Transaction advisory

The sale of a business marks a major life event. It’s emotional, stressful, and exciting all at the same time. And unfortunately, it’s often a lot of work. Most business owners will only experience the process of selling a business once in their life. This is both good and bad news. On the bright side, you only need to get through it once. But many business owners aren’t ready for the process and risk leaving money on the table as a result. With many sellers relying on the sale to fund their retirement and lifelong financial goals, getting it right from the start is critical. Here are tips from sell-side business advisors on what to do (and not do) when selling a business. What to do (and not do) when selling a business Start thinking about selling your business early — really early One of the top mistakes sellers make when selling their business is not starting the process early enough. There are many reasons starting last minute can really hurt your bottom line. It’s not uncommon for business owners to assume they’ll never retire at some point during their life. But as often happens, life changes. Perhaps health concerns for you or a spouse make continuing to run your business difficult. Or maybe you eventually lose the excitement when getting up every day and want a change of pace. Sudden sales or immediate retirements Unfortunately, when business owners want to sell with a tight timeline (or fire sale), they may have fewer options to exit. It’s not uncommon for some buyers to want the owner and/or members of the management team to stay on for a period to help with the transition. If there’s an earn-out, it’ll usually require the seller to stick with the company for different milestones (time, financial, or otherwise) to earn the full purchase price. Earn-outs aren’t ideal for sellers, but if you’re unwilling or unable to consider deals with any continuation component, it could impact the sale price, timeline to find a buyer, or both. Make your business more sellable later by getting advice now Business brokers often recommend getting a valuation done years before expecting to sell the company. Sarah Grossman, Principal of BayState Business Brokers in Needham, MA, says this helps sellers “shape their timeline and any financial planning that needs to be completed prior to a sale.” Understanding the fair market value of the company is critical to setting expectations for the seller, but understanding the drivers of the valuation can help increase the sale price over time. Grossman says, “a [business] broker can advise them on things they can do in their business over the next few years to make it more saleable when it does go on the market.” How to maximize your cash at closing Aaron Naisbitt, Managing Director at Dunn Rush & Co, an investment bank focused on sell-side M&A in Boston, MA, emphasizes the importance of going to market and knowing what your business is worth. He says, “the biggest mistake many businesses owners make is not running a competitive process when the business is capable of attracting interest from a broad number of buyers. This mistake most often occurs when the owner has already made the second biggest mistake – not taking the time to educate themselves and prepare adequately for the process.” Not every business will be able to run a competitive process. But those that can, and don’t, “Will leave money and terms on the table if they do not do so” he adds. Getting professional help is key here as trying to negotiate a sale directly with a buyer might be short-sighted. Grossman says it’s not uncommon for sellers to be approached directly by competitors. She cautions sellers considering working with buyers directly as “They could be leaving significant money on the table without a clear understanding of the valuation of their company. Sellers also need to work with a broker and their advisors to understand a typical deal structure so that they can maximize their cash at closing.” The importance of understanding the terms of the deal cannot be overstated. This is where money is made or lost. Naisbitt cautions that sometimes terms can sound really good, but aren’t always common sense. He adds that without an advisor, sellers “Don’t know where to argue.” During negotiations, you have to consider “What is it that’s important to you and what are you willing to give up” he says. Exit planning is not time to DIY — assemble your team of advisors When selling a company, gathering your team of advisors early on is key to getting a successful outcome. Again, odds are you haven’t sold a business before and probably won’t again. We don’t know what we don’t know…and you only have one shot to get this right. Your team of business and personal advisors will be instrumental in getting the deal over the finish line. Your business advisory team may consist of: a business broker or M&A advisor, accounting and tax advisors, and transaction/M&A attorney. On the personal side, your sudden wealth advisor who focuses on helping individuals experiencing a transformative liquidity event. Be sure to involve your wealth advisor in discussions around deal terms too. For example, when considering deal structure, it’s important to ensure alignment with your objectives or financial needs. What are your income needs after the sale or do you have plans for a big purchase? Your advisor can help determine how much cash you need at closing and whether to consider the pros and cons of arrangements like an installment sale. And at closing, a financial advisor can help you determine Section 1202, realizing the gain over time with an installment sale, asset versus stock purchase, or state tax implications such as the charitable goals, legacy objectives for heirs, or estate tax planning strategies. Brokers explain what sellers are most unprepared for during the process Selling a business is a lot of work. In addition to running the company in the usual course of business, sellers also need to comply with a host of due diligence requests from the buyer’s team and the lender financing the transaction. The magnitude of this process is by far the most 

