How Construction Business Owners Can Use Their 401(k) Plan as a Tool for Tax Savings
Running a construction business comes with its fair share of financial challenges, tight margins, unpredictable project timelines, and fluctuating labor costs. But one area where business owners have significant control is how they structure their retirement plan. A well-designed 401(k) plan can serve not only as a powerful employee benefit but also as a strategic […]
Why Construction Companies Should Offer a 401(k) Plan: Benefits Beyond Retirement Savings
In today’s competitive construction industry, attracting and retaining skilled workers has become a challenge. With a shrinking labor pool, rising project demands, and the physical nature of construction work, companies need every advantage to stand out as employers of choice. One of the most effective ways to do that? Offer a strong 401(k) plan. While […]
Do Not Let Your Estate Plan Stall Out –Why Dealers Need a Tune-Up Before 2026
Auto retail is fast-moving, capital-intensive, and unlike any other privately held business. Franchise rules, OEM approvals, lending covenants, and family dynamics make estate planning for dealer principals far more complex than a “standard” business owner’s plan. Yet many dealer families’ estate documents, buy-sells, and trusts were drafted years ago—often before major regulations and market changes. […]
Update Your Buy-Sell Now – The Dealer’s Airbag Against the Five Ds
As advisors focused on the auto retail industry, we see the same pattern over and over: a dealership has a buy-sell agreement or “succession plan” that looked fine years ago—until life happens. In auto retail, succession is not just a family or shareholder matter; it is wrapped in franchise law, OEM approval, lender covenants, related […]
Driving Success with Pooled Employer Plans
In today’s competitive auto retail industry, attracting and retaining top talent is just as important as moving vehicles off the lot. Dealerships invest heavily in marketing, inventory management, and customer experience, but an equally powerful – and often overlooked – tool for long-term success is the Pooled Employer Plan (PEP). A PEP is a retirement […]
Exiting an Automotive Business – Mastering the CEPA Manage Phase
Exiting an automotive business—whether it is a dealership, body shop, or aftermarket operation—requires more than just putting up a “For Sale” sign or entertaining offers. A successful transition demands a disciplined, strategic process that minimizes risk, preserves value, and aligns with the owner’s personal and financial goals. This is where the Manage Phase of the […]
Harvesting Value: What Dealership Owners Need to Know Before the Exit
After years of building your dealership—navigating inventory swings, motivating sales teams, and adapting to shifting consumer trends—the question becomes: How do you turn that success into lasting personal wealth? That is the purpose of the Harvest Stage of the value acceleration process. It is not just about selling your business. It is about harvesting the […]
Building Value in Your Auto Business
In the fast-paced, competitive world of the automotive industry, success is not just about driving revenue or increasing units in operation. It is about building a business that runs smoothly without you, stands out in the market, and holds its value whether you plan to keep growing, transition leadership, or sell. That is where the […]
From Legacy to Leverage
Being part of a family-owned business is unlike any other professional experience. It’s where tradition meets innovation, where shared meals double as boardroom discussions, and where the name on the building carries years, sometimes generations, of dedication, pride, and sacrifice. It’s a story that binds families together while also navigating unique complexities, from managing family […]
Leadership Is the Long Game: Why Endurance Begins on Day One
When we think about long-term success in business, it’s easy to point to profitability or impressive growth metrics. But real endurance—the kind that lasts decades, through cycles and setbacks—is rooted in something deeper. It’s about building resilience, earning trust over time, and leading with a sense of purpose. At the center of that kind of […]
The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Every Dealer Principal in the Auto Space Needs to Know
April 2025 The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Every Dealer Principal in the Auto Space Needs to Know 4/21 In this dynamic and informative session, Twelve Points CEO and Certified Exit Planning Advisor David Clayman walks business owners through the “5-4-3-2-1” framework—a strategic approach to building, protecting, and ultimately harvesting the value of your business. Tailored […]
The Protect Stage – Safeguarding Your Automotive Business and Legacy
Running an automotive business – whether a dealership, repair shop, or parts manufacturer – requires precision, strategy, and resilience. Just like a finely tuned engine, your business needs every component working in sync to ensure longevity. The Protect Stage of the Five Stages of Value Acceleration is about safeguarding your business, wealth, and family from […]