Orlando Succession Planning2026-07-07T13:25:07-05:00

Orlando – Succession Planning Experts

Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, The Rawls Group proudly serves clients across the nation. We specialize in family business succession planning, offering expert guidance to ensure long-term success. Our Orlando succession planning team helps business owners navigate leadership transitions, address family dynamics, and develop sustainable growth strategies.

With over 50 years of experience, we’ve seen the complex challenges succession can bring. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, bringing in the next generation, or building a stronger leadership team, we’re here to support you. Our advisors collaborate with you to design solutions that align with your goals and values.

Every succession plan we build is thoughtfully tailored to your specific needs—so your legacy can continue with clarity and confidence.

Orlando Office

1710 W. Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32804
407.578.4455 (T)
407.578.4480 (F)

Orlando Succession Planning

Why Work with Our Orlando Succession Planning Advisors?

We take a comprehensive approach that addresses both the technical and emotional components of succession planning. This ensures smoother transitions, better communication, and a higher chance of long-term success.

Additionally, our clients benefit from a multidisciplinary team with expertise in family therapy, estate planning, organizational psychology, and business strategy. This diversity allows us to approach your situation from multiple perspectives and uncover the best path forward.

By following our proven 3-phase succession framework, we help reduce uncertainty and build alignment among stakeholders. Rather than checking boxes, we work with you to craft a strategic roadmap designed for continuity, growth, and peace of mind.

Ultimately, our goal is to ensure you can move forward with confidence and build a strong foundation for future generations.

loyd rawls headshotLoyd 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. Over the years, Loyd has continued to enhance his practice by confirming theories about the critical factors that impact business succession and the role key managers play in the process. As a result, in 2000, he developed the concept of an analytical tool designed to help business planning professionals evaluate Succession Success™ positioning with their clients. This led to his co-founding of the International Succession Planning Association®.

Originally from Fayetteville, NC, Loyd is a graduate of North Carolina State University. After serving four years as an officer in the United States Air Force, he moved to Orlando and began his career as a financial planner. In 1973, he founded The Rawls Company—now known as The Rawls Group—a firm focused exclusively on business succession planning. Loyd has earned the designations of Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant, and he holds a Master of Science in Financial Services from the American College.

In addition to his consulting work, Loyd is a frequent speaker at local, state, and national events. He is also a prolific writer, having published five books on succession planning: 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. His expert insights are regularly featured in publications including Family Business Magazine, BottomLine Business, DEALER Magazine, Expert Business Source (online blog), and RV News.

David Ciambella

Partner

Succession Advisor

djciambella@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Articles by David

David Ciambella, CFP® is a recognized expert in family business succession planning. He works closely with business owners, family members, and executive management teams to address a wide range of succession challenges. As a co-founder of the International Succession Planning Association® (ISPA), David has helped create a national network of resources, educational tools, and professional support focused on business longevity and value.

Originally from Philadelphia, David graduated from Rollins College in 1991 with a B.A. in Psychology. He enjoys spending time at the beach with his wife and children, supporting his kids in sports, fishing, and occasionally playing a round of golf.

In addition to his hands-on advisory work, David frequently shares his knowledge with audiences across a variety of industries. He is a sought-after speaker and regularly presents for national organizations. His insights have also been published in trade publications covering sectors such as professional services, automotive, and franchise operations.

amy rawls headshotAmy Rawls

Director of Operations and Client Services

arawls@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Articles by Amy

Amy serves as Director of Operations and Client Servicing at The Rawls Group, where she plays a key role in supporting both the firm and its valued clients. With more than sixteen years of experience in operations, compliance, finance, and client service, Amy has continually adapted to meet the evolving needs of TRG’s growing client base.

She holds a Master of Business Administration from Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University.

Outside of work, Amy is actively involved in her community through volunteer initiatives. She also enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her family, friends, and beloved dogs. Go ’Noles!

champ rawls headshotChamp Rawls

Partner

Succession Advisor

champ@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Articles by Champ

Champ Rawls is one of our leading family business succession planning experts, combining deep financial expertise with personal experience as a second-generation member of a family business. While officially joining The Rawls Group in 2012, Champ’s roots in the firm run much deeper—he was born into the business in 1984 and has grown up immersed in the values and challenges our clients face.

Being part of a family business himself, Champ brings firsthand understanding of the complex dynamics that come with mixing family and entrepreneurship. This unique perspective enables him to connect authentically with clients and guide them through the emotional and operational intricacies of succession planning.

Champ holds a degree in Economics from Denison University in Granville, Ohio. Before joining The Rawls Group, he worked at Capitas Financial, where he provided consultative financial strategies to affluent families. He is insurance licensed and holds the Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) designation, further reinforcing his technical proficiency in financial and legacy planning for closely held businesses.

