The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) Wisconsin Chapter is set to host its annual Business Owner Forum on September 17, offering a unique opportunity for business owners and exit planning professionals to gain actionable insights into successful transition strategies. The event will take place at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
This year's forum will focus on family business owner transitions, featuring in-depth interviews with three Wisconsin business owners who have recently navigated the complex process of exiting their companies. Among them are two owners who successfully transitioned their businesses to the next generation, and one who made the strategic decision to sell to a public buyer. These firsthand accounts will provide attendees with real-world perspectives on the challenges and opportunities inherent in ownership and leadership transitions.
In addition to the business owner interviews, the forum will include expert insights from five advisors who have built successful exit planning practices. These professionals will share their knowledge on effective strategies for business owners considering an exit, covering topics such as valuation, succession planning, and the emotional aspects of letting go.
Erik Owen, President of EPI Wisconsin, emphasized the value of the forum's confidential setting. "EPI Wisconsin's Business Owner Forums provide a confidential space for discussions with local business owners and industry professionals focused on exit planning," Owen said. "This year, we are excited to feature in-depth interviews with three family business owners who recently exited their businesses along with expert insights from five advisors who have built successful exit planning practices."
Business owner attendees will learn key strategies for successfully transitioning their business and what options are available to them, whether that involves passing the company to family members, selling to employees, or pursuing an external sale. Exit planning professionals, including financial advisors, business consultants, and other advisors, will gain valuable insights from hearing directly from Wisconsin family business owners who are currently undertaking leadership and ownership transitions.
The forum is designed to bridge the gap between business owners and the advisors who serve them, fostering a collaborative environment where practical advice and real-life experiences are shared. By highlighting both successful generational transfers and a sale to a public buyer, the event aims to illustrate the diverse paths to a successful exit and the importance of early planning.
The Exit Planning Institute, which was formed in 2005, is dedicated to serving the educational and resource needs of professional business advisors. Its Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential program is recognized as the most widely endorsed professional exit planning program in the world, equipping advisors with the content, tools, and training needed to engage business owners and become their most valued advisors. For more information about the institute and its programs, visit exit-planning-institute.org.
Registration for the Business Owner Forum is now open, and interested parties can learn more and sign up via the EPI website. The event promises to be an invaluable opportunity for anyone involved in the ownership transition process, providing both strategic guidance and a supportive network of peers and experts.
