Toolkit for confident planning

Win Succession is a succession planning firm with over 20 years of experience helping advisors transition their books of business with confidence. We specialize in acquiring books from retiring advisors and ensuring a seamless handoff for advisors and their clients.

Our unique model pairs established practices with next-generation advisors, providing continuity and long-term client care throughout the transition.

Whether you are planning your retirement or exploring growth through acquisition, Win Succession can help you transition on your terms.

Finding an advisor that is a good fit is the most important aspect of a successful transition.

Working alongside IDC WIN, we draw from a national network of successful advisors and take the time to match your practice with an advisor who meets the needs of you and your clients.

Yes. Win Succession regularly acquires partial blocks of business. Whether your practice has grown beyond what you want to manage, includes clients outside your target market or you’re beginning a gradual transition toward retirement, we can help.

Preparing your book for sale—and maximizing its value—is a long-term process. Start by building a recurring, diversified and reliable income stream, and ensure your files are organized, digital and easy to transition to a buyer.

Knowing your business inside and out, with information readily available, creates a stronger impression and a smoother process. Just as important is personal readiness: being truly prepared to retire or step away.

Many sellers delay a sale not because the business isn’t ready, but because they’re not psychologically ready to move on.

Timelines vary based on seller readiness. In urgent situations, a transaction can close in as little as 10 days to two weeks. Most sales are completed within one to three months. More time may be required for share sales or when specific succession requirements are involved.

Because there’s no single timeline, Win Succession’s experience can help guide the process, set realistic expectations and keep things moving at the right pace.

From a valuation perspective, a book is often at its highest value when clients are in their 50s to early 60s. Your own readiness matters too—value is influenced by whether you’re motivated to stay actively engaged in the business or beginning to slow down.

In the short term, get your business organized. Ensure client records are accurate and up to date, including contact details, product mix, policy and contract numbers, along with the last two to three years of commission reports, financial statements and your compliance manual.

Looking ahead, invest in a digital database or CRM and focus on increasing Renewal and Trailer revenue as these are used for the basis of your valuation.

There’s no single formula. Valuation is based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative factors. Qualitative considerations include branding, the strength of the support team and the use of technology and systems. Key quantitative drivers include Renewal and Trailer history, client age, product mix and client concentration.

Yes. There are several factors to watch for when acquiring the assets of a book, and even more when purchasing the shares of a corporation. Key red flags include historical compliance issues, a seller’s reluctance or inability to provide clear details about the book and incomplete or missing client contact information.

Equally important is the relationship with the selling advisor. Strong rapport and alignment are critical to ensuring a smooth transition for both the buyer and clients.

Our joint venture (JV) model is an innovative partnership designed to acquire books of business with young, successful IDC WIN advisors who manage and service the practice.

Win Succession brings over 20 years of experience identifying sellers, conducting due diligence, valuing books, structuring legal agreements and providing funding—complementary strengths that make this a strong, long-term partnership.