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David Grau Sr., JD is an award winning author, attorney, and small business stewardship and planning expert with more than three decades of experience helping owners build durable, equity-driven businesses. With a background in securities regulation, business taxation, and law, David Sr.’s expertise sits at the rare intersection of stewardship, legal structure, internal equity transfer, and real-world business building.

David Sr. is the author of five nonfiction books on stewardship, equity management, and business perpetuation strategies. His most recent works, Building With the End in Mind and Acquiring Your Future Through a Succession Plan, form the only modern book series written for both generations of ownership. David Sr. also previously wrote a monthly column for Financial Planning Magazine for six years and has written over two dozen nationally published white papers on internal ownership tracks, continuity and exit plans, tax strategies, and synthetic equity.

Recognized for his contributions to business perpetuation and internal succession, David Sr. was named one of Financial Planning Magazine’s most influential people in wealth management and one of Investment News’ 2017 Icons and Innovators.

In addition to his publishing and consulting work, David Sr. is an experienced speaker and teacher, having delivered more than 1,000 workshops and keynote presentations across 48 states. He has logged over 2 million miles traveling to support small business owners, leaders and their teams in understanding how to build businesses that last and make a real difference. His message is rooted in stewardship—he believes that succession planning isn’t the goal, but the result of responsible ownership.

David Sr. now focuses on writing and advocating for small business owners who want to make a difference through their everyday work. His mission: to help others build enduring businesses that serve people, empower communities, and continue on beyond the founder’s career.