We are dedicated family business succession planning experts.

This is all that we do. Our number one focus is the continuity of the ownership, leadership, management and culture of your business through the next generation.

With a single focus on succession planning, The Rawls Group has the expertise to zero in and facilitate issues that impact the ongoing success of your business such as:

  • Ending sibling rivalries and family feuds
  • Complex estate planning dynamics – equitable vs. equal
  • Keeping key managers motivated and around for the long haul
  • Helping family members and managers put their differences aside to become a team
  • Evaluating who can, and more importantly who is willing to, take over the reins
  • Bringing family members on board without causing chaos
  • Vision alignment with family, partners and key managers
  • Developing leaders who will continue the family legacy
  • Growing the business strategically to maximize profits without overextending resources
History
Our Mission
Our Team
Join Our Team

Experience

It all began in 1973 with the realization that business succession planning went well beyond financial documents and planning for the transfer of wealth. Since then, The Rawls Group has not only helped over 500 family and privately owned businesses across the nation but has also put our theories to practice by becoming a family business with all three of Loyd’s children now working for the company.

Loyd Rawls, the founder of The Rawls Group, identified early on in his career that business owners were not dealing with key issues impacting their business for fear of alienating family members or causing rifts in business partnerships. Since then, Loyd and his partners have developed a process, comprehensive approach, and diverse team of professionals to guide business owners through the tough topics impacting their long-term business goals.

Over the past 40 years, our dedicated family business succession planning team has grown to include offices in Orlando, Los Angeles, Des Moines, and Atlanta with professional backgrounds ranging from organizational psychology and family therapy to estate planning. We excel in capital intensive complex business and family environments with industry specialties in:

Our goal has been and continues to be to impact lives and perpetuate legacies.

Our Mission

Our goal is to help your business grow, your family strengthen, and allow you to leave a legacy of success.

Growth ∙ Whether a business grows stronger or larger, a business always seeks to build value.

Family ∙ A business can only be as strong as the leaders that stand behind it.

Legacy ∙ Perpetuating the culture, performance, and relationships critical to business success.

Succession Planning is a Process

We approach family business succession planning from a long-term perspective. Transferring your business to the next generation is a relatively simple, transactional event composed of signing some legal and financial paperwork. We do more than that, much more. We work to develop a strong foundation of business success that can be transitioned not just to, but continue through, the next generation of owners, leaders and managers.

Succession Planning Builds Value

Our comprehensive approach evaluates, addresses, and refines all areas of your business that drive business value. In order to keep your business moving forward, we are consistently reviewing your environment and adjusting your planning strategies accordingly. Our family business succession planning experts look at your situation from “10 Different Perspectives” to make sure every issue is addressed and no stone is left unturned.

Our Team

Diversity of Expertise

Expertise about interpersonal-management to business-financial issues is necessary for addressing your succession planning goals. Our diverse group of skilled professionals partner with you and your advisors to create the team you need to guide your business to long-term success during the family business succession planning process.

Family-Business-Succession-PlannerLoyd H. Rawls

Founder and Chairman

Succession Advisor

lhrawls@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Articles by Loyd

Loyd H. Rawls is one of the nation’s leading family business succession planning experts. Since 1973, Loyd and his partners have provided business succession services for the owners and key executives of closely held, capital intensive, privately held businesses throughout the country. Loyd has continued to enhance his practice, by confirming theories regarding the critical factors that impact business succession and the role key managers play in a succession initiative. In 2000, Loyd developed the concept of an analytical tool to help business planning professionals evaluate Succession Success™ positioning with their clients, and subsequently co-founded the International Succession Planning Association®.

A native of Fayetteville, NC, Loyd is a graduate of North Carolina State University. After serving 4 years as an officer in the United States Air Force, Loyd moved to Orlando and began a career as a financial planner. In 1973, Loyd founded The Rawls Company, known today as The Rawls Group, a business succession firm. Loyd has achieved designations of Certified Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant and earned his Master of Science in Financial Services from the American College.

Loyd is a requested speaker by local, state and national organizations, and an avid writer, publishing five succession-focused books: Seeking Succession; How to Continue the Family Business Legacy, The Succession Bridge; Key Manager Alternatives for Family Owned Businesses, Your Golden Goose, The Family Business Council, and Estate of Mine. Loyd’s columns are frequently featured in Family Business Magazine, BottomLine Business, DEALER Magazine, Expert Business Source online blog and RV News.

david-ciambella-the-rawls-group-family-business-succession-plannerDavid Ciambella

President and CEO

Succession Advisor

djciambella@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Articles by David

David Ciambella, CFP® works with closely held business owners, family members, and executive management teams to address a myriad of family business succession planning issues and is a co-founder of the International Succession Planning Association®, an organization dedicated to providing professionals, business owners, and strategic partners access to a network of expertise, educational tools, and resources to enhance business longevity and value.

