The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) Wisconsin Chapter is set to host its 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., aims to address the complexities of family business owner transitions, offering actionable ideas for both business owners and the professionals who advise them.
This year's forum will feature interviews with three Wisconsin business owners: two who successfully transitioned their companies to the next generation and one who decided to sell their business to a public buyer. These firsthand accounts are designed to provide attendees with real-world perspectives on the challenges and opportunities inherent in business succession.
According to Erik Owen, President of EPI Wisconsin, the Business Owner Forums are intended to create a confidential space for discussions among local business owners and industry professionals focused on exit planning. Owen expressed excitement about the upcoming event, highlighting the in-depth interviews with family business owners who recently exited their businesses, as well as insights from five advisors who have built successful exit planning practices.
The forum is expected to benefit a diverse audience. Business owner attendees will learn key strategies for successfully transitioning their businesses and explore the various options available to them. Meanwhile, exit planning professionals—including financial advisors, business consultants, and others—will gain valuable insights from hearing directly from Wisconsin family business owners who are currently undertaking leadership and ownership transition.
This event arrives at a time when many family-owned businesses are facing critical decisions about their futures. With a significant portion of business owners approaching retirement age, the need for effective exit planning has never been more pressing. The forum addresses this need by providing practical guidance and real-life examples, helping owners and advisors navigate the complex process of succession.
The implications of this event extend beyond individual businesses. When family businesses succeed in transitioning to the next generation, they preserve jobs, maintain community stability, and contribute to the local economy. Conversely, poorly planned exits can lead to business closures, job losses, and economic disruption. By equipping owners and advisors with the tools and knowledge to plan effectively, the EPI Wisconsin Chapter is helping to ensure the continuity of these vital enterprises.
For those interested in attending, more information and registration details are available on the EPI Wisconsin website. The event will be held at Westmoor Country Club, located at 400 S Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005.
The Exit Planning Institute, founded in 2005, serves the educational and resource needs of professional business advisors. Its Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential program is recognized worldwide, providing advisors with the content, tools, and training needed to become trusted partners to business owners. For more about EPI, visit exit-planning-institute.org.
