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Building With the End in Mind: A Complete Succession Planning Guide for Professional Service Owners
Some of the fastest growing professional services in the United States ConsultingHealthcare ServicesFinancial Advisory/Wealth ManagementLegal ServicesTax ProfessionalsVeterinary CareEnvironmental & Sustainability ConsultingAnd those are but a few of the many, many Professional Service models that power our economy and help us all solve problems and live better lives. But most of these service providers have built or are building one-generational practices that will end with their own careers. Multi-owner/multi-generational businesses are all too rare – and that needs to change.
Building With the End in Mind lays out the mechanics of the process in 50 succinct, but hard-hitting lessons garnered from the experiences of a succession planning expert who has instructed thousands of professional service providers in this process. For a PSP, or Professional Services Provider, who is larger than a force-of-one or wants to be, building a business designed to be valuable, profitable, investable and sustainable is what this book is all about. Succession planning is a gradual transition of ownership and leadership and involves a team of successors who buy-in over a ten to twenty year period if the plan starts early enough. It is nothing like selling to a third-party. If you want to build something that will outlive you, perhaps a legacy model, you have to build with the end in mind. This book will show you how.
This book is written to guide business builders and key employees, their supporting legal, tax, and valuation professionals, even banks who might lend to the next generation owners and investors. Succession planning is a powerful tool that will touch the lives of today’s owners and tomorrow’s successors, their families, and all of the clients being served by a PSP – even your current clients’ children and grandchildren!
Building With the End in Mind lays out the mechanics of the process in 50 succinct, but hard-hitting lessons garnered from the experiences of a succession planning expert who has instructed thousands of professional service providers in this process. For a PSP, or Professional Services Provider, who is larger than a force-of-one or wants to be, building a business designed to be valuable, profitable, investable and sustainable is what this book is all about. Succession planning is a gradual transition of ownership and leadership and involves a team of successors who buy-in over a ten to twenty year period if the plan starts early enough. It is nothing like selling to a third-party. If you want to build something that will outlive you, perhaps a legacy model, you have to build with the end in mind. This book will show you how.
This book is written to guide business builders and key employees, their supporting legal, tax, and valuation professionals, even banks who might lend to the next generation owners and investors. Succession planning is a powerful tool that will touch the lives of today’s owners and tomorrow’s successors, their families, and all of the clients being served by a PSP – even your current clients’ children and grandchildren!
224 pages, Hardcover
Published October 25, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 18, 2025
David Grau Sr. has written a practical and eye-opening guide in Building With the End in Mind. This book isn’t filled with confusing business jargon or vague ideas—it’s straight talk for service-based business owners who want to build something that lasts. David makes it clear early on: if you don’t plan for your exit, you might end up losing everything you worked so hard for. But rather than scare the reader, he offers a roadmap that feels doable, even if you’re just starting to think about the future.
What makes this book different is how real and relatable it is. David walks you through things like ownership transfer, finding the right successors, and getting your firm's value right—not in a stuffy textbook way, but like a seasoned mentor sharing what actually works in the real world. He focuses a lot on internal succession, helping readers see why selling to a stranger may not always be the best move. Instead, he explains how to grow your team, shape future leaders, and prepare them to take the wheel.
This book isn’t just for people ready to retire—it’s for any business owner who wants to build smarter today so they’re not stuck later. Whether you’re ten years away from leaving your business or just curious about the future, Building With the End in Mind helps you think long-term without overwhelming you. David Grau Sr. has created a guide that’s thoughtful, clear, and grounded in years of hands-on experience. A solid read for anyone who wants to build a business that outlasts them.
What makes this book different is how real and relatable it is. David walks you through things like ownership transfer, finding the right successors, and getting your firm's value right—not in a stuffy textbook way, but like a seasoned mentor sharing what actually works in the real world. He focuses a lot on internal succession, helping readers see why selling to a stranger may not always be the best move. Instead, he explains how to grow your team, shape future leaders, and prepare them to take the wheel.
This book isn’t just for people ready to retire—it’s for any business owner who wants to build smarter today so they’re not stuck later. Whether you’re ten years away from leaving your business or just curious about the future, Building With the End in Mind helps you think long-term without overwhelming you. David Grau Sr. has created a guide that’s thoughtful, clear, and grounded in years of hands-on experience. A solid read for anyone who wants to build a business that outlasts them.
August 8, 2025
This book is a wake-up call for every professional service owner who thinks succession is something to deal with “later.” David Grau Sr. takes a topic most people push to the bottom of their to-do list and makes it urgent, important, and surprisingly inspiring. Instead of viewing an exit plan as the end of the road, he reframes it as a natural and rewarding part of building a business.
David blends decades of hands-on experience with clear explanations that anyone can follow. He’s not just throwing theories at you—he’s guiding you through real-world strategies for choosing successors, transferring ownership, and protecting the value you’ve worked so hard to build. His focus on internal succession makes you realize how much smoother the transition can be when the next leaders already understand your culture and clients.
