Exit Planning Institute - Find a CEPA

Tom joined Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in 2015, driven by a passion for empowering business owners to maximize the value of their companies. He is committed to enhancing personal wealth plans and helping to ensure his clients are well-prepared for their next adventures, particularly during transitional phases. Understanding the challenges that arise when hard work doesn’t lead to successful ownership transfers, Tom is here to navigate those complexities with you.

Embodying Merrill’s commitment to community service, Tom actively engages with local organizations to foster positive change. His involvement includes initiatives with the Tyger River Foundation, Conserving Carolina, The Pisgah Conservancy, Conestee Nature Preserve, and Friends of Pisgah. He also contributes his financial knowledge and experience as a member of the Planning & Zoning Board for the Town of Reidville.

Originally from the Philadelphia area, Tom attended college in Michigan, where he met his wife, Stephanie. They made Spartanburg their home in 2015, and in 2023, they joyfully welcomed their daughter, Emma, into the world. This new chapter has deepened Tom’s appreciation for family and community, inspiring his dedication to creating a bright future for them. When not at work, you can find Tom, Stephanie, and Emma exploring local hiking trails, enjoying time at the dog park, or discovering new towns together.

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The Value Acceleration Methodology

Download to utilize in your exit planning education or training with owners..

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The Value Acceleration Methodology Infographic

Download to utilize in your exit planning education or training with owners..

Whitepaper

Understanding Your Business Value Whitepaper

Utilizing the Five Stages of Value Maturity to Ready Businesses (and Busine..

Case Study

Understanding Your Business Value: Utilizing the Five Stages of Value Maturity to Ready Businesses (and Business Owners) for an Exit

To increase value and minimize risks in your business, you should follow th..

Infographic

Who Has a Seat at the Table Infographic

Understand the key members on your exit planning team and the roles they pl..

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120-Day CEPA Playbook: Download the Playbook

For a new CEPA, following the 120-day CEPA Playbook will be a critical piec..

Brochure

2022 Colorado State of Owner Readiness Quick Look Brochure

Review the most notable statistics and findings from the 2022 Colorado Stat..

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UBS Approved Content

2022 Colorado State of Owner Readiness Report

Download the 2022 Colorado State of Owner Readiness Report to see where Col..

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2023 National State of Owner Readiness Report

Download the 2023 National State of Owner Readiness Report to see where Uni..

Videos/Recordings

2024 State of The Institute

This special edition broadcast will feature a 2024 EPI State of the Institu..

Videos/Recordings

2024 Webinar Series

Join us as EPI interviews our 2024 speakers about their experiences.

Videos/Recordings

2025 Webinar Series

Join us as EPI interviews our 2025 speakers about their experiences.

5-4-3-2-1 Whitepaper

This whitepaper takes the Value Acceleration Methodology and breaks it into..

Whitepaper

5-4-3-2-1 Whitepaper

This whitepaper breaks the Value Acceleration Methodology into 5 easy conce..

Whitepaper

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A Look Inside The Unique World of - Value Creation Whitepaper

EPI interviewed 13 Value Advisors within the Exit Planning Community to lea..

Case Study

A Look Into Pressure Solutions Inc.: An Exit Planning Case Study

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Courses

Access My Courses

Navigate to your purchased EPI Academy content.

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Best-In-Class Whitepaper

At Exit Planning Institute® (EPI), being best-in-class is a deliberate choi..

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Beyond CEPA Roadmap

The Beyond CEPA Roadmap is designed to provide Certified Exit PlanningAdvis..

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Business Attractiveness Scorecard

See how ready an owner is and what steps they should take first when prepar..

Case Study

Case Study, CEPA and CPAs

Learn how CEPA, Stacy Kuxhausen is utilizing her exit planning expertise in..

Case Study

UBS Approved Content

Case Study: Value Acceleration

Learn more about value acceleration by downloading the case study which giv..

Case Study

CEPA Case Study: How To Utilize Your CEPA Credentials In A National Wealth Management Firm

Learn how a CEPA with a national wealth management firm is utilizing their ..

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CEPA Development Scorecard

Track your progress and growth by completing the CEPA Development Scorecard..

View details and resources for your upcoming CEPA program.

Logos/Branding

Chapter Logos

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Decentralizing the Business Owner

Do you know the risks in with a business that is completely dependent on th..

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UBS Approved Content

Decentralizing the Business Owner

Do you know the risks in with a business that is completely dependent on th..

Template

Email Marketing Templates

Sample templated emails to begin to educate owners and advisors and build y..

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EPI Chapter President Circle Meeting Notes

Meeting minutes from previous Chapter President Circle Meetings can be foun..

Case Study

Exit as a Business Strategy: A Collection of Case Studies from Advisors and Owners

When deciding to exit their business, an owner has several internal and ext..

First Steps

The first steps after earning your CEPA designation.

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Five Stages of Value Maturity Infographic

An in-depth look at the Five Stages of Value Maturity

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Five Stages of Value Maturity Infographic

An in-depth look at the Five Stages of Value Maturity

Whitepaper

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From Successful to Significant

The framework for a high value business transition.

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From Successful to Significant Whitepaper

Business, Personal, Financial: A Holistic Approach to High-Value Transition..

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From Successful to Significant Whitepaper

Business, Personal, Financial: A Holistic Approach to High-Value Transition..

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Infographic: Beyond CEPA Path

The Beyond CEPA Roadmap is designed to provide Certified Exit Planning Advi..

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Infographic: Decentralizing the Business Owner

See the importance of decentralizing the owner and ensuring the business ru..

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Infographic: Five Stages of Value Maturity

The Five Stages of Value Maturity impact the growth and ultimate sale of a ..

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Infographic: The 5 D's

Educate an owner on the ways they may be forced out of their business due t..

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Infographic: Who Has a Seat at the Table

Understand the key members on your exit planning team and the roles they pl..

Articles

Books/eBooks

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Whitepaper

Issue One: The Annual Exit Magazine

The Annual Exit is a valuable resource for professionals in the exit planni..

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Know Your Gaps

Three numbers every business owner should know and manage to meet their goa..

Stage 1: The Value Maturity Index - Identifying Value

Materials to use within the Value Maturity Index: Identifying Value portion..

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The Impact of Unplanned Consequences on Business Value Whitepaper

Learn how professional advisors help mitigate the risks associates with the..

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