Search Party | For Searcher CEOs, Exit Planning Starts at the Beginning of the ETA Journey

Search Party features a rotating roster of guests who explore the unique opportunities, market dynamics, and best practices shaping the ETA ecosystem. In this episode, host David Snow is joined by Francis Burton of ECA Partners, along with Boulay’s own Nathan Faith, Wealth Management Partner, and Ryan Turbes, Partner, to discuss why exit planning for Entrepreneurs-Through-Acquisition (ETAs) must start on day one. The panel explains how early decisions around deal structure, tax elections, and equity design can significantly impact a searcher’s long-term, after-tax wealth. From capital gains treatment and 83(b) elections to depreciation recapture and allocation strategy, structuring the deal correctly can mean the difference between maximizing proceeds and losing a substantial portion to taxes. Beyond tax planning, the group emphasizes building a company that can operate independently of the founder—strengthening financial reporting, aligning stakeholders, and reducing key-person risk to achieve a premium valuation. https://boulaygroup.com/search-party-for-searcher-ceos-exit-planning-starts-at-the-beginning-of-the-eta-journey/