The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) Wisconsin Chapter is set to host its Business Owner Forum on September 17, 2026, at the Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The event, scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., aims to provide business owners and exit planning professionals with actionable insights into successful transition strategies, particularly for family-owned businesses.
This year's forum will focus on family business owner transitions and will feature 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 chose to sell to a public buyer. These firsthand accounts are intended to offer valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities inherent in business exits.
Erik Owen, President of EPI Wisconsin, emphasized the forum's role in facilitating confidential discussions. "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 event is designed to benefit both business owners and advisors. Business owner attendees will learn key strategies for successfully transitioning their businesses and understand the various options available to them. For exit planning professionals—such as financial advisors and business consultants—the forum offers a chance to hear real-world experiences from Wisconsin family business owners who are currently undergoing leadership and ownership transitions.
The forum underscores the growing importance of exit planning in today's business landscape. With a significant number of business owners approaching retirement age, the need for well-structured transition plans has never been more critical. According to industry data, a large portion of privately held businesses lack a formal succession plan, which can lead to value erosion and operational disruption. By sharing practical insights and lessons learned, the EPI Wisconsin Chapter aims to help business owners avoid common pitfalls and achieve smoother transitions.
Experts suggest that effective exit planning involves not only financial considerations but also emotional and strategic preparation. The forum's focus on family business transitions highlights the unique complexities of passing a business to the next generation, including governance, communication, and family dynamics. The inclusion of a case study involving a sale to a public buyer also addresses the alternative path of selling to external parties, which requires different preparation and valuation considerations.
The event is part of EPI's broader mission to educate advisors and business owners on exit planning best practices. Since its founding in 2005, the Exit Planning Institute has developed the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential, which is recognized worldwide. The CEPA program equips advisors with the tools and training needed to engage business owners and become their most trusted advisors in exit planning.
Those interested in attending the Business Owner Forum can find more information and register on the EPI website. The event promises to be a valuable opportunity for anyone involved in business ownership or advisory services to gain practical knowledge and network with peers in the field.
As the business landscape continues to evolve, forums like this one play a crucial role in preparing owners for the eventual transfer of their enterprises. The insights shared at the September 17 event are expected to resonate with attendees and contribute to more successful business transitions in Wisconsin and beyond.
