Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, yes — and for good reason. The Diagnostic Sprint ensures we understand your business deeply before making recommendations. It also produces the backlog your retainer will execute against. Without it, we’re guessing. With it, we’re executing.

The initial retainer term is 6 months, paid monthly on the 1st of the month. After 6 months, you can continue month-to-month or lock in a 12-month rate for maximum value. All contracts are executed by Highland St. Charles — the legal entity behind High Exit Value.

Yes. As your business grows, your tier can be adjusted to reflect your new revenue range. Most clients start in Growth Advisor and scale into Scaling Success. Transitions happen at renewal.

Bid-solicited project work refers to businesses that compete for contracts through a formal bid or proposal process — common in commercial construction, manufacturing, government contracting, and transportation. These businesses have unique financial and operational dynamics that most generalist advisory firms don’t understand. We built our practice around them.

Mental Fitness and Resiliency Coaching is included in every retainer engagement at no additional charge. It is transition-specific coaching calibrated to the founder’s situation — not generic wellness support. It addresses the psychological dimensions of succession, management buyout, and third-party sale that most advisors ignore.

The Coaching Program is an optional income-generating opportunity available to all retainer clients. We position you as an authority in your field, market your availability, and handle scheduling. You earn $200 per 30-minute session plus 10% commission. It is not an additional cost — it is a revenue opportunity.

No. For Scaling Success and Maturing Mastermind clients, site visits are included in the retainer. Expenses (travel, lodging) are reimbursed by the client, but Paul’s time is included. Growth Advisor clients can add site visits for a fee.

All client engagements are contracted through and performed by Highland St. Charles. High Exit Value is a trade name (d/b/a). When you work with us, you work directly with Paul Ghesquiere and the bench he has assembled — not a junior associate or an outsourced team.

No. High Exit Value provides sell-side advisory services — helping you prepare for and navigate a transaction — but we are not licensed as a broker. We work alongside your chosen broker or M&A intermediary. The distinction matters: advisors and brokers serve different functions, and we stay in our lane.

We serve clients throughout the continental United States. We do not currently serve Canadian clients.