See our 2025 Impact Report

South Haven Regional Business Hub

Helping small businesses grow.

  • Home
  • >
  • Succession Planning

Live Workshops and Tools

Succession Planning

Or, “What Comes Next for My Business”

Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. on February 18, March 18, and April 22

For Businesses with 5-100+ employees

Gain valuable insights from E. Brad Scoffin and ABB Business Brokers.

Session 1: February 18 Succession Planning 101: Where to start

Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 4–6 p.m., Lake Michigan College, 125 Veterans Blvd., South Haven, MI.

Whether you’re considering retirement in a few years, planning for a smooth transition, or simply want to maximize your business’s value, planning ahead is crucial and we’ve got the expert advice you need.

An essential overview of exit planning to help you proactively transition into retirement or your next venture. Avoid being forced into difficult decisions due to health issues or unexpected changes.

Start YOUR Next Chapter:

  • Learn how to plan ahead for a smooth transition.
  • Understand your options for turning over daily operations.
  • Secure your business’s future by starting the process now.

Ready to begin your succession planning? Register now to secure your spot.

Event registration

Session 2: March 18 The Exit Strategy Playbook

Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 4–6 p.m., Lake Michigan College, 125 Veterans Blvd., South Haven, MI.

This workshop helps you prepare for a successful exit. You’ll learn how to maximize your business’s value in the current market and what to expect during the transition process.

Ready to begin your succession plan?

  • Discover what drives business valuation today.
  • Explore different succession planning options.
  • Learn how to be well-prepared when you decide to exit.

Take the next step in preparing your business for a successful exit. Register here.

Event registration

About 50% of business owners will exit unexpectedly due to one of the “5 D’s”: Death, Disability, Divorce, Distress or Disagreement.

Session 3: April 22 Insider's Guide to Buying & Selling a Business

Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 4–6 p.m., Lake Michigan College, 125 Veterans Blvd., South Haven, MI.

Gain direct access to a moderated panel of trusted advisors—including attorneys, CPAs, bankers, and business brokers—who will provide comprehensive guidance on transactions. Understand the process before costly mistakes happen.

Get the Inside Scoop…

  • Understand the buying and selling process from start to finish.
  • Learn to avoid common pitfalls during a transaction.
  • Gain direct access to quality trusted advisors—including attorneys, CPAs, bankers, and business brokers—who will provide comprehensive guidance on transactions.

Workshop Presenter Profiles

Nate Russell, J.D., Attorney | Rhoades McKee
Nate specializes in practical corporate legal solutions, including Mergers and Acquisitions, corporate governance, and Private Placement Securities. With expertise in Hospitality/Liquor Law and Business Aviation, he handles transactions and regulatory compliance. His background as in-house counsel for an aviation business gives him a unique, front-line understanding of balancing commercial goals with risk mitigation to achieve client success.

Jeff Farrington, M.B.A., Area President | Focus CFO
Jeff is the Area President for FocusCFO, the largest provider of fractional CFO services nationally. He opened the Michigan market in 2018. With prior experience as a COO of a CPA firm, State Representative and Chair of Tax Policy for Michigan, and a successful owner of a startup recruiting company, Jeff brings executive, financial, and governmental expertise to help businesses grow.

Larry Baumgart, M.B.A., Co-Founder | ABB Business Brokers
Larry brings over 30 years of business appraisal experience and a background in finance to guide business owners through complex transactions. He specializes in small business needs across various industries (manufacturing, distribution, service, IT), helping owners traverse obstacles and take the worry out of selling their company. He holds an undergraduate degree in Finance and an M.B.A.

Bill Deckinga, Vice President | Huntington Bank
Bill is a seasoned banking professional with more than 25 years of experience, known for his consistent top performance and excellence in the financial industry. In his role at Huntington Bank, he provides tailored financial solutions, including credit, deposits, and cash management. His expertise spans business credit/lending, sales development, and strategic growth initiatives for business clients.

 

Don’t let costly mistakes derail your transaction. Sign up today and get the expert guidance you need.

Event registration

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy: If Lake Michigan College South Haven’s campus is closed due to weather or other circumstances at the time of the Startup Series (typically 6 p.m.), then the session will either be rescheduled or offered virtually. 

You will receive notification in your inbox at the email you used to register.

NOTE: You only need to sign up once for any session but you need to sign up for each session you want to attend, individually.