Jim Erben

Jim Erben, USA TODAY bestselling author of Succession by Design, is the president of Erben Associates and one of the most highly sought-after advisers on exit and succession planning for privately held business owners in the United States. For more than thirty years, he has guided owners through the challenges of succession, maximizing the value of their businesses, ensuring continuity, and strengthening executive retention while helping them protect their companies, their loved ones, and the legacies they have worked so hard to build.

Erben Associates has been named one of the top exit and succession planning firms in the country and has been nationally recognized on the Inc. 5000 list multiple times as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. Jim’s proprietary planning process provides clarity and confidence, equipping business owners to step away on their terms while safeguarding family harmony, employee security, and long-term value.

Under his leadership, Erben Associates has orchestrated hundreds of millions of dollars in business exits and transitions, allowing founders to accomplish their dreams by exiting in style and experiencing their own “Happily Ever After.” Jim’s bestselling book, Succession by Design, draws on decades of experience and real-life client stories to provide business owners with a roadmap to exit not by default, but by design.

Jim graduated with honors in 1986 from the University of Texas at Austin with a BBA in Marketing after attending Texas A&M, where he played football for two years. In 2003, Jim completed a Master of Science in Financial Services at the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA, as well as the Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) designation.

As an international speaker, Jim shares his 30+ years of experience with thousands of business leaders annually. He is well-known for his straightforward approach to succession or exit planning, business continuity, and executive retention.

A distinguished advisor to clients and organizations, Jim is one of 500 senior American business leaders representing the private sector in Business Executives for National Security, an invitation-only think tank to help our national security become more efficient and effective.

Originally from San Antonio, Jim and his son, Jess, are at home in Austin, Texas. Jim’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, and golf, as well as cooking and enjoying wine.

CA Insurance License # 0B61738, AR Insurance License # 1083795