Build Value • Reduce Taxes
• Exit on Your Terms.

Experienced Credentialed Exit Planning Professionals

 Strategic Advisory for Business Owners Planning Growth or a Business Exit.
Since 2007

Book a Business Owner Strategy Call

We help business owners turn years of hard work into a well-planned, wealth-building exit.

The ZKBA Advantage:

Our Process

Objective & Ethically Bound Fuducaries

Our History

Credentialed Business Exit Planning Advisors

Our Resources

Deep Business Planning Capabilities

Our Values

Over 80 Years Combined Experience

Our Mission
Your Partner in Value, Growth, and Transition

Zeller Kern Business Advisors is a leading advisory firm for business owners who want to grow enterprise value, reduce tax exposure, and design a successful exit strategy years before the transaction occurs.

Business Exit Planning<br/>

Business Exit Planning

Through our proprietary Exit Planning process, we help you develop an exit plan to sell your business for the highest value in the most tax-efficient manner, and on your terms.

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Building The Value of Your Business<br/>

Building The Value of Your Business

We work closely with an owner to develop a growth strategy, apply several metrics to build profits and cash flow.

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Strengthen the Culture and Build Loyalty<br/>

Strengthen the Culture and Build Loyalty

We help business owners reduce turnover and increase key employee loyalty.

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Get A Business Valuation Estimate

One of the first steps in developing an exit plan is obtaining a business valuation estimate.

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Determine Your Exit Readiness

Complete a 15 minute assessment to determine your business exit readiness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Our services are designed for business owners who:

  • Operate companies with 5–100 employees
  • Generate $1.5M+ in EBITDA
  • Are first or second-generation owners
  • Own 100% of their company (no private equity)
  • Are 50+ years old
  • Are open-minded, growth-oriented learners
  • Understand the importance of systems, culture, and strategic growth
  • Want to plan an exit 3–5 years in advance

The Owner Lifecycle System™ is perfect for owners who:

  • Plan to exit in 3–5 years
  • Need family or internal succession planning
  • Want to explore ESOP options
  • Seek higher enterprise value before selling
  • Require pre-sale tax strategies
  • Desire a structured life-after-exit plan
  • Struggle with uncoordinated advisors and need alignment

Start 3–5 years before your transition. This timeframe maximizes business value, tax savings, and ensures a smooth exit process.

No. We collaborate with your CPA and attorney to enhance their ability to serve you proactively.

We provide fee-based strategic advisory for:

  • Business planning
  • Ongoing advisory support

No commissions. No hidden fees.

Unlike brokers, we:

  • Evaluate all exit options objectively
  • Develop comprehensive strategies
  • Coordinate with brokers or M&A specialists when selling is best
  • Shorten the selling cycle for brokers and consultants

Yes. We design leadership, financial, and tax plans for:

  • Internal transitions
  • Family successions
  • External sales

Perfect. Early planning for value growth and tax optimization delivers greater long-term benefits.

  • Higher business value and transferability
  • Clear timeline and roadmap
  • Lower taxes on sale
  • Aligned advisory team
  • Smooth transition from owner to legacy builder

We Partner with Other Professionals

Zeller Kern Business Advisors partners with CPAs, Attorneys, Vistage Chairs, Bankers, and other professionals to help business owners grow value, reduce taxes, and design successful, well-prepared exits.

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Exploring Business Management
Insights for High Net Worth Families & Business Owners

Steven Zeller writes about the latest thoughts and topics that impact high net worth families, individuals, and business owners. The building and sustainability of family wealth and a business is an exciting journey, and he has a passion to help them along the way to grow and thrive.

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Serving Clients Locally
& Nationwide

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Virtual Call

Ready to take the next step in managing and growing your wealth? Click here to get started.

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The Art of Business Podcast With Steven E. Zeller, CFP®, AIF®, CExP™

Deep-dive discussions on maximizing business growth, systems, and success.

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Contact Us
It's Time For a
Purposeful Conversation

Ready to take control of your financial future? Connect with Zeller Kern Business Advisors today for a meaningful discussion about your goals, values, and business management needs. Let's work together to create a plan that helps you grow, protect, and manage your business with confidence.

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