A smart exit starts long before the sale.
Selling your business may be one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make—and preparation is key. This guide walks founders through some of the most important steps to help you evaluate readiness, plan strategically, and approach a potential sale with clarity and confidence.
With this checklist, you’ll learn how to:
- Build the right team
- Model financial outcomes and lifestyle impact
- Plan for trust, estate and tax strategies
- Address protection and insurance needs
- Understand timelines and realities
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Watch: A Deep Dive into Pre-Sale Planning
An uninterrupted, unscripted conversation discussing tax considerations, family dynamics and what may happen the day after a sale.
Ranked #1 in Forbes Top RIA Survey




Ranking published on October 25, 2022 based on data as of December 31, 2021, ranking published on October 10, 2023 based on data as of March 31, 2023, ranking published on October 8, 2024 based on data as of March 31, 2024, ranking published on October 1, 2025 based on data as of March 31, 2025, as provided by SHOOK®. Evoke neither received from nor provided compensation to Forbes/SHOOK® with respect to these rankings.
For the 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022 Forbes “America’s Top RIA Firms” rankings, Forbes accepted advisors who met pre-determined minimum thresholds and acceptable compliance records. America’s Top RIA Firms ranking is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, mostly gained through telephone, virtual and in-person due diligence interviews, and quantitative data. The algorithm weighs factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and those that encompass best practices and approach to working with clients. Evoke is not affiliated with Forbes/SHOOK®. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance results. These rankings should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor by any client nor are they representative of any one client’s evaluation. No ranking or award implies any level of skill or training. There is no guarantee of continued success.
MAI Capital Management, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Evoke Advisors is a division of and a wholly owned subsidiary of MAI.

