Dan Conklin, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and founder of Bizical Fitness, has released a new book aimed at business owners preparing to sell, transition, or pass on their companies. Titled Business Strong, Beyond the Trap, the book addresses a critical gap that often costs owners millions. "The gap between what an owner receives and what they could have planned for is frequently measured in seven figures," Conklin said. "This isn't a failure of ambition. It's a failure of preparation."
The book introduces the V.R.T. Going Vertical methodology, a framework built around three pillars: Valuable, Repeatable, and Teachable. It identifies eight value drivers that distinguish a sellable company from one that primarily functions as the owner's high-income job. By focusing on these drivers, owners can build businesses that are attractive to buyers and command higher valuations.
Structured around six stages of an owner's journey—The Calling, The Training, The Crossroads, The Close, The Legacy Path, and The Champion Mindset—the book allows readers to start wherever their business currently stands. It includes practical tools such as a 24-week owner sprint, exit planning worksheets, and a glossary of exit-planning terms. These resources are designed to help owners systematically increase the value of their businesses and prepare for a successful exit, whether through a sale, employee ownership, or family transition.
Conklin holds CEPA and Certified Employee Ownership Advisor (CEOA) credentials and has advised business owners across a range of exit structures, including stock sales, ESOPs, family transitions, and employee ownership arrangements. His practice, Bizical Fitness, works with companies generating $900,000 to $15 million in annual revenue. This focus on small to mid-sized businesses is significant because these owners often lack access to the sophisticated exit planning that larger corporations enjoy.
The implications of Conklin's work are substantial. Many business owners spend decades building their companies but fail to plan for the eventual transition, resulting in lower sale prices or failed exits. According to Conklin, the difference between what an owner receives and what they could have planned for is often in the seven figures. By providing a structured approach, the book empowers owners to avoid leaving money on the table and to ensure their legacy is preserved. As Conklin writes in the introduction, "You built something most people would never attempt. This book makes sure it's worth everything you put into it."
Business Strong, Beyond the Trap is available through major retailers and at bizicalfitness.com. The book is published by New York Publishing Labs. For owners considering their exit options, this resource offers a roadmap to maximize value and achieve a successful transition.
