Ready to Hang Up the Hard Hat? Let’s Talk Exit Strategy
Blueprints, drawings, bidding, and execution—you’ve always had a plan for your projects. You knew where you were starting, how you’d get there, and what it would take to cross the finish line. Running your business probably felt the same way at first: you sketched the blueprint, executed the work, and built something you’re proud of.
But now comes the bigger question—how do you finish strong? How do you complete the final inspections and step away without undoing everything you’ve spent a lifetime building?
That’s where we come in.
At Doescher Group, we partner with business owners like you to talk through the big decisions, explore your options, and create a path forward that feels right—not just for your business, but for you and your family too.
Let’s break it down.
Time & Money: Your Construction Business Succession GPS
First things first: When do you want to step away from the jobsite?
5–10 years out? You’ve still got room to plan and make smart moves. Think of it like having time to frame, wire, and finish a building the right way. Maybe you sell to a third party, pass it on to family, or set up an ESOP (employee stock ownership plan). With a longer runway, you can add value, tighten up systems, and make sure the handoff is smooth.
2 years out—or less? Now you’re working on a fast-track project. Your options narrow, cash flow and speed become the main constraints, and an outright sale might be your only path. But that’s like handing over a half-finished build—you give up some control over who buys it, who runs it, and even the name of the business.
At Doescher Group, we love long-term partnerships with business owners. A longer timeline gives us room to reinforce your foundation, implement best practices, and make sure your exit is solid—like a well-built structure that can stand on its own. Every plan is customized, because every business—and every builder behind it—is unique.
Build Your A-Team (That Includes Talent)
Got rockstar employees? That’s your framing—they hold everything up. But are they ready to take the project from your hands?
Think beyond yearly bonuses. Offer long-term incentives—long-term bonuses and compensation tied to the company’s performance over time. The goal is to make it more attractive for your key employees to stick around.
Competitive salaries and perks don’t just prevent people from leaving—they also attract top talent in a tight labor market.
The goal? Developing a management team capable of running the business as you begin to step back.
Related Read: Why Should You Build a Great Company Culture?
Buff Up the Balance Sheet & Build Wealth
A strong financial foundation is like pouring solid concrete—it keeps your business standing when storms come.
Get your accounting in order. Aside from poor performance, nothing reduces value more than messy books and not knowing your numbers.
Build wealth outside the business too—stocks, real estate, other investments. Strengthening your personal balance sheet gives you flexibility. It might let you offer a better deal to family or employees when the time comes.
Customize Your Exit Plan For Your Construction Business
There’s no one-size-fits-all blueprint. Your plan depends on you, your goals, and the niche of your industry.
General contractors will transact differently from specialty trades and other infrastructure contractors
Has a peer gotten a high multiple? What did they do differently?
Could you tweak your strategy to be more attractive to buyers or investors?
Longer timelines give you more room to build value, diversify, and choose your terms. The key is tailoring your plan so it works for you.
Recommended Read: FieldReady Assessment™: Your Compass to a Brighter Business Future (No Matter Your Exit Plan)
Bottom Line
Succession planning isn’t a one-and-done deal—and the best time to start was yesterday.
Here’s your action plan, like a blueprint for your next big project:
Final Word
Think of your business like a project you’ve spent years framing, wiring, and finishing down to the smallest detail. A well-planned exit is like completing the final inspections and handing over the keys—it lets you step back, enjoy the view, and watch the business run smoothly under new leadership.
Without a plan, though, it’s like leaving a job half-finished: deadlines missed, materials wasted, and a scramble to clean up before someone else steps in. You don’t want to get to that point. Instead, start laying out your exit blueprint now—identify the steps, set your timelines, and make sure all the details are tied up.
It’s not just about cashing out; it’s about preserving the legacy you’ve built, giving your team a smooth transition, and making sure the next chapter is as intentional as the one you’ve spent years constructing. Your future self—and everyone who’s helped build this company alongside you—will thank you.
