Succession Plus are specialists in providing proactive, focused and strategic advice for small business owners to manage strategic Business Succession and Exit Planning.
Choosing Succession Plus gives you a greater ability to identify, protect, maximize and extract the wealth contained in the business and related assets. You only get to leave your business once, so it pays to get it right.
Our knowledge of succession planning and unique Intellectual Property, means we play a critical role in business sales, maximizing the business value and achieving business owners' transition goals.
About Your Host, Mark Dorman:
Mark is the President & Managing Director of Succession Plus US, and is a recognized industry leader for his work with small and mid-sized businesses. He is a certified Exit Planner and Certified Family Business Specialist. With a career spanning 35+ years, Mark has purchased, founded, and exited businesses of his own.
Pivoting as a Business Owner With Craig Sturgill Ep. 43 - S1
In the realm of exit plans, things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes they happen smoothly the first time, other times they face delays. But that’s the thing: there’s no one right way. Each exit is its own journey, with its own ups and downs.
Join Mark Doman as he sits down with Craig Sturgill, COO, and Co-founder of Excel™, a company at the forefront of the InsureTech space. Craig, a U.S. Army veteran and successful entrepreneur, shares his journey from starting an insurance agency at 18 to co-founding Excel™. Follow along to learn about the challenges and strategic pivots he made, including an unsuccessful exit attempt, recalibration for growth, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people in order to execute a successful exit.
Mark and Craig discuss:
Craig’s journey from door-knocking insurance sales to co-founding an InsureTech company
How his business model shifted toward digital customer acquisition
Insights into the InsureTech space and Excel’s innovative lead-generation strategies
Valuable lessons learned from an attempted business exit and how diversification and a strong leadership team can make all the difference
And more
Resources:
Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
Medigap.com
BurialInsurance.com
Connect with Mark Dorman:
Succession Plus US (https://succession.plus/us/)
LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
LinkedIn: Succession Plus
Facebook: Succession Plus
(330)-416-9271
mdorman@succession.plus
Connect with Craig Sturgill:
LinkedIn: Craig Sturgill
CraigSturgill.com
Excel.com
About Our Guest:
At the age of 18, Craig Sturgill founded his first business. He built his Medicare-focused insurance agency, however, he was unable to find lead-generating vendors that met his standards for quality and high performance so in 2013 he partnered with 2 like-minded individuals to found Excel™ which he now acts as COO. He has since started multiple other businesses such as TruRidge, LLC and Stealth Ventures, LLC.
3 Sept 2025
Exploring Opportunities Through SBA Lending With Tara Murphy Ep. 42 - S1
Many believe that SBA loans are only for startups or fraught with bureaucratic red tape.
However, this week’s guest, Tara Murphy debunks these myths, demonstrating the power of SBA lending in aiding successful business exits and transitions.
Join Mark Doman and Tara Murphy, SBA Business Development Officer and Vice President of Huntington National Bank as they delve into SBA lending. They unveil how they work, changes that have happened to the process, and how they can be a powerful tool in your exit planning strategy. Whether you’re contemplating selling your business or simply curious about the options available for a future transition, this episode is packed with insights and practical guidance to help you lead your business down the right path even after you leave.
Mark and Tara discuss:
What SBA lending is and how it works
How business owners can leverage SBA loans for exit planning
The impact of careful succession planning on the value and saleability of a business
Common myths about SBA lending and how to utilize it effectively
And more
Resources:
Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
What’s the Value of Your Business? With Michael Carter
Connect with Mark Dorman:
Succession Plus US (https://succession.plus/us/)
LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
LinkedIn: Succession Plus
Facebook: Succession Plus
(330)-416-9271
mdorman@succession.plus
Connect with Tara Murphy:
LinkedIn: Tara Murphy
Huntington National Bank: Tara Murphy
About Our Guest:
Tara Murphy is the SBA Business Development Officer and VP at Huntington National Bank with over 20 years in the finance industry. She possesses a strong focus on M&A financing and small business succession planning. Additionally, Tara brings years of experience in business expansion, commercial real estate, and debt consolidation to her role. She boasts a proven track record of success and harbors a deep passion for small businesses.
3 Sept 2025
Packing the Parachute: Navigating Exit and Succession Planning with Jim Erben Ep. 41 - S1
Are you ready to secure your legacy and ensure your business thrives beyond your exit?
In this enlightening episode, Mark Dorman is joined by Jim Erben, president of Erben Associates and a sought-after exit and succession planning specialist. Together, they delve into the crucial, yet often daunting, process of planning for business exit and succession. Tune in for invaluable strategies and actionable insights on how to prepare for a smooth transition.
Jim discusses:
Why business valuation is a crucial starting point in planning your exit
The importance of aligning your business exit strategy with your personal wealth and estate planning
Keys to a successful executive retention plan
Contingency planning in case something unexpected happens to the business owner
What makes Erben Associates different from other firms
And more
Resources:
Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top by Bo Burlingham
BizEquity
Connect with Mark Dorman:
Succession Plus US (https://succession.plus/us/)
LinkedIn: Mark Dorman
LinkedIn: Succession Plus
Facebook: Succession Plus
(330)-416-9271
mdorman@succession.plus
Connect with Jim Erben:
512-402-0250
LinkedIn: Jim Erben
Erben Associates (https://erbenassociates.com/)
About Our Guest:
Jim Erben is a highly sought-after exit and succession specialist, keynote speaker, and President at Erben Associates. Under his leadership, Erben Associates earned a spot multiple years running on the INC. 5000 list for one of the fastest-growing companies in the country and is a highly sought-after exit and succession planning firm. As an international speaker, Jim shares his 30+ years of experience with thousands of business leaders annually. He is well-known for his straightforward approach to succession or exit planning, business continuity, and executive retention.
A distinguished advisor to clients and organizations, Jim is one of 500 senior American business leaders representing the private sector in Business Executives for National Security, an invitation-only think tank to help our national security become more efficient and effective. Jim’s proprietary process helps business owners navigate the complexities of succession and exit planning to help create an everlasting legacy.
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