Dan Iosuedan iosue headshot

Partner

Succession Advisor

daniosue@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Articles by Dan

Dan Iosue, CFP®, is a succession planning consultant with The Rawls Group, bringing deep experience in corporate sales strategy, financial planning, and organizational consulting. His multidisciplinary background in psychology, finance, and leadership gives him a unique perspective on the challenges of business continuity, leadership development, and family business dynamics.

As a partner and succession planner, Dan works closely with business owners and key executives to facilitate smooth transitions and ensure continued success through the next generation of leadership. His thoughtful, people-first approach helps clients align personal, professional, and organizational goals to build lasting legacies.

Originally from Florida, Dan earned his undergraduate degree from Macalester College in Minnesota, where he was a dual-sport athlete in football and baseball. A strong supporter of the arts, he has served on the boards of the Crealdé School of Art and the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival. Dan lives in Winter Park, Florida, with his wife, Louise, their daughter, Ava, and their two dogs, Zeke and Casi.

jean venant headshotJéan Venant

Partner

Succession Advisor

jean@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Articles by Jéan

Jéan Venant is passionate about helping business owners achieve long-term sustainability and preserve their legacy. As a family business succession planning advisor with The Rawls Group, Jéan works closely with clients to ensure their hard work thrives for generations to come. His approach focuses on aligning vision with strategy, strengthening leadership, and creating business environments where relationships and culture drive success.

With a background as a manufacturer representative for retail automobile dealers, Jéan brings deep expertise in strategic planning and business performance improvement. As a business owner himself, he fully understands the challenges of ownership—from hiring and talent development to cultivating culture and driving growth.

Jéan’s real-world experience offers valuable insight into how an owner’s leadership style influences organizational structure, team productivity, and family dynamics. His work helps clients develop leadership from within and navigate the emotional and operational complexities of succession planning.

Based in Orlando, Florida, Jéan holds a degree in Organizational Management. He is deeply committed to community service through volunteer work with Orange County Public Schools. Outside of work, he enjoys playing music and spending time with his wife and children.

matt koertner headshotMatt Koertner

Associate

Succession Advisor

matt@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Matt Koertner, AIF®, is an Associate Planner with The Rawls Group, where he supports enterprise-level succession, governance, capital strategy, and wealth coordination for privately held business owners and family enterprises.

His background includes investment analysis, private equity diligence, portfolio strategy, and fiduciary support for ultra-high-net-worth families and family office clients. Matt brings a capital markets and wealth advisory perspective to dealership continuity planning, helping owners evaluate growth, transition, and long-term enterprise durability through an integrated financial lens.

He is an AIF® designee and CFP® candidate.

Dan Thill headshotDaniel Thill

Director of Research & Plan Design

danthill@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Dan Thill, CFP®, has been a valued member of The Rawls Group since 1990. As Director of Research & Plan Design, Dan brings deep expertise in financial planning analysis and non-qualified deferred compensation strategies. His work provides essential support to our succession planning team, helping clients design tailored financial solutions that align with long-term business goals.

Before joining The Rawls Group, Dan served as an account executive with a major Wall Street brokerage firm, where he developed a strong foundation in investment strategy and client advisory. He holds an A.S. in Business from the State University of New York at Delhi and a B.S. in Finance from Pennsylvania State University.

Dan’s combination of practical experience and financial insight enhances the planning process for closely held and family-owned businesses, ensuring sound financial frameworks that support successful business succession.

Denise Ware headshotDenise Ware

Plan Design Coordinator

denise@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Denise brings over 20 years of experience to The Rawls Group, where she provides expert insight, strategic support, and coordination on technical planning issues related to the Succession Matrix®. With a passion for helping others, she excels in translating complex estate planning concepts into clear, actionable strategies that empower clients to make informed decisions.

As a Certified Financial Planner™ professional, Denise combines her technical knowledge with a client-focused approach, ensuring each succession plan aligns with the unique needs and goals of the business and family. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tampa.

Outside of work, Denise enjoys spending quality time with her large family, tending to her garden, and finding inspiration through international travel. Her commitment to service also shines through her involvement in multiple church mission trips abroad.

Daniel Poskevich headshotDaniel Bardin Poskevich II

Plan Design & Analysis

danielposkevich@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Daniel Bardin Poskevich II serves as a Plan Design & Analysis professional for The Rawls Group, providing technical support to our succession advisors and assisting with the ongoing planning needs of our clients.

