Listen "Succession Planning 101: Buy-Sell Agreements & Insurance for Small Business Owners"
Episode Synopsis
Guest: Brandon Smith, Independent Financial Planner, Milestone Financial Solutions Host: Alex Mejias, Founder & Managing Attorney, James River Law If you’re a closely held or family business (1–4 owners, ~10–15 employees), this episode is your practical guide to business continuation and succession planning. Alex and Brandon break down buy-sell agreements, valuation methods (handshake, informal, and formal valuations), funding options (loans, sinking funds, term & permanent life insurance), and when to use cross-purchase vs. entity/stock-redemption structures. They also dig into key person insurance, disability coverage, tax considerations for S-corps vs. C-corps, and what actually happens when planning is ignored—or done well. What you’ll learnThe two must-haves in any buy-sell: valuation method & funding methodCross-purchase vs. entity redemption: when each structure fitsWhy term life is often the most affordable funding—and when permanent/VUL can make senseHow key person and disability insurance keep the lights onS-Corp dividend vs. payroll treatment, and why you don’t deduct life insurance premiumsSector tips: restaurants, trades (plumbing/HVAC), professional services, creatives & athletesReal stories of success and failure that show the stakesResources & linksMilestone Financial Solutions: milestonefinancialsolutions.comJames River Law (buy-sell agreements & estate planning): jamesriverlaw.comWant help drafting or updating a buy-sell? Book a consult at jamesriverlaw.com. Need funding/coverage options? Talk with Brandon at milestonefinancialsolutions.com. Disclaimer This episode is for informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Consult your attorney, CPA, and licensed advisor for guidance specific to you. Connect with Us: Website: jamesriverlaw.com Instagram: @jamesriverlaw LinkedIn: JamesRiverLaw Contact: [email protected] Book a Call: jamesriverlaw.com/book-a-call 👉 Like, subscribe, and share to stay tuned as we explore the full journey of entrepreneurship — from start to legacy.
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.