Most business owners spend years—often decades—building a successful company. But when it’s time to move on, too many realize too late they never built an exit plan. In this episode of the Lead Your Business Well Podcast, Shane Bender, founder of Bender CFO Services, interviews Derek Moffatt, Principal at Moffatt Financial Strategies, to dig into why every business needs to plan ahead—whether you sell, pass it down, or simply move on.
Whether you're a founder eyeing retirement or a CFO supporting owners through transitions, this conversation offers strategic insights to help secure your business's legacy—and your financial future.
Derek’s journey into financial planning started unconventionally—from managing multi-million-dollar operations at a Texas newspaper to becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). His mission? Helping business owners steward their life’s work into the next chapter, on their terms.
Too often, business owners wait until they’re ready to exit before considering their options. According to Derek, this reactive approach can cost owners millions in value.
"Your business is likely your biggest asset. Why wouldn’t you plan for its future with the same care you used to build it?” – Derek Moffatt
One of the largest generational transfers of wealth is happening now—and most of it is tied up in businesses. Derek shares how lack of planning across generations often leads to the “rags-to-riches-to-rags” cycle. Legacy planning, talent development, and succession strategies are critical to avoid becoming another statistic.
A great exit strategy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Derek walks through the common paths:
Before you plan, you need to know your route. Here are the top strategies:
Your path depends on your goals, timeline, and financial independence needs.
Derek shares how his Business Insight Report uncovers gaps in both financial and operational systems. Even businesses with strong P&Ls can fall short if they lack:
With this insight, Derek works with clients over 12–18 months to build a concrete exit and legacy plan, often engaging other professionals like fractional CFOs, estate attorneys, and tax CPAs along the way.
Shane and Derek agree: no one advisor can do it all. Successful transitions require a collaborative team of professionals—each bringing their expertise to serve the client’s best interest.
“A strong leadership team adds more value than anything else. Buyers want to know the company runs without the owner.” – Derek Moffatt
Whether you’re 5 years from selling or just trying to make smarter financial decisions today, Derek’s story shows that intentionality pays off. And with advisors like Shane and Derek, you don’t have to go it alone.
If your business is your largest asset, you can’t afford to leave its future to chance. At Bender CFO Services, we help growth-focused companies build stronger financials and plan smarter for tomorrow—no matter where you are in your journey.
➡️ Schedule your discovery call with Shane Bender today.
Let’s make your exit plan as intentional as your business strategy.