The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) Wisconsin Chapter is set to host its annual Business Owner Forum on September 17, 2026, at the Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The event, scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., will focus on family business owner transitions, providing attendees with actionable strategies for effective succession and exit planning.
The forum will feature in-depth interviews with three Wisconsin business owners who have recently undergone significant transitions. Two of these owners successfully passed their companies to the next generation, while a third chose to sell their business to a public buyer. These firsthand accounts will offer attendees a realistic view of the challenges and successes associated with different exit strategies.
Erik Owen, President of EPI Wisconsin, emphasized the value of the forum, stating, "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."
The event is designed to cater to two primary audiences. Business owners will gain crucial knowledge about the various options available to them when transitioning their businesses, including succession planning, sale to external parties, or other strategic alternatives. For exit planning professionals—such as financial advisors, business consultants, and other experts—the forum offers a unique opportunity to hear real-world experiences from business owners, which can inform their advisory practices and enhance their ability to guide clients.
Given the demographic trends of aging business owners and the significant number of businesses expected to change hands in the coming years, the importance of effective exit planning cannot be overstated. Many family businesses face the challenge of ensuring continuity and preserving legacy, while also maximizing financial outcomes. The insights shared at this forum could be pivotal for owners contemplating their own exits, as well as for advisors seeking to better serve their clients.
For those interested in attending, more information and registration details are available on the EPI Wisconsin website. The forum promises to be an invaluable event for anyone involved in the complex process of business ownership transition.
