Walden M&A is excited to announce the addition of Bob Tankesley to our team of principals.
Bob Tankesley brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the firm, particularly in guiding owners of lower-middle-market companies through successful exit strategies. His focus on the industrial sector further strengthens Walden M&A’s ability to serve a diverse range of clients.
Background
Tankesley’s background is rooted in finance and a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial journey. He earned his MBA in Finance in 1996 and has held a non-practicing CPA license since 2001.
Previous roles include working in manufacturing for a Fortune 500 company, as well as for a Big 4 accounting firm and a small tax firm. He established his own tax and financial advisory firm in 2001, which he successfully operated for more than 12 years.
As a fourth-generation entrepreneur, Tankesley possesses a keen understanding of the business owner’s mindset, having navigated many of the challenges they face over the past 25 years.
A recognized authority in exit planning, Tankesley is a co-founder and former board member of the Atlanta chapter of the Exit Planning Exchange. He is also the author of Exit Teams, a book and ongoing media project designed to highlight the importance of building a team of collaborative advisors for business owners long before they consider going to market.
In connection with his book, Tankesley hosts the Exit Teams Podcast, where he and guests who have sold their businesses provide insights on optimizing companies and preparing for a sale.
Exit Planning Approach
One of Tankesley’s keys to exit planning is the importance of building a business that can operate without constant owner oversight.
He notes that successful business owners who achieve the highest valuations have cultivated businesses that are “optimized,” meaning they can run effectively without the owner’s constant presence.
“I haven’t yet seen a turnkey or effortless business model,” Tankesley said, “but when buyers are scanning the landscape and find a company that is more ‘optimized’ than its peers, they’re often more willing to pay the asking price or maybe even a premium to get it.”
Another crucial exit planning insight Tankesley offers pertains to financial clarity.
“Financial statements are the first screening tool that buyers tend to use, because they tell a story,” Tankesley said. “When you piece enough of them together, they show what the owners have done with their resources.”
Clean, consistent financial statements that align with tax returns are paramount for attracting buyers and ensuring a smooth transaction.
Finally, as the name of his book implies, Tankesley says that putting a team of advisors together well in advance of an exit is essential to maximizing the value of the business when a transaction finally takes place.
“Owners need input from outside voices, not just their own ideas in an echo chamber,” Tankesley said. “When there’s an exit team of some kind, owners tend to have a better outcome. When you don’t, the results are predictable — you end up with a business that is worth less because it draws from a smaller buyer pool than it would have otherwise.”
Strategic Guidance for Exceptional Value
Tankesley’s philosophy aligns seamlessly with Walden M&A’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and guidance to its clients. His expertise in exit planning, combined with his in-depth understanding of the industrial sector, will be invaluable to Walden M&A clients seeking to maximize their return and confidently embark on their next chapter.
Fill out the form below to connect with Bob Tankesley and the Walden M&A team to discuss exit strategies for your business.
