Chris Grant, President of IHT Group, epitomizes resilience and seizing opportunities, influenced by his parents’ enduring mantra: “If you are not happy, make a change.” Grant, who is based now in Toronto, has built a career at multinational plastics manufacturers in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto. His journey reflects a steadfast commitment to embracing change, navigating diverse challenges, and investing in himself and his employees.

In today’s world, the number of business transitions taking place, and about to take place, is staggering across North America. If you are a business owner thinking of moving on, Rachael Fisher-Doak has one simple piece of advice: Don’t forget the family.

Are you contemplating a transition for your business? How well, or not, that process might play out could depend upon the quality of your connections, according to Nick Olsen, managing director of the M&A practice, Green Bay, Wisc.-based Cornerstone International. Olsen would know about making the right connections as Cornerstone averages 150 M&A deals a year.

Entrepreneurs who work with investment bankers for their business transition can benefit from what that key piece of growth, or the actual exit, can bring to the table. Even better: working with someone who has actually been in their shoes. “I started and sold businesses before I got into banking, so I have that perspective in my approach with clients,” said Steve Laver, managing director at Santa Monica, Calif-based investment banking firm Montminy & Co.

Is the spirit of “business transition,” from a generational perspective, best aimed at business owners in their 50s? That thinking would currently put Generation X entrepreneurs in the sweet spot. “Baby Boomers are exiting, and retiring,” said Nicolas B. Biancamano, managing partner of San Diego-based Pacifica Advisors. The market hasn’t fully transitioned into the next generation,” he said. “They don’t want to give up everything ꟷ they want to keep working.”

A few years ago, Anne Sellmer decided to follow her passion and established cōchu Chocolatier in Calgary. Today, the business has grown so much that she is looking at the next step in its evolution. “We make boutique luxury chocolates that are award-winning. Since we launched, we’ve won 87 national and international awards,” said Sellmer. Along the way, the company has also won numerous medals at the World Finals. It’s been named 6-Star Grand Master Chocolatier and one of the top 10 chocolatiers in North America.