Andrea Steinbrenner, CEO of Exit Consulting Group: “ECG helps business owners evaluate the pros and cons of each option, taking into consideration not just the financial implications, but also the long-term impact on the business and the legacy the owner wants to leave behind”

In the world of entrepreneurship, the road to starting, growing, and scaling a business is long and challenging, but the path to exiting a business is often the most daunting. For business owners contemplating their exit strategy, many find themselves overwhelmed by the complexities and emotional toll of parting ways with the enterprise they’ve built. This is where Exit Consulting Group (ECG) comes in. With over two decades of experience in helping business owners transition, ECG offers a personalized and strategic approach to exit planning that ensures the continued success of businesses post-transition. Led by CEO Andrea Steinbrenner, ECG continues to be a trusted partner for businesses seeking seamless, strategic transitions that preserve value and legacy.

At the heart of their approach is their proprietary process, Exit Engineering®, which is designed to facilitate smooth, strategic, and rewarding exits. Over the years, ECG has built a reputation as a premier firm specializing in business transitions, exit strategies, and succession planning. The firm’s consultants, armed with real-world experience in owning, managing, and selling businesses, bring a unique perspective to each engagement. Their hands-on expertise allows them to deliver tailored solutions that go beyond theoretical advice, focusing instead on practical, actionable strategies that work in the real world.

The Exit Engineering® Process

At the core of ECG’s services is its proprietary Exit Engineering® process, a structured approach designed to help business owners successfully transition out of their businesses while preserving the company’s value and ensuring its future viability. Exit Engineering® involves a comprehensive assessment of the business, the owner’s goals, and market conditions to craft a customized roadmap for success. This process is divided into four key phases: Assessment, Design, Implementation, and Transition.

1. Assessment: ECG begins by evaluating the readiness of the owner and the business, analyzing financial health, management structure, growth potential, and market conditions to identify necessary improvements for a successful exit.
2. Design: After the assessment, ECG collaborates with the owner to create a strategic plan that aligns with their personal and financial goals, defining their vision of a successful exit—referred to as the WIN.
3. Implementation: ECG assists in executing the plan, making necessary changes to prepare the business for transition, which may include restructuring the management team, optimizing operations, or resolving disputes.
4. Transition: ECG guides the business owner through the transition, whether selling to an external buyer, passing it to the next generation, or establishing an ESOP, ensuring a smooth process and continued business stability.

A Focus on Personalized Solutions

ECG is dedicated to delivering customized exit solutions tailored to the unique needs of each client, recognizing that every business is different. Whether assisting a family-owned business in transferring ownership or preparing for a sale to an external buyer, ECG provides expert guidance. The firm helps business owners navigate crucial decisions, such as choosing between an inside sale—selling to family, key employees, or through an ESOP—and an outside sale, considering both financial implications and the desired legacy for the future. 

Leadership Transition at ECG: Practicing What They Preach

As ECG has grown and evolved over the years, so too has its leadership. In 2022, Andrea Steinbrenner was named CEO, succeeding John Ovrom, the founder, who continues to serve as President. Steinbrenner joined the firm in 2019 as a consultant and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming COO in 2020 before assuming the role of CEO. Her leadership has been instrumental in guiding ECG through its own succession planning process—a testament to the firm’s commitment to practicing what it preaches.

Steinbrenner’s vision for ECG is centered on continuing to build on the firm’s strong foundation while expanding its reach and services. Under her leadership, ECG remains focused on helping business owners achieve their WIN—whether that’s a smooth transition to the next generation, a successful sale, or a strategic exit that allows them to pursue new ventures.

The Importance of Exit Planning

For many business owners, the idea of exit planning can be overwhelming, but as ECG emphasizes, it’s never too early to start planning. By beginning the process early, business owners can increase the value of their business, minimize stress, and set themselves up for long-term success.

Exit planning is not just about the financial aspects of selling a business; it’s about ensuring that the business continues to thrive after the owner steps away. Whether it’s through generational succession, partner buyouts, or strategic sales, ECG helps business owners navigate the complex and often emotional process of leaving their business with confidence and peace of mind. 

Andrea Steinbrenner, CEO 

“With over two decades of experience in helping business owners transition, ECG offers a personalized and strategic approach to exit planning that ensures the continued success of businesses post-transition”