– Friends since high school or before – Teammates – Golf buddies – Successful businessmen – In mid 60’s thinking about retirement – Planning golf resort retirement together One got really proactive with his health as a client of Retirement Wellness Strategies during the course of preparing to sell his business Offered the same to friends They didn’t see the need, maybe later 2 years later all are retired or selling businesses or very close 2 died in the past two weeks They never once had a post-retirement resort golf experience Are you or your clients skipping the self-care and doctor visits and those healthy changes until you have more time? Will you truly have more time? Active planning the health (alongside the wealth) is beyond worth it! Most leaders do skip that self-care, especially during the stresses of the process to sell a business.  Prolonged stress, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, interrupted sleep, rocky relationships, more time at the desk and in meetings, rushed meals, and more increase risks during this critical time.  Most of these health conditions and risks have no symptoms so go unnoticed without monitoring. Do you want your transitions to complete rapidly and with the seller intact? Then include the health planning component – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social.

Selling Your Business? Recognize the Three Types of Business Buyers Understanding the traits common to each buyer category can help sellers level the playing field in a business sale of any size. In middle-market business sales, the value of the deal and the path to a successful closing are shaped in large part by a factor that many sellers underestimate: the type of buyer that is evaluating your company. Looking at the more than 1,100 business sales that IBG Business’s M&A professionals have closed dating back to the 1980s, the lion’s share of buyers can be slotted into one of three major categories: Individual buyers, consisting of experienced entrepreneurs, former corporate executives or corporate staffers yearning to work for themselves, and high net worth individuals who seek an opportunity to create wealth Strategic buyers, which often use business acquisitions to achieve synergistic goals (e.g., increase market share, achieve geographic growth, or reduce competition) Financial or “professional” buyers, which are constantly in the market for business acquisitions that will achieve high returns for themselves and/or their investors. As you prepare your business for sale and embark on one of the most important transactions of your life, being aware of each type of buyer can help you anticipate what a prospect will look for in a deal and how you can respond throughout the sale process. Following is a profile of each type of buyer and a look at some of their distinguishing characteristics. INDIVIDUAL BUYERS Their Traits. Individual buyers are in it for their personal benefit. They may be serial entrepreneurs, retirees from the corporate world, a first-time owner who has had enough of working for someone else (i.e., they are looking for income and freedom), or a recent seller who is looking for his next challenge. In most cases, individual buyers target smaller, relatively affordable, well-run, low-risk businesses where they can have hands-on ownership. That often makes them welcome prospects for sellers who not only want to sell their company but also want a buyer who is looking for a turn-key operation, will preserve the company’s reputation, grow it into something bigger and better, and take good care of your employees. Risk – that is, the lack of it – can be a major consideration for individual buyers, because they are either new to business ownership, lacking in capital, or in the second half of their life and don’t want to take unnecessary chances. Risk can be a consideration for sellers as well, if the buyer is unable or unwilling to pay cash for the business and wants you to carry a portion of the purchase price. Because they have a personal stake and involvement in the deal, they are the least likely of the three types of buyers to treat the purchase as “just business”; consequently, they are often the least predictable, and they will often require the most attention due to their lack of transaction experience. Professional Help. In what we would characterize as a “Main Street” deal (as opposed to a deal at higher rungs of the value ladder), you will attract prospective buyers from the full spectrum of sophistication and integrity. An

