Episode
How Civil Firm Owners Can Plan a Smart Exit From Day One With Laurie Barkman
- Published
- Feb 19, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1835
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Summary
Do you know the biggest mistake AEC firm owners make? 🤔 They get lost in the busy work and never plan how they’ll leave the business one day. That’s why this episode with Laurie Barkman is huge! Known as the “Business Transition Sherpa,” she’s a M&A advisor who helps owners scale their firms smarter…and exit them stronger. She’s a former CEO who led a $100M company through the acquisition process — and now she works specifically with AEC firms to help their owners set themselves for a transition the right way. In this episode, we dive into all things business for a civil engineering firm. Valuation metrics, how to navigate the acquisition process, why a 50/50 partnership is not the way to go, and a lot more! So, if you’re running a civil firm now — or plan to start one one day — this episode will get you thinking long-term. Because no matter whether you sell it, pass it on, or step away, you don’t want to wing it…and then be trapped into the business until your late 60s. Right? 🧠TUNE IN TO LEARN: 2 Things Engineers Need to Know Before They Get Into Business Side of Engineering Why a Business Partnership Should NEVER Be 50/50 The Biggest Mistake Any Firm Owner Can Make That Makes Life Difficult Later Should All Owners Be Looking to Sell the Business? Is It the Only Way Out? Where Does the Owner's Successor Come From? (Hint: Not What You Think) What's The Business Transition Handbook All About? How to Valuate Your Own Engineering Business The Right Way to Find Buyers When You're Interested in Selling Her Mastermind Group to Help Owners Set up Their Business for a Profit Exit What She Recommends for Every New Engineer Getting into Business for the First Time 🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Business Transition Handbook , by Laurie Barkman Succession Stories Podcast B.U.I.L…