At last year’s conference, I presented a paper titled, “Multi-Generational Water Treatment Companies – Leaving A Lasting Impact.” The purpose of the paper was fourfold: 1) Increasing the awareness to do strategic planning, 2) providing helpful resources, 3) encouraging companies with stories of companies who have or are successfully working through the process of transition, and 4) providing next steps that an owner can take.

My goal for this year’s proposed session is to provide more detail and specific next steps that the owner can take. We will inspire action when we can provide clear steps to take.

I am not an estate planning expert – I am not a lawyer or insurance expert. I am simply working the process myself and I believe keeping it simple (which is all I can do precisely because I am not a technical expert) will move people to take the action they should take.

Desired Outcomes would include:

• Attendees will know the basic options for an owner thinking about an exit strategy
• Attendees will have a clearer understanding of the pro’s and con’s of each option (tax and financial, cultural, impact on family and employee relationships)
• Attendees will understand simple next steps to take
• Attendees will be encouraged by listening to stories of others who have been through the process
• Some attendees will leave with a commitment to take next steps

Tom Hutchison

ABSTRACT – MULTI-GENERATIONAL WATER TREATMENT COMPANIES – LEAVING A LASTING IMPACT, PHASE 2

At last year’s conference, I presented a paper titled, “Multi-Generational Water Treatment Companies – Leaving A Lasting Impact.” The purpose of the paper was fourfold: 1) Increasing the awareness to do strategic planning, 2) providing helpful resources, 3) encouraging companies with stories of companies who have or are successfully working through the process of transition, and 4) providing next steps that an owner can take.

My goal for this year’s proposed session is to provide more detail and specific next steps that the owner can take. We will inspire action when we can provide clear steps to take.

I am not an estate planning expert – I am not a lawyer or insurance expert. I am simply working the process myself and I believe keeping it simple (which is all I can do precisely because I am not a technical expert) will move people to take the action they should take.

Desired Outcomes would include:

• Attendees will know the basic options for an owner thinking about an exit strategy
• Attendees will have a clearer understanding of the pro’s and con’s of each option (tax and financial, cultural, impact on family and employee relationships)
• Attendees will understand simple next steps to take
• Attendees will be encouraged by listening to stories of others who have been through the process
• Some attendees will leave with a commitment to take next steps

Structure

• Approximately thirty minutes re-capping why the subject matters (reviewing the content of last year’s presentation) and a high view of the available options
• Approximately one hour of stories from owners who have successfully transitioned their business – to the next generation, to a strategic buyer or to a form of an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan). Ideally three to four stories covering these options.
• Fifteen to twenty minutes recapping and outlining possible next steps

From the website: “Following are the core criteria that will be used to review all proposals:

1. Topic has practical applications; As I said last year, the need to do this planning is often put off or ignored, but there might not be a more practical topic for business owners.
2. Clear, focused and well-organized proposal; See above. My paper would present a simple overview of the options available to owners and the ramifications. Secondly, I will recruit the owners who would be willing to share their story for the audience’s benefit.
3. Presentation strategies and presentation's overall quality; and Powerpoint recapping the paper; I would facilitate a question and answer session with each owner sharing their story.

Presenter's qualifications; I’m second generation; 40 years with HOH, 30 as President (Son Reid, Chief Operating Officer and Son-in-law Andy, VP of Sales, both with HOH ~six years); BSME, MBA, M.Div; Past President of Associated Labs, etc.