by Jim Welna

We all want our businesses to be successful when they pass to new ownership.  Selling your business to family members or existing employees can be very successful or a disaster.  Tom Hubler from Hubler for Business Families was the featured speaker at the July SCCA general membership meeting.  SCCA invited him back after his well received presentation to the Solopreneurs group last November.

Tom discussed the importance of planning for the sale of a business and what some of the key elements of that plan should include. He spoke directly to some of the special challenges with selling to family members or long time employees.  He shared great stories of some of the common pitfalls that occur when you sell to someone you have known for a long time.  He also shared tips on how to prevent some of most common problems.  The use of an outside facilitator can be helpful.   Members had many questions for him at the end of his presentation.  Tom can be reached at contact@hublergroup.com. Many of his insights can be seen here, on his company’s website.

The meeting was held at the newly opened Verdant Tea Bar and Tasting Room located at 2111 E. Franklin Avenue. David and Lily Duckler provided attendees with a wonderful choice of their fresh loose-leaf teas that come directly from small family run farms in China.  The iced Chai that Brandon Lovejoy prepared was a big hit.  Food on their menu is made on-site in conjunction with the Birchwood Cafe.  Members also were able to sample some of the fantastic Sweet Science ice cream that Ashlee Olds now sells at Verdant Tea.