Always End with the Beginning in Mind (eBook)

“Donald White has put this outstanding book together from his learnings from thousands of business owners he knows moving through the transition process of selling or stepping back from their businesses. Don is a man of the highest integrity, and his clients and colleagues listen when he speaks. He has spoken all over the world about real topics that make you think, reflect, and get on with the job!”

—Angus McQueen

“For any seasoned financial services practitioner who has yet to both declare and have a written business transition strategy for their business, this book is a must. Don provides a personal and very applicable business view to the most important things which need to be considered when thinking about your own exit strategy—long before you intend on such a transition.”

—Jim Brownlee, CFP, CLU, ChFC

“I found this book to be both honest and thought-provoking. Thank you for your insight and the wisdom of your experience. I am now motivated to plan for succession for myself and my clients.”

—Randy Reed, CPA

“Any business owner (or someone who is inspired to become one) should read this book. From start to finish, I was captivated by the stories and didn’t want to put the book down. I only wish this book was written three years earlier before we sold our business (to my kids). Informative, educational, inspiring, a great benefit to all who read. It really had me thinking about how I ran my business. Don’s success came because he always put the customer first.”

—Nick Fiorella

“This book is a must-read for any entrepreneur building a business and creating a legacy. Don has done a masterful job in sharing the many lessons he learned while exiting his business, and he is giving back through the gift of sharing. This book is a no-nonsense guide to help other business owners avoid the many pitfalls of succession and legacy transfers. I wish I had this book to hand out to the hundreds of business owners I have had the pleasure of working with over my 30-year career in the financial services industry.”

—Jeffery A. Ferguson

“The ‘D-Man’ is one of the finest and most intellectually honest men I have had the honor to professionally support over the past two decades. In his book, Don shares his 25-year personal mission of executing a win/win succession plan for all stakeholders in his business. He clearly outlines simple steps to build and launch a successful succession plan. His masterful grip and practical understanding of this topic lends itself to any industry or professional organization—not just within the world of finance and advisory firms. I have been a witness to Don living a purposeful life and building his legacy as a trusted leader. My life has been blessed to know him professionally and personally. Now, the world gets to know him, too!”

—Patty Azar

“Building a business is like building a home—all the steps should be done in order. Don White convincingly lays out all the critical elements to building a business upon these critical building blocks that will allow a business to last for generations and succeed when others cease.”

—Jim Rogers, MBA, CFP

“Don’s personal life journey is thoughtfully shared to highlight how every ending brings a new beginning. With the goal of successfully transitioning his business, he leaves the reader with his life’s legacy: Move your business forward with confidence and purpose with the ultimate goal of putting others first: your clients, your staff, your family, and finally, you. With over 40 years in the Financial Services business, Don has vast knowledge and experience in what matters most: purpose, gratitude, time, health, and surrounding yourself with the people you cherish the most.”

—Jennifer A. Borislow

“This is a book every entrepreneur needs to read. Business schools do a wonderful job teaching students how to start, build, and grow an enterprise, but virtually nothing on the topic of business continuity and succession that Don White tackles masterfully in his new book. I highly recommend it!”

—Bud Jordan

“Don has shared his wisdom and knowledge for anyone wanting to position their business for sale. The difference between knowledge and wisdom is experience, and Don has years of experience. Whether you intend to sell in the next year or have just started, his advice is to build a practice you would be proud to sell. Our profession is filled with those who are very successful solo practitioners and then wake up tired and losing clients in their late 60’s. Heed the awesome advice, read the entire book as if it was written just for you, and succeed in the goal of beginning with the end in mind!”

—Brian D. Heckert

“Don has accumulated a wealth of wisdom and expertise, having spent more than 40 years as a financial advisor helping clients achieve their life goals. He’s also a highly successful business owner who took the time to plan his succession, and now he’s sharing how he did it and what he learned in a great first book. I highly recommend it for any entrepreneur who has not yet planned for the end of their business journey.”

—Dan Arnold

“Donald White has written a must-read for newbies and veterans alike. If you’re looking forward or looking back, this book has something to say to you about making your life and your life’s work count.”

—Solomon Hicks, Author & Speaker

“Small business is the single most important generator of wealth in America, but without a succession plan, it is fool’s gold. Donald White has beautifully laid out the steps you need to take to turn your small business into a positive legacy. It is a must-read for all small business entrepreneurs!”

—Patricia J. Abram

“Our vision of helping others as financial advisors is dwarfed by the realities of getting by until the unexpected bittersweet end slams into our unprepared world long after our proper time to pass our torch does. Donald’s masterfully delivered storytelling and smooth weave of quotes, scripture, and experience in this must-read for all successful financial advisors remind us of the importance captured in his chosen title. May your choices in life and business always lead to the blessings of new beginnings.”

—Stephen Kagawa

“In his book, Always End with the Beginning in Mind, Don explains in great detail using many examples on how to leverage everything you’ve built and how to transition its continuation to guide the successor’s purchase into a sustainable healthy business. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Don for many years, and this book brings to the reader all he has seen, experienced, and heard from those business owners to give all who read this book hope and a vision for the future.”

—Tony Barletta

“This is an excellent read, informative and original, thoughtful. A must-read for owners/principals of a financial planning practice. When it comes to business succession in advisory, many planners work like cobblers—they repair everyone else’s shoes but their own! I can validate these events as a wholesaler for 30 years; Don delivers critical advice in a practical manner.”

—Jackson Langford

“Before I even finished the book, I [knew] anyone starting a business should read it. The author presents his business life experience and then lists positive and negative actions one can take to build a thriving business. Finding the right people is key in any business, and the insight presented into human behavior gives the reader a great tool for hiring. In short, if you are starting a business, this book should be the first step.”

—Joe Wertheim

“Always End with the Beginning in Mind relates Don White’s journey of successfully transitioning his business to the next generation. Through his wonderful business career, Don walks us through how difficult it is to make a succession plan work for all the parties involved. Any business...