The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) Raleigh-Durham Chapter is set to host its annual Raleigh-Durham Owners Forum on September 16, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Durham, North Carolina. The half-day event is designed to bring together business owners and exit planning professionals to explore how strategic exit planning can enhance business value and ensure smoother leadership transitions.
According to Todd Bailey, President of EPI Raleigh-Durham, the forum is built around the concept that 'good exit planning is good business strategy.' The event will feature presentations from industry experts, panel discussions with local business owners, and an interactive case study. Attendees will gain insights into how growth strategy and value creation are intertwined, and they will leave with practical steps to improve their business's marketability and prepare for eventual ownership changes.
For exit planning professionals—such as financial advisors and business consultants—the forum offers a unique opportunity to hear unfiltered perspectives from North Carolina business owners. This direct feedback can help advisors better tailor their services to the real-world challenges owners face. The event is exclusive to EPI chapter members and their invited business owner guests, fostering an intimate setting for meaningful dialogue.
The importance of this forum lies in its focus on the intersection of business strategy and succession planning. Many business owners overlook exit planning until a sale or transition is imminent, but EPI emphasizes that proactive planning can significantly increase a company's value and reduce risks. By addressing these topics early, owners can make informed decisions that benefit both their businesses and their personal financial goals.
The Exit Planning Institute, established in 2005, serves as an educational resource for professional advisors. Its Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential program is widely recognized, equipping advisors with the tools and training needed to become trusted partners to business owners. The institute's mission is to elevate the standard of exit planning and ensure that business owners receive comprehensive guidance.
The Raleigh-Durham Owners Forum exemplifies this mission by creating a collaborative environment where owners and advisors can learn from each other. As the business landscape becomes increasingly complex, events like this are crucial for fostering resilience and long-term success. For more information about the forum and the EPI Raleigh-Durham chapter, interested parties can visit the Exit Planning Institute website.
