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The Mestern Group

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  • Total Wealth Care
    • Wealth Stewardship
    • Our Clients
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  • Kenny's Founder Formula
    • The Founder Formula
    • Foundational Strategy (Startup Stage)
    • Strategic Growth (Growth Stage)
    • Exit Architecture (Pre-Exit Stage)
    • Family Stewardship (Post-Exit Stage)
  • About us

Foundational Strategy (Startup Stage)

Foundational Strategy (Startup Stage)

You are looking to build something incredible. Let's make sure your foundation is as strong as it can be. 


At the early stage, founders need to pour everything they have into their business. This can come at the expense of true understanding of the benefits of business ownership, and management of related finances, which can prove costly in the end.

 
Foundational Strategy - KFF


The Founder Formula was built because we have seen too many entrepreneurs lack access to sound financial advice until shortly before or after they have sold their business. By engaging founders earlier, we ensure that every subsequent stage is built on a strong foundation.

The Foundational Strategy phase of the Founder Formula is about building the financial foundation that gives your business the best possible start, and your future self the biggest possible payout.

 

What is making founders lose sleep at this stage?

  • Getting access to funding

           Lenders say no. Investors want traction you don't have yet. You're not sure where to turn.

  • Not knowing the financial rules of the game

           Tax strategies, corporate structures, contribution limits — it's a lot to learn while running a business.

  • Setting up ownership the wrong way

           Early decisions about who owns what can cost you hundreds of thousands at exit.

  • Not knowing the right people

           You need lawyers, accountants, and advisors, but you don't know who to trust or where to start.


As your investment advisor, Kenny's role is to help you understand the financial landscape, connect you with the right specialists, and make sure your early decisions set you up for long-term success.


Let’s work together to lay the right foundation from the start – so your early decisions do not cost you later.

 

Here's what we can do: 

1. Finding capital

We help you understand the full picture by connecting you with the right financial professionals and possible providers of resources for your situation.

Capital access is generally constrained at this stage. We help by providing introductions to our network of financial specialists, angel investors, and venture capitalists. There are no guarantees that capital will be granted, but these introductions go a long way.

2. Building financial literacy that pays off

We help you understand how the financial system relates to your business: how tax-deferred accounts work, what contribution room means for you personally. When certain financial opportunities become available for more detailed tax advice, we'll connect you with a qualified tax advisor who specializes in the complexities of working with entrepreneurs.

3. Thinking about your exit from day one

This might sound counterintuitive — you just started. But how you structure ownership today directly affects how much money you walk away with when you eventually sell. Some of the most powerful tax benefits require decisions that must be made years in advance. We help you think ahead so you don't leave money on the table later.

4. Introducing you to the right experts

Whether you need a startup lawyer, a tax accountant familiar with entrepreneurs, fractional bookkeeper/CFO, or other specialists in your industry, we open doors to trusted professionals in our network. These introductions are a complement to your legacy plan — not a replacement for independent professional advice.

 

Check out the other phases of Kenny's Founder Formula

Phase 2: The “Strategy” phase built the foundation. The Strategic Growth phase (Growth Stage) is where we start to fortify it. The decisions made around structure, protection, and taxation in this phase can directly determine how much of your business value you will actually keep throughout its growth journey, and when it comes time to exit.

Phase 3: The previous phases are about building and protecting. The Exit Architecture phase (Pre-Exit Stage) is about precision, and making sure every piece is in place before one of the biggest financial transactions of your life takes place.

Phase 4: The Family Stewardship phase (Post-Exit Stage) is the culmination of the following three stages, and is the execution of a legacy plan that is as intentional, disciplined, and well-managed as the business you built.

Questions about The Founder Formula? Reach out to Kenny! Contact info below. 

 

Kenny Crandlemire, CFA

(613) 783-6877
(613) 262-6714
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kenny.crandlemire@cibc.com
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