Cornerstone Business Services

Thank you to our presenters and sponsors in the 6th annual Cornerstone State of M&A Conference. Leonard & Finco did a fantastic breakout session on all things PR related to M&A.

The 2024 State of M&A Conference is just around the corner (April 25th 📆) and it’s gearing up to be our most action-packed one yet!

Join Chris Lerario and Aaron Boettcher as they dive into "Structuring the Transaction: Impact on Value & Taxes."

Gain insights into crucial aspects of M&A transactions, including tax considerations and factors affecting net proceeds for both buyers and sellers.

Don't miss out on key takeaways to maximize your deal's value!

Register today and save your spot.

https://www.cornerstone-business.com/event/ma2024gb/

Hawkins Ash CPAs is a proud sponsor of the State of M&A Conference hosted by Cornerstone Business Services.

At this premier event, our professionals will present tax-advantaged ideas for setting up your next deal.

Buying or selling a business can be emotional, complicated, and time-consuming. Without the right transaction plan in place, entrepreneurs can lose value during their sale, run into cash flow issues, or have their deal fall through entirely.

We have experts who coordinate with legal counsel and alleviate the stress relating to life-changing transactions. Learn more here: https://www.hawkinsash.cpa/services/transaction-advisory-consulting/

It was an honor to have the Cornerstone Business Services, Inc. recognized as the 13th fastest growing company in our region. I was able to share the stage with many iconic businesses from the area.

I am so blessed to be able to work with the team I do each and every day. We are a passionate group that gets to help business owners realize their dreams by selling their company to maximize the value and other items that are important to them.

Thank you to Insight Publications and KerberRose , title sponsor, for this great event.

Had an incredible weekend spending time with amazing long-time friends and reflecting on the significance of relationships.

I flew to Florida with my wife Cassie to spend time with my college roommates and their spouses to celebrate our collective 50th birthdays. We had a blast! It reminded us of the fantastic times we've had in our first 50 years.

I encourage those who may have lost connection with a family member or friend to reconnect with them. It's never too late, and the effort is truly worthwhile!

Looking forward to the adventures the next 50 years will bring!

UW Whitewater

Have you heard? Big news just came down from the north pole since Santa delivered all the gifts this year. 📰

Santa is selling Christmas, Inc.

That’s right, after years of dedicated service, he’s trading in his snowy sleigh for sand and sunshine. 🎅☀️

Here’s how he prepared his business for a jolly retirement:

❄️Confidential representation
❄️Seeking an outside buyer
❄️Developing a management team
❄️Diversification
❄️Reducing working capital

With all those steps, he’s sure to find the right buyer to take the reins of his operation (pun intended).

Get into the Christmas M&A spirit by reading more about how Santa is Finishing Strong in our blog. 👇🎄

https://www.cornerstone-business.com/santa-seeks-buyer-for-christmas/

We’re wrapping up the year with our annual “Give a Kid a Book” tradition!

Part of the army toys for tots drive, it’s a great opportunity to share the gift of reading with kids in need each year. 📖✨

This practice has been going strong at for over a decade, making it one of our favorite ways to spend the holiday season!

What’s a book you couldn’t put down when you were younger? 📘

https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/greenbay/brighten-the-holidays/

Drum roll please…. 🥁

We were able to pull off the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER for our family in need this year!

The big surprise was revealed to them just before Christmas on December 22nd.

We were able to wrap and deliver all of their goodies, and deliver the big news: They’re going to Disney! ✈️ 🙌

Thank you to EVERYONE who donated and helped make this happen. The smiling faces we saw showed that we truly made an impact this holiday season.

Enjoy your time with family, friends and loved ones this holiday. And from all of us all Cornerstone, we wish you a happy and healthy new year. ✨

Read this one all the way through. ✨

It’s one of our favorite times of the year.

For the 4th year, we’ve partnered with a non-profit org to surprise a local family in need with the Best Christmas Ever! 🎄🎁

A family who has fallen on hard times has been selected to be the recipient of the Best Christmas Ever and they need your help to have that experience.

A teenager in the Green Bay area has been receiving chemo treatment most of their life. Recently, the doctors discovered multiple brain tumors. They have done their best to treat them by removing tumors and giving them chemo but they keep growing aggressively. If they do not respond to the radiation treatment, they will not have much time left, less than a year. The prognosis is not good. At this point, the parents are also battling health issues while they care for their child on this very difficult journey.

