b'Ownership Transition Requires Planning Grass Valley Sign Co.Continued from Page 21Whether you dream of owning a business, or dreamITS A WRAPof getting out of the one you started decades ago,While learning the trade, Brewer also has been bringing new ideas to youcanturnyourdreamintoreality.Thekeyto navigating all three situations is creating a strongGrass Valley Sign Co. He worked out a deal with a southern California plan to guide you. The time to start? Right now! graphic products producer; now, Grass Valley Sign installs signage for major brands all over northern California and into Reno, Nev.Early on, Brewer experimented with a new technology that lets him Dream of taking on a legacy business? wrap thin vinyl, with colors and designs already included, around vehicles. All of a sudden, auto transformations could cost less than half 1. Be fearless in examining yourself: What do youthe price of conventional paint. Brewer tried his first vehicle wrap as anlove doing? What training do you need? Createinternship at the shop for college credit, putting in time on the project a plan, set a time-line, and exercise discipline toafter working each day. It was an electric three-wheeled vehicle for accomplish your goals. California Solar, Brewer says. A year later, he had a new, black Tesla 2.Start saving your money now; any small amount yousitting in the shops garage bay, slated to turn green. I was sweating, can afford gets you started! Youll need that cashBrewer recalls. I was probably 21 when we did that.for a down-payment on your small business loan.Grass Valley Signs mainstay will continue to be signs, in their many If you have a job, ask about a payroll-deductionforms. But, while vehicle wraps offer an area for the business to expand, savings plan. Townsend observes, the technology demands a lot of old-fashioned 3. Establish good credit now. Make your paymentsgetting down on ones hands and knees and lying on the ground. Im not on time. Do what you can to pay down existing debts. interested in lying on the ground, Townsend says matter-of-factly.4. Exploreresourcesforsmallbusinessowners,Instead, come January 2021, Brewer will officially take charge of and start networking (see Resources). Again, beGrass Valley Sign Co. Townsend will be delighted to leave all that to the fearless: A business match for you is out there! younguns and cycle off into the sunset.5.Reach out for help. A good career coach can help you assess your interests and strengths, and can steer you in the right direction. RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS OWNERSHIP TRANSITIONSNEVADA COUNTY ECONOMIC RESOURCE COUNCIL, INC.Thinking of Retiring? Local members offer a wide range of consulting and networking.104 B New Mohawk Rd., Ste. 2, Nevada City, CA (530) 274-8455 / NCERC.org1. Let yourself dream: Where do you want to be infive or 10 years? SIERRA SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER 2.Start looking for and grooming a successor. AcceptFunded by the U.S. Small Business Administration,that it may not be a family member. Network withthe center offers free coaching and advising.local organizations and institutions that can help104 New Mohawk Road, Nevada City, CA you find young people who might fit. (530) 582-5022 / NCERC.org/sierra-business-council3.SetuptheownershipstructuretoallowforSYNERGY MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS, LLCseamlesssuccession.ThatmayrequiresolvingPrivate business transition consultant,uncomfortableconflictsanddrawinguplegalwith a focus on leadership development.documents. Jill Meeuwsen, M.B.A. & Ph.D.4.Think of your young employee as an apprentice.(530) 263-4945 / Go-Synergy.comTeach her or him both the technical skills and thePROJECT EQUITYbusiness smarts that made you successful. Helps plan transitions to employee ownership.5.Reach out! Lots of resources are availableProjectEquity.org(see Resources)c k T o H e a l CARING CHIROPRACTICB a t h FOR OVER 25 YEARSA FAMILY PRACTICEOPEN TUES-SATC c CALL FOR ANh ti APPOINTMENTr ci DR. KEBBY MARGARETICH, DCarop652 So. Auburn St, Grass Valley(530) 273-4102backtohealthgv.com22Business 2020'