Background
This 10-year-old commercial general contracting firm, faced a looming ownership transition. The sole-owner was planning to exit the business but had no formal exit strategy in place. Their systems, methods, and controls were highly individualized and not easily duplicatable, creating significant risks for business continuity and future growth.
Challenges Identified
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Lack of a clear succession plan
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Non-standardized processes and undocumented procedures
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Potential knowledge loss and operational disruptions
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Uncertainty around business valuation and legal considerations
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Risk of diminished client confidence during transition
Solution Implemented by Shapcott & Lauber:
Shapcott & Lauber conducted a comprehensive Business Transition and Systems Standardization Assessment. Our team worked closely with our client's leadership to:
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Develop a detailed exit strategy, including succession planning and timing
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Standardize and document critical systems, processes, and controls to ensure they could be replicated and scaled
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Create a comprehensive knowledge transfer plan to preserve institutional expertise
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Implement governance and compliance controls aligned with industry best practices
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Develop a communication plan to reassure clients, vendors, and stakeholders
Results
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A clear, executable exit plan was established, reducing uncertainty
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Operational processes became standardized and documented, enabling smoother onboarding of new leadership or staff
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Business valuation improved as systems and controls became more transparent and defensible
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Client confidence was maintained through transparent communication and demonstrated operational stability
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The company was well-positioned for future growth or sale, with a sustainable and scalable business model
Client Testimonial
"Partnering with Shapcott & Lauber was a game-changer for us during a pivotal moment. They helped us craft a clear exit strategy and transformed our disorganized, individualized processes into standardized systems. This not only reassured our clients and vendors but also gave us confidence in the stability and value of our business. Thanks to their expertise, we’re now prepared for a smooth transition, and I feel confident that we will thrive well beyond my ownership."
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