Chris Coulter

Father of 3 (2 boys and an angel). Entrepreneur who helps business owners with wealth, risk and tax strategies. Advocate for youth mental illness. Blogger.

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

The big debate rages on; who do I eventually sell my business to?

There are 3 primary parties to consider: third party, employees or family members. All have their attributes and their detractors. But which option serves the b…https://t.co/3RcGKBVrLC https://t.co/4CSi3L579c

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

Mindful Fridays

As always, I had an insightful coffee meeting with @petebombaci, the dedicated ambassador of The GenWell Project, a remarkable organization. Over the past 7 years, Pete has been advocating for the importance of hum…https://t.co/rxvwPO7raE https://t.co/H5VME6zAh3

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

Asking business owners about their exit strategies often reveals a lack of definitive plans or timelines. That makes sense since only 8% have a comprehensive written exit plan. However, many admit that they would certainly conside…https://t.co/yGa9xkEy4V https://t.co/jq8V25aZL0

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

About one-third of business owners I talk to say they never plan on selling their business. Then one day, I get a call suddenly saying they want out asap.

Preparing your business to be sold versus never wanting to sell are two ve…https://t.co/kvvhqyCOLu https://t.co/xi6SczP0IG

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

An estimated 70% of businesses will be put up for sale in the next 10 years.

Only about 30% of businesses that are put up for sale actually sell.

That's a lot of business owners that will walk away very disappointed, especiall…https://t.co/7JCfrfpmca https://t.co/QTwaqJWmh1

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

About one-third of business owners I talk to say they never plan on selling their business. Then one day, I get a call suddenly saying they want out asap.

Preparing your business to be sold versus never wanting to sell are two ve…https://t.co/jzFl4pcTgW https://t.co/6d7sIBccvm

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

In my discussions with business owners, a common frustration emerges: the escalating costs of employee compensation and the challenge of retaining top talent.

This equation is unsustainable.

It may be time to explore a differen…https://t.co/Qz3KVKOKj7 https://t.co/CkmKOxiL0D

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

Selling your business involves unexpected twists and turns. You don't know what you don't know.

Explore the amusing and bewildering world of selling your beloved business, from the confusion of where to start to the mystery of v…https://t.co/vQDgXnBEYh https://t.co/TY3bbQjolr

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

Today would've been my daughter, Maddie's 23rd birthday. I couldn't think of a more appropriate date to launch the Hopeful Horizons Fund, which is a tremendous savings vehicle for kids and a host of incredible mental health resourc…https://t.co/KVJAG1ZgNE https://t.co/OiIOJn9OVP

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

Many of us believe we’ve got superstar employees.

When considering an employee-led buyout, business owners face the dilemma of rewarding loyalty or prioritizing entrepreneurial talent.

It's crucial to find a balance that aligns…https://t.co/BEzILiOVMr https://t.co/lnsQQmhZaB

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

When deciding whom to sell your business to, several factors come into play that can significantly impact the outcome of the transaction. Here are some of the biggest factors to consider:

Financial Capability:
The financial capability of the buyer is a…https://t.co/BZUWV1mrpa

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

For those who don't know me or my story, I'm an ardent supporter of Youth Mental Health.

All this stems from the loss of Maddie, my 14-year-old daughter, on April 11th, 2015.

I've written extensively about what we went through wi…https://t.co/suLgX4Fvx3 https://t.co/Uk3d30jH7N

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

Picture this: another client eager to sell their business, assuming they would automatically qualify for the coveted Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE).

However, a few qualifying questions revealed a surprising truth—they h…https://t.co/3Z33quuWgL https://t.co/by9jIXpNic

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

What causes an entrepreneur/business owner to suddenly wake up one day and say, 'I'm out'? For me, it was when my business started feeling like a job. A job that you can't simply quit.

Passion fuels energy, innovation and your…https://t.co/VyYBAKQR0Z https://t.co/qkaSJYqKzC

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

I had lunch with a client yesterday. Listening to his story about starting his business was fascinating. He was the consummate entrepreneur, even if he didn't see himself as one. Now he is pondering bringing his son into running…https://t.co/uzJCjF8uHG https://t.co/Kpid5lpHRu

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

Sometimes, business owners reach a point where they want to retire or explore different things in life. After working hard for years, they might desire to enjoy the rewards of their efforts, spend more time with family, go on trips, or try new ventures.…https://t.co/1PmPe9HmxK

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

Many of you know my deep love for youth mental health. It's a cause that will always remain close to my heart, driven by the devastating loss of my daughter, Maddie, to suicide over eight years ago. I've shared our raw journey thro…https://t.co/nfzRasNjjH https://t.co/xx5DoOOx4g

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

Let me share a story that hits close to home. It's about "Bill," an entrepreneur who poured his heart and soul into building his business over 25 years. There were countless moments of sacrifice—weekends spent fulfilling orders whi…https://t.co/vpRT32CY1r https://t.co/bqHQrA4J8B

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

Last month, "Bill" entered my office, introduced by a friend who knew his need for expert advice.
He is an incredible individual, having built his manufacturing business from scratch out of his garage 25 years ago.
With excitemen…https://t.co/a9pE5B1GB1 https://t.co/PIsBe9pa2P

[Chris Coulter @afriendwbenefit]

URGENT: Attention Charities, Foundations, Accountants, Lawyers, Insurance Advisors, and generous Canadians! Proposed tax change jeopardizes millions in donations. Donors of appreciated securities will lose tax benefits. Act now to protect Canadian Philant…https://t.co/RYw1jKem2H