A native of Philadelphia, David graduated from Rollins College in 1991 with a B.A. in Psychology. David enjoys spending time with his wife, children and friends at the beach, supporting his children in their various sporting activities, fishing and playing an occasional round of golf.

David’s expertise with privately held and family-owned businesses is also shared throughout various industries. He is a frequent speaker and presenter for national organizations and contributes articles in publications that span industries including professional services, automotive and other franchise concepts.

jeff-faulkner-the-rawls-group-family-business-succession-plannerJeff Faulkner

Partner

Succession Advisor

jfaulkner@rawlsgroup.com

770.894.9056

Atlanta, GA

Articles by Jeff

Jeff has been a member of The Rawls Group since 2002 and specializes in family business succession planning. He is responsible for cultivating and facilitating client relationships, relying upon his background in family counseling to navigate the unique challenges of family dynamics in the succession planning process.

Jeff earned his undergraduate degree from Samford University in Birmingham, AL with a major in Psychology, and his Master of Science in Counseling from Georgia State University. Jeff also earned a diploma from the Psychological Studies Institute where his studies focused on the integration of theology and psychology.

Jeff’s experience as a succession planner has allowed him to understand the delicate balance of the family-business system, and Jeff is currently writing his first book on this topic. Jeff is passionate about helping families in business develop more effective and productive relationships and is also technically proficient in the financial planning field for closely held businesses. Jeff holds several insurance licenses and is also working toward the Certified Financial Planner® designation to further enhance his financial planning skills. Jeff has spoken for the National Poultry and Food Distributors Association, Georgia Auto Dealers Association, Dixon-Hughes Certified Public Accountants and Advisors, and Conditioned Air Association of Georgia on topics dealing with comprehensive succession planning.

dan-schneider-the-rawls-group-family-business-succession-plannerDan Schneider

Partner

Succession Advisor

dschneider@rawlsgroup.com

Des Moines, IA

Articles by Dan

Dan Schneider specializes is working with families and organizations to design, build, and implement emotional and logical relationship systems and processes in order to increase human and financial capital and stakeholder value.

Dan’s experience includes business start-ups, business cultural development, succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, and community development. He has served as Vice-president of Development, Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Vice President of firms in the manufacturing, technology, financial, and advertising industries. Dan’s formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts from St. Ambrose University; a Master of Arts in Legal Studies from Antioch School of Law; and a Certified NLP Business Practitioner from the Quadrant 1 Group in London, England. He is a former Chairman of the Board of Governors for Leadership Iowa, a statewide leadership program sponsored by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry.

Dan is a Partner with The Rawls Group, and a founding member of the International Succession Planning Association®. Dan frequently speaks before local, state, and national organizations about leadership and change.

hugh-roberts-the-rawls-group-family-business-succession-plannerHugh B. Roberts

Partner

Succession Advisor

hbroberts@rawlsgroup.com

818.702.0889 x 1155

Los Angeles, CA

Executive Assistant

Meg Snow
818-702-0889, extension 1141
msnow@rawlsgroup.com

Articles by Hugh

Hugh B. Roberts, a member of The Rawls Group since 1996, specializes in dealing with issues that must be resolved by clients and their families in order to preserve assets and develop succession plans for their organizations. Working in concert with the client’s other advisors, Hugh orchestrates the development of an integrated plan addressing the business, tax, financial, family and emotional issues, which must be overcome to ensure the preservation of businesses, estates and families.

Hugh has delivered seminars to over 60 Automotive Twenty-Groups, the North Carolina, Utah and Michigan Auto Dealers Associations, and many NADA Conventions over the past 20 years. Hugh has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado, a Master of Arts from Fuller Seminary, and is a CFP® professional, while also being one of The Rawls Group’s top family business succession planning experts.

Champ Rawls Headshot 2016 239x239Champ Rawls

Partner

Succession Advisor

champ@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Articles by Champ

Being a member of a family business, Champ has unique insight into the difficulties, challenges, and triumphs that our clients face when combining family and business. Champ has been an official member of The Rawls Group since 2012, although it could be said that he became a part of the team in 1984, when he was born into the family business. With a background in finance, and his personal understanding of family dynamics, Champ is technically proficient in the financial planning field and uniquely capable working with closely held businesses.

