The Summit Series
Summit Series is a podcast for business owners who want to build real value and prepare for what’s next, whether that means scaling, stepping away, or starting a new chapter.
Each episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately to accelerate your business’s value. Pull up a seat with entrepreneurs, advisors, and wealth managers who have scaled companies, sold them, or guided others through these pivotal transitions.
We take you behind the scenes to uncover how deals are structured, what buyers are really looking for, what slows momentum, and the traps to avoid.
The Summit Series
Summit Series | Ep. 3: The Five D’s That Derail (or Define) Your Business with Tripp Scott (Part 1)
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What happens to your business when the unexpected hits? In this episode of the Summit Series, Craig Huston sits down with Dennis Smith and Mariana Seiler-DeJager of Tripp Scott law firm to unpack the Five D’s that can either derail your business or define its legacy: Death, Disability, Divorce, Disagreement, and Distress.
This candid conversation goes deep into real-life legal pitfalls that threaten closely held businesses—and more importantly, how to de-risk your company before they hit. From buy-sell agreements and spousal waivers to succession planning and the surprising reasons business owners avoid signing critical documents, you’ll hear what proactive leaders must do now to protect the value they’ve worked so hard to build.
Whether you’re scaling, preparing for a transition, or just want to sleep better at night, this episode is your legal and strategic wake-up call.
Listen in to learn:
- How to bulletproof your business against the unexpected
- Why life and disability insurance aren’t optional
- The hidden dangers of procrastinating legal planning
- How the right documentation can preserve your company’s value—and your family’s legacy
Value-driven leadership starts with preparation. This one’s a must-listen for founders, partners, and CEOs who want to protect what they’ve built and plan smart for what’s next.