Certified Family Enterprise Advisory Services
At The Circle, we help families navigate the complex decisions around property and business after a loved one passes. This time can be emotional and overwhelming — our role is to bring clarity, confidence, and trusted support to every step of the transition.
What Our Family Advisory Service Involves
BUSINESS TRANSITION SUPPORT
We guide families through decisions about family-owned businesses, including:
• Understanding business value.
• Exploring options for sale, succession, or wind-down.
• Aligning with accountants, lawyers, and other professionals.
• Helping family members come to an agreement.
LAND & PROPERTY ADVISORY
We help you evaluate and make strategic decisions around real estate.
• Assessing commercial property and land value.
• Exploring whether to sell, lease, or hold.
• Understanding zoning, usage, and market conditions.
• Coordinating with real estate and legal experts.
FAMILY MEETING FACILITATION
Neutral, structured support can transform difficult conversations.
• Leading calm and respectful family discussions.
• Giving space for all voices and concerns.
• Guiding toward practical, consensus-based solutions.
SUCCESSION & ESTATE PLANNING GUIDANCE
Whether you're preparing ahead or in transition now, we can:
• Provide insight into ownership change and family succession.
• Coordinate with your legal and financial advisors.
• Clarify estate responsibilities and future planning steps.
CUSTOM TRANSITION PLANNING
Every family and portfolio is different. Our plans are the following:
• Personalized to your values, needs, and goals.
• Grounded in financial, tax, and legal realities.
• Built for both near-term transition and long-term stewardship.
Transition Support for Commercial Property Owners
Our advisory includes full-spectrum support for buyers and sellers of family-held commercial assets:
CLARIFY GOALS
• Understand desired outcomes.
• Align internally on purpose and timelines.
• Emphasize discretion and valuation strategy.
SET FAMILY PARAMETERS
• Manage emotional disconnects and internal conflict.
• Resolve ownership or leadership friction.
• Structure succession and decision-making frameworks.
IDENTIFY FUNDING & STRUCTURE
• Explore equity, financing, or partner capital options.
• Set realistic budget ranges and preferred deal structures.
ENGAGE TRUSTED ADVISORS
• Collaborate with your lawyer, accountant, and commercial realtor.
• Create a transition plan with attention to tax and timing.
ASSEMBLE KEY DOCUMENTS
• Prepare leases, environmental reports, surveys, and financials.
• Coordinate with boards and advisory teams.
PREPARE FOR MARKET TIMING
• Build pricing strategy and marketing materials.
• Factor in capital gains, recapture, and calendar year-end.
• Utilize value estimates (no appraisal needed) for early insights.
LAUNCH & SCREEN
• Qualify serious buyers, maintain confidentiality.
• Navigate showings and negotiation.
GAIN BOARD APPROVAL
• Prepare internal reports and investment rationale.
• Align with governance and funding timelines.
CLOSE & CELEBRATE
• Finalize sale with legal and financial oversight.
• Handle tax allocations, adjustments, and closure.

Digital Legacy Management
- We help families digitize critical business and property records — securely and systematically.
- It’s a gift of peace of mind and a structure that brings clarity to the future.
- We handle the heavy lifting: organizing, scanning, and storing documents in a secure, easy-to-access digital environment. Because no legacy should get lost in a filing cabinet.
MINIMUM PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENT
The Circle is best suited for families managing a real estate or business portfolio valued at $5 million or more. This ensures our services deliver the greatest impact and align with the scale of transition planning required.
Why Work With a Certified Family Enterprise Advisor™?
The FEA designation means we’re uniquely trained in the intersection of family, business, and legacy. Our approach is the following:
- Independent
- Confidential
- Family-focused
- Solution-driven
We bring together the right experts, lead with empathy, and create plans that reflect both emotional and financial truths.
Let’s Talk About What’s Next
Every legacy deserves care, clarity, and a thoughtful plan. Contact us for a free, no-pressure consultation.