The Exit Planning Institute's Wisconsin Chapter is set to host its annual Business Owner Forum on September 17 at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The event, running from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., will center on family business owner transitions, providing attendees with actionable strategies and real-world perspectives.
This year's 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 firsthand accounts will be complemented by insights from five advisors who have built successful exit planning practices. The format is designed to offer a confidential environment where business owners and professionals can engage in candid discussions about the complexities of ownership transition.
Erik Owen, President of EPI Wisconsin, emphasized the value of the forum: "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 transitioning their business, including understanding available options and avoiding common pitfalls. Exit planning professionals, such as financial advisors and business consultants, will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that family business owners face, enabling them to better serve their clients.
The event underscores the growing importance of exit planning in today's business landscape. With a significant number of baby boomer business owners approaching retirement, the need for effective transition strategies has never been more critical. According to industry data, only about 30% of family businesses survive into the second generation, and a mere 12% into the third. Forums like this are essential in helping owners beat those odds and ensure the legacy of their enterprises.
Attendees will also learn about the resources available through the Exit Planning Institute, including the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) credential, which has become the most widely endorsed professional exit planning program globally. The event is an opportunity for business owners to take proactive steps in planning their exit, whether that involves passing the business to family members, selling to an outside party, or exploring other alternatives.
The forum is open to business owners and exit planning professionals. Those interested can learn more and register on the EPI site. The Westmoor Country Club, located at 400 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005, will host the event.
As the business landscape continues to evolve, the insights shared at this forum will be invaluable for anyone involved in the succession of closely held businesses. The Exit Planning Institute, formed in 2005, has been at the forefront of providing advisors with the content, tools, and training needed to become trusted partners to business owners. This forum is a testament to that mission.
