Program produced by XPX South Florida.
Top 10 pitfalls to avoid when selling
your business
This XPX South Florida program will highlight the top ten most common pitfalls business owners may encounter leading up to and through the sale of their business, from the perspectives of a business owner, broker and sales consultant. We will present the information in a lively “David Letterman” style “Top 10 Pitfalls to Avoid”, along with real world stories, to alert business owners and their professional advisors to the pitfalls.
Our Panel:
James Greene Coats IV, Phalanx Defense Systems
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
Marc J. Horowitz, CPA is a senior financial executive with over 30 years of experience. Marc is currently a Business Broker and Exit Planning Specialist at Amerivest Group. Marc is experienced in numerous industries including: aviation, construction, distribution, engineering, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, insurance, rental, software/SAAS, staffing, transportation and many others.
Additional areas of expertise include: business valuation, exit strategies, mergers & acquisitions, financial modeling, private equity, process improvement, growth and turnaround strategies.
Marc received his master’s degree from the Huizenga School of Business at Nova Southeastern University and bachelor’s in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University.
Russell Cohen, Murphy Business
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
Michael S. Schiff, J.D., AEP, TEP is Managing Director and Wealth Director for the Boca Raton office of Fiduciary Trust Company International, a wealth management firm and trust company serving as a trusted advisor to successful individuals, families, endowments and foundations since 1931. Michael has nearly 30 years’ experience providing sophisticated wealth management and planning solutions to clients. Prior to his financial services career, Michael practiced law handling complex corporate transactions and trust and estate matters for major law firms in NYC and Philadelphia. Michael received his B.A. in History from SUNY Albany and his J.D. from Cardozo Law School.