Beacon would like to extend the opportunity for XPX Philadelphia members or clients to join us for author Denise Logan, The Seller’s Journey: How to Navigate the Emotional Obstacles Involved in Exiting Your Business on Thursday, October 20th from 5-7 PM. The King of Prussia location, link to register, and other information are listed below. All attendees will get a copy of Denise’s book. The evening starts with networking, hors d’oeuvres, and an open bar (beer and wine). Following Denise Logan’s presentation will be additional time for networking. Should you or any leader from XPX Philadelphia have any questions regarding this invitation, please reach out to me. Short Description of Event: Beacon and Strategic Exit Advisors are pleased to present Denise Logan, author of The Seller’s Journey, who will facilitate an interactive program on how to sell your company with integrity, humanity and understanding – of your own needs, behaviors and emotions, as well as those of others involved in the process. Engage in activities and discussions designed to help you unravel and resolve the emotion fueled obstacles that can lead to deal fatigue and conflict among the players. Register on Beacon’s site. Copy and Paste the following link if it is not an active hyperlink. Registration Members: $35 Guests: $35 Registration includes cocktail hour with food, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. All attendees will also receive a copy of Denise’s book.   Agenda 5:00 – 6:00 Networking & Cocktail Hour 6:00 – 7:00 Program 7:00 – 8:00 Additional Networking (bar reopens)    

Program produced by James Greene Coats IV is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and head of Applied Sciences at Phalanx Defense Systems (“Phalanx”), a personal protection equipment designing and manufacturing firm in Gainesville, FL. Prior to starting Phalanx, James spent a lifetime creating, innovating and developing technologies, originally designed for the magic industry that quickly transformed to the defense, intelligence and life safety industries. James’ innovations can be credited for saving countless lives. In addition to his technological contributions, James is an active philanthropist. James received his B.A. in Intelligence from American Military University, graduating with honors. Marc Horowitz, Amerivest Group Russell has 20+ years business brokerage experience, selling over 600 businesses worth over $180MM. Russell is among the TOP DEAL MAKERs (# of Sold Businesses) and typically one of the Top 5 for Sales Volume in the State. Since 2000 no other agent in Florida has sold more businesses than Russell. Russell graduated from University of Miami. He worked at major corporations before entering the business brokerage industry with Transworld Business Advisors. In 2013 Russell opened a Murphy Business Franchise. As a business broker and M & A intermediary, Russell provides guidance to business owners through a sales transaction. Michael S. Schiff (Moderator) Fiduciary Trust International

Program produced by Transition Strategies and Transaction Support, MPN, Inc. John develops transition and succession strategies that allow business owners to exit their companies on their own schedule. He is the founding President of the Exit Planning Exchange of San Antonio. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Rutgers University, an MBA from Pepperdine University, and the Certified Exit Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor qualifications.

Kathleen R. Henry is an associate in Nutter’s Corporate and Transactions Department, and a member of the firm’s Mergers and Acquisitions and Private Equity practice groups.Kate provides legal counsel to corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other entities on a wide range of issues, including formation, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and venture capital and angel financing transactions. Kate assists clients throughout the lifecycle of their business, from business growth and financial development to the realization of a successful exit or recapitalization. Kate also assists financial institutions with corporate and regulatory issues, as well as reorganizations, acquisitions, and private placements.Most recently, Kate was part of the Nutter team that represented Eastern Bank in its historic $1.8 billion IPO. Jennifer Wolfsberg, Managing Principal, Centerpoint Advisors Panelist Ed works across a number of industries helping owner-managers increase their company’s value. He has done this throughout his career as an investment banker, CPA, corporate financial consultant, business valuator, CEO, Director, arbitrator and mediator, and a faculty member for the National Association of Corporate Directors’ (NACD) Board Advisory Services. Ed has been an advocate for emerging businesses with a special emphasis on working with closely held and family businesses.Program produced by

