Dan Conklin, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and founder of Bizical Fitness, has published Business Strong, Beyond the Trap, a guide aimed at business owners preparing to sell, transition, or pass on their companies. The book, released in October 2026, introduces the V.R.T. Going Vertical methodology, a framework built around three pillars: Valuable, Repeatable, and Teachable. It identifies eight value drivers that distinguish a sellable company from one that primarily functions as its owner's high-income job.
"The gap between what an owner receives and what they could have planned for is frequently measured in seven figures," Conklin said. "This isn't a failure of ambition. It's a failure of preparation." This insight underscores the importance of early exit planning, especially for businesses generating between $900,000 and $15 million in annual revenue, the range Bizical Fitness serves.
Structured around six stages of an owner's journey—The Calling, The Training, The Crossroads, The Close, The Legacy Path, and The Champion Mindset—the book allows readers to start wherever their business currently stands. It includes practical tools such as a 24-week owner sprint, exit planning worksheets, and a glossary of exit-planning terms. These resources aim to make the complex process of exiting a business more manageable and actionable.
Conklin holds CEPA and Certified Employee Ownership Advisor (CEOA) credentials, along with the Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) designation and Series 7 and Series 66 securities licenses. He serves as an Investment Advisor Representative at Hunter Street Investment Advisors, an SEC-registered investment advisory firm. His expertise spans various exit structures, including stock sales, ESOPs, family transitions, and employee ownership arrangements.
The book is available through major retailers and at bizicalfitness.com. Published by New York Publishing Labs, it enters a growing market of resources for business owners seeking to maximize value and ensure smooth transitions.
In the book's introduction, Conklin writes: "You built something most people would never attempt. This book makes sure it's worth everything you put into it." This message resonates with owners who have dedicated years to building their companies and now face critical decisions about their legacy.
For business owners, the implications are significant. Without proper planning, they risk leaving substantial money on the table during a sale or transition. Business Strong, Beyond the Trap provides a roadmap to optimize value, whether the exit involves a sale to a third party, an employee ownership plan, or a family succession. As more baby boomers approach retirement, the need for such guidance becomes increasingly urgent. Conklin's book offers a timely and practical resource for those looking to secure their financial future and preserve their company's legacy.
