The Exit Planning Institute's Wisconsin chapter will host its annual Business Owner Forum on September 17 at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event aims to provide business owners and exit planning professionals with actionable insights into successful ownership transitions, with a special focus on family businesses.
This year's forum will feature in-depth interviews with three Wisconsin business owners: two who transitioned their companies to the next generation and one who sold their business to a public buyer. These firsthand accounts are designed to offer attendees a realistic view of the challenges and opportunities involved in different exit paths. Additionally, five advisors who have built successful exit planning practices will share their expertise, providing a well-rounded perspective on the planning process.
Erik Owen, President of EPI Wisconsin, emphasized the value of the forum's confidential setting, noting that it allows for open discussions among local business owners and industry professionals. "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," Owen said.
For business owners, the forum will cover key strategies for successfully transitioning a business, including understanding the various exit options available, preparing the business for sale or succession, and navigating the emotional and practical aspects of letting go. The insights shared are particularly relevant given the significant number of baby boomer business owners approaching retirement age, making effective exit planning a critical concern for many.
For exit planning professionals, such as financial advisors, consultants, and attorneys, the event offers a valuable opportunity to hear real-world stories from owners who have gone through the process. These case studies can inform their advisory practices and enhance their ability to guide clients through complex transitions. The forum also provides networking opportunities, allowing professionals to connect with peers and potential clients in a relaxed environment.
The importance of this event lies in the growing need for effective exit planning as a wave of business owners prepare to retire. According to industry data, a substantial portion of privately held businesses are owned by individuals over 55, and many lack a formal succession plan. This forum addresses that gap by providing practical, actionable advice and real-life examples. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to approach business transitions, whether they are planning to pass the business to family, sell to an outside party, or explore other options.
Registration for the Business Owner Forum is available on the EPI website. The Exit Planning Institute, founded in 2005, serves as an educational resource for professional business advisors, and its Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) credential program is widely recognized globally. The program equips advisors with the content, tools, and training needed to engage business owners and become their most trusted advisors.
