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A change in circumstance uncovered a new transition opportunity

Business Challenge:

After almost 40 years at the helm, Donovan Advertising founder and CEO Bill Donovan was ready to step down and pass the torch. The Lititz-based family business owner was examining the company’s valuation and sale/merger options when COVID threw a monkey wrench into his plans. Yet this change in circumstances provided a new opportunity, a solution just several offices down the hall.

Ryan Donovan, Bill’s son and a longtime agency employee, stepped up with a new transition proposal: “What about me?” Ryan had already assumed more general management roles, expanding his responsibilities to become the firm’s Chief Operating Officer and overseeing the entire staff. He believed he was poised to assume the leadership role, and his father agreed.

With the transition/ownership scenario finally decided, Bill and Ryan Donovan brought Compass Point into the inner circle as their family business advisor and strategist.

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Owner Challenge:

  • Evaluating the best options for the family company’s sale and succession
  • G1 transition of leadership with an exit path for owner
  • Increase revenue and profitability during and after the transition

What Owner Wanted:

  • Improved procedures and processes for the long-term
  • Establishing the organizational structure of the leadership team
  • Creating a disciplined process for new business development

G2 Transition

Successful transition of leadership
(CEO) and ownership to G2
(to Ryan, Bill’s son)

Profit Tripled

Net profitability tripled (2021 vs 2023) against flat revenue

Results with the Compass Point Six Pillars Family Business Framework:

  • Company culture is solid (as proven by employee survey results)
  • Leadership team is positive, happy, motivated
  • Ownership and leadership transition well underway and on-track
  • Implemented a focused, goal-oriented approach to new business development
  • Expanded role and responsibility for middle management, filling in organizational gaps
  • Retained family ownership of the company

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