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  What Our Clients Think    

Sellers' ThoughtsBuyers' ThoughtsThoughts on ProHorizons' Speakers
Thoughts on our book -Successful Practice Sales
Thoughts on our seminar - How to Buy, Sell, Merge

What Sellers Think...
“The process was pretty much what I expected. My biggest difficulty was in letting go of my relationship with the clients and the income stream. ProHorizons played a valuable role in finding an appropriate buyer and being available to consult with me through the closing. By the way, I would be pleased to act as a reference."
— Jim Westbrook, CPA

“Within a few days of listing with ProHorizons, I was introduced to three prospective buyers.  There were other feelers along the way, but I eventually sold to one of those initial introductions.  Throughout the sales process, Rick Harrison of ProHorizons was involved to whatever degree I required.  He provided me with the latitude I wanted, but was there when I needed input and counsel.  He was objective, spoke with candor, and helped the buyer and I reconcile our differences.  If I were to sell again, I would use ProHorizons and I am comfortable recommending them to any friend or colleague.”
— James Fisher, CPA

“Working with ProHorizons made the sale of my practice much less difficult. The process was fast and smooth. There were no surprises. ProHorizons played a valuable role in completing the sale. John Ezell coached me all the way to the closing. I would recommend using ProHorizons to any friend or colleague considering buying or selling a practice."
— Gary Walsh, CPA

"We were impressed with how many prospective buyers ProHorizons was able to bring to the table. As for the process of selling, Ken Berry's knowledge, professionalism and responsiveness were excellent. ProHorizons was actively involved every step of the way and worked closely with us and our prospective buyers to create a positive sale and sales experience for all involved. Thank you again for all your help. We really appreciate it."
— Dan and Karen Giarde, EA

"We’ve had the opportunity to work with ProHorizons both as a seller and a buyer. In each case Harlan Freeman was highly professional, attentive, and very knowledgeable.

As a seller Harlan was able to introduce us to several highly qualified buyers within the first week of listing. Within two weeks we had a signed letter of intent for our asking price with a considerable down payment from our preferred buyer. Harlan then helped guide us through the closing process and was readily available to provide multiple creative solutions for any issue that arose along the way. Harlan provided the options. We chose the direction.

As a buyer we were able to contrast the ProHorizons approach with that of a couple of their competitors who also presented us practices to acquire. ProHorizons’ approach seemed more attentive to its sellers and the sellers appeared to be more informed about both the selling process and the importance of confidentiality.

In both instances we thoroughly enjoyed working with Harlan Freeman and ProHorizons, learned a tremendous amount about the right way to approach selling or buying a practice, and achieved strong results. For anyone seeking to sell or buy an accounting practice we highly recommend using Harlan Freeman of ProHorizons."
— Donna and Benny van Rijn, CPAs

“I had a great overall experience working with ProHorizons. I tried to sell my practice on my own and was unsuccessful. ProHorizons helped me find a buyer that was a good match to work with my clients."
— Brad Y., CPA

“The transition of my practice was a little more time consuming than I expected. However the sales process proceeded very smoothly. It would have been very tough to find the right buyer without ProHorizons. From structuring the sale and valuation of the practice to the closing, ProHorizons was invaluable!"
— Alvin Reagan, CPA

"The process took a little longer than expected, mostly in finding the right buyer. But John [Ezell, CPA] sure knows the business and the accounting industry. I would definitely recommend ProHorizons."
— Gary Jones, CPA

“Thanks for everything you did to make the sale of my practice possible. I was glad we found a buyer for both segments of my business and we did not need to split it into two companies. Now I am enjoying my "retirement" working in my son's business."
— Norma Waterman, CPA

"Thanks again John, Ruth and staff. You did a great job!"
— Diane Carothers, EA

 

What Buyers Think...return to top
"ProHorizons played an integral part in facilitating our transaction. Our biggest challenge was finding a firm that was the correct fit for our existing business model. ProHorizons provided us with the necessary information regarding each prospective firm that enabled us to close on a transaction that will complement our existing practice. John [Ezell] was very helpful in assisting our partners in becoming educated with regard to the entire process."
— Gael Knight, CPA

“I have been looking to buy a practice and have been working with ProHorizons and their competitors. ProHorizons has always been very responsive when I call or email. Some of the other firms don't even acknowledge a call or email."
— Daniel Hutnicki, CPA

"Making a decision to purchase an accounting firm is very complex.  Ken Berry, of ProHorizons, gave me answers to specific questions that assisted me in making the right decisions on how and when to move forward with the purchase I have now made.  The valuable resources contained in "Successful Practice Sales" provided me further with specific tools needed to create a smooth transfer of ownership.  Had it not been for his guidance, both as an agent and in print, we would not have been able to resolve issues necessary to create what is now an effective "win, win" deal."
— Jacob Hanes

