Most business owners create something great but leave their succession planning and exit to chance. In Succession by Design, Jim Erben delivers the ultimate guide that offers practical advice and a clear path to preserving value, preventing conflict, and shaping a transition that strengthens your business, supports your family, and protects your legacy. This is a must-read for owners who want clarity, control, and an exit done right.

– —Duff Stewart, Retired CEO, GSD&M

Succession by Design is a clear, practical road map for any business owner who wishes to exit on purpose, rather than by accident. Jim Erben translates decades of experience into a solid framework that is both relatable and actionable through the telling of memorable vignettes such as Mary’s catastrophic “lightning strike” and Clint’s insistence on a well-packed parachute. Jim shows exactly why fewer than one in five business owners having a written succession plan is a looming crisis and, more important, how to fix it.

– —Kurt Miscinski, Founder & CEO, Cerity Partners

Over the past twenty-five years, I have had the unique opportunity to watch Jim Erben lead with empathy, insight, and an unwavering commitment to helping business owners live the life they worked for. In Succession by Design, Jim distills that experience into a powerful framework that recognizes no two journeys—or transitions—are the same. His compassion for the individual behind the business, paired with his deep strategic insight, makes this book an essential guide for anyone navigating the financial and emotional realities of succession.

– —John Coyne, Cofounder, Brinker Capital

Jim Erben has guided my family business for years, helping us protect what we have built and design a succession plan that reflects our values. In Succession by Design, he delivers the same clear, practical framework that has been invaluable to us.
Most owners spend a lifetime building their companies but rarely plan for how they will step away. Jim shows how to avoid that mistake. With true stories, smart strategies, and a compassionate approach, he gives business owners the tools to exit on their terms and preserve their legacy.
This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to transition their business with confidence and intention.

– —Joe Bland, President & CEO, Joe Bland Construction

Succession by Design outlines the framework that finally gave us the ability to sleep soundly at night. Owning and operating multiple businesses, raising a family, and being responsible for many employees is an incredible blessing—but it also carries real weight.

After working with Jim Erben for the past five years, it became clear that his process truly works. He helped us identify gaps we did not even know existed and gave us confidence knowing a thoughtful plan is in place.

Because of that, we are now able to focus on the exciting future of both our business and our family. We are deeply grateful for Jim’s guidance and vision—his proven framework brings real peace of mind for business owners like us, and we are excited that he is now sharing it with the world.

– —Chris & Katharine Brundrett, Winemakers & Cofounders of William Chris Vineyards