Value Acceleration Methodology™
A strategic framework designed to maximize a company's transferable value while aligning the owner's business, personal, and financial goals. It transforms exit planning from a one-time event into a continuous, 90-day sprint process focused on building a "business of significance" rather than just a "lifestyle business."
Certified Exit Planning Advisor
I'm Kevin Oldham, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) and member of the Exit Planning Institute. I serve as the quarterback throughout the entire Value Acceleration process for businesses we partner with.
What does that mean? It means I'm not handing you a report and walking away. I'm coordinating across all the moving pieces: operations, marketing, technology, finance. Making sure nothing falls through the cracks. Keeping the referring advisor informed. Driving the project to completion.
When problems come up (and they always do), I'm the one accountable for solving them.
The Three-Gate Framework
This methodology, created by the Exit Planning Institute, operates through three distinct, repeatable stages. Each gate builds on the previous one, and the cycle can repeat as you continue building value.
Discover Gate
We assess the current business value, owner goals, and identify risks through a 'Triggering Event.' This is where we run diagnostics using the Value Builder System to see exactly where the business stands.
- Complete Value Builder assessment and score
- Gap analysis across all 8 value drivers
- Owner goal alignment (personal, financial, business)
- Risk identification and prioritization
Prepare Gate
We implement strategies to mitigate risks and increase value in focused 90-day sprints. This is the execution phase where we improve cash flow, reduce owner dependency, and fix the issues that kill deals.
- 90-day sprint plans with clear deliverables
- Cash flow improvement initiatives
- Owner dependency reduction strategies
- Process documentation and systematization
Decide Gate
Based on the value created, we determine the best path forward: grow the business further, transfer to a third party, or transition to internal stakeholders. You're now 'exit-ready' with options.
- Clear valuation of progress made
- Strategic options analysis
- Transaction readiness assessment
- Go/no-go decision framework
What Makes This Different
Value Acceleration vs. Exit Planning
Traditional exit planning focuses on what happens when you're ready to sell. Value Acceleration focuses on building value today. It's a continuous process, not a one-time event. The result? You're "exit-ready" at any time, which increases your options and potential sale price.
The Three Legs of the Stool
Real exit planning balances three things: your personal goals (what you want your life to look like), your financial goals (what you need from the sale), and your business goals (what the company needs to get there). Ignore any one leg and the stool falls over.
The Four Intangible Capitals
Beyond the tangible assets on your balance sheet, there are four "intangible capitals" that drive transferable value. These are what sophisticated buyers actually care about.
Human Capital
Your team. Their skills, depth, and ability to operate without you. Buyers pay more for businesses with strong management that stays after the sale.
Structural Capital
Your processes, systems, and intellectual property. The documented ways of doing things that make the business repeatable and scalable.
Customer Capital
Customer loyalty, diversification, and lifetime value. Recurring revenue and deep relationships that outlast any single person.
Social Capital
Your brand reputation, industry position, and strategic relationships. The intangible equity that makes buyers want to be associated with you.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're an advisor with a client who needs prep work, or a business owner exploring your options, the first step is a conversation.