MINDSET SHIFT: FROM WAITING FOR DEALS TO CREATING THEM

EPI CHICAGO CHAPTER

Advisors often wait for a business owner to say, “I’m ready to sell”—but the most successful professionals create opportunity long before that moment. This session explores how to shift from a transactional mindset to a proactive, value-focused approach that helps owners clarify their business, financial, and personal goals—the three legs of the stool. Participants will learn practical ways to start deeper conversations, uncover hidden value drivers, and position themselves as essential guides in the owner’s long-term journey toward exit readiness.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand how to transition from deal-focused to relationship-driven advisory.
2. Learn how to engage owners around their business, financial, and personal goals.
3. Identify opportunities to create value and momentum before a transaction.

About the Presenters: 

Hear from industry experts Michael Schodrof and Shanda McFadden.

Thank you to our Sponsors

Event Location

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Central Time
Where: Chicago Loop | 191 N Wacker Dr, 28th Fl, Chicago, IL 60606
Cost: $50, Free for Members
EPI Hours: 2
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.

  • 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.

  • Insurance Professionals

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER