STEPS Program
Life After Business Should Be by Design
Our specialized program prepares established business owners with Succession, Transition, and Exit Planning Services (STEPS) and actionable plans.
Never Too Soon To Discuss Business Exit Strategy
Strategic planning and experienced insights drive smarter decisions, stronger valuations, and smoother handoffs. As trusted advisors, we partner with business leaders to chart a clear course through ownership changes and organizational evolution.
Our services span executive coaching, strategic growth planning, and financial readiness aligned to prepare for leadership handoff, market repositioning, or long-term wealth preservation so that your business asset ensures a legacy of success.
Expand All
Guiding Entrepreneurs Through Strategic Change
Expand All
Business & Owner Succession & Transition Planning
Business & Owner Exit Readiness & Planning
Business Valuation Consulting & Reporting
Use precise, credible, data-driven insights to assess, understand, articulate, and increase the true worth of a business enterprise.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Advisory
Business Strategy & Consulting
One-on-One Executive Coaching
Team Leadership Coaching
STEPS Program Leader
Meet Daniel T. Russell
CPA, ABC, CFF, CVA, MSA
As a business owner, seasoned accounting professional, and former educator, Daniel brings a rare blend of technical expertise, practical business insight, and a teacher’s clarity to help clients navigate complex challenges with confidence.
Director of Wealth Management
Sheri Mergenthaler
CFP®, CPWA®, CDFA®
Sheri began her journey in finance at a young age and has built a career marked by dedication, growth, and leadership. Rising through the ranks, she now serves as Director of Wealth Management, where she combines strategic insight and personal commitment to help clients make sound, forward-looking decisions for their financial futures.
STEPS Program Leader
Meet Daniel T. Russell
CPA, ABC, CFF, CVA, MSA
As a business owner, seasoned accounting professional, and former educator, Daniel brings a rare blend of technical expertise, practical business insight, and a teacher’s clarity to help clients navigate complex challenges with confidence.
Director of Wealth Management
Sheri Mergenthaler
CFP®, CPWA®, CDFA®
Sheri began her journey in finance at a young age and has built a career marked by dedication, growth, and leadership. Rising through the ranks, she now serves as Director of Wealth Management, where she combines strategic insight and personal commitment to help clients make sound, forward-looking decisions for their financial futures.
Why HeimLantz
Optimize for long-term success with a plan
Increase Business Value
Optimize the drivers important to future owners, successors, or investors.
Align Personal and Business Goals
Strategize a transition that supports your financial future and your legacy. Connect the present to the future with clarity and increased awareness.
Transition Ownership
Prepare your company for future success by reconfiguring systems, leadership, and processes.
Utilize Proven System
Follow an established process customized for your specific business, industry, and timeline.
What Clients Say
Elmfield Institute
"The team at HeimLantz is just amazing. We partnered with the firm after many years with the same firm and have been very pleased with the expertise and guidance they have provided. They have a willingness to explore and be creative in the advice and planning they provide. They are not just a CPA but have been a valued counselor that has helped our company look at what is not just important today but what will be important in the future. From the minute you walk in the door, you’ve entered a center of excellence."
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTOR
Aptive Resources, LLC
"The team at HeimLantz is extremely knowledgeable and always willing to help with any of our tax planning and financial service needs. They have gone above and beyond time and again to help our company achieve our financial goals. They are friendly and approachable and always willing to answer any question we might have. I would absolutely recommend them to any company looking for a strong, top-notch accounting firm."
REAL ESTATE
Celedon Partners, LLC
"HeimLantz is the right partner for us because of their flat fee engagement model. Our team can get clarifications and advice without additional fees, which gives an added level of trust to our relationship. They go above and beyond to provide us with the information and recommendations we need. We would recommend them to anyone looking for a great accounting firm."
CONSTRUCTION
IMER Group
"HeimLantz’s service has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in our overall success. Their expertise and dedication have significantly contributed to our achievement of goals. I must mention that Josh and Drew are outstanding members of their team. Their exceptional skills and unwavering dedication make them the best in the business. We are delighted with HeimLantz’s services and highly recommend them to anyone seeking top-notch audit assistance."
Aviation Systems Engineering Company
"Our business and HeimLantz have grown together over the last 15 years. The team has been an integral part of our company and its continued growth over the years. We have relied on their expertise and financial advice, as well as their business savvy to grow from a three-person company to one with over 250 employees. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a strong accounting partner that will be there to help grow and continue to help their company succeed."
