Business Succession Planning

Preparing Your Business for a Strong and Sustainable Future

Our Approach

Business succession planning is about more than reaching an end point. It is about preparing your company, your people, and yourself for the next chapter with clarity and confidence. At Lebel & Harriman, we help owners plan for transition in a way that protects the value they have built and supports the long-term health of the organization. Our work focuses on thoughtful preparation, practical guidance, and a steady partnership through every stage of the process.

We take a strategic view of succession that includes value acceleration, transition readiness, and the careful coordination of legal, tax, and financial expertise. Our team also brings deep knowledge of key succession tools, including ESOPs, Key Person Insurance, Buy/Sell funding strategies, and other planning techniques that can support continuity, protect leadership, and strengthen overall transition outcomes. As an independent advisory firm, we serve as your lead partner and help assemble the right team around you to ensure your goals are met.

Methodology & Differentiators

We guide owners from early preparation through final transition using an organized, intentional approach.

We help identify opportunities that strengthen the company, improve valuation, and enhance transition readiness.

We help you understand how the transition affects your personal financial picture and long-term goals.

Our advice centers on your business, your financial goals, and the future you want to create.

We use strategies such as ESOPs, Key Person Insurance, Buy/Sell funding, and other protection tools to support stability and continuity.

Whether transitioning to family, key employees, an ESOP structure, or a third-party buyer, we help you evaluate and implement the right approach.

We work closely with attorneys, accountants, valuation specialists, and other professionals to create a unified and effective plan.

We support communication planning to maintain stability and protect the culture you have built.

Succession is an ongoing process, and we remain engaged to help monitor progress and support your transition through completion.

Who We Serve

Family-Owned Businesses

Owners preparing for generational transitions who want to protect relationships, preserve culture, and support the next leaders of the company.

Privately Held Companies

Businesses seeking a structured plan that strengthens value, prepares successors, and ensures a smooth transition of ownership and leadership.

Business Owners Planning for Retirement

Individuals who want a clear path for stepping back while maintaining financial security and continuity for the organization.

Leadership Teams and Key Employees

Companies exploring management buyouts or internal succession strategies that keep leadership stable and the company moving forward.

Owners Considering External Sales

Businesses evaluating third-party buyers who need objective guidance, preparation support, and coordination with advisors during the sale process.

Business Succession By The Numbers

Retention Rate

Net Promoter Score

Clients

Assets
Awards & Recognition
  • Top National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA) – Top Defined Contribution Advisory Team (2022, 2024, 2025)1
  • NAPA Top Woman Retirement Plan Advisor – Jennifer Breton (2021, 2022, 2023)2
  • NAPA Top Retirement Plan Advisor under 40 – Nate Moody (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026)3
  • NAPA Top Retirement Plan Advisor under 40 – Matt Arey, JD (2024, 2025, 2026)3
  • NAPA National 401(k) Summit Keynote Speaker – Nate Moody (2022, 2024, 2025)2
  • Financial Times Top 401(k) Advisor – Jennifer Breton (2015 – 2020, discontinued)
  • Retirement Advisor Council – Jennifer Breton (2022 – Present)
  • Retirement Plan Advisory Group (RPAG) Advisory Council – Nate Moody (2023 – Present)
  • Plan Sponsor of the Year (The Jackson Laboratory, 2023)4
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