Starting succession planning early ensures an easy transition for a business and its customersStephenie Bjorkman wore cowboy boots, jeans, and a cowboy hat to her first day at work at Sami Fine Jewelry. She was 17 years old and had no intention of staying in the business, but her mother, Sami Jack, had some health issues and Bjorkman came to help out.As it happens, the insouciant teen eventually grew up to become the owner of the thriving Fountain Hills, Ariz., store after she and her mother put together a succession plan to ensure the best outcome for both generations as well as the business.“A succession plan makes the transition of the business easier,” says ­Bjorkman. “It took many years for my customers to trust me, but now that my mom is no longer here, they were not surprised or concerned about the quality of our product and the experience that we give our patrons.”Stephe