ABOUT ABSOLUTE SUCCESSION
Strategic guidance for business owners.
Personal Succession Strategies • Business Value Growth • Mergers & Acquisitions • Business Transition Planning • Tax-Planning
WHO WE ARE
Advisors for owners looking to maximize value, transition,
or sell.
Absolute Succession is a full-service business transition firm – our passion is helping business owners prepare for and fulfill one of life’s most important experiences – selling or transitioning a business.
We help owners identify their personal and financial objectives, evaluate transition options, create transferable value, and implement ownership transfer scenarios that accomplish their goals.
Our work combines succession and legal strategies, M&A guidance, tax planning, and value-building insights to help owners make informed decisions.
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Helping owners move forward with clarity, control, and confidence.
Our Vision
Many business owners know they want to transition someday but are uncertain about the available paths.
Our aspiring vision is to help US business owners maximize their company’s value and to achieve their desired level of personal and financial freedom.
Our Mission
Planning ahead creates options.
We educate, prepare, and enable business owners to sell or transition their companies on their terms…so they get the money they need, exit when and how they want, and transition the business to the ideal successor.
Our Purpose
A successful transition is about more than the transaction itself.
It is about protecting what has been built while supporting the people, values, and goals connected to the business.
OUR EXPERTISE
Experienced guidance for high-stakes transitions.
Business transitions often require expertise from multiple disciplines. Absolute Succession brings together strategic planning, legal insight, transaction experience, and trusted advisory relationships to help business owners navigate important decisions with confidence.
John T. Carter
Principal & Business Transition Advisor
JD, CM&AA, C3D, CExP
As a certified business exit planning and acquisition advisor, John designs and implements business transition strategies that enable business owners to maximize the value of their company and select the best business transfer option to achieve their personal and financial goals. For over 20 years, John has helped hundreds of business owners successfully transition their business to family members, employees or outside buyers. He has vast experience working with businesses in most major industries and has extensive knowledge of the different types of business transfer scenarios.
Prior to starting Absolute Succession, John worked as a mergers and acquisitions attorney advising on and facilitating all types of mergers, acquisitions, co-owner buy-outs, family or key employee transfers, along with other types of succession planning strategies.
He is an active member of the International Exit Planning Association, the National Alliance of Mergers and Acquisitions, and the Business Enterprise Institute. He is also involved in the Detroit chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth and other local professional and industry associations.
He is a guest speaker with various associations including the Michigan Manufactures Association, the Construction Association of Michigan, the American Mold Builder Association, Vistage Michigan, EO, and other industry action groups. He also works with various non-profit organizations that support Michigan’s advanced technology and human and health services.
John has two daughters, lives in southeast Michigan and enjoys spending free time in the great outdoors- especially kayaking, fishing, biking and organic gardening.
Education and Certifications:
- Michigan State University – James Madison College/Economics – Cum Laude
- University of Miami, School of Law, JD – International Business Transactions
- National Alliance of Mergers and Acquisitions – Mergers and Acquisition Advisor, CM&AA
- Business Enterprise Institute – Certified Exit Planner, CExP
- Exit Planning Institute – Certified Exit Planning Advisor, CEPA
- Value Growth Metrics – Certified Value Growth Advisor, CVGA
- Growth Drive – Certified 3 Dimensions of Business Growth, C3D
We've Built an Advisory Team of:
Legal Guidance
Supporting ownership planning, transaction structures, and legal considerations throughout the transition process.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Evaluating acquisition opportunities, third-party sales, and transaction strategies with experienced guidance.
Financial & Tax Planning
Coordinating with trusted financial and tax professionals to help maximize value and support informed decisions.
Business Valuation
Understanding your business’s current value is the foundation for a successful transition and stronger decision-making.
Human Resources
Building strong teams and systems that support retention, performance, and a smooth leadership transition.
Business Growth
Strengthening operations, improving profitability, and creating sustainable value for long-term success.
READY TO TALK THROUGH YOUR NEXT CHAPTER?
Start preparing before the transition is urgent.
Whether you are thinking about succession, sale, acquisition, or simply want to understand your options, the right planning can help you move forward with greater clarity and control.
Business Valuation Services
Understand what your business is worth and what drives its value before you plan your next move.
A clear valuation gives you the insight to make stronger decisions around exit planning, succession, and long-term business strategy. Absolute Succession helps owners evaluate their business from both a financial and transition perspective. Many firms charge upwards of $10K for this type of guidance, but we do it for around $3K depending on the company and industry.
Know Your Value
GET A CLEARER PICTURE
Prepare Next Steps
A MORE SECURE TOMORROW
Stronger Decisions
PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE