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How would it feel to shorten the time to productivity? Why does someone need to do their job the way they do? How can people become productive faster? Introduction: As a small business owner, you wear many hats. You’re the visionary, the marketer, the accountant, and often, the HR department. However, having the right people in the right roles is key to your success. It’s not just about filling seats; it’s about aligning talent with the demands of each department. This is where Kolbe comes in – a powerful tool that can help you unlock your team’s natural strengths and optimize your business’s performance. The Problem: Mismatched Skills and Frustration We’ve all seen a detail-oriented person struggling in a fast-paced, idea-generating role or a creative mind bogged down by rigid processes. Mismatches like these lead to frustration, decreased productivity, and, ultimately, higher turnover. This is especially damaging in a small business where every team member’s contribution is crucial. You might be tempted to use traditional methods, like resumes or personality tests. While these have their place, they don’t always get to the heart of how someone naturally gets things done – the key information the Kolbe A™ Index provides. Enter the Kolbe A™ Index: Understanding Your Team’s Conative Strengths The Kolbe A™ Index isn’t about measuring intelligence or personality. It measures a person’s conative strengths – their instinctive method of taking problem-solving action and getting things done. It reveals how they prefer to: Fact Finder: Do they need to gather data or rely on intuition? Follow Through: Are they good at meticulously executing plans, or are they more adept at improvising? Quick Start: Do they prefer to start new processes or refine existing ones? Implementor: Are they good at taking something complex and making it simple, or are they adept at handling intricate details? The Kolbe Index places you on a spectrum for each mode of action and gives you a number (ranging from 1-10) for how you naturally prefer to act within each mode. Map Roles to Kolbe Strengths: Now it’s time to analyze the demands of each department and role within your business. For instance: Marketing: You might look for individuals with high “Initiator” and “Fact Finder” scores. Operations/Production: This might be an area for those with a stronger “Follow Through” style. Sales: Those with a strong mix of “Initiator” and “Implementor” could excel here. Accounting/Finance: Look for those with a high “Follow Through” preference and a strong preference for “Fact Finder”. Open the Dialogue: Have open and honest conversations with your team. Share their Kolbe results (with their permission) and discuss how their strengths align (or don’t align) with their current role. Make Strategic Adjustments: Consider making adjustments based on the Kolbe results and those conversations. This might mean moving someone to a different department, shifting responsibilities within a team, or modifying a team member’s workflow to better utilize their strengths. It’s critical to remember that this is not a tool to punish or demean anyone but to place them in their best role, where they can thrive. Embrace Team Diversity: Each Kolbe profile offers unique strengths and values. A team of people working in the exact same way is not as effective as a team that balances diverse strengths. Benefits of Using Kolbe in Your Small Business: Increased Productivity: People who work within their natural strengths are more efficient and engaged. Reduced Frustration: Fewer mismatches mean less frustration, which leads to improved morale. Lower Turnover: Happier employees are less likely to leave. Improved Team Collaboration: When people understand how their teammates approach work, they can collaborate more effectively. Enhanced Problem Solving: A well-balanced team with diverse Kolbe profiles can tackle challenges more creatively. Better Decision-Making: Understanding the different ways each person naturally approaches a problem can lead to better decision-making in the long run. Rethink your Growth and Exit Planning: As a small business owner, you’re constantly looking for ways to optimize your operations and create a thriving work environment. Using Kolbe is not about forcing square pegs into round holes. It is about understanding the natural approach of your team and putting everyone in a place where they can thrive. Investing time and resources to understand your team’s conative strengths will pay dividends in increased productivity, happier employees, and, ultimately, a more successful business. So, take the first step, explore the power of Kolbe, and watch your team’s potential flourish. Call to Action: Are you ready to understand the power of your team’s strengths? It is important to have a Certified Kolbe Consultant guide you on how to use this data to attract, engage, and develop your team so you can grow and exit on your terms.