 

Regarding ProHorizons' Speakers...return to top
“We invited Harlan Freeman of ProHorizons to speak on exit strategies and succession planning at our annual statewide conference because previous speakers had focused on selling their services instead of informing our members. Harlan proved to be extremely knowledgeable on the subject matter and the seminar was filled with valuable information for anyone considering selling or transitioning their firm.”
— Jon Hayes, Executive Director, Independent Accountants Association of Michigan

"John Ezell of ProHorizons has been our speaker at three seminars on 'How to Buy, Sell or Merge Your Tax Practice'. As expected, John was very knowledgeable on the market for buying and selling tax practices. The seminar was filled with valuable information for our membership and anyone considering selling or buying a practice."
— Catherine Apker, California Society of Enrolled Agents

 

Regarding our book - Successful Practice Sales...return to top
"In Successful Practice Sales: The Complete Guide to Buying, Selling or Merging Your Accounting, Consulting or Tax Practice, CPA John R. Ezell and consultant Ken Berry present guidance for accountants on both sides of the equation. They sketch the process of analyzing whether to buy or sell a firm and assessing the pros and cons of a specific transaction. The book also provides a glossary, document samples and checklists for performing due diligence and for obtaining financing, and it lists the state societies. It's big help in a small package."
Journal of Accountancy , September 2006

"We don't know if you can sell your accounting practice on eBay, but we do know that you shouldn't. The fact is, though, that as many Baby Boomer accountants look to retire and the market toughens, practice sales are going to become both more frequent and more complicated than they already are. John Ezell of ProHorizons, an accounting firm consultant and brokerage, has spent years helping clients with selling practices (as well as buying and merging them). In his new book, Successful Practice Sales, Ezell parts with a number of valuable models, processes and tips on buying, selling, merging, financing and avoiding the pitfalls associated with each."
Accounting Today, August 2005

"Successful Practice Sales is the best book of its kind. It lays out -- in a practical, step-by-step way -- the process for buying or selling your tax or accounting practice. But more than showing you the 'how,' it also explains the 'why.' There are a lot of fears and uncertainties in buying or selling -- particularly selling. John Ezell is there for you at every step of the way. Don't consider your next big move without this book."
Rick Telberg, Director of Online Content for AICPA Insider newsletters and pioneering Editor-In-Chief of Accounting Today

"The valuable resources contained in Successful Practice Sales provided me with specific tools needed to create a smooth transfer of ownership."
Jacob Hanes

"I am very impressed with Successful Practice Sales.  It covered all of the subjects I expected and did so in a way I could easily understand.  All at a reasonable price!  In fact, I would have paid far more for the contents of this book.
a Boise CPA

 

Regarding our seminar - How to Buy, Sell, Merge ...return to top
"I was impressed by your presentation and the professionalism of your firm. When I am ready to sell, I will call for your assistance."
— an EA in San Diego, CA

“Excellent!” — Don N.

“Ten 5’s out of 5!”

“Very informative and useful industry and trend data.” — H.C.

“[The presentation] reinforced some ideas for things I am doing [and] gave me ideas for things I still need to do” — Patricia P.

“[I enjoyed the presentation and it] helped me clarify where my practice is at, where I want to go with it, and my future. Great food for thought!”

“Very informative!”

“I found the presentation very useful, especially in presenting all sides of the transaction.”

“[I] would highly recommend this [seminar] to any CPA who might be considering expansion/selling.” — Alvin R.

“Great information. Very useful.”

“Exellent!” — Robert L.

“Excellent meeting! You provide a great blueprint.” — Michael D.

“Very good practical tips and advice.” — Glenn M.

“[The presentation] was detailed and I learned a lot.” — Van D.

“Good practical info[rmation].”

“I’m interested in buying and found the finance portion particularly interesting.” — Coree C.

“[I found the presentation helpful.] This was a fact gathering procedure for me prior to becoming a serious seller.” — Darrell R.

“The presentation is very good and the content is very useful to my situation.” — Thanh N.

“Great [presentation]! [I] loved the examples of your past transactions.” — Samuel B.

“Very well done!”

“Good discussion on financing” — Patrick F.

“I found this [seminar] very useful and I now have a definite context to frame my next purchase. Thanks!”

“Great! [I] wish I would have known all this [before] – it would have been easier – great help.” — Bev L.

“This [seminar] is useful information [and] well organized. [I] will use [this information] in future planning.” — Larry V.

“Good presentation. Good beginning point [for me].” — John L.

“Good information.” — Ed R.

“Good ideas to get my practice ready to sell!” — Emily B.

 

 

 

 
 

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