Exit Planning Institute - Find a CEPA

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I am a Financial Advisor at Raymond James and a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), specializing in helping business owners build, protect, and ultimately transition the value of their companies.

My perspective on exit planning is shaped by firsthand experience as a business owner. In 2005, I acquired a construction service business through a closely held family transaction. I spent 18 years with the company, including 14 years as President and COO, leading operations, driving growth, and navigating the day-to-day realities of running a closely held business.

I ultimately exited the business as the result of one of the “5 D’s” - divorce. That experience fundamentally changed how I view planning for business owners. Most owners are experts in how their business operates. Far fewer have a structured framework that integrates personal and financial planning with the realities of ownership, value creation, and transition risk.

The “5 D’s”—death, disability, divorce, disagreement, and distress—are often unplanned but highly consequential events that can force an exit. Having lived through one of these personally, I understand the importance of preparing not just for a planned transition, but for the unexpected. That preparation requires alignment across the business, personal, and financial dimensions of an owner’s life.

In addition to my operating experience, I have served in governance and advisory roles, including board positions with the Concrete Sawing & Drilling Association (CSDA) and the International Captive Alliance Group, as well as participation on a succession planning committee within the construction industry. These roles have reinforced the importance of structured planning and collaborative advisory teams.

As a CEPA®, I work with business owners to identify and close value gaps, enhance enterprise value, and improve exit readiness. I collaborate closely with CPAs, attorneys, Value Accelorators, and M&A professionals to ensure that planning is coordinated and actionable. My focus is on helping owners build the right advisory team and create a framework that supports both value acceleration and successful transition—whether the exit is planned years in advance or triggered unexpectedly.

I also hold the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designations, which support my work in aligning personal financial outcomes with business value.

I focus my practice on business owners in construction service businesses—typically second and third-tier subcontractors who provide contract-based work as well as recurring service and maintenance for general contractors and building owners.

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AARON LOUISELL

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