As a significant number of baby boomer business owners approach retirement, the challenge of succession planning has become a pressing issue for many family-owned enterprises. Recognizing this, the Exit Planning Institute's Wisconsin Chapter is set to host a Business Owner Forum on September 17, 2026, at the Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The event aims to provide actionable insights into effective transition strategies, particularly for family businesses.
The forum will feature interviews with three Wisconsin business owners who have recently navigated the complex process of exiting their businesses. Two of these owners successfully transitioned their companies to the next generation, while a third chose to sell to a public buyer. These firsthand accounts are expected to offer valuable lessons on the emotional, financial, and operational aspects of succession.
Erik Owen, President of EPI Wisconsin, emphasized the importance of the forum's format. "EPI Wisconsin's Business Owner Forums provide a confidential space for discussions with local business owners and industry professionals focused on exit planning," he said. "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 benefit two distinct audiences. Business owners attending will learn key strategies for successfully transitioning their business and understand the various options available to them, from internal succession to external sales. Conversely, exit planning professionals—including financial advisors, business consultants, and other experts—will gain firsthand accounts from Wisconsin family business owners undertaking leadership and ownership transitions today. This unique perspective can help advisors better serve their own clients.
The significance of this forum lies in the broader economic context. Many family businesses are facing the reality that their owners are reaching retirement age without a clear succession plan. According to industry research, only about 30% of family businesses successfully transition to the second generation, and even fewer survive to the third. Events like this forum are crucial in equipping owners with the knowledge and tools needed to overcome these odds.
For those interested in attending, more information and registration are available on the EPI website. The forum will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., providing ample time for networking and discussion.
The Exit Planning Institute, founded in 2005, has been at the forefront of educating professional advisors in the field of exit planning. Its Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential program is recognized globally, offering advisors the content, tools, and training needed to become trusted advisors to business owners. The Wisconsin chapter's Business Owner Forum is a testament to the organization's commitment to fostering successful business transitions.
