Determining whether to exit the business will always be a critical decision. How does a multi-generational family arrive at that decision? Once a path is agreed upon, how does the business accelerate value and ensure the Company remains healthy, viable and proactive to any potential unsolicited offers in the future? Join us as we discuss a business owner’s value acceleration journey

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding the Business Valuation and the Value Gap
2. The Decision
3. Value Acceleration Initiatives
   • Financial Reporting and Process
   • Acquisition(s)
   • Capital Expenditures
4. Next Generation of Leadership

About the Presenters:

Jessica Howe, CPA, is the Chief Financial Officer of the Bill Howe Group of Companies in San Diego, California. Jessica began working full time in the family business in 2012 and left in 2014 to pursue her CPA designation. Jessica worked for a small CPA firm in San Diego while attending the University of California – San Diego. In 2017, Jessica returned to Bill Howe Group of Companies as controller and took over the accounting department as well as all financial decision making for the Company. Over the last two years as CFO, Jessica has led the Company through turbulent times and major financial and strategic growth initiatives.

Jessica has a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Economics and International Finance from Gonzaga University where she played on the women’s golf team and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Jeffrey Kates is a senior partner in The Founders Group, a business transition and value acceleration advisory firm. Jeffrey is also the president and owner of JIK Consulting Inc., a business advisory services firm specializing in workouts & turnarounds, interim CFO work, operations, cash management and Mergers and Acquisitions support services.

Previously, Jeffrey worked as a CFO for years at both a small private healthcare company and a medium sized private label OTC pharmaceutical company. In addition, Jeffrey has consulted for Fortune 500 Companies such as Barclays Capital, AT&T and Toys R Us.

Jeffrey is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and, with his partners in The Founders Group, advise business owners and their families through a comprehensive and holistic process that helps clients work through obstacles and identify personal and business goals. This is accomplished by initially valuing the owner’s Company, performing business and personal assessments and identifying and implementing targeted and prioritized action plans. The increased value in the business along with owner clarity expands and solidifies choices for business transition: if, when, how, how much, and to whom.

Jeffrey brings extensive accounting, financial reporting, operations, and process improvement experience in a multitude of industries and corporate environments. For almost 30 years, Jeffrey has advised companies through workout and turnaround situations as well as provided CFO and operational support. His strong professional intuition and business acumen combined with his interpersonal and communication skills allow him to integrate and interact with management and stakeholders and immediately add significant value to the business.