This was created because we have worked with too many business owners that have gotten to the time of transitioning into retirement and their market value is well short of their expectation or need. Although originally designed to help businesses as they prepare to sell, the material covered is relevant to businesses earlier in the life cycle as well. Applying these simple principles can increase profitability and help owners create more time.
Designed to help business owners get educated that will be looking to sell and retire in the next 5 years. Created from real world experience, business owners will get answers to questions and concerns on the transition process, from planning stages through post-close.
This is a great opportunity for business owners to gain access to quality trusted advisors to better understand the process and have access to education before costly mistakes happen.
An overview of exit planning to help business owners plan in advance for that day to turn over the day-to-day operations and transition into retirement or their next venture. It is important to plan ahead instead of being forced into decisions (often from health issues or significant changes in their business).
For businesses exploring the idea of succession planning through employee ownership: Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) – Worker Cooperatives – Employee Ownership Trusts
This workshop was created for entrepreneurial organizations that wanted to help their students and/or clients. We enjoy helping the business community and entrepreneurs build great working relationships through authentic connections. Networking at its best is about quality connections not collecting the most contacts.
A lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Dr. Mark Hagar brings decades of hands-on experience in small business ownership, acquisitions, and turnarounds to his role as a business broker. Over his distinguished career, he has acquired and operated more than 20 companies and engineered over 50 successful turnarounds, giving him a uniquely practical understanding of what makes businesses succeed, and sell. His portfolio spans manufacturing, distribution, and service firms in industries including printing, education, military contracting, aerospace, and orthopedics. This diverse background enables him to identify value, anticipate buyer needs, and structure complex deals with confidence and precision.
Mark holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from Cranfield University’s School of Management in Bedford, England—one of Europe’s leading business schools. His research on small business resilience and operational excellence has been recognized by the Small Business Institute (SBI), the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE), and the International Council for Small Business (ICSB).
In addition to his business career, Dr. Hagar has served as a member of faculty at several institutions of higher education, including Holy Cross College (Notre Dame), Trine University, and the University of Saint Francis. He also hosted Your Business Matters, a small business–focused radio show and podcast for more than a decade and is the author of Small Fortunes – the Acquisition Entrepreneur’s Guide to Buying a Profitable Small Business.
A passionate advocate for entrepreneurs, Mark previously chaired the Indiana Leadership Council for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), representing small business owners before state and federal legislators. He currently serves as President of the Allen County, Indiana Economic Development
Commission.
As a broker, Mark specializes in industrial, manufacturing, and distribution firms, with particular expertise in special situations, distressed assets, and complex transitions where experience, creativity and discretion are central to success.