WHY SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS ARE RECONSIDERING THEIR ADVISORS — AND HOW CEPAS CAN LEAD THE NEXT CONVERSATION

Successful entrepreneurs are entering the most important transition windows of their lives — and they represent the greatest client acquisition opportunity advisors will see this decade. Drawing on CEG Insights research — a landmark study of 3,108 entrepreneurs plus monthly pulse reports of 500+ high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth business owners — this session shows why entrepreneurs still value human judgment yet will change advisors when advice is fragmented, reactive, or portfolio-centered. John will outline how CEPAs can win these clients: the shift from service provider to orchestrator; documented gaps in succession planning, nonliquid assets, and estate planning; and the conversation architecture that leads to higher-value business-owner relationships. Attendees will see how the CEPA® FA Accelerator™ helps credentialed CEPAs turn methodology into disciplined weekly execution that attracts and converts successful entrepreneurs. 

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the documented gaps between what business owners expect from advisors and what they report receiving

• Explain why the advisor’s role is shifting from service provider to orchestrator of coordinated financial architecture

• Apply the Credibility OS framework — Promise, Proof, Story, Bigger Promise — to a business-owner discovery conversation

• Recognize how CEPAs can use the Exit Planning Core Team model to engage CPAs, attorneys, investment bankers, and other strategic partners

Event Details

Date: Thursday, October 01, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Eastern Time
Where: ON24
Cost: Free
Value Acceleration Knowledge Hours: 1
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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Estate Planners

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

  • Insurance Professionals

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Private Business Owners

  • Other Professional Advisors

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

  • Members of Family Business Boards

  • Other Business Professionals

  • Business Consultants

  • Professional Advisors

  • 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.

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