Hats off to the nation’s small-to-medium-sized companies and their owners.

Small-to-medium-sized companies constitute the majority of businesses in the United States, numbering an estimated 23 million. Within this number, manufacturing firms (those with 500 or fewer workers) are considered the backbone of the U.S. economy. These firms account for more than 98 percent of all manufacturing plants, two-thirds of the nation's 18 million manufacturing workers, and more than half of the total value added in the manufacturing sector.

As a business owner, statistics show that over the next five to 15 years, you may be ready or are already considering a move from active ownership to passive leadership or retirement. You've worked hard to build your company, create jobs and take care of your employees. Now, it's time to take care of your own tomorrow — your personal plans as well as plans for the future of your business.

Does this sound familiar?

Immersed in running your business, you’ve given little time to capital planning or developing an exit strategy. Your business is respected and operating at a profit, but continued growth will call for investment in certain aspects of the business, such as sales, marketing, operations and financial controls, to name a few. You may be at a point in life that you’re thinking about selling your business. Many owners decide to exit their business due to significant life events. Others are looking for a way to achieve greater diversification of their personal net worth. How can you achieve your desired result and protect your own interests as well as those of your family, loyal employees and customers?