JOAN M. RIDLEY

5100 Victor Street · Dallas, Texas 75214
214.692.9192 · jridley@businesswealthsolutions.net

MARKETING STRATEGIST · EXIT PLANNING ADVISOR

Strategic leader in business exit planning, advisory services, and business marketing with over 20 years of experience taking a pioneering role in the development and success of revolutionary products and services targeting previously untapped markets. One of the nation's leading experts behind the foundation of business exit planning as a lucrative client service, supporting business owners in recognizing and maximizing their equity prior to successful and profitable exit. Adept at providing expert recommendations for transition and turnover. Proven history of additionally driving brand awareness and increasing market penetration through communications and outreach, with worldwide renown as a public speaker and media presence.

 

Marketing & Communications Strategy · Client Relationship Management · Business Exit Planning & Advisory

New Business Development · Financial & Investment Services · Public Speaking · Value Optimization

Client Consulting · Executive Communications · Brand Management · Business & Market Analysis

Training & Development · Business Networking · Estate Planning · Sales Support

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

BUSINESS WEALTH SOLUTIONS, Dallas, Texas · 2003-Present

Provider of equity growth and development services / exit strategies for lower mid-market business clients.

President

Launched a highly successful advisory firm supporting business owners in improving business equity and achieving profitable exit strategies. Identify new business opportunities and develop plans to not only target potential clients, but expand brand awareness through marketing, brand management, online exposure, and promotional initiatives. Forge and nurture client relationships, focused on conducting thorough analyses of client businesses based on 54 value factors, personal finance, and available exit options. Create and implement custom-tailored exit strategies that meet client goals for successful business exit and create profitable product sales opportunities. Provide training to professional advisors, including monthly continuing education webinars for worldwide financial service professionals. Speak at public and private events presenting topics on exit planning and equity optimization to business owners and professional advisors.

  • Pioneered major developments in the new and growing service sector centered around exit planning and value optimization, with national renown as an expert in business exit planning.
  • Achieved aggregate business revenues of over $125 million for more than 25 business owners by creating and executing tactical business exit and value enhancement plans.
  • Ensured a very low failure rate for ownership transition, attaining a target 5-10% as opposed the average of 85%, by leveraging the 54 value factors of a business to successfully position client companies.
  • Developed a highly personalized process uniting personal and business planning for client business owners.
  • Designed an extremely effective service pitch that generated strong interest among prospective clients and resulted in strong growth in the customer base.
  • Implemented a bi-monthly newsletter with a 33%+ open rate, which generated new business by gaining interest from the target audience of business owners and professional advisors.
  • Received an appointment to the Board of Governors of the Exit Planning Institute, tasked with authoring the organizational Code of Ethics
  • Selected for the committee focused on developing Standards of Professional Practice.
  • Chosen to write a series of articles for the members of the Exit Planning Institute.
  • Generated interest in exit planning issues from a worldwide user base via the monthly webinar.

THE VANT GROUP, Dallas, Texas · 2003-2004

Boutique firm supporting clients in completing mergers and acquisitions.

Business Development Manager

Took an instrumental role in business expansion and growth through strategic targeting of both professional advisors and business owners. Communicated with advisors to build relationships and gain referrals. Evaluated business owners to identify viable prospects for the firm.

  • Drove growth in the firm by introducing more than 55 firms and advisors.
  • Improved market penetration and brand awareness by creating a new marketing brochure and authoring innovative marketing copy.

 JOAN M. GRUBER ADVISORS, INC., Dallas, Texas · 1990-2001

Registered Investment Advisory service provider for clients in the 60+ age bracket.

President

Established and grew a successful business targeting a lucrative and previously untapped market among mature investors. Drove new business through referrals and aggressive targeting, with high visibility gained through national appearances and public speaking events. Advised clients on developing personal financial plans supporting their goals. Assisted clients in placing assets under management and developing estate planning strategies.

  • Made significant leaps forward in an emerging market, achieving national status as a visionary in investment services for the mature market.
  • Highly sought after as an expert and source for national print media, radio, columns, and review boards. This exposure dramatically increased client awareness.
  • Nominated and voted by peers for D Magazine's "Best Financial Advisors in Dallas" list.
  • Recruited to speak to, advise, and train major groups such as American Express Financial Advisors, SunAmerica Securities, GTE Corp., Nations Bank, the Los Angeles Times Investor Symposium, the Institute of Certified Financial Planners, and the International Association for Financial Planning.
  • Acted as media resource for outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Business Week, Money Magazine, Working Woman, Parade Magazine, and National Public Radio.
  • Achieved successful sale to ING Private Client Group for 3x gross revenues.

Additional roles include Partner with Dennis M. Gurtz & Associates (acquired by American Express Financial Advisors, now Ameriprise).

 

FORMAL EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

University of Dayton, Ohio

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Certified Financial Planner™

Certified Exit Planning Advisor

Certified Business Intermediary

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Member & Board of Governors - Exit Planning Institute

PUBLICATIONS

  • Author of Mature Money: Marketing Financial Services to the Booming Maturity Market, published by McGraw-Hill in 1996 and sponsored by the International Association for Financial Planning.
  • Author of Your Money - It's a Family Affair, published by Odenwald Press in 1996.
  • Contributing author to The Encyclopedia of Financial Gerontology, published by Greenwood Press in 1996.
  • Contributing author to Coming of Age, a Resource Guide for Older Adults and Their Families, published by Longstreet Press in 1996.
  • Syndicated Columnist for Clear Mountain Communications Wire Service of Denver, Colorado. Authored articles that achieved national distribution in local newspapers.
  • Produced articles for: Journal of Financial Planning, Journal of Personal Financial Planning Monthly, Planning for Profits, Dallas Morning News, Dallas Business Journal, and Private Clubs.