Dan Conklin, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and founder of Bizical Fitness, has released a new book aimed at helping business owners prepare for the sale, transition, or transfer of their companies. Titled Business Strong, Beyond the Trap, the book addresses a common problem: the gap between what an owner receives and what they could have planned for, which Conklin says is frequently measured in seven figures.
"This isn't a failure of ambition. It's a failure of preparation," Conklin said. 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 its owner's high-income job. The book is structured around six stages of an owner's journey: The Calling, The Training, The Crossroads, The Close, The Legacy Path, and The Champion Mindset, allowing readers to start wherever their business currently stands.
Conklin's practice, Bizical Fitness, works with companies generating $900,000 to $15 million in annual revenue. He holds CEPA and Certified Employee Ownership Advisor (CEOA) credentials and has advised business owners on various exit structures, including stock sales, ESOPs, family transitions, and employee ownership arrangements. His work focuses on helping owners build sellable, transferable companies and advising those considering employee ownership as an alternative to private equity sales.
The book includes practical tools such as a 24-week owner sprint, exit planning worksheets, and a glossary of exit-planning terms. In the introduction, Conklin writes, "You built something most people would never attempt. This book makes sure it's worth everything you put into it." The book is available through major retailers and at bizicalfitness.com.
For business owners, the implications are significant. Many owners spend decades building their companies but fail to plan for the eventual exit, often leaving substantial value unrealized. Conklin's framework aims to change that by providing a structured approach to increasing business value and preparing for a successful transition. With millions of baby boomer-owned businesses expected to change hands in the coming years, the need for exit planning has never been greater. This book offers a roadmap for owners to ensure their life's work is properly rewarded, whether they sell to a third party, transition to family, or transfer to employees.
Conklin is based in Apex, North Carolina, and holds the Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) designation, along with Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses. He serves as an Investment Advisor Representative at Hunter Street Investment Advisors, an SEC-registered investment advisory firm. His book is published by New York Publishing Labs.