Listen to this post as a podcast: Click here to talk to Bloomwood about your finances. Are you ready to take control of your finances and maximize your after-tax income? If so, you’re in the right place. I’m Billy Amberg, founder of Bloomwood, and today, we’re going to explore a financial case study that affects everyone—whether you’re just starting out on your wealth-building journey or you’re a seasoned investor with substantial assets. The 1% Financial Advisor Fee: Is It Worth It? The financial advisory and wealth management industry invests massive marketing dollars to convince you that paying a 1% portfolio management fee is worthwhile. But is it really? Let’s break it down. For those with financial advisors who provide significant value through tax planning, estate planning, and comprehensive financial strategies, paying 1% can be justified. If you have a complex trust or unique investment needs, that fee might also make sense. However, if your advisor is merely managing your portfolio, responding to your questions reactively, and failing to offer proactive financial planning, then you are overpaying. Many advisors hold periodic meetings about investments, but that alone doesn’t justify the 1% fee. Why Paying 1% for Just Investment Management Is Too Much To understand why paying 1% for basic investment management isn’t worth it, we must first explore key investment principles. One of the best ways to structure your investments is by using the Three Buckets Approach: Cash Reserve Bucket: This is your safety net, typically covering 6 to 12 months of living expenses in case of an emergency. It also provides liquidity for investment opportunities, such as purchasing real estate. Fixed Income Bucket: If you need stable income to support your lifestyle, especially in retirement, this bucket consists of low-risk investments like bonds, ensuring steady cash flow. Long-Term Growth Bucket: Everything else belongs here. This is where equities and growth-focused investments come into play, aligning with long-term wealth accumulation. Understanding Risk Tolerance and Why It Matters Less Than You Think Many investors are familiar with risk tolerance questionnaires used by financial advisors or platforms like Vanguard. While these assessments provide insight into your comfort level with risk, they are not the ultimate determinant of investment strategy. For example, a young professional with limited financial resources who fears market volatility might lean toward ultra-conservative investments. However, avoiding equity exposure could mean they never accumulate enough wealth to retire. An advisor’s role should be to educate and coach clients through investment realities rather than just accommodating risk aversion. Why Beating the Market Is Nearly Impossible Many financial advisors attempt to justify their fees by claiming they can outperform the market. However, history shows that even professional fund managers struggle to consistently beat benchmark indices like the S&P 500. Consider this: The NASDAQ (Technology Index) has significantly outperformed the S&P 500 in recent years. The S&P 500 itself remains a difficult benchmark to beat even for top-tier investment professionals. The only funds consistently outperforming the market are quantitative hedge funds like D.E. Shaw, Citadel, and Two Sigma—which charge exorbitant fees and require massive investment minimums. If professional fund managers can’t consistently beat the market, how can an individual financial advisor do so? The answer is simple: they can’t. The True Cost of Active Management vs. Index Funds Rather than paying a financial advisor 1% to actively manage investments, many investors can achieve better results with low-cost index funds. Vanguard, for instance, offers index funds with fees as low as 0.05% per year. Additionally, for just 0.30%, you can get a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) through Vanguard, which is more than a third cheaper than the typical advisor fee. How to Determine If Your Advisor Provides Real Value Before you continue paying a 1% management fee, ask yourself: Is my advisor providing value beyond just investment management? Am I receiving proactive tax planning, estate planning, and financial strategy sessions? Can my advisor point to tangible financial benefits I’ve received beyond portfolio returns? If your advisor’s only contribution is managing your portfolio, you are likely paying for underperformance. Paying 1% for an actively managed fund that fails to beat the market is counterproductive when low-cost index funds offer superior long-term results. The Bottom Line: Are You Getting a Fair Deal? If you’re paying 1% for asset management, it should come with significant added value, including tax planning, estate planning, and personalized financial strategy. At Bloomwood, we focus on delivering real, tangible benefits beyond just managing investments. If you want to learn more about investing and getting massive value through financial planning, check out our other content: Kickstart Your New Year with Smart Financial Planning: A Comprehensive Guide Tax Planning: How Buying Tax Credits Can Cut Your Tax Bill and Boost Profits Disclosures Bloomwood does not make any representations as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, or completeness of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to or incorporated herein. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. We are neither your attorneys nor your accountants and no portion of this material should be interpreted by you as legal, accounting, or tax advice. We recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified attorney and accountant. For additional information about Bloomwood, please request our disclosure brochure as set forth on Form ADV using the contact information set forth herein, or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (

We know that a way higher-than-acceptable percent of those who sell their company have many regrets a year later.  A piece of that is how well did they plan life beyond the sale?  Purpose is a huge part of that, and we have many XPX members who are retirement coaches and help people plan for purpose.  That is incredibly important. And there is so much more.  How is that person going to thoughtfully, proactively remain healthy, minimize their health-related risk factors, stay mentally sharp, have a robust social network since so much of their current social network is wrapped up with the business, partners, clients, etc. And then what about knowing when and how to include family members so that inevitable changes in the future are fully planned?  We have XPX members who plan the financial, the estate, the insurance pieces which are all important.  There is a much deeper personal side that is rarely planned and leaves families not knowing what to do when a crisis happens, health declines, a spouse is lost, or other unexpected events. All of this can be planned, and when it is, the future is brighter and more secure. Selling the business just opens the door to new phases of life that are just as fulfilling and engage those prior business owners in new ways to engage with their community, their family, and their unique interests. Purpose is not busy-ness.  In a future article we will talk about how very important that differentiation is.

Listen to this post as a podcast: Click here to talk to Bloomwood about your finances.   Quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are two transformative technologies that have the potential to reshape industries and solve some of the world’s most complex challenges. Together, they form a dynamic duo capable of driving breakthroughs in fields ranging from healthcare to manufacturing. In this post, we’ll explore the synergy between quantum computing and AI, the challenges involved, and the exciting future ahead. What is Quantum Computing? Quantum computing offers the potential to solve problems that classical computers struggle with, such as those in drug discovery and material science. Quantum computers operate using quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously (superposition). This ability to represent both 0 and 1 at once allows quantum computers to solve problems much faster than classical systems. How AI is Transforming Industries Artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning, is already transforming industries such as healthcare, finance, and defense. By analyzing large datasets and making predictions based on that information, AI systems are helping organizations make more informed decisions and predictions. In fields like healthcare, AI is improving diagnostics, personalizing treatment plans, and advancing medical research. In finance, AI-powered algorithms are being used for fraud detection, risk assessment, and market prediction. The Challenges of Building Stable Quantum Computers Despite its potential, building stable quantum computers remains a significant challenge. Quantum states are incredibly fragile, and any disturbance can cause errors in calculations. This makes developing reliable quantum computers a difficult task. Furthermore, quantum encryption is a concern, as quantum computers could eventually break current encryption methods. Researchers are already working on developing quantum-resistant encryption to address these challenges. The Rise of Quantum Sensing Quantum technology is not limited to computing. Quantum sensing is emerging as a powerful tool for detecting small changes in physical properties such as magnetic fields, gravity, and time. This could lead to breakthroughs in medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and navigation, with applications in everything from precision healthcare to transportation. The Economic Impact and Job Creation The growth of the quantum and AI industries is expected to generate over $1 trillion by 2035, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs across various sectors. By 2030, it is predicted that 250,000 jobs will be created in the quantum sector, with that number rising to 840,000 by 2035. These technologies will not only fuel economic growth but also provide opportunities for innovation and creativity across a range of industries. How Companies Can Capitalize on Quantum and AI Advancements Companies looking to thrive in the quantum and AI space must: Adopt early: Be early adopters of quantum and AI technologies to establish themselves as leaders. Create value: Apply these technologies in ways that solve real-world problems in industries like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Innovate rapidly: Keep pace with technological advancements and remain adaptable in a fast-moving market. Invest in infrastructure: Have the financial strength to fund R&D and build the necessary infrastructure. Leverage marketing: Effectively communicate innovations to the public and industry stakeholders.   