ExitSmarts^™ Webinar Series at a Glance:

Dan Paxton

EOS Implementer, AExP Traction2Vision

After 30+ years as an entrepreneur, mostly in start-up roles of several local and two national businesses, Dan followed his passion for helping businesses grow by becoming an Implementer of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). As an EOS Implementer, Dan directly helps business owners get what they want out of their businesses. He increasingly noticed that what many (Boomer) owners wanted was a planned successful exit from their businesses. To specifically help these clients Dan obtained a certification as an Advanced Exit Planner (AExP) through the Business Enterprise Institute and now Dan feels uniquely positioned to help business owners plan for and execute successful business exits…getting what they want out of their businesses.

Steve Douglas

Director, ExitMap Express Advisor Porte Brown

Steve is a Director with Porte Brown Accountants & Advisors and is a key member of the Estate and Trust Department, the Tax Department and also heads up the firm’s Exit Planning practice to provide business owners with services that help them transition ownership of their business whether they choose to transfer their company to family members, co-owners, key employees or sell it to outside third parties.

Over the last 33 years, Steve has worked with countless clients who rely on his tax expertise. Whether they be active business owners, business owners looking to transition out of their business, individuals, estate executors, or, trust beneficiaries, the goal is the same – offer proactive advice to minimize a client’s overall tax burden.

With degrees from Illinois State University (Bachelor of Science in Finance) and Northern Illinois University (Master of Science in Taxation), Steve provides clients with comprehensive knowledge of complex tax issues. He is licensed to practice by the Internal Revenue Service as an Enrolled Agent and is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents. He is also a member of the Business Enterprise Institute, a community of business advisors that exists to help business owners and their families benefit from their life’s work.

Wade Runge

Director, ExitMap Express Advisor Porte Brown

Wade is a Director at Porte Brown, LLC, a full service accounting and advisory firm. He is based out of Porte Brown’s Elgin office, and he is a member of both the Valuation and Transition Planning practice group and the Accounting practice group. Wade’s extensive training, along with his 30 years of experience in accounting and advising small business owners, and his ability to translate technical jargon into everyday English makes him a valuable and trusted consultant for clients seeking his help on everything from taxes, to business valuations, to long-term business planning. He says, “I want to see our clients succeed by understanding and applying what we do for them.”

Formerly, Wade was a partner at Alliant Advisors, Inc., where he has served the Huntley and Barrington communities for the past 25 years. Since Alliant’s merger with Porte Brown in November 2015, Wade has continued to serve his individual and business clients with accounting, tax and advisory services, along with providing business valuation services to the combined firm’s business clients.