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. This year's event will center on family business owner transitions and actionable strategies, providing a rare opportunity for attendees to learn from real-world experiences.
The forum will feature interviews with three Wisconsin business owners: two who transitioned their companies to the next generation and one who sold to a public buyer. These candid discussions aim to offer practical insights into the complexities of ownership transition, a critical issue for many family-owned businesses. According to Erik Owen, President of EPI Wisconsin, “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.”
For business owners, the forum will highlight key strategies for successfully navigating the transition process, including understanding the various options available, such as passing the business to family members or selling to external buyers. Attendees will gain a clearer picture of the financial, emotional, and operational aspects of exiting a business, which is often a complex and emotionally charged decision.
Exit planning professionals, including financial advisors, business consultants, and others, will benefit from hearing firsthand accounts of Wisconsin family business owners who are currently undertaking leadership and ownership transitions. These narratives provide valuable context for advisors looking to better serve their clients, as they offer a glimpse into the challenges and successes that owners face during one of the most significant events in their business careers.
The event is designed to foster an environment of learning and networking, with the confidential setting encouraging open dialogue. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions and engage with the speakers, gaining deeper insights into the transition process. The forum is part of EPI's broader mission to educate advisors and business owners on the importance of exit planning, a field that has grown significantly in recent years as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age.
Those interested in attending can learn more and register for the Business Owner Forum on the EPI site. The registration page provides additional details about the agenda and speakers.
The Exit Planning Institute, founded in 2005, serves as a leading resource for professional business advisors. Its Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) credential program is recognized globally as the most widely endorsed professional exit planning program, equipping advisors with the content, tools, and training needed to become trusted advisors to business owners. For more information about EPI and its resources, visit exit-planning-institute.org.
The forum underscores the growing importance of exit planning in today's business landscape, where many owners are approaching retirement and seeking to ensure the legacy of their companies. By highlighting real-world case studies, EPI Wisconsin aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering actionable insights that can help owners and advisors alike navigate the complex journey of business transition.