Key Companies to Watch in the Quantum and AI Space Tech Giants Leading the Way Companies like IBM, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Nvidia are heavily investing in quantum computing and AI technologies. These tech giants are positioning themselves for long-term leadership by developing cutting-edge solutions and forging strategic partnerships in the space. Industry Disruptors Smaller companies like Square, Chime, Clario, and Anduril Industries are harnessing AI and quantum technologies in unique and innovative ways. Particularly in finance, healthcare, and defense, these disruptors are pushing the envelope on what’s possible with these technologies. Innovations in Telecommunications and Manufacturing Telecommunications: The Future of Quantum Communication In telecommunications, BT is exploring quantum communication to enhance the security and efficiency of digital networks. IQ Go is leveraging AI to improve network management, optimizing resource allocation and improving network reliability. Manufacturing: Virtual Models for Optimization In manufacturing, companies like Forge are using AI to create virtual models of manufacturing processes. This allows them to simulate, optimize, and improve production lines with digital twin technology, resulting in greater efficiency and cost savings. Democratization of Quantum and AI Technologies One of the most exciting developments in the quantum and AI space is the democratization of these technologies. Cloud-based services now allow small businesses to access powerful quantum and AI tools without needing their own hardware. This mirrors the early days of the internet when once-exclusive technologies became available to the broader public, sparking innovation across industries. Quantum Startups Making Waves Several startups are making significant contributions to quantum computing. For instance: Reggetti Computing combines quantum and classical computing in a hybrid approach to enhance performance. IonQ is pushing the boundaries of quantum computing with trapped ions as qubits, offering high fidelity and long coherence times. Zapata Computing provides platforms for quantum algorithm development, making quantum computing more accessible to those without deep expertise in the field. Key Concepts in Quantum Computing To fully appreciate the potential of quantum computing, it’s essential to understand some key concepts: Superposition: Qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, allowing for parallel computations. Entanglement: A quantum phenomenon where qubits are linked, enabling instantaneous communication and increasing computational power. Fidelity: The accuracy with which qubits can be manipulated. Coherence Time: The duration for which a qubit can maintain its quantum state before it decays. Will Quantum Computers Replace Classical Computers? While quantum computers are powerful, they are not meant to replace classical computers. Instead, they are designed to tackle problems that classical systems cannot handle, such as complex simulations and optimization tasks. The future will likely see a hybrid approach where both types of computers complement each other, each playing to its strengths. Responsible AI Development As AI continues to evolve, it’s crucial that we develop it responsibly. This means addressing issues like bias, transparency, and accountability. For example, if an AI system is trained on biased data, it may perpetuate and even amplify those biases in its decision-making. In fields like healthcare and finance, transparency is essential. We must ensure that AI decisions are understandable and explainable, particularly when they have a direct impact on people’s lives. Similarly, accountability is key: if an AI system causes harm, we need to determine who is responsible. The Future of AI and Quantum Computing As we look ahead, the future of AI and quantum computing is filled with possibilities. These technologies have the power to revolutionize industries, create new economic opportunities, and solve some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. But with great power comes great responsibility. We must ensure that these advancements are used ethically and transparently to benefit society as a whole. The quantum era is here, and it’s full of opportunity. Whether through AI’s ability to enhance communication or quantum computing’s ability to solve complex problems, these technologies are set to transform our world. Check out our other recent article on investing in quantum computing! www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you engage our firm for advisory services. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor.   The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on the market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur.    All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed.  There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability, or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information and it should not be relied on as such. Bloomwood is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Bloomwood and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. 730 Starlight Lane, Atlanta, GA 30342.

Enhance your member profile by adding a photo and your company logo! It’s a great way to personalize your presence and showcase your organization. Follow these simple steps to update your profile: 1. Log In to Your Account First, make sure you’re logged in to your member account by going to www.exitplanningexchange.com and clicking on the Log In button on the top right-hand corner of the page. Remember to use the email address associated with your member profile as your username. 2. Go to Your Profile Once logged in, navigate to your member profile. You can usually find this by clicking on your profile picture or your name at the top of the page. 3. Select “Edit Photo” Look for the “Edit Photo” button—typically located near the top of your member profile’s dropdown menu (photo below). Click on it to upload or update your high-res photo.

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