Selling a business is one of the most significant financial and personal events in an owner’s life. While advisors often focus on valuation, tax planning, and deal structure, owners who have completed a transaction offer insights that cannot be found in spreadsheets or legal documents. In this panel discussion, former business owners will share candid reflections on what they did well, what they would change, and how the sale affected their finances, relationships, identity, and sense of purpose. Attendees will hear firsthand lessons about preparing the business, selecting advisors, navigating due diligence, and adjusting to life after closing. The discussion will provide practical guidance and personal perspective for owners and advisors seeking to create more successful and fulfilling exits.
Learning Objectives:
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Learn what owners wish they had done earlier Hear firsthand which preparation steps had the greatest impact on value, negotiating leverage, and peace of mind
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Understand the emotional side of an exit Explore how former owners managed the transition from leading a business to defining a new identity and purpose
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Recognize common surprises during the sale process Gain insight into unexpected challenges related to due diligence, deal terms, taxes, and post-closing obligations
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Identify factors that contributed to satisfaction or regret Understand how preparation, advisor selection, and personal planning influenced each owner’s experience after the sale
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Apply practical lessons to current exit planning efforts Translate the panelists’ experiences into actionable steps that can help owners and advisors improve future outcomes
Event Location
Event Details
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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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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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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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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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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Insurance Professionals
Exit planning addresses the 5 D's. So do you. Approach the risk conversation differently with exit planning.
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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 Business Professionals
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Business Consultants
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Professional Advisors
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Private Business Owners
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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.