The Business Forum – Owner Transitions and Actionable Ideas will feature interviews with a family business owner who successfully transitioned to the second generation and a business owner who sold his company to a strategic public buyer. The event will conclude with five advisors each presenting actionable ideas in five-minute segments. Attendees will gain insights into effective transition strategies, learn from real-world experiences, and receive practical advice from industry experts.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand key strategies for successful generational transitions in family businesses.
2. Explore the process and considerations involved in selling a business to a strategic public buyer.
3. Gain actionable ideas from industry advisors to enhance business transition planning.
Speakers:
Hear from business owner Charles Engel and former business owner Mike Wyne.
Hear from industry advisors:
Paul Meyer, CEPA, Sagemark Consulting, "Implementation-based Financial Planning"
Phil Ouellette, EOS Worldwide, "Grow your annual revenue predictably and consistently by 15-30% in 5 minutes a day."
Marty Griffin, Griffin Executive Group, "Business Improvements"
Bob Young, Ascend Talent Strategies, "Engaging in leadership assessment and succession planning for next generation family leaders"
Sequoya Borgman, Borgman Capital, "Why two businesses with the same EBITDA sell for very different prices"
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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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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Members of Family Business Boards
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Professional Advisors
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Business Consultants
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Other Business Professionals
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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
Charles Engel – Owner of Engel Tool + Forge
Charles Engel is the third-generation owner and president of Engel Tool + Forge, a Milwaukee-based manufacturing company founded by his grandfather in 1923. After gaining early experience at the family business in the late 1990s, Charles left to work at Harley-Davidson, where he developed a strong foundation in corporate operations, plant consolidations, and strategic decision-making.
In 2010, Charles returned to Engel Tool + Forge with a vision to modernize and expand the company. Initially met with some hesitation from employees, he quickly proved his leadership by identifying new market opportunities - most notably expanding sales to Australia, which became a turning point for the business.
Under his leadership, Engel Tool + Forge has grown into a specialized engineering-first manufacturer, producing forged parts for industries such as agriculture, mining, oil and gas, and hydraulics. Charles emphasizes collaboration with clients to reduce costs and improve efficiency, positioning the company as a problem-solving partner rather than just a parts supplier.
His approach blends traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering, continuing the Engel family legacy while adapting to the demands of a global market.
Mike Wyne – Founder of Emergency Fire & Water
Mike Wyne is the founder and former owner of Emergency Fire & Water, a Wisconsin-based restoration company specializing in fire, water, and storm damage recovery. With a strong focus on customer service and rapid response, Mike built the company into a trusted name in the restoration industry across the Milwaukee and Madison regions.
Under his leadership, Emergency Fire & Water became known for its professionalism, technical expertise, and commitment to helping property owners recover quickly from disasters. In recognition of the company’s success and regional impact, it was acquired by First OnSite, a leading national restoration firm, marking a significant milestone in Mike’s entrepreneurial journey.
Following the acquisition, Mike continued to contribute his industry knowledge and leadership to support the transition and growth of First OnSite’s presence in Wisconsin.