New Book Offers Guide for Business Owners Transitioning to Legacy

Business owners now have a new resource to help them navigate the complex and often emotionally challenging transition from running their companies to leaving a legacy. "Exit by Design: A Parable About Succession, Legacy, and Life After the Business," authored by Dave Seitter and Kelli Watson, is set to launch on October 1, 2026, offering a story-driven approach to planning for the future of both the business and the owner’s life.

The book follows Alex Romero, the owner and CEO of Northstar Construction, a company he founded and built over two decades. As Alex grapples with a health scare, he realizes the critical need to prepare Northstar to function without his daily oversight. This realization compels him to develop plans for both the company’s future and his own personal life after stepping away from the helm.

Seitter and Watson emphasize the dual focus required in this transition, encouraging owners to think about both the future of the company and their own future. The book delves into common challenges faced by privately held businesses, such as founder dependence, leadership transfer, decision-making authority, and the emotional aspects of letting go. It introduces the concept of "rewirement," a framework that allows experienced founders to redirect their knowledge and relationships toward meaningful post-ownership pursuits.

"‘The company you built deserves a designed future. So does the life you’ve been building alongside it.’" Seitter and Watson write, highlighting the importance of a well-thought-out transition plan. The authors advocate for treating succession as a process that begins long before the actual transfer of ownership, rather than a single transaction.

To assist readers in applying the book’s principles, "Exit by Design" includes Coach’s Corner sections, reflection questions, and a practical framework that can be tailored to individual business scenarios. The book challenges owners to assess critical decision-making points, ensure their leadership teams have real authority, and consider the company’s resilience without their direct involvement.

"The book serves as a guide for business owners to ensure that their companies are not dependent on a single individual," Seitter explains. "We want them to recognize the importance of a strong leadership structure and clear decision-making processes to ensure the long-term success of their businesses."

With backgrounds in legal and business advisory, Seitter and Watson bring extensive experience to their work. Seitter, the owner of DS Strategies & Consulting, has over 45 years of experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate law, and construction, among other areas. Watson, a Succession and Transition Coach, works with business owners to address the personal and emotional aspects of leaving companies they have built.

"Exit by Design" is set to launch in October 2026, with both paperback and hardcover editions available. Those interested can reach out to DS Strategies & Consulting, LLC, at 913-450-5885 or via their website, davidseitter.com.

For more information, contact: Dave Seitter 913-450-5885 davidseitter.com