What is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA)?

A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) is a credentialed professional trained to help business owners plan the transition or sale of their business. CEPAs coordinate legal, financial, and tax strategies to maximize the value an owner receives from their exit. Adam Gould is one of the few financial advisors in San Francisco who holds this designation.

Do you work with startup founders and tech executives?

Yes. Dogpatch Wealth focuses specifically on founders, executives, and early employees at Bay Area tech companies who are navigating liquidity events, IPOs, or significant equity compensation. Adam Gould has deep experience with equity planning across a variety of vesting structures and exit scenarios.

What is the minimum investment or AUM to work with Dogpatch Wealth?

Dogpatch Wealth works with clients who typically have $1 million or more in investable assets or are expecting a near-term liquidity event. The firm is selective to ensure each client receives highly personalized, ongoing advisory support.

What does exit planning mean for a business owner?

Exit planning is the process of preparing a business owner for the eventual transition or sale of their company — whether to a third party, private equity, or family members. It encompasses valuation, tax minimization, estate planning, and personal financial readiness. Dogpatch Wealth helps owners build a plan years before an exit so they can maximize proceeds and avoid costly mistakes.

Is Dogpatch Wealth a fee-only financial advisor?

Yes. Dogpatch Wealth is an independent, fee-only registered investment advisor. Adam Gould does not earn commissions or referral fees from product sales. This fiduciary model aligns his incentives entirely with client outcomes.

How can I diversify a concentrated stock position without triggering a large tax bill?

There is no single answer — the right approach depends on your cost basis, time horizon, income, and goals. Common tax-aware strategies include: gradual systematic selling spread across multiple tax years to manage annual capital gains exposure; exchange funds, which allow qualified investors to contribute a concentrated position to a diversified fund without immediately realizing capital gains (subject to a minimum seven-year lock-up); charitable giving vehicles such as donor-advised funds or charitable remainder trusts, which can eliminate the capital gains tax on donated shares; and hedging overlays or structured products that provide downside protection while keeping the position intact. Dogpatch Wealth evaluates the full trade-off — tax cost, concentration risk, liquidity needs, and fee drag — to recommend the strategy that fits your situation.

What are the risks of holding a concentrated position in a single stock?

The core risk is that a single company's fate can swing your entire net worth. Historically, most individual stocks underperform a broad market index over their lifetimes — and a significant portion lose money outright. Even stocks that were once exceptional performers often give back their gains: past winners do not reliably continue to outperform. Keeping a concentrated position also tends to increase portfolio volatility, which over time compounds into slower wealth growth even in favorable scenarios. The reluctance to sell is understandable — tax bills are real and emotional attachment to a stock that built your wealth is natural. But it helps to separate the question of whether the company will do well from the question of whether your concentrated exposure to it is the right risk for your financial plan.

Wealth Management for San Francisco Founders & Tech Executives

One boutique RIA. Concentrated stock, exits, & approaching retirement, trusted across San Francisco.

Which Path Are You On?

“I'm running or growing a business"

“I'm selling or exiting”

“I'm planning to retire”

About Us

Dogpatch Wealth is a holistic wealth management practice. We combine market wisdom, technological savvy, and planning expertise to enable investors to achieve their specific life and retirement goals.

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Our Services

Investment Management

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Tax Planning

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Insurance

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Retirement Planning

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Education Planning

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Exit Planning

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Your wealth is our purpose.

Meet Adam

Adam Gould, CFP, CEPA
Founder and Wealth Advisor

About Dogpatch Wealth

The Myriad of Wealth Management Deliverables

While effective investing is fundamental, it represents just one aspect of the broader range of services that drive meaningful results.

Organization - top left quadrant of a tiled compass — Organization

Goal Setting
Balance Sheet Construction
Account Consolidation

Planning - top right quadrant of a tiled compass — Planning

Cash Flow Planning
Risk Management
Tax Strategy

Ongoing Advice - bottom left quadrant of a tiled compass — Ongoing Advice

Plan Updates
Portfolio Management
Behavioral Coaching

Investing - bottom right quadrant of a tiled compass — Investing

Portfolio Construction
Investment Selection
Tactical Opportunities

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Wealth Management for San Francisco Founders & Tech Executives

Which Path Are You On?

About Us

Investment Management

Tax Planning

Insurance

Retirement Planning

Education Planning

Exit Planning

Your wealth is our purpose.

Meet Adam

The Myriad of Wealth Management Deliverables

The Latest News from Dogpatch Wealth

Let’s reach your wealth management goals!

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Wealth Management for San Francisco Founders & Tech Executives

Which Path Are You On?

About Us

Investment Management

Tax Planning

Insurance

Retirement Planning

Education Planning

Exit Planning

Your wealth is our purpose.

Meet Adam

The Myriad of Wealth Management Deliverables

The Latest News from Dogpatch Wealth

Let’s reach your wealth management goals!

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Location

Contact

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