“If you care about your business, care about what happens next.”
It’s a simple truth—but one that too many business owners overlook until it’s almost too late. Whether you’re looking ahead to retirement, thinking about selling, or hoping to pass the reins to family, business succession planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect what you’ve built.
At Estess CPA, we’ve worked with business owners across the New Orleans area who’ve poured their heart, time, and energy into their companies. But here’s what we’ve learned: passion alone doesn’t guarantee a smooth exit. A thoughtful plan does. And a CPA who knows how to guide that process makes all the difference.
Let’s walk through how we help make that happen—and why your succession plan deserves more than just a signature on paper.
Succession Planning Isn’t Just for the “Big Guys”
Let’s bust the biggest myth right out of the gate: succession planning isn’t only for billion-dollar corporations.
Whether you run a family-owned shop, a thriving service business, or anything in between, having a plan for what happens next matters. It’s about more than paperwork. It’s about making sure your people, your customers, and your future are protected.
The truth? Life doesn’t always wait for “the right time.” Illness, unexpected events, even surprise opportunities—these things happen. Without a clear plan, your business could face confusion, conflict, or worse.
The best time to start thinking about your exit is before you need to.
What a CPA Really Brings to the Table in Succession Planning
Good succession planning takes more than picking a name and signing a few forms. You need a plan that makes financial sense—and that’s where your CPA comes in.
At Estess CPA, we work side-by-side with owners like you to make sure the numbers line up with the next chapter you’re dreaming about.
Here’s how we approach it:
We Help You Understand What Your Business Is Actually Worth
You may have a number in mind—but how does that stack up against reality? Business valuation isn’t guesswork. We help you get clear on the true value of your company so you can make decisions based on facts, not feelings.
We Plan for Taxes Before They Sneak Up on You
Transitions come with tax consequences. Selling the business? Gifting it to family? Transferring shares to a partner? Each option has its own tax story, and getting ahead of that story saves you money and stress.
Our job is to help you keep more of what you’ve worked so hard to build. Learn more about our Tax Services at Estess CPA.
We Guide the Structure of Your Exit
Should you plan a gradual buyout? Offer shares to key employees? Set up a family trust?
We help you weigh the pros and cons so you can move forward with a strategy that feels right for your situation.
We Keep the Books Clean and the Numbers Straight
If your financial records are a mess, any deal—or transition—is going to be harder than it needs to be. Our Bookkeeping and Accounting Services keep your business organized and ready for whatever comes next. A clear financial picture? That’s peace of mind for everyone involved.
The Top Reasons Succession Plans Fall Apart (and How We Help You Avoid That)
We’ve seen the common pitfalls. Here’s where things usually go sideways—and how we help keep your plan on track:
-
Waiting too long to plan: The best plans aren’t rushed. We recommend starting at least five years before your ideal transition date.
-
Keeping the plan in your head instead of on paper: Hopes and handshakes aren’t enough. A strong plan includes written agreements and a financial roadmap.
-
Skipping the hard conversations: Family dynamics, key employee expectations, partner relationships—it can get complicated fast. We help facilitate those talks and keep the focus on what’s best for your business.
-
Ignoring the tax impact until the very end: Tax planning should be baked into your strategy from day one, not treated as an afterthought.
Why Business Owners Trust Estess CPA for Succession Planning
At Estess CPA, we’re not just here to run the numbers. We’re here to help you make decisions that feel right for you.
For more than two decades, we’ve partnered with small and mid-sized businesses across Belle Chasse, Luling, and the surrounding areas—helping owners stay focused on what they do best while we handle the planning behind the scenes.
We know the balance between head and heart this process takes. And we’re here to support you through both.
Whether you’re looking to retire, pass the business on to family, or sell to an outside buyer, we’ll help make sure your plan is thoughtful, clear, and built for success.
Ready to Talk About Your Next Step?
A successful business transition doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you make time to plan it out—with the right partner by your side.
Let’s make sure your business is ready for whatever comes next.
📞 Belle Chasse Office: (504) 433-5122
📞 Luling Office: (985) 785-1470
🌐 Schedule Your Free Consultation with Estess CPA