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In this episode of Intelligent Money Minute, Hans Blake, CFA, CPA, sits down with Mike Meilinger, CPA, ABV, CFF, PFS, and managing partner of Meilinger Consulting, on how to guide clients through critical business transitions such as valuations, succession planning, and exit strategies—topics that often determine the long-term success of both the business and its owner.
Planning Ahead Pays Off
Mike explains that the ideal scenario is when business owners start preparing five to ten years before selling their company. This window allows time to build value, strengthen financial systems, and plan strategically for taxes and wealth transfer. “If a client actually comes to us ten years before a sale, that’s a godsend,” he says. “There’s so much we can do to make that exit more tax efficient.”
His process begins with a baseline assessment—a valuation that establishes where the business stands today and what it could be worth in the future. From there, he and his team design a roadmap to help owners grow their business’s value while positioning it for an eventual sale.
Understanding the Tax Landscape
When it comes time to sell, Mike notes that most transactions are structured as asset purchases rather than stock sales. This protects the buyer from unknown liabilities and allows for valuable tax deductions over time. However, sellers often face a mix of ordinary income and capital gains taxes, which can significantly reduce their proceeds.
“Even with today’s relatively low rates, a $10 million sale could result in roughly $2.5 million in taxes,” Mike explains. To mitigate that burden, he recommends long-term tax and estate planning, including gifting strategies or transferring ownership into trusts before a sale. These techniques, when done properly and early, can preserve millions in potential taxes and allow those funds to compound for future generations.
The Importance of Time and Teamwork
Both Hans and Mike emphasize that the key to a successful exit lies in collaboration. Having a financial advisor, CPA, and estate attorney work together gives business owners a coordinated plan that addresses both the sale and life after it. Unfortunately, most entrepreneurs wait too long—often approaching professionals only months before closing a deal.
“The biggest lost opportunity we see,” Mike says, “is when business owners come to us 90 days before a sale. At that point, there’s very little time to implement meaningful strategies.”
Planning ahead, he adds, not only maximizes value but ensures peace of mind during one of the biggest financial transitions of a person’s life.
More From Mike Meilinger
Please be sure to subscribe to our podcasts as we will be interviewing Mike on upcoming podcasts where he shares valuable insights on how proactive tax planning, disciplined financial behavior, and long-term business strategy can create lasting success.
Mike Meilinger Bio
Mike Meilinger is the leader and visionary of Meilinger. He’s worked in public accounting since 1995. He has earned over 10 prof designations and his claim to fame is that he’s never failed a professional exam.
Mike’s passion is people. His “why” is he believes that every business owner should have a spiritual vision and that vision should be how they impact the lives of the people they serve. Mike’s vision is to dramatically impact the lives of his customers, his employees, and his vendors.
Outside of work, Mike loves working out and staying healthy. He’s tremendously committed to lifelong learning and is always studying things he thinks can help his clients and his employees get to the next level.