Lee & Sylvia Marston
"Amy Smith has been and is an extremely helpful person for us. She has gone out of her way to do what we need."
Eagle Title
"The entire team at HeimLantz is geared towards creating solutions for their clients. They were instrumental in creating alignment for our company and ensuring our entire team is operating efficiently. Zack is an exceptional communicator and is terrific at giving you the tools to facilitate the growth of your organization."
STEPS Program FAQs
What is the STEPS Program and how is it different from traditional exit planning?
The STEPS Program is a comprehensive, forward-looking advisory framework that goes beyond traditional exit planning by focusing on building long-term value, leadership readiness, and strategic alignment-whether you’re planning to exit soon or simply preparing for the future.
When should I start planning for a business transition or exit?
The best time to begin planning is now, ideally 3 to 5 years before any anticipated change, to maximize value, reduce risk, and ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.
How do I get started and what is the first step?
Getting started is simple. Schedule an initial consultation with our team to discuss your goals, challenges, and how STEPS can support your long-term vision.
What if I don't plan to sell anytime soon, can STEPS still help me?
Absolutely. STEPS is designed to help you strengthen your business today while preparing for any future scenario, whether that is growth, leadership change, or eventual sale.
What is the return on investment for going through STEPS?
Clients often see increased business value, reduced risk, improved leadership alignment, and greater peace of mind, making STEPS a strategic investment in your company’s future.
How does the business valuation fit into the STEPS process?
A valuation provides a clear, data-backed picture of your company’s current worth and helps identify areas for improvement, making it a foundational element of the STEPS roadmap.
What does "transferable value" mean and why is it important?
Transferable value refers to the portion of your business’s worth that can be maintained without you-it’s essential for attracting buyers, successors, or investors and ensuring continuity.
Can you help with both internal and external transitions?
Yes. We support both internal transitions such as passing the business to family or key employees, and external transitions such as third-party sales or mergers.
How do you handle confidentiality during the planning process?
We treat all client information with the highest level of discretion, using secure systems and confidentiality agreements to protect your sensitive data.
Will I receive a formal report or action plan at the end of the engagement?
Yes. You will receive a customized, actionable roadmap that outlines key findings, recommendations, and next steps tailored to your goals and timeline.
Can STEPS be customized to fit a specific timeline or family situation?
Absolutely. STEPS is fully adaptable to your unique circumstances, whether navigating family dynamics, ownership complexity, or a specific exit horizon.
Do you work with my existing attorney, wealth advisor, or CPA?
Yes. We collaborate closely with your existing advisors to ensure alignment across legal, financial, and strategic planning efforts.
How do you support nonprofit or government contractor businesses through succession?
We tailor our approach to meet the unique regulatory, funding, and governance needs of mission-driven and contract-based organizations, ensuring continuity and compliance.
What if I'm unsure about what I want my exit to look like?
That is perfectly normal. STEPS helps you explore your options, clarify your goals, and build a flexible plan that evolves as your vision becomes clearer.
Is the STEPS Program only for owners nearing retirement?
Not at all. STEPS is valuable for any business owner looking to build resilience, improve leadership readiness, and plan for the future, regardless of age or timeline.
What is the best way to prepare my business for a future ownership change?
The most effective approach involves early planning, aligning leadership and financial goals, and implementing a structured roadmap to ensure a smooth transition and preserve enterprise value.
When should I start planning to exit my business?
Ideally, exit planning should begin 3-5 years in advance to allow time for value enhancement, leadership development, and beneficial tax strategies.
Why is an independent business valuation important?
A third-party valuation provides objective insight into your company’s worth, supporting better decision-making for sales, mergers, estate planning, or partner buyouts.
How often should I update my business valuation?
It is recommended to reassess your business value annually or during major events like ownership changes, funding rounds, or strategic pivots.
How can financial planning support my long-term goals as a business owner?
A personalized financial plan helps you align business success with personal wealth goals, ensuring security, lifestyle continuity, and legacy preservation.
What's the difference between personal and business financial planning?
Business planning focuses on growth, cash flow, and value creation, while personal planning addresses retirement, estate strategy, and wealth transfer.
Get Started
In the Business of Helping Business
We are strategic partners well-versed in achieving success for companies and individuals through forward-thinking strategy, objective analysis, regulatory expertise, professional commitment, and a track record for success.
Locally Invested