Champ earned his undergraduate degree from Denison University in Granville, Ohio, with a major in Economics. Champ began his career outside of The Rawls Group, working for Capitas Financial, providing consultative financial advice for affluent families. Champ is insurance licensed and is also a Chartered Life Underwriter®, and one of our top family business succession planning experts.

family-business-succession-planningJeff Bannon

Partner

Succession Advisor

jeffbannon@rawlsgroup.com

818.702.0889 x 1125

Los Angeles, CA

Executive Assistant

Stacey Philipsen
818-702-0889, extension 1158
stacey@rawlsgroup.com

Articles by Jeff

Jeff partners with the owners of capital-intensive businesses and their families to help navigate and attain their long-term business strategy and succession planning goals. For over a decade Jeff has collaborated with high-net-worth individuals and their advisors addressing complex personal financial and estate planning dynamics to ensure the business and family can thrive for future generations. Jeff has experience working in industries including multi-unit franchising, automotive retail and professional services addressing the sell/keep crossroad with business owners.

Jeff helps owners develop management bench strength and unravel complex interpersonal issues. He is frequently requested to speak and has authored articles for a variety of industry and local publications about strategies owners can use to overcome the complexities facing business succession. Jeff graduated with a bachelor’s in Economics from the University of California Santa Barbara and played professional baseball for eight seasons. Jeff enjoys spending time with his family, an array of outdoors sports and activities, and coaching little league.

Dan.Iosue_239x239v2.pngDan Iosue

Partner

Succession Advisor

daniosue@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Articles by Dan

As a succession planner, Dan Iosue, CFP® leverages his more than a decade of experience in corporate leadership and financial planning working with clients to help them achieve their long-term business goals. Dan works with business owners and key executives to overcome challenges that impact business success, keeping them focused on sustainability and growth.

Dan grew up in Florida, and then attended Macalester College in Minnesota, where he played both football and baseball. Dan serves as a board member for the Crealde School of Art and is a Founder’s Club member of CrossFit Winter Park. In Dan’s spare time he also enjoys Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, photography, and working on his motorcycles.

david-weaver-the-rawls-group-family-business-succession-plannerDavid Weaver

Associate

Succession Advisor

dweaver@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Atlanta, GA

Articles by David

David’s finance, management, sales and marketing background make him the go-to resource to help drive long-term growth and profitability for clients. David has specialized in the launch and growth of independent startups and new business units across multiple industries, working with CEO’s and executive management to achieve aggressive growth goals and prepare their organizations for eventual sale. As a member of The Rawls Group, David focuses his work with owners and management teams specializing in strategic planning, business performance, management synergy and teamwork. He helps identify areas that effect performance and culture – transforming managers into effective leaders.

David is a graduate of East Carolina University where he earned a BSBA in Accounting. He grew up in a family automobile business where both 2nd and 3rd generations are still active today. His personal family business experience laid the early framework for learning about closely held family owned businesses along with the challenges and opportunities they represent.

David speaks at industry meetings and events as well as helps conduct workshops in the area of general succession planning. He also serves on several advisory boards for charitable organizations.

Jéan Venant

Associate

Succession Advisor

jean@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Articles by Jéan

Jéan Venant has a passion for helping business owners achieve their goals of building lifelong sustainability and building their legacy.  He works with clients ensuring their dreams are realized and that their hard work thrives and lives through future generations of the business. Jéan understands the importance of relationships. His background provides expert insight into what business owners go through, and the unique circumstances impacting their lives behind the curtain of business.

Having worked as a manufacturer representative to retail automobile dealers Jéan developed extensive expertise in strategic planning and enhancing business performance.  As a business owner, he appreciates the challenges involved in ownership first-hand. He understands the importance of hiring right and developing talent to support the organizational culture, the impact to the local community and building and achieving business goals. He also has a unique understanding of the influence of the owner’s leadership style and how it impacts business structure, management productivity and family dynamics.

Jéan holds a degree in Organizational Management and lives in Orlando, FL. Having a heart for community service, Jéan has volunteered for Orange County Public Schools; he is also an avid musician and a happy husband and father.

family-business-succession-planningGreg Sisa

Associate

Succession Advisor

greg@rawlsgroup.com

818.702.0889 x 1125

Los Angeles, CA

Articles by Greg

Greg Sisa knows and understands how to strategize toward achieving business goals despite the ever-changing environments impacting family businesses today.  From nearly a decade of service as a US Navy SEAL and as a co-founder of an entrepreneurship accelerator for the US and Israel Navy SEALs,  Greg has extensive experience in strategic planning, leadership development, scenario planning, team building, and developing high-performing organizational structures.