Each year we look forward to giving back and helping those who need it most - and we can’t do it without you. This is our one ask of the year!

Our goal: To make this absolute Best Christmas Ever for this great family who is really struggling. Cornerstone will match the first $10K raised. You can follow the link below to learn more and submit your donation. 👇

Thank you in advance to everyone who generously takes the time to help. Together, we’ll be making a difference in our community this holiday season!

https://bcemovement.kindful.com/2023-bce-families/cornerstone-2023

Congratulations Leonard & Finco Public Relations, Inc.! We were honored to work this deal with you.

Exciting news from Leonard & Finco! L&F is merging with Kane Communications Group of Milwaukee. All L&F employees (including Susan) are staying on board, our Green Bay office remains open and our name will remain the same. We’ll now be able to offer our clients expanded services and an even deeper bench strength of PR experts. We’re looking forward to the future! Susan Finco and Kimberly Kane inked the deal – so it’s official. A shoutout goes to Cornerstone Business Services for assisting and guiding the transaction.

If you know a family who has fallen on hard times due to no fault of their own, such as a health condition or similar event, we encourage you to take a moment and nominate them for a Best Christmas Ever. Nominations are due by Nov 1st.

“The Best Christmas Ever” is one of our favorite and most rewarding holiday traditions. 🎄🎁

This nonprofit allows volunteers like us to adopt a family in need, and we help them create life-changing memories.

If you know a family who has fallen on hard times due to no fault of their own, such as a health condition or similar event, we encourage you to take a moment and nominate them this year. Nominations are due by Nov 1st.

All it takes is their name, age, address, and contact information to get started. 📝

Because of you, someone could get the help the need this holiday season!

https://www.bcemovement.org/nominate-a-family-

We’re thrilled to have Bob Wolter on board. 🙌

He’s an expert advisor in the dairy🐄 & staffing industries and will join our team educating business owners on their best options before and throughout a sale.

When considering finance options, more and more people are getting creative. 🧠

That means structuring a deal beyond just cash payments. 💸 Like earn-outs, equity swaps, joint ventures, and debt-to-equity swaps.

Plus, dairy companies can also explore creative financing through government support programs.

Learn more about the many options of creative financing and why they might be right for you here. 👇 in our very own Bob Wolter’s latest article in the Cheese Market News.

https://www.cheesemarketnews.com/guestcolumn/2023/08sept23.html

Welcome to Cheese Market News Cheese Market News is the weekly newspaper of the nation's cheese, dairy and deli businesses. Find stories, market activity, industry resources, new products and more.

The BEI: Exit Planning team put together a great event in Denver that provided best practices and speakers to make strategic decisions for your practice.

Starting with Allie Taylor, owner of Orange Kiwi She gave a great talk on the the importance of the psychological side of business and the importance of being heard and understood.

It always feels good to be validated for what you said.

Kevin Knebl, a leading voice on LinkedIn and other social networking platforms, taught us some really cool tips and tricks. He also emphasized the importance of starting a conversation with people instead of just telling them your elevator pitch. Very valuable tips!

And I had the pleasure of wrapping up the event with a connection to George Sandman with Growth Drive. All around great guy.

These conferences with BEI always prove to bring so many connections and engagements with peers in our industry. Grateful to be part of it.



Orange Kiwi

According to the National Market Pulse survey report, roughly fifty-three percent of businesses fail to sell even with a qualified M&A advisor or business broker.

Yep, that’s half. 🤯

So, what causes all these deals to stumble before crossing the finish line?
Unrealistic expectations, financing, and economic uncertainty all play a role.
Read our blog to learn more and find out how to give yourself the best odds of coming out on top. 👇

https://lnkd.in/gevXtXqU

Nearly 1,000 Finish Strong books and workbooks have been purchased by financial advisors and CPA firms in the last 2 weeks.

Trusted advisors (Financial Advisor/CPA etc) are using these an important educational tool - sending these to their business owner clients (or potential clients) to start “The Conversation”.

