Your Business Your Life

Exit planning is often talked about in terms of numbers, valuation, and deal structure, but what happens when the real work starts with people, emotions, and a clear sense of what comes next?In this episode, Matt Di Francesco sits down with Hannah Chalker, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor and Certified Growth Value Advisor, to explore what truly drives successful business transitions. Hannah shares how her journey into the Exit Planning space began, why the discovery process is the foundation of every strong plan, and how she learned to see transition planning as both a strategic and deeply human process.Matt and Hannah also talk about:(04:13) Why increasing business value is a long-term process, not a short-term decision(05:06) How documenting SOPs ahead of time protects value in any transition(06:43) Why exit planning becomes emotional and requires a true leap of faith(09:43) How acting as a trusted partner helps owners gain confidence in their transition(11:00) Why helping owners grow value over time is the most rewarding part of the workConnect With Hannah ChalkerLinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-chalker/Connect With Matt DiFrancesco:[email protected](814)201-5855LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancescoLinkedIn: High Lift FinancialFacebook: High Lift Financial Instagram: @high_lift_financialYouTube: @highliftfinancialAbout the guest:Hannah Chalker helps business owners build stronger, more valuable companies through strategic financial and exit planning. As Director of Business Development and an Exit Planning Advisor at HighLift Financial, she works alongside Matt DiFrancesco to guide owners through value growth, transition planning, and long-term decision making. A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and Certified Value Growth Advisor (CVGA), Hannah brings clarity, structure, and a steady hand to every stage of the journey, helping owners protect their legacy and confidently plan what comes next.Disclaimer:All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here.High Lift Financial is a DBA for DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC.  Investment advisory services are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

After decades of growing Peters Body Shop into a trusted name in Fort Wayne’s collision repair community, Andy Peters found himself at a crossroads when his long-time advisors retired and friends began asking when he would finally slow down.In this episode, Matt DiFrancesco talks with Andy about the moment he realized he needed a transition plan, his early consideration of selling to a big box buyer, and why he ultimately chose a succession path that protected both his people and the legacy he built. Andy shares how he found Matt, how bringing his production manager into the process reshaped his future, and how understanding taxes, valuation, and continuity guided every decision.Matt and Andy also talk about:(01:59) How losing his long-time advisors pushed Andy to finally plan his future.(04:59) Why a big box offer became the wake-up call that changed his direction(06:53) How exploring ESOPs and internal transfers helped clarify his ideal transition(11:34) Why investing in his production manager became the foundation of his succession plan(14:47) How Google reviews reshaped his customer experience strategy(16:07) Why mastering valuation, taxes, and continuity made his exit plan workIf Andy’s story hits home and you want to explore your own path forward, you can schedule a call with Matt at https://highliftfinancial.com/. He offers a complimentary 30 minute conversation to understand your current situation, your long term vision, and whether working together makes sense. And even if it isn’t the right fit, Matt will make sure you’re guided toward the best next steps for your transition.Connect With Andy PetersLinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-peters-9ba30117/Website: https://petersbodyshop.com/Connect With Matt DiFrancesco:[email protected](814)201-5855LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancescoLinkedIn: High Lift FinancialFacebook: High Lift Financial Instagram: @high_lift_financialYouTube: @highliftfinancialAbout the guest:Andy Peters is the owner of Peters Body Shop in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a collision repair business he has built and led for more than 46 years. Known for his commitment to craftsmanship, a strong family atmosphere, and developing the next generation of leaders, Andy has created a shop culture rooted in integrity and continuous improvement. As he transitions into the next chapter of his life and business, Andy remains focused on preserving the legacy he built and empowering his team to carry it forward.Disclaimer:All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategies discussed here.High Lift Financial is a DBA for DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC.  Investment advisory services are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

