The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) Wisconsin Chapter has announced it will 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 insights into successful business transition strategies, with a particular focus on family-owned businesses.
This year's forum will feature in-depth interviews with three Wisconsin business owners who have recently navigated the exit process. Two of these owners transitioned their companies to the next generation, while a third sold their business to a public buyer. These firsthand accounts will offer attendees a rare look at the challenges and successes of different exit paths, providing valuable lessons for those considering their own transitions.
In addition to the owner interviews, five experienced advisors who have built successful exit planning practices will share their expertise. This combination of owner experiences and advisor insights is designed to give attendees a comprehensive understanding of the exit planning process, from preparation to execution.
Erik Owen, President of EPI Wisconsin, emphasized the value of the forum's format. "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."
The forum is expected to attract two primary audiences: business owners who are contemplating an exit and professionals such as financial advisors, business consultants, and others who serve the exit planning needs of business owners. For business owners, the event will highlight key strategies for successfully transitioning a business, including the various options available, such as family succession, management buyouts, or sale to external buyers. For advisors, the forum will provide a deeper understanding of the emotional and practical aspects of business transitions, which can help them better serve their clients.
The importance of this event lies in the growing need for effective exit planning. Many business owners are reaching retirement age, and the transfer of ownership is a critical juncture that can determine the future of the business, its employees, and its community. By learning from the experiences of others, attendees can avoid common pitfalls and make more informed decisions.
The forum also serves as a networking opportunity, allowing business owners and advisors to connect in a confidential setting, fostering relationships that may lead to future collaborations. This is particularly valuable in the closely knit Wisconsin business community, where local knowledge and personal connections are often key to successful deals.
For those interested in attending, more information and registration are available on the [EPI website](https://www.exit-planning-institute.org/wisconsin). The event promises to be a valuable experience for anyone involved in the ownership transition of a business, whether they are planning for their own exit or advising others on theirs.
The Exit Planning Institute, founded in 2005, is dedicated to serving the educational and resource needs of professional business advisors. Its Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) credential program is the most widely endorsed professional exit planning program in the world, equipping advisors with the tools and training necessary to become trusted advisors to business owners. This forum is a testament to EPI's commitment to advancing the field of exit planning and supporting successful business transitions.