And the earlier you have the conversation, the better for everybody! 👏

Plus, when you buy, a generous portion of the proceeds benefit “Best Christmas Ever”, Cornerstone’s annual holiday charity.

Shout out to everyone who’s joined the Finish Strong community. Join them and order your copies today!

If less than 10, purchase on Amazon. Any order great than 10, reach out to Angela Day, [email protected]

https://www.cornerstone-business.com/finishstrong/

Got out on the green this week with our analyst Hunter and Geneva Auto Body Inc business owner Troy Migut. 🏌️‍♂️

Troy is a friend and also current president of EO Wisconsin .

It was a blast getting to tee off with these two at the MBBI Golf Outing and sponsoring a tee on behalf of Cornerstone. ⛳ I always enjoy the chance to combine workday fun with my team and EO!

And this guy, Chad Richter, attorney at O’Neil Cannon great taste in shirts! Who wore it best?

Introducing our exclusive offer: Purchase 100 copies or more of the best selling M&A book, Finish Strong and unlock the power of personalization! 📖🔍

Leave your mark with clients and trusted advisors by customizing your very own FOREWORD!

We invite you to share your unique perspective, personal experience, or powerful insights and build a greater sense of trust with your audience.

Order you copies of Finish Strong directory through Angela Day and we’ll have the printer send the books direct to you. Email Angela: [email protected]

Learn more about Finish Strong, Sell Your Business on Your Own Terms here:

https://www.cornerstone-business.com/finishstrong/



Brandon Stascak DealCoach

🇺🇸 Wishing you a spectacular 4th of July! 🎆

As we celebrate the land of opportunity and freedom, we're grateful for our incredible clients and colleagues who make our work worthwhile.

May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones.

Happy Independence Day!

We not only survived, we thrived! No TV. Little to no internet and we are all better for it! 😁

I spent a week in Wyoming with my family and it made me think of Curly, from City Slickers, and his "One thing," that challenges Mitch to reflect on the essence of life and find true fulfillment.

In our fast-paced world, where business deals and financial transactions dominate the landscape, it's essential to remember the value of spending quality time with our families.

It was fun to go back to the simpler things in life like throwing a football or frisbee, playing ping pong, volleyball and horseback riding.

I love to help people problem solve, see them with a smile on their face and living a better life because of something I could do with my God given talents.

As I reflected on my life throughout the week it became more clear that family and helping them and others have a better life is my " One thing" all the rest is BS as Curly said.😉

Did you hear? 👂

Effective March this year, certain M&A brokers are no longer required to register as broker-dealers with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

What does this mean? 🤔

Well, it removes grey area from the law, reduces costs and paperwork, and provides greater assurances to the seller that their advisors are operating under the letter of the law.

Follow along as I break down how this could affect business owners and the M&A industry. 👇

https://www.readthebusinessnews.com/columns_commentary/merger_acquisitions/m-a-brokers-now-exempt-from-sec-registration/article_b77a27d8-eae4-11ed-a6c3-effe58aec4c7.html

“A must-see movie for every business owner or entrepreneur.”

The reviews are in! The M&A Documentary is officially premiering across the country. 🎥

Don’t miss out. Check out these showtimes and save the date to experience it for yourself!

🍿Tuesday, June 20th - Virginia Beach, VA
🍿Wednesday, June 21st - Dallas, TX
🍿Thursday, June 22nd - Richmond, VA
🍿Thursday, July 20th - San Diego, CA

https://vimeo.com/828660355

For a full run schedule of the premiere, check out theater locations here (it will continue to be updated as new locations and dates are added)

https://www.madecade.com/theater-locations

M&A Premiere Exit interviews from the M&A documentary premiere in Green Bay, WI on May 11, 2023 Official Movie Site with theater listings & showtimes: www.MAdecade.com

I’ve been coaching my kids’ basketball teams this year, and I’ve learned this: At the end of the day, the lessons we learn on the court are lessons we can apply to real life. 🏀

Vernon Brundage Jr. breaks is down nicely in “Shoot Your Shot: A Sport-Inspired Guide to Living Your Best Life”.

He points out the pros of getting your head in the game, like:

✔️ Taking responsibility for your own outcomes
✔️ Positive self-talk
✔️ Knowing when it’s time to hang it up–Finish Strong!