Before joining The Rawls Group in 2023, Daniel worked as a Florida Registered Paralegal at several Orlando-based estate planning law firms. He brings extensive experience assisting supervising attorneys in helping clients identify personal estate and business succession goals. His background includes developing comprehensive, personalized estate plans to align with those goals.

Daniel holds a Bachelor of Arts in English (Professional Writing & Rhetoric) from Elon University, a Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law, and is nearing completion of a Master of Education in Educational Technology from the University of Florida (Go Gators!).

Outside of his professional life, Daniel is a classically trained concert pianist and self-taught guitarist. He also enjoys woodworking and gardening. When not in the office or pursuing his many hobbies, he spends quality time with his wife, son, and their dog.

Michelle Goodnough headshotMichelle Goodnough

Operations & Accounts Manager

mgoodnough@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Michelle oversees operations, insurance, and account servicing for The Rawls Group. With over fifteen years of experience, she plays an essential role in supporting both our clients and advisory team. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her a vital member of our operations staff.

Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and brings the same energy she applies at work into her personal life. She’s an avid college football fan and loves staying active outdoors. On weekends, you’ll often find her on the soccer fields with her kids, swimming laps, working out, or enjoying time by the pool or beach.

russ phillips headshotRuss Phillips

Associate

Succession Advisor

russphillips@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Articles by Russ

Russell Phillips has been associated with The Rawls Group since 1995, specializing in addressing the relational dynamics that impact family business succession and legacy planning. He works closely with business owners, key managers, and family members to resolve complex interpersonal issues that can influence the long-term health and performance of the business.

In addition to his advisory work with The Rawls Group, Russ has maintained a private counseling practice since 1988 and currently supervises graduate counseling students at Reformed Theological Seminary. His unique blend of business insight and counseling expertise makes him a trusted guide for families navigating leadership transitions and emotional complexities.

Russ holds a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of West Florida and an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix. He resides in Orlando, Florida, with his wife of 31 years. They have four children, with three living in the United States and one currently residing in South Korea.

chrissy warmka headshotChrissy Warmka

Marketing Manager

chrissy@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Chrissy Warmka is the Marketing Manager at The Rawls Group, where she oversees social media strategy and content creation. With a degree in Advertising/Public Relations from the University of Central Florida, she ensures the delivery of clear, engaging, and relevant succession planning insights that reflect the firm’s core values and trusted reputation.

Chrissy’s work goes beyond promoting services. She focuses on building meaningful connections with the audience by highlighting the people and principles that drive long-term business success.

Outside of work, Chrissy enjoys exploring her creative side. Whether she’s playing guitar, drawing, or diving into arts and crafts, she finds inspiration that often carries into her professional life. Her passion for creativity and communication reflects a strong commitment to both excellence and authenticity.

Vanessa Guzman headshot

Vanessa Guzman

Business Office Coordinator

vanessa@rawlsgroup.com

407.578.4455

Orlando, FL

Vanessa serves as a Business Coordinator on The Rawls Group’s Client Services team, providing support to the firm’s planners and helping ensure clients receive a thoughtful, organized, and responsive experience throughout the succession planning process. In her role, she assists with coordination, communication, documentation, and day-to-day support that helps keep client engagements moving forward.

Before joining The Rawls Group, Vanessa gained experience in a legal assistant and paralegal role at a law firm, where she developed a strong foundation in detail management, professional communication, and client support. Prior to that, she worked as a receptionist at Seniors First, a nonprofit organization, where she supported daily operations and served as a welcoming point of contact for the community.

Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys spending time at the beach and crocheting, bringing the same patience, creativity, and care to her personal interests that she brings to her work with the team.

Resources

Succession Planning Strategies: Building a Roadmap for Seamless Leadership Transitions

By |

Succession planning is not a one-time task. It’s a strategic discipline designed to keep your organization stable, future-focused, and ready to thrive through leadership transitions. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your approach, choosing the right succession planning strategies is essential for long-term success. [...]

Read More

What Is Succession Planning? Understanding the Succession Planning Definition and Meaning for Long-Term Business Success

By |

If you’ve ever asked yourself what is a succession plan in business, you’re not alone. Many owners assume succession planning is only for retirement or estate documents. In reality, it’s a strategic, ongoing process that protects your business, prepares your people, and gives you confidence about the future. [...]

Read More

Leadership Succession for Propane Dealers: The Crisis Fuel Dealers Can’t Ignore

By |

Leadership succession for propane dealers is becoming urgent, even in companies that still look strong from the outside. If too much of the business depends on one owner or a few key people, the real risk is not what happens someday. It is what could happen before the company is ready. [...]

Read More

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1710 W Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL  32804

407-578-4455

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