While doing seminars, I have been taking a very unscientific survey asking many questions including, “How many in attendance plan to retire in the next 10 to 15 years?” As many as 60 percent of those present express a desire to be retired in this time frame. The second question I ask is how many people are currently making plans on a transition of their companies to other owners. Usually about two or three raise their hands.

This column is not only for those who plan to retire, but also about great opportunities for those younger surveyors dreaming of one day owning their own company. Looking around at survey conferences and seeing a great sea of gray hair tells me that we are going to experience a great shift in company ownership in the very near future. So, let’s look at the answers to the following questions: