banking, corporate finance, and entrepreneurship, Duggal shared her insights on scaling businesses, preparing for sale, and building systems that sustain long-term value.

Business growth is often viewed as an exciting milestone, but scaling a company brings with it a series of financial, operational, and strategic challenges. In a recent episode of ValuationPodcast.com, host Melissa Gragg, a business valuation expert, sat down with Mark Howley—an experienced CEO and financial strategist—to explore the realities of scaling a company with both profitability and long-term value in mind.