VALUATION FIRST: THE ANCHOR OF EXIT PLANNING AND VALUE ACCELERATION
Business valuation is often treated as a transaction step — but for most owners, it should be the starting point of an effective exit plan. This panel brings together three complementary perspectives: a CPA focused on earnings quality and financial credibility, a credentialed valuation professional grounded in defensible methodologies, and an experienced transaction intermediary who lives in real-market pricing. Together, they will unpack when and how to use different valuation levels, identify the value drivers that matter most to buyers, and show how advisory teams can align early to convert a valuation from a static number into a strategic roadmap for value acceleration and exit options.
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate the practical use-cases and limitations of calculation engagements, certified valuations, and ready market analysis — and select the right baseline valuation approach based on timeline, purpose, and stakeholder needs.
- Identify and prioritize the key quantitative and qualitative value drivers that most influence enterprise value and market multiples, including earnings normalization, risk factors, and buyer-perceived sustainability.
- Integrate valuation, financial statement quality, and market dynamics into a coordinated exit-planning workflow, enabling sharper advice on exit options, value acceleration strategies, and deal positioning.
About the Presenter:
Hear from industry experts Stuart Krahn, Cory M. Parnell, and Brandon Hall.
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Who Should Attend?
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Attorneys
You have close relationships with clients, and can benefit from being the first advisor to introduce the idea of exit planning.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Estate Planners
Exit planning is a natural fit for estate planners who want to operate more holistically with their owner clients.
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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.
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Insurance Professionals
Exit planning addresses the 5 D's. So do you. Approach the risk conversation differently with exit planning.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Other Professional Advisors
Regardless of your unique specialty, there is seat at the exit planning table for you. Learn more at www.EarnCEPA.com.
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Private Business Owners
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Professional Advisors
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Other Business Professionals
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Business Consultants
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Members of Family Business Boards
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Business Owners
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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.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Meet Stuart Krahn:
Stuart Krahn, CEPA®, CM&AA®, is the founder and President of Krahn Capital Group, LLC. He has worked on investment banking engagements on both the buy-side and sell-side across a diverse array of industries. During his career, which includes hands-on operating experience as a Principal with a top-20 ENR-ranked global design firm, Stuart has helped companies grow organically and through strategic acquisitions. His first-hand experience inside the pre-and post-deal acquisition process as both an acquiring and an acquired company informs his current practice.
Stuart’s educational background includes a BA from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, MN (summa cum laude), a Master’s in Philosophy from Loyola in Chicago, a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from the U of M’s College of Design, and an MBA in Finance and Strategic Management from the Carlson School at the U of M. He is a Minnesota-licensed real estate broker and is a FINRA-registered representative, passing the Series 24, 63, 79, and 82 examinations.
Meet Brandon Hall:
Brandon Hall, Founder of BGH Valuation Services, LLC, resides in Saint Michael, MN with his wife, Gloria and five children Piper, Rowan, London, Leo, and Bodie. Brandon worked for various small construction companies growing up and has always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit.
Brandon received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Saint Cloud State University. Brandon started his accounting career in public accounting working at Baker Tilly. Brandon then continued his career working for Polaris Industries, Inc.
With his time there he had the opportunity to be involved with different aspects of acquisitions. Brandon also worked at Best Buy Corporate where he provided accounting support for the Information Technology division. Brandon has been through the acquisition process firsthand, by acquiring Virtual Bookkeeping USA in October of 2021.
Brandon has obtained his Certified Valuation Analyst® Designation and is a proud member of the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA). He has also obtained his Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser Designation with Nebb Institute and obtained a Certified Value Growth Advisor Designation as well. Brandon continues to enhance his status, credentials, and esteem in the field of business valuations, financial forensics, and other related advisory services.
Brandon enjoys golf, hunting, sports, and spending time with his family.
Meet Cory M. Parnell:
Cory Parnell is a Principal and the Chief Revenue Officer at BGM. Cory has more than 30 years of experience advising business owners on strengthening their personal and business financial positions. Cory serves a wide range of clients, including cannabis operators, professional service firms, manufacturers and distributors, and retail businesses. Cory’s areas of expertise include mergers and acquisitions, cash management and treasury, bank financing, audit procedures, budgeting and forecasting, personal and corporate taxes, management advisory services, and strategic planning.