After transitioning out of the Navy in 2016, Greg focused on putting families on a path to success, which first began with his establishment of With Your Shield, a certificate program at the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business.  With Your Shield focused on preparing and strengthening military families for the dynamic change to a civilian lifestyle.  In addition, Greg co-founded Version Bravo, a multi-national entrepreneurship accelerator for US and Israel Navy SEALs whose mission is to transition the Navy’s elite performers into elite entrepreneurs and business owners.

Greg received an MBA from the University of Southern California and embraces the “White Belt Mentality” of always being in the mode of learning.  In addition, Greg is a dedicated husband and father and enjoys adventures in the outdoors with his family.

family-business-succession-planningRuss Phillips

Associate

Succession Advisor

russphillips@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Articles by Russ

Associated with The Rawls Group since 1995, Russell Phillips’ primary focus is working with business owners, key managers and family members on the varying relational issues that impact the business legacy and their pivotal relationships.

In addition to being an advisor with The Rawls Group, Russ has been privately practicing counseling since 1988 and currently supervises counselors in a masters training program at Reformed Theological Seminary. Russ holds a Masters degree in Counseling from the University of West Florida and an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix.  Russ lives in Orlando, Florida with his wife of 31 years. He has four children scattered throughout the world, one in South Korea and three in the United States.

Amy Rawls

Director of Operations and Client Services

arawls@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Articles by Amy

Amy is the Director of Operations and Client Servicing for The Rawls Group. With over sixteen years’ experience overseeing operations, compliance, finance and client servicing, Amy has evolved and adapted to meet the growing needs of TRG and our loyal clients.

Amy has a Master’s in Business Administration from Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University. Amy spends her spare time volunteering within her community, getting lost in a good book, working in her yard, and spending time with her family, friends and dogs. Go ‘Noles!

Kendall Rawls

Director of Development

kendall@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Atlanta, GA

Articles by Kendall

Kendall is the Director of Development for The Rawls Group. Since officially joining the firm in 2004, she has navigated issues that many business owners face, including working effectively with family, building rapport with key management and outside strategic partners, influencing teamwork, and implementing strategic initiatives to drive growth and increase organizational performance. Kendall knows and understands the challenges that impact entrepreneurial-owned businesses’ success and offers a unique perspective derived from her background and experience as a second-generation, family-member-employee of The Rawls Group.

Kendall is a frequent contributor to national industry publications in automotive retail, multi-unit franchise, marine, and energy. In her spare time, Kendall enjoys spending time with her dog, practicing yoga, playing beach volleyball, and volunteering for her local neighborhood association.

dan-thill-the-rawls-group-family-business-succession-plannerDaniel Thill

Director of Research & Plan Design

danthill@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Dan Thill, CFP®  has been a member of The Rawls Group since 1990 and is the Director of Research & Plan Design. Dan offers extensive knowledge and support to our planning team, with a specific focus in the areas of  financial planning analysis and non-qualified deferred compensation plans.

Prior to his work with The Rawls Group, Dan was an account executive with a major Wall Street brokerage firm. Dan earned an A.S. in Business from New York State University at Delhi and a B.S. in Finance from Pennsylvania State University.

family-business-succession-planningDenise Ware

Plan Design Coordinator

denise@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Denise provides insight, support, and coordination for clients’ technical issues as they relate to the Succession Matrix®. With over 20 years’ experience, Denise combines her passion for helping clients and her knowledge of estate planning techniques to better serve our clients’ needs. She analyzes the technical aspects of planning and translates them into manageable, easy-to-understand formats.

Denise is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tampa. She enjoys spending time with her extensive family, and she embraces the quiet solitude of gardening for introspection and rejuvenation. Denise has a zest for travel to different countries, which extends to her participation in several mission trips with her church.

Michelle Goodnough

Operations & Accounts Manager

mgoodnough@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Michelle manages and oversees The Rawls Group’s operations, insurance, and account servicing. With over fifteen years’ experience, Michelle provides direct support for clients and their team, and is an integral member of our support team.

Michelle has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and is an avid college football fan. Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. You can find Michelle on the soccer fields with her kids, swimming and working out, or at the pool or beach.

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