The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) Wisconsin Chapter is set to host its annual Business Owner Forum on September 17, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The event aims to provide business owners and exit planning professionals with actionable strategies for successful business transitions, focusing on family business successions and sales to public buyers.
This year's forum will feature in-depth interviews with three Wisconsin business owners who have recently completed transitions. Two of them successfully passed their companies to the next generation, while a third sold their business to a public company. These firsthand accounts will offer attendees a realistic view of the challenges and opportunities inherent in ownership transitions. Additionally, five advisors who have built successful exit planning practices will share their expert insights, providing a comprehensive perspective on the process.
Erik Owen, President of EPI Wisconsin, emphasized the value of the forum, stating, "EPI Wisconsin's Business Owner Forums provide a confidential space for discussions with local business owners and industry professionals focused on exit planning. 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."
The event is designed to benefit two key audiences. Business owners will learn key strategies for successfully transitioning their businesses and explore the various options available to them, such as internal succession, sale to employees, or sale to an outside party. For exit planning professionals—including financial advisors, business consultants, and others—the forum offers a unique opportunity to hear real-world stories from Wisconsin family business owners who are undertaking leadership and ownership transition today. This can help advisors better understand the emotional and practical aspects of exit planning, enabling them to serve their clients more effectively.
The importance of this forum lies in the growing need for effective exit planning. Many business owners are approaching retirement age, and the transfer of ownership is a critical event that can determine the legacy of the business and the financial security of the owners and their families. However, studies show that a significant percentage of businesses fail to successfully transition, often due to lack of preparation. Events like this forum aim to bridge that gap by providing education and fostering a community of practice.
For business owners, the forum is a chance to learn from peers who have navigated the complex process of transition. They can gain insights into avoiding common pitfalls, such as inadequate valuation, family conflicts, or poor timing. For advisors, the forum provides a deeper understanding of the client's journey, which can help in developing more tailored and effective exit plans.
The EPI Wisconsin Chapter is part of the Exit Planning Institute, a professional organization founded in 2005 to serve the educational and resource needs of business advisors. The institute is known for its Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential program, which is the most widely endorsed professional exit planning program globally. The program equips advisors with the content, tools, and training needed to engage business owners and become their most valued advisors.
Interested individuals can learn more and register for the Business Owner Forum on the EPI website. The event promises to be a valuable opportunity for anyone involved in business ownership or advising, offering practical knowledge and real-world examples that can make the difference between a successful transition and a failed one.
