EXIT PLANNING THROUGH THE PREPARE GATE OF THE VALUE ACCELERATION METHODOLOGY™

EPI ST. LOUIS CHAPTER

While exit planning often emphasizes valuation and final decisions, the Prepare Gate is where transformation truly happens. This panel discussion will feature seasoned advisors and practitioners who will explore how structured 90-day sprints, de-risking strategies, and decentralization of the owner from daily operations drive measurable enterprise value. By focusing on the Prepare phase, advisors can help owners strengthen intangible capitals—Human, Structural, Customer, and Social—and position their businesses for sustainable growth and eventual transition. Just as the Value Acceleration Methodology™ aligns personal, financial, and business goals, the Prepare Gate ensures that owners and advisors implement actionable strategies that bridge value gaps. Panelists will share real-world experiences, case studies, and practical tools to help advisors guide owners through this critical stage of exit planning.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the role of the Prepare Gate in building transferable value through structured 90-day sprints.
  • Identify key de-risking strategies and methods for decentralizing the owner from daily operations.
  • Learn how to strengthen intangible capitals (Human, Structural, Customer, Social) to enhance enterprise value.
  • Explore advisor best practices for guiding owners through preparation cycles that align personal, financial, and business goals.
  • Recognize how preparation outcomes inform the Decide Gate, enabling owners to choose between continued growth or initiating an exit.

Event Location

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm Central Time
Where: The Lodge in Des Peres | 1050 Des Peres Rd, Des Peres, MO 63131
Cost: $50 - Free with Membership
EPI Hours: 2.5
Register Now

Who Should Attend?

  • Attorneys

    You have close relationships with clients, and can benefit from being the first advisor to introduce the idea of exit planning.

  • CPAs/Accountants

    Owners participating in the State of Owner Readiness research continue to indicate that you are the No. 1 "Most Trusted Advisor." You are a natural fit to lead the exit planning team and deepen your relationship (and retention) of next generation owners.

  • Wealth Managers

    You’re a skilled relationship person. Being entangled into your clients’ professional lives matters as you build a strategy to manage their wealth upon them harvesting it from their business. Exit planning allows you to build a deeper relationship with your client, expands your COI network, while giving you an early seat at table well before the liquidity event.

  • Financial Advisors

    One of the critical ‘legs of the stool’ is personal financing planning. An owner must have a strong financial plan & contingency plan post-transition to enable them to thrive in the next act of the lives personally and financially. Exit planning brings this future mindset into the present. Exit is now.

  • Investment Bankers

    Only 2 of every 10 businesses that come to market actually sell. Learn how exit planning can bring attractive AND ready business to your purview.

  • Valuation Analysts

    Valuation is both a billable engagement AND an opportunity to provide owners some perspective on how to accelerate value drivers (and deal with value killers). Use exit planning to make that valuation into a longer term value acceleration engagement.

  • Estate Planners

    Exit planning is a natural fit for estate planners who want to operate more holistically with their owner clients.

  • Strategic Consultants

    One of the most critical roles in exit planning is building transferable value. Strategic consultants have the ability to expand options and drive rapid business value that affect performance today.

  • Commercial Lenders

    One of the best relationships a business owner makes is with their banker. How can you help your corporate clients think about the future and ensure financial continuity? Answer: exit planning.

  • Mergers & Acquisition Advisors

    Proper exit planning causes less deals to fall through at the last minute. Connect with CEPAs to build your healthy deal flow network.

  • Insurance Professionals

    Exit planning addresses the 5 D's. So do you. Approach the risk conversation differently with exit planning.

  • Family Business Advisors

    More than 50% of lower middle market business owners would prefer to transition to the next generation. Help them succeed with exit planning strategies.

  • Other Professional Advisors

    Regardless of your unique specialty, there is seat at the exit planning table for you. Learn more at www.EarnCEPA.com.

  • Private Business Owners

  • Members of Family Business Boards

  • Professional Advisors

  • Business Consultants

  • Other Business Professionals

  • Business Owners

  • Business Owners & Their Trusted Advisors

EXIT PLANNING IS GOOD BUSINESS STRATEGY

The Exit Planning Institute, provides Financial Advisors, Accountants, Consultants, and other advisors of business owners with the critical education to differentiate themselves and add value to their existing client relationships through a credential, conference, courses, and content. Download the CEPA brochure for more information.