Read on for more takeaways from the court. 👇

https://thebusinessnews.com/article/from-the-court-to-the-conference-room-business-lessons-learned-from-coaching

As a business committed to serving communities, we were excited to be part of the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce Progress Summit presenting: Business Succession Planning.

I joined a panel of peers and business representatives to discuss how business owners can ensure they are getting the most out of what will likely be the largest deal of your life.

There are many misconceptions about how businesses sell, especially that it will sell quickly. Most often, this is not the case. Start the conversation early with a trusted advisor and prepare your business to be saleable.

Thank you to Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce for giving us an opportunity to foster goodwill among customers and local businesses.

In the business world we often take time to thank our team in the office.

But how often do we thank our team at home? 🏠

Mother’s Day is an important reminder to be grateful for the full network of support we have that allows us to achieve our goals.

Many of us wouldn’t be where we are today without folks in our lives supporting us behind the scenes like our mother, father, grandparents, or partners.

Here’s to them! 👏👏👏

Every year, Smart Business Dealmakers Conference, connects thousands of local dealmakers that bring about conversations to cover the breadth of the M&A landscape.

This year, I moderated a panel with Nick Curran, Kevin Matkin and Brian Rasmussen who were part of a conversation on Maximizing Your Sell-Side Transactions.

How can you ensure you get the most out of what likely will be the largest deal of your life?

One of the biggest misconceptions we encounter is that businesses sell quickly. They typically do not. Start the conversation now with a trusted advisor and prepare your business to be saleable.

Enter a sale prepared and with a positive attitude, and you will have much better leverage than if you seem ready to hand over the keys at any price.

Thanks for the invitation to be part of a great panel of thought leaders.

We're thrilled to announce the first and ONLY motion picture rated M&A documentary red carpet event will premiere on Thursday, May 11th.

The highly anticipated event will take place on Thursday, May 11th in Green Bay and will bring together the best of the best in the business world. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with other professionals, learn from industry experts, and of course, watch an exclusive screening of the new movie.

This is a red carpet event like no other, and we can't wait to share it with you. The movie is a thrilling tale of a pivotal decade when we’ll see the largest transfer of wealth in history: $10 trillion worth of Baby Boomer businesses changing hands as they attempt to sell out.

As a business owner, you won't want to miss this opportunity to connect with your peers and experience this exciting new film. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting out, this event is the perfect chance to expand your network and learn more about the latest trends and developments in the field.

So mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable night of entertainment, and networking at the first ever M&A movie red carpet event! We look forward to seeing you there.

Save your seat! No cost to attend.

Register here: https://bit.ly/theMAfilm

If you’re a business owner, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Harnish, founder of the world-renowned Entrepreneurs' Organization will be speaking at Titletown Tech on Thursday, May 11th.

Founder and CEO of Scaling Up, a global executive education and coaching company, Verne Harnish will be sharing his expertise from one of his best selling books, Scaling Up Compensation, 5 Design Principles for Turning Your Largest Expense into Your Greatest Advantage.
You’ll learn:

✔️ The #1 mistake business leaders make in setting up their compensation plans
✔️ The psychological aspects of compensation underpinning successful plans
✔️ How individual bonuses can backfire
✔️ The power of gamifying gains to drive up energy and engagement
✔️ Whether you want to be queen/king or rich!

Plus, you’re invited to the red carpet movie premiere of the only M&A film out there! Limited seats available. Register here. 👇

Register for the EO Speaking event here:
https://www.eowisconsin.org/upcoming-events/may-11-12

Register for the M&A movie premiere here:
https://bit.ly/theMAfilm

EO Wisconsin

It’s official! A red carpet event for business owners interested in the first and ONLY motion picture rated documentary on M&A is premiering in Green Bay Thursday, May 11th! 🎥

The documentary “M&A” explores our pivotal decade when we’ll see the largest transfer of wealth in history: $10 trillion worth of Baby Boomer businesses changing hands as they attempt to sell out.

Playing exclusively in select theaters in the near future. Don’t miss the premiere! Save your seat! No cost to attend. 🎞️ 🍿

https://vimeo.com/737561283

Register here: https://bit.ly/theMAfilm

M&A Official Trailer M&A the documentary (85 minutes) will play in theaters in 2023