The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) Wisconsin Chapter is set to host its annual Business Owner Forum on September 17, 2026, at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The event, running from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., will focus on family business owner transitions and actionable ideas for successful exits. This forum comes at a time when many business owners are considering their long-term succession plans, making the insights shared particularly relevant.
The forum will feature interviews with three Wisconsin business owners who have recently navigated ownership transitions: two who passed their companies to the next generation, and one who sold to a public buyer. These firsthand accounts will provide attendees with real-world examples of both family succession and external sale strategies. Additionally, five advisors who have built successful exit planning practices will share expert insights, offering a comprehensive view of the planning process.
Erik Owen, President of EPI Wisconsin, emphasized the value of the forum: "EPI Wisconsin's Business Owner Forums provide a confidential space for discussions with local business owners and industry professionals focused on exit planning. This year, we are excited to feature in-depth interviews with three family business owners who recently exited their businesses along with expert insights from five advisors who have built successful exit planning practices."
Business owner attendees will gain knowledge on key strategies for successful transitions and the various options available to them, whether that be passing the business to family, selling to employees, or pursuing an external sale. For exit planning professionals, including financial advisors and business consultants, the forum offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from owners who have undergone the process, providing valuable lessons that can be applied to their own client work.
The event is designed to foster an environment of trust and learning, where participants can engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities inherent in business exits. As the demographic of business owners continues to age, the importance of effective exit planning cannot be overstated. This forum aims to equip both owners and advisors with the tools and knowledge needed to ensure smooth transitions, thereby preserving the value of businesses and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.
For more information and to register for the Business Owner Forum, interested parties can visit the EPI website. The Exit Planning Institute, formed in 2005, serves as an educational resource for professional business advisors. Its Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) credential program is widely recognized, providing advisors with the content, tools, and training needed to become trusted advisors to business owners. For more about EPI, visit exit-planning-institute.org.
