Gen X Owners Are Eyeing the Exit

While Boomers have long been the focus of succession conversations, Gen X owners are now entering their prime exit window - often with less planning and more urgency.

Gen X business owners - now aged 45 to 60 - are beginning to act. New research shows they're planning to exit in just 9.5 years on average - 25% sooner than younger owners. If you're in that age range, your window to build value and prepare for a successful exit may be shorter than you think.

It makes sense given where they are in life - but with that window on the horizon, they’ll need to start planning now if they want to exit on their own terms.

And the stakes are high.

They’re not just leaving sooner; they’re leaving more on the table. While Gen Z and Millennial owners are more likely to be running businesses with less than $1 million in annual revenue, Gen Xers are operating at a different level. Half of Gen X run businesses fall into the $1–10M+ range, and Gen Xers are almost twice as likely to be running a $20 million + business when compared to Gen Z founders.

Gen X Isn’t Banking on a Boom

Unlike younger owners hoping for explosive growth, Gen X business owners are taking a different path. Only 15% are counting on 30%+ growth next year—compared to 31% of Millennials and Gen Z.

That’s not a lack of ambition. It’s hard-earned wisdom gained from experience.

Gen X Has Seen It All—And They're Not Leaving Their Future to Chance

Gen X has been through recessions, crashes, pandemics, sky-high interest rates, and the growing impact of AI. They know hope isn’t a strategy and they're not betting on a boom. Proactive Gen X owners are taking control of their Endgame now.

If you're a Gen X owner, now’s the time to prepare for a smart, profitable exit. No drama. No surprises. Just a clear, strategic path out - on your terms.

•      The window to prepare is closing - and the best exits are never rushed.
•      Now’s the time to lock in the value of everything you’ve built.
•      The future is uncertain - that’s exactly why planning now matters.

FREE resources from your Certified Value Builder Advisor:

Endgame, Designing Your Business for the Ultimate Reward

The Long Goodbye

It’s About Time