Sell to Your Employees Without Becoming Their Bank
The Step-Up Legacy Plan™: Your key employees buy your firm with as little as 10% down while you get paid 90% at closing.
The Problem with Traditional Options
Traditional ESOP
Traditional ESOPs cost $150,000+ to set up, have high annual maintenance costs, and work best for firms with net income over $1,500,000.
Seller Financing
You become the bank, waiting years for payments while hoping your employees stay profitable.
Third-Party Sale
Strangers take over your life's work and potentially change everything you built.
How the Step-Up Legacy Plan™ Works
We Structure the Deal
Professional valuation, SBA financing setup, legal documentation
Your Employees Invest 10%
Manageable down payment, personal guarantees, skin in the game
Banks Fund the Rest
You get paid 90% at closing, employees repay the bank over time
ESOP vs. Step Up Legacy Plan™
Traditional ESOPs cost $150,000+ to set up, have high annual maintenance costs, and work best for firms with net income over $1,500,000.”
A smarter path to succession for $1M–$8M businesses
Why This Works for A/E Firms
You Get Paid at Closing
Receive 90% of your firm's value in cash. No waiting years for installment payments.
Your Legacy Lives On
Your employees already know your clients, processes, and values. They'll preserve what you built.
Simple Process
No ESOP complexity or ongoing regulatory requirements. Just a straightforward business sale with professional financing.
Real Success Story
Phasor Corporation
Owner wanted to sell to two key employees but needed full payment at closing. Local banks wouldn't help.
Our Solution
Step-Up Legacy Plan™ secured SBA financing that paid the seller in full while providing working capital for the new owners.
Result
Employees became owners with manageable investment. Seller got complete payout. Business continuity preserved.
Is This Right for Your Firm?
Common Questions
Typically 3-6 months from start to closing.
Usually 5-10% of purchase price, often $100K-$500K depending on firm size.
Our banking relationships and expertise help present the strongest loan applications. We pre-qualify scenarios first.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
The Step-Up Legacy Plan™ isn't right for every situation, but when it fits, it solves the employee ownership challenge elegantly.
Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your specific situation and determine if this approach can achieve your goals.
