Why Succession Planning Is a Spring Priority, Not A Summer Afterthought
May 16, 2025 
An elderly gardener working in a nursery and making a business call. | Unai Huizi Photography via iStock
“Talk to me in June or July.” We hear that a lot from business owners this time of year, especially when it comes to exit and succession planning. We understand that the spring “season” means all hands on deck. You’re up against time, weather, economic conditions, and any number of factors beyond your control. However, deferring planning may indicate an unhealthy dependency on the business owner. Why must the owner put everything on hold for two to three months? Can your business run without you? And what happens if it suddenly must?
Half of all business exits are involuntary and triggered by one of the 5Ds:
- Death
- Divorce
- Disability
- Distress
- Disagreement among partners
Ironically, when your schedule is maxed out, continuity planning becomes most critical.
One grower we work with had a fresh perspective. During peak planting season, we asked if he wanted to delay our planning session. His reply: “Plants don’t stop growing when I’m tired, and planning doesn’t stop during planting.” Months later, when his wife was hospitalized unexpectedly, he was able to step away for more than a month. His business kept running — thanks to his planning, his key management team, training, and continuity plans he’d put in place.
Now, imagine if you had to leave for a month in peak season. Could your business keep operating?
According to our 2024 Succession and Exit Planning in the Horticulture Industry Survey:
- 43% of owners have never taken a vacation longer than two weeks.
- 64% haven’t taken one longer than two weeks in the past two years.
If your business can’t function without you for two weeks, it may not yet be built to last.
The Hidden Cost of Owner-Centricity
Horticulture is rich in multi-generational, family-run businesses. Many owners started young and have weathered countless seasons and cycles. With that comes deep knowledge, but also a risk. If that knowledge stays only with the owner, it’s a liability.
Over-dependence on the owner makes the business harder to sell or pass on. This may explain why:
- 70% of family businesses don’t survive beyond the second generation.
- 70–80% of businesses never sell.
The good news? Owners are recognizing this. In our survey:
- 58% want to focus on building a more independent team.
- 45% want to document standard operating procedures.
Building a transferable business means creating one that can thrive with or without you.
Planning for the Unthinkable — All Year Long
These conversations are hard. No one wants to dwell on “what if” scenarios, especially when it comes to our own mortality or the unthinkable happening. But with 50% of exits happening unexpectedly, planning isn’t optional — it’s essential.
In our 2nd Annual State of Succession and Exit Planning Survey to be released in July, owners were asked what would motivate them to exit their business sooner than planned. The top unexpected reasons for early exit were:
- An offer too good to refuse.
- Health or personal issues.
You can’t control when these occur — but you can control how ready you are, and continuity planning should be your first step.
2025 State of Succession and Exit Planning in the Horticulture Industry Survey sneak peek infographic. | PivotPoint Business Solutions
Effective continuity planning is about more than accessing vital info like passwords, contacts, and financial data:
1. Decision Authority Documentation
- Who will run the business in the near future?
- Who’s authorized to make operating and strategic decisions?
2. Cross Training for Key Positions
- Is key management in place?
- Are standard operating procedures (SOPs) documented?
3. Financial Contingency Preparation
- How do you want to compensate key people, family, and advisors?
- How will your ownership be transitioned or sold?
- Is insurance in place?
Keep Planning Moving — Even in Season
As Dwight Eisenhower famously said, “Plans are nothing, but planning is everything.” The plan may change, but the habit of planning prepares you for anything.
Our grower mentioned earlier that he kept up on planning sessions — even from his wife’s hospital room. Here’s what worked:
- Break it Down: 30–60 minute “micro-sessions” weekly or biweekly.
- Time it Right: Meetings in early mornings or evenings.
- Share the Load: Delegate planning tasks to trusted employees and advisors.
- Use Tech: Virtual meetings, collaboration tools, and platforms like Value Builder™.
- Work with Seasonal-Savvy Advisors: Those who adapt to your schedule and keep momentum without overloading you.
Planning Is a Year-Round Crop
Succession planning is a team sport involving you and your trusted advisors. Don’t stop and start. Keep it moving — even during peak season. Like your plants, it needs consistent care. Whether it’s a quick call or a regular check-in, continuous planning builds a stronger, more valuable business.
Succession & Exit Planning: What’s Your Endgame for a Regret-Free Business Exit
Attend our Special Extended Session at Cultivate’25 on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 9 a.m.
PivotPoint Business Solutions will be holding a special hands-on extended session that equips owners with the tools to plan and execute a successful exit. Through interactive exercises and expert insights, attendees will gain clarity on the ideal transition path and the steps needed to maximize business value. What we will cover:
- Are You Ready to Exit? – Personal, business, and financial readiness assessment
- What’s Your Business Worth? – Valuation methods and effective business continuity planning
- What’s Your Best Move? – Your exit options (including succession, ESOP, or third-party sale)
- What You Need to Do Next? – Best practices and strategies to preserve your legacy
This presentation isn’t about concepts — it’s a working session designed to bring you closer to a successful exit. Our panel of experts will also discuss valuation, family succession, ESOPs, third-party sales, and more!
Have Your Voice Heard!
By participating in the 2025 State of Succession and Exit Planning in the Horticulture Industry Survey, you contribute to a stronger, more resilient industry while gaining a clearer understanding of where your business stands. We invite you to “take a break” over the next week or two and engage in something helpful to your future planning. The survey closes on May 19.
Click here to take the survey now: Take the survey!
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