The Summit Series

Summit Series | Ep. 5: The Hidden Risks That Kill Deals with Wes Shelton

In this episode of the Summit Series, Craig Huston sits down with Wes Shelton, Managing Director at SM2 Advisors, to explore why most business owners aren’t ready to sell—and what it really takes to exit well. With hundreds of deals behind him, Wes breaks down the differences between brokers, M&A advisors, and investment banks, and shares why 80% of businesses never sell. From working capital traps to messy financials and overreliance on key employees, this conversation is packed with practical advice for owners who want to do it right. Topics Covered: * Business brokers vs. M&A advisors * Why deals fall apart in diligence * Working capital and valuation pitfalls * The risk of relying too heavily on key people * What buyers really want to see If you're thinking about a sale—or just want to build a business that’s ready—this episode is essential listening. 🎧 Tune in and take the next step.

Summit Series | Ep. 4: The Five D’s That Derail (or Define) Your Business with Tripp Scott (Part 2)

In this powerful conclusion to our conversation with Tripp Scott law firm, Craig Huston dives deeper into the remaining Five D’s—Divorce, Disagreement, and Distress—and how they can quietly erode (or intentionally protect) the value of your business. From navigating a partner breakup to surviving economic downturns, this episode reveals the strategies that resilient business owners use to plan ahead and exit on their terms. You’ll hear war stories, success stories, and actionable insights that prove one truth: the best time to prepare was yesterday; the next best time is today.  In this episode: * What happens when business and marriage mix—and unravel * How to use buy-sell agreements to avoid drama and deadlock * Funding your exit: lines of credit, redemption strategies, and why cash is king * Why annual reviews of your legal docs are non-negotiable * Real-world examples of what happens when owners fail (or succeed) in planning ahead Whether you're growing fast or hanging on for dear life, this episode is your blueprint for protecting your business, your family, and your future.

Summit Series | Ep. 3: The Five D’s That Derail (or Define) Your Business with Tripp Scott (Part 1)

What happens to your business when the unexpected hits? In this episode of the Summit Series, Craig Huston sits down with Dennis Smith and Mariana Seiler-DeJager of Tripp Scott law firm to unpack the Five D’s that can either derail your business or define its legacy: Death, Disability, Divorce, Disagreement, and Distress. This candid conversation goes deep into real-life legal pitfalls that threaten closely held businesses—and more importantly, how to de-risk your company before they hit. From buy-sell agreements and spousal waivers to succession planning and the surprising reasons business owners avoid signing critical documents, you’ll hear what proactive leaders must do now to protect the value they’ve worked so hard to build. Whether you’re scaling, preparing for a transition, or just want to sleep better at night, this episode is your legal and strategic wake-up call. Listen in to learn: * How to bulletproof your business against the unexpected * Why life and disability insurance aren’t optional * The hidden dangers of procrastinating legal planning * How the right documentation can preserve your company’s value—and your family’s legacy Value-driven leadership starts with preparation. This one’s a must-listen for founders, partners, and CEOs who want to protect what they’ve built and plan smart for what’s next.

Summit Series | Ep. 2: Building Wealth & Planning Your Exit with Greg Edwards

In this episode, Craig sits down with wealth manager Greg Edwards to unpack the crucial financial blind spots business owners often miss—and how to fix them before it’s too late. With over 30 years of experience advising high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs, Greg shares what every owner should know about preparing their business (and family) for a future transition—whether that’s scaling, selling, or stepping away. From financial strategy and business valuation to family dynamics and legacy planning, this is a must-listen for any founder looking to exit on their own terms. You’ll learn why 3–5 years of prep is non-negotiable, how to avoid leaving money on the table, and the biggest mistake owners make when it’s time to sell.  Guest: Greg Edwards, Partner, Wealth Manager, and trusted advisor to entrepreneurs across generations. Topics Covered: * Transition planning and value creation * Tax traps and financial missteps to avoid * Real stories of exits done right (and wrong) * Family dynamics in legacy businesses * Why wealth management is more than investing Whether you're years from a transition or feeling the pressure now, this episode will help you take smarter steps toward your summit.

Summit Series | Ep. 1: What Business Owners Get Wrong in a Transaction with Addison Watson

In this kickoff episode of the Summit Series, host Craig Huston sits down with Addison Watson, founder of Summit Legal Consultants and an expert transaction attorney, to pull back the curtain on what really happens during a business sale. Addison shares stories from both billion-dollar deals and Main Street exits to spotlight a common truth: smaller business owners often face bigger risks because they don't know what they don't know. From legal blind spots to how personal attachments sabotage valuation, this conversation is packed with hard-won wisdom. Whether you're considering a future sale, building toward transition, or simply want to protect what you've built, this episode breaks down why legal strategy is not optional—and how working with the right advisor can make or save you six figures (or more). Topics Covered: * Why most business owners are unprepared to sell * The top legal mistakes in transactions (and how to avoid them) * Why your buyer is not your buddy * Building clean business operations for better multiples * What makes a deal fall apart—and what makes it close well If you're building toward an exit or just want to maximize the value of your company, this episode is your insider playbook. 🎧 Listen now and elevate your business.