What’s refreshing is how grounded the advice is. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution here; instead, the book encourages you to shape a plan that fits your unique situation. It feels more like a personalized consultation than a textbook.
Whether you’re close to retirement or decades away, this book shows you why the smartest time to start planning is now. By the last page, you’re not just thinking about your business today—you’re envisioning the legacy it could leave tomorrow.
David blends decades of hands-on experience with clear explanations that anyone can follow. He’s not just throwing theories at you—he’s guiding you through real-world strategies for choosing successors, transferring ownership, and protecting the value you’ve worked so hard to build. His focus on internal succession makes you realize how much smoother the transition can be when the next leaders already understand your culture and clients.
What’s refreshing is how grounded the advice is. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution here; instead, the book encourages you to shape a plan that fits your unique situation. It feels more like a personalized consultation than a textbook.
Whether you’re close to retirement or decades away, this book shows you why the smartest time to start planning is now. By the last page, you’re not just thinking about your business today—you’re envisioning the legacy it could leave tomorrow.
August 8, 2025
Building With the End in Mind is not your average “how-to” business book—it’s more like a trusted GPS for the long journey of running and eventually stepping away from your business. From the very first chapter, David Grau Sr. challenges the way most owners think about succession. He shows that it’s not just about finding someone to take over, it’s about preparing the business so it can stand strong without you. That shift in perspective is powerful.
What really stood out to me is how practical and no-nonsense the advice is. David doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges, but he also doesn’t drown you in technical mumbo-jumbo. He breaks down topics like equity design, successor training, and valuation into steps that feel manageable. It’s the kind of book that makes you grab a notepad because you’ll want to start mapping out your own plan right away.
By the time you finish, you realize succession planning isn’t a “someday” problem—it’s something you should be thinking about right now, no matter your age or stage in business. This book gives you the clarity to see the road ahead and the tools to start walking it.
What really stood out to me is how practical and no-nonsense the advice is. David doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges, but he also doesn’t drown you in technical mumbo-jumbo. He breaks down topics like equity design, successor training, and valuation into steps that feel manageable. It’s the kind of book that makes you grab a notepad because you’ll want to start mapping out your own plan right away.
By the time you finish, you realize succession planning isn’t a “someday” problem—it’s something you should be thinking about right now, no matter your age or stage in business. This book gives you the clarity to see the road ahead and the tools to start walking it.
August 31, 2025
David Grau Sr. brings unmatched expertise to the subject of succession planning. His book stands out because it combines technical knowledge with practical application.
The early chapters highlight just how vulnerable a business can be without a plan. It’s sobering but necessary.
He then lays out strategies for equity transfer, leader development, and ownership structures that preserve value. These sections are detailed yet accessible.
What impressed me was how he addressed the emotional hurdles of letting go. Owners often underestimate that side, and he doesn’t ignore it.
This book is not only informative—it’s a guide that feels both realistic and reassuring.
The early chapters highlight just how vulnerable a business can be without a plan. It’s sobering but necessary.
He then lays out strategies for equity transfer, leader development, and ownership structures that preserve value. These sections are detailed yet accessible.
What impressed me was how he addressed the emotional hurdles of letting go. Owners often underestimate that side, and he doesn’t ignore it.
This book is not only informative—it’s a guide that feels both realistic and reassuring.
September 5, 2025
David Grau Sr. writes with the confidence of someone who has helped countless businesses, but also with the warmth of someone who genuinely cares. That balance is rare.
He opens with the idea that succession isn’t something you put off until retirement—it’s something you build toward from day one. That shift in thinking stuck with me.
Throughout the chapters, he blends real strategies with encouragement. It feels like advice you can trust because it’s tested.
I especially liked his focus on internal succession. Passing leadership to people already invested in the business just feels right.
By the end, I didn’t feel anxious about planning for the future—I felt excited.
He opens with the idea that succession isn’t something you put off until retirement—it’s something you build toward from day one. That shift in thinking stuck with me.
Throughout the chapters, he blends real strategies with encouragement. It feels like advice you can trust because it’s tested.
I especially liked his focus on internal succession. Passing leadership to people already invested in the business just feels right.
By the end, I didn’t feel anxious about planning for the future—I felt excited.
August 30, 2025
Building With the End in Mind is a practical guide that every service-based business owner should keep on their desk. David Grau Sr. makes a strong case for succession planning as a vital part of business growth, not just a retirement exercise.
His step-by-step approach makes complicated areas like equity transfer and valuation clear. You can tell this is based on real experience, not theory.
It’s a book that will not only prepare you for your exit but also make your business stronger while you’re still in charge.
His step-by-step approach makes complicated areas like equity transfer and valuation clear. You can tell this is based on real experience, not theory.
