As a keynote speaker and executive coach I work with business owners and leaders to help them with business growth, succession, continuity and exit planning.A major part of this process is developing a plan to successfully hire, retain and develop high potential leaders for their organization so they have a pipeline of talent as leadership positions become available.Alarmingly a formal succession plan has been established by less than 25% of privately held U.S. companies. It’s easy to overlook the benefits that result from having a leadership succession plan in place such as:• Significant financial impact NOW by having the right people in the right roles & investing in the future of your organization with leadership training and mentoring.• Peace of mind of knowing you have a well thought out exit plan to safeguard the future of your business, employees, family and other stakeholders.• Ability to attract and retain highly motivated A-Players in a competitive job market by providing opportunities for future leadership positions.• Clarity between all family members and stakeholders, which reduces conflict and leads to better strategic decision making which in turn leads to improved growth and profitability.My personal leadership journey:At 28 years of age I took the reins of a $120 million family-owned car dealership business when my father was forced to retire due to illness. That alone was a challenge, but even worse, the business was losing $3.5 million a year and worst of all there was no leadership succession plan in place. With the help of my mentor Frank, I was able to articulate a crystal-clear vision, hire the right people, forge a dynamic team and ultimately help the business to survive and then thrive in a competitive industry. I eventually sold the car business and embarked upon a new career. Today you can find me working as a CEO and leadership team coach and gracing stages as a keynote speaker for business owners and leaders from a variety of different industries. I am a professional member of the National Speakers Association and a CSP, (Certified Speaking Professional), their highest earned designation only awarded to 12% of professional speakers worldwide.I am also the owner of BBH Properties, a real estate investment company based in the UK. My wife and I started the company in 2009 to invest in commercial real estate. We specialize in industrial, distribution and retail warehouses. When I’m not traveling you can find me in Colorado, the place I now call home.