After 45 years of running his Massachusetts collision shop, Tom Ricci knew it was time to start planning the next chapter, but like many long-time owners, he wasn’t sure how to step back without losing himself or the business.In this episode, Matt DiFrancesco talks with Tom about the real-life journey of transitioning out of a decades-old shop, the surprising discovery that he was still needed in the business 42% of the time, and how that realization shaped his exit strategy. Tom shares how he found Matt, why he chose to sell rather than become a “missing in action” owner, and how assembling the right team gave him structure and direction throughout the process.Tom also reflects on life after the sale, the importance of building a post-business identity, and why owners should never wait until burnout to start planning. His story is a practical, candid roadmap for any shop owner thinking about their future, their lifestyle, and their legacy.Matt and Tom also talk about:(06:38) Why identifying the real results of exit planning changes your transition(07:43) How evaluating lifestyle needs and business value shapes your long-term vision(10:37) Why most owners regret selling, and how defining post-shop identity prevents it(13:49) How planning before burnout protects your leverage and your future options(16:17) Why exit planning is an ongoing journey and why having a Plan B mattersIf Tom’s story resonates with listeners and they’d like to discuss their own situation, they can schedule a call with Matt at https://highliftfinancial.com/. He offers a complimentary 30-minute conversation to understand where they are, where they want to go, and whether working together might be a good fit. And even if it isn’t, Matt always ensures they’re pointed in the right direction for their next steps.Connect With Matt DiFrancesco:[email protected](814)201-5855LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancescoLinkedIn: High Lift FinancialFacebook: High Lift Financial Instagram: @high_lift_financialYouTube: @highliftfinancialAbout the guest:Tom Ricci is a former collision shop owner from Massachusetts who successfully ran his family-owned business for 45 years before transitioning into retirement. With decades of hands-on leadership and industry experience, Tom brings a candid, real-world perspective on what it truly takes to step back from a long-standing business. After selling his shop to a third party, he now explores opportunities to stay connected to the industry, potentially through consulting, while redefining his next chapter beyond ownership.Disclaimer:All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here.High Lift Financial is a DBA for DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC.  Investment advisory services are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Most business owners think they can handle their exit plan on their own—or with the help of a CPA or attorney. But without the right expertise and coordination, that DIY approach often leads to missed opportunities, legal headaches, and costly mistakes.In this episode, Matt Di Francesco explains why going solo on your exit plan rarely works. He shares real-world examples of owners who tried to manage their transitions themselves, and the financial and emotional fallout that followed. Matt reveals how having the right team of experts can protect your wealth, your legacy, and your peace of mind.Matt also talks about:(00:51) Why your exit plan needs a coordinator to put all the pieces together(02:28) The key difference between tax preparers and long-term tax planners(04:28) Why dedicated experts matter for tax, estate, and legal planning(06:32) How emotional attachment can stall your business transition(10:34) How expert negotiation structures deals in your favor(11:34) Why succession planning should start the day you open your doors(12:39) How burnout and rushed exits cost you real value(13:52) Why defining your post-exit vision is key to lasting fulfillmentConnect With Matt DiFrancesco:[email protected](814)201-5855LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancescoLinkedIn: High Lift FinancialFacebook: High Lift Financial Instagram: @high_lift_financialYouTube: @highliftfinancialDisclaimer:All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategies discussed here.High Lift Financial is a DBA for DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC.  Investment advisory services are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission

The collision repair industry is evolving fast—ADAS technology, OEM compliance, and rising safety standards are reshaping how vehicles are repaired and calibrated. But as complexity grows, efficiency and trust have never been more important.In this episode, Matt DiFrancesco talks with John Voulgarakis, co-founder of Lightning Auto Service, about how his company is helping collision centers save 3.8–5.6 days per vehicle through innovation and precision. John shares his journey from technician to overseeing 160+ OEM-certified centers and explains how Lightning’s approach—same-day service, self-scheduling, and detailed photo documentation—is redefining ADAS calibrations.He also discusses the critical role of education, process discipline, and legislative advocacy in ensuring shops not only meet OEM standards but also strengthen safety, profitability, and trust across the collision repair industry.Matt and John also talk about:(03:01) Why innovation and precision save shops 3.8–5.6 days per vehicle(04:22) How same-day service and self-scheduling streamline workflow efficiency(05:10) Why photo documentation improves transparency and trust(06:45) How John’s journey from technician to leader shaped his approach to process and people(08:03) Why education and proper process drive both safety and profitability(09:27) How OEM compliance is becoming a business advantage, not just a requirement(10:18) Why collaboration with legislators and associations protects the industry’s future(11:42) How Lightning Auto Service helps shops stay ahead of evolving repair standards(12:55) Why the future of collision repair depends on speed, accuracy, and accountabilityConnect With John VoulgarakisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhv1991/Website: https://www.lightningautoservice.com/Email: [email protected] With Matt DiFrancesco:[email protected](814)201-5855LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancescoLinkedIn: High Lift FinancialFacebook: High Lift Financial Instagram: @high_lift_financialYouTube: @highliftfinancialAbout the guest:John Voulgarakis began his career as an automotive technician and quickly advanced into estimating and management roles with local collision centers. His expertise expanded as he took on leadership roles overseeing more than 160 OEM-certified shops, ensuring strict compliance with manufacturer repair procedures. A strong advocate for precision and safety, John co-founded Lightning Auto Services alongside partners Christopher Fox and Aaron Bell. Their mission is to raise the bar for ADAS calibrations and OEM compliance—delivering repairs rooted in trust, quality, and an uncompromising commitment to doing the job right.Disclaimer:All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here.High Lift Financial is a DBA for DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC.  Investment advisory services are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.