Meet The Experts
Jason Steffenhagen, CPA, ABV, PFS
VTT Practice Segment Lead & Shareholder
Q: I’m not ready to sell my business yet, but I know I need to plan ahead. Where do I start?
A: Great question—and you’re not alone. Many business owners aren’t ready to sell today, but they want to be prepared when the time comes. At Brady Martz, our Valuation, Transaction, & Transformation (VTT) team recommends starting at least three to five years ahead of a potential transition.
We begin with a professional business valuation to determine where your company stands now and then work with you to enhance its value over time by improving operations, strengthening finances, and building a self-sustaining team. That way, when you are ready, your business is in the best possible position—both financially and operationally.
Q: What happens when I’m finally ready to sell or transition my business?
A: That’s when our team really steps in to guide you through the complexities. Selling a business involves a lot more than just finding a buyer—there are negotiations, due diligence, legal documentation, and plenty of big decisions. Our experienced advisors help shape the transaction around your goals, whether that’s protecting your team, preserving your legacy, or ensuring you receive fair value. We’re with you every step of the way, helping reduce stress and making sure you understand the process clearly.
Q: I’ve heard transitions can be overwhelming. Can you really make it easier?
A: Absolutely. We understand how much is at stake, and we’re here to bring clarity and calm. Our VTT team has worked with businesses across North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Texas for over 90 years. We’ve helped countless owners step back with confidence, knowing their business can thrive without them. With personalized support and hands-on expertise, we help turn a potentially daunting process into a well-managed, successful transition.
Q: How can someone get started working with your team?
A: It’s as simple as reaching out. Whether you’re a business owner looking for a trusted advisor or an individual planning for the future, we’re here to help. Let’s start the conversation and see how we can support your journey to financial success.
Dan Macintosh, CPA
Chief Growth Officer & Shareholder
Q: What sets Brady Martz apart when it comes to helping clients achieve financial success?
A: At Brady Martz, we’re more than accountants—we’re trusted advisors. Our goal is to truly understand our clients and their businesses so we can provide not just sound financial advice, but tailored strategies that help them meet their unique goals. We offer a full range of services, from accounting and tax planning to business advisory and wealth management, and we pride ourselves on delivering big-firm resources with a local, personalized touch.
Q: How does Brady Martz support businesses beyond traditional accounting services?
A: View your CPA as a strategic partner, not just a tax preparer. We want to be involved in your planning—not just reporting. Bring us into discussions about expansion, hiring, and capital investment. The earlier we’re involved, the more opportunities we have to find tax efficiencies or prevent costly missteps.
It’s also about rhythm. Businesses that meet with us quarterly or monthly tend to make better financial decisions. We review trends, talk through margin shifts, and prepare owners for what’s coming—not just what’s already happened.
Q: How does community involvement fit into the Firm’s philosophy?
A: Community is at the heart of everything we do. Brady Martz has been around for nearly a century, and our strength has always come from being a community-based firm. We’re proud to invest our time, talent, and resources in the places we live and work. That local connection drives our commitment to making a positive difference for both our clients and our communities.
Amy Haagenson, CPA
Construction and Real Estate Practice Segment Lead & Shareholder
Q: What can business owners do now to prepare for a future merger or acquisition?
A: Start with clean books and clear metrics. We work with clients to standardize financials using GAAP-compliant reporting, which buyers or investors will expect. From there, having regular valuations, succession plans, and a clear capitalization table for ownership can make your business more attractive and sale-ready. It’s also about mindset. If you’re three to five years out from a potential exit, we help position your business not just for sale, but for maximum value.
Q: What should construction and trades businesses be doing now to improve profitability?
A: Job costing is the #1 area where we see room for improvement. If your labor, materials, and overhead aren’t tied to each specific project, you’re flying blind. We help clients implement construction accounting software and interpret WIP (Work in Progress) reports to keep bids profitable and cash flow steady.
From a tax standpoint, make sure you are analyzing the various tax methods and elections that are available to you to ensure maximum tax deferral. In addition, accelerated depreciation options like Section 179 or bonus depreciation can provide huge value, especially for businesses investing in equipment. But it needs to be planned for, not discovered in hindsight.
Q: What financial reports should every business owner look at monthly?
A: It’s all about the WIP. Detailed analysis of jobs in progress, budget variances, and estimates of costs to complete are essential to the success of a construction company. Additionally, at a minimum: Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and a Cash Flow Statement. But we take it further. Business owners should also review budget-to-actuals, margin trends, and key performance indicators specific to their industry.
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