It’s a book that will not only prepare you for your exit but also make your business stronger while you’re still in charge.
August 31, 2025
For many owners, the thought of stepping away from their business feels uncomfortable. David Grau Sr. makes that transition feel less like an ending and more like the natural next step.
The book covers leadership development, ownership models, and valuation with a refreshing honesty. There’s no sugarcoating, but there’s also no unnecessary jargon.
I liked his emphasis on internal succession—it makes so much sense to build future leaders from within. It keeps the business culture alive.
By the last page, I didn’t just feel more informed, I felt ready to start making changes.
The book covers leadership development, ownership models, and valuation with a refreshing honesty. There’s no sugarcoating, but there’s also no unnecessary jargon.
I liked his emphasis on internal succession—it makes so much sense to build future leaders from within. It keeps the business culture alive.
By the last page, I didn’t just feel more informed, I felt ready to start making changes.
September 1, 2025
Building With the End in Mind really opened my eyes. As a business owner myself, I realized how little I’d thought about what happens after me. This book forced me to face that reality in a constructive way.
David explains things like internal succession and training future leaders with so much clarity that I felt like I was having a conversation with him. It’s not heavy or overwhelming, just straightforward.
By the end, I found myself jotting down ideas for my own firm’s future. It was both reassuring and motivating.
David explains things like internal succession and training future leaders with so much clarity that I felt like I was having a conversation with him. It’s not heavy or overwhelming, just straightforward.
By the end, I found myself jotting down ideas for my own firm’s future. It was both reassuring and motivating.
September 1, 2025
Most of us dream about leaving a legacy, but very few actually prepare for it. This book shows exactly how to do it.
David lays out difficult topics in a way that feels simple and doable. He gives you the tools to start thinking differently about succession today.
Even if you’re years away from retirement, the advice in this book strengthens the foundation of your business right now. That’s what I found most valuable.
It’s not just about the end—it’s about building smarter every step of the way.
David lays out difficult topics in a way that feels simple and doable. He gives you the tools to start thinking differently about succession today.
Even if you’re years away from retirement, the advice in this book strengthens the foundation of your business right now. That’s what I found most valuable.
It’s not just about the end—it’s about building smarter every step of the way.
September 3, 2025
Planning for succession isn’t something most owners want to think about, right? Honestly, I was one of them. But this book changed that for me.
David Grau Sr. makes the subject way less intimidating. He explains it like a trusted advisor sitting across from you, coffee in hand, breaking down the big picture.
What struck me most was how he connected the financial side with the people side—your employees, your clients, your relationships.
I walked away thinking, “Okay, I can actually do this.” And that says a lot for a book about something I used to dread.
David Grau Sr. makes the subject way less intimidating. He explains it like a trusted advisor sitting across from you, coffee in hand, breaking down the big picture.
What struck me most was how he connected the financial side with the people side—your employees, your clients, your relationships.
I walked away thinking, “Okay, I can actually do this.” And that says a lot for a book about something I used to dread.
September 4, 2025
Building With the End in Mind is like a playbook for anyone running a professional service firm. We all focus on growing today, but this book shows why planning for tomorrow is just as important.
What I liked most is that David doesn’t just tell you what to do; he explains why it matters and how it will impact your team and clients. That makes the advice easy to trust.
It’s one of those books you’ll want to keep nearby, because the lessons stay relevant as your business grows.
What I liked most is that David doesn’t just tell you what to do; he explains why it matters and how it will impact your team and clients. That makes the advice easy to trust.
It’s one of those books you’ll want to keep nearby, because the lessons stay relevant as your business grows.
September 6, 2025
This book is a must for any professional service owner who actually cares about the future of their firm. Too many people ignore succession planning until it’s too late.
David breaks it all down—ownership transfer, valuation, leadership development—in plain language. There’s no fluff, just solid advice.
I came away with a clear sense of what steps I need to take and why they matter. That’s exactly what I was hoping for.
David breaks it all down—ownership transfer, valuation, leadership development—in plain language. There’s no fluff, just solid advice.
I came away with a clear sense of what steps I need to take and why they matter. That’s exactly what I was hoping for.
September 7, 2025
This book is a roadmap for peace of mind. If you’ve ever wondered what will happen to your business when you step away, this is the guide you need.
David Grau Sr. makes a complicated subject feel approachable. He mixes strategy with heart, reminding you it’s about people as much as numbers.
The advice is practical, but it also gives you a sense of hope—that your hard work can live on.
It’s a book that gives clarity today and confidence about tomorrow.
David Grau Sr. makes a complicated subject feel approachable. He mixes strategy with heart, reminding you it’s about people as much as numbers.
The advice is practical, but it also gives you a sense of hope—that your hard work can live on.
It’s a book that gives clarity today and confidence about tomorrow.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews