Even Keel Wealth Advisors of Raymond James

07/31/2026

Whether you are a tax, legal, insurance, benefits, banking, M&A, or HR advisor to highly successful business owners who are considering preparation for an eventual exit, you do not want to miss this.

As advisors to these wonderful individuals or families, we all want the best outcome for them. Sometimes, the best businesses have the best advisors. Other times, not so necessarily so. Either way, all teams benefit from having a great quarterback - no matter which advisor plays that role. At Even Keel Wealth Advisors, we relish the opportunity to lead the team of advisors that these business owners depend on.

Some exiting owners desire or just need a component of an orchestra, while others require a full blown symphony, to help them prepare for their successful exit. In either case, the team will need a composer. While we love that role, we don't demand or require it.

We know our place depending on the need. So whether its being the lead dog or one of the swing, team, or wheel dogs; we can play a role by bringing the significant resources of Raymond James to the table.

So connect with us if we can play a part in helping your business owner client. In fact, consider being our guests on one of our By Invitation Only in-person or virtual home office visits. Meet our local team as well as our national Private Wealth partners. Together, we can compliment what you do and help you deliver a best-in-class family office experience.

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07/22/2026

Our Even Keel team is at again. We are happy to host our annual Red Cros Blood Drive on September 1 from 12-4pm . Please feel free to join us in our office afterwards on the 18th floor of 150 W Main Street in Norfolk, Va. if you would like to swing in and grab complimentary sandwich and other snacks. Details of the drive are in the attached PDF. Hope you can join us!

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06/23/2026

Being a wealth management team that works with business owners, their management teams, and their affluent families, we can say with confidence that building a successful business requires vision, discipline, thoughtful planning, and exceptional
ex*****on.

Protecting, growing, and ultimately transitioning or selling that business demands the same level of commitment, preparation, and strategic focus.

The best time to prepare for a transition is long before one is needed. Whether the goal is growth, succession, or an eventual sale, preparation creates choices—and choices create value.

Let's connect and see how we can help https://www.raymondjamesconnect.com/aRdKzy

04/21/2026

In a world that is evolving faster than it ever has, one thing remains a constant. A great team that strives to keep growing personally, professionally, and spiritually will continue to master new heights.

While Administrative Professional Day is technically tomorrow, our team celebrated today due to conflicting schedules. We enjoyed a great relaxing lunch out of the office on a beautiful Spring day. If you are in the position of recognizing a truly remarkable support team tomorrow, consider yourself reminded!

As for our team, we are so lucky to work with Mary and Madison. They have our backs every single day. We absolutely could not achieve the day-to-day (but ever so important) service we provide our clients.

Mary and Madison - THANK YOU!

04/13/2026

When I think about it, our business model at Even Keel Wealth Advisors is pretty simple: coordinated communication combined with high-touch service, delivered through a family office–like experience.

Our local team, along with our Raymond James Private Wealth partners, works hand-in-hand with successful business owners and their management teams. We understand that company founders and their respective managers face a daily struggle—the friction of trying to organize and prioritize the wide range of advice they receive. Traditional tax, legal, HR, insurance, banking, and other advisors often operate in "silos."

Our wealth management team's differentiation and value proposition is that we complement our clients' other advisors, not replace them. Our process is highly effective at helping manage the flow and frequency of advice our clients receive. With the mindset and leadership of a symphony conductor, we coordinate the well-intended guidance from our clients' advisors in a meaningful and comprehensive way, ensuring it is timely, aligned, and well orchestrated.

This allows our clients to focus on the day-to-day demands of the businesses they own and manage. We have the honor of ensuring that all the advice they receive supports their most important business, personal, and family goals. We take that role seriously, and we would welcome the opportunity to help your team as well.

Let's connect and see if our Even Keel team is a good fit.

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10/03/2025

Good news! My business owner prospective client, that I have mentioned in previous posts, has agreed to come into our office for a personal assessment to determine how ready he is to retire and exit. Most of his net worth is tied up in the business. That we know.

Can he see himself as not being a part of the business he has helped grow for years? What are his personal retirement aspirations? What will be his wealth gap?

We need to know that to determine whether the sale of his business will be able to fill in that gap. Our next step is the business valuation. We think he only needs an informal valuation and we have the right vendor resources to help him with that process.

But for the good of all, what are the things to consider
,at this juncture, for any business owner who might need a valuation? All valuations are not all the same!

Understanding Business Valuations:

Informal vs. Formal
What's Right for You?

We believe every business owner deserves clarity when it comes to understanding the value of what they've built.

Whether you're planning for growth, preparing for transition, or simply curious about your business's worth, knowing the difference between informal and formal valuations can help you make smarter decisions.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Informal Valuations:

• Typically quicker and less expensive

• Based on estimates, industry benchmarks, and simplified financial analysis

• Great for internal planning, early-stage exit discussions, or strategic goal setting

Formal Valuations:

• Conducted by a certified professional

• In-depth analysis of financials, market conditions, and business operations

• Often required for legal, tax, or transactional purposes (e.g., selling, gifting, litigation)

Both have their place, and choosing the right one depends on your goals.

We're here to help you determine which valuation approach fits your needs. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or need a formal report for a major decision, we'll guide you with care and clarity.

09/09/2025

So my first meeting with my new prospective business owner client went well last Friday. It was a typical medium-speed date over a nice lunch. I uncovered some great hints that this is probably going to go in the right direction.

For example, he currently has another advisory relationship that could be better. It's definitely one that has never even touched on prepping his business for continuity and eventually his future exit....in whatever form that may take...too early to tell. Hello, that was why he was referred-in to begin with.

His outsourced HR and payroll provider noticed that he was wearing way too many hats. They knew that a Certified Exit Planning Advisor could help deliver advice and guidance touching on many aspects of preparing for his eventual exit and retirement.

However, that preparation is a bit more nuanced for a business owner that probably has 70-80% of his net worth tied up in a unique illiquid business entity.
He has to make sure to maximize the value of that enterprise before exit. He has to ensure that the after-tax proceeds can fully fund his retirement goals. He also has to prepare personally for how his time will be spent once he is no longer "running the show". Trust me when I say that A LOT goes into that.

Once he decides that we are the right team to quarterback this effort (along with his current tax and legal advisors), our first recommendation is to undergo a personal and business assessment. Why might you ask?

Whether you're thinking about succession, scaling back, or simply gaining clarity, asking the right questions is the first step.

Here are three powerful questions every business owner should consider:

What is your Wealth Gap as a Business Owner?

* Do you know how much you need to live the life you want after exiting your business?

* Is your business currently worth enough to close that gap?

Are You Emotionally Ready to Exit?

* Have you thought about what life looks like after business ownership?

* Are you prepared to let go of control and identity tied to your business?

Can Your Business Run Without You?

* Is your team empowered to lead without your daily involvement?

* Have you built systems that can help ensure continuity and value beyond your presence?

These aren't just financial questions, they're personal ones. And we're here to help you answer them with clarity and confidence. Let's start the conversation. Whether you're years away from exiting or just beginning to think about it, we're here to support you along the way.

https://www.raymondjamesconnect.com/a-NURo

07/16/2025

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