While business owners have been planning exits since small businesses have existed, the launch of the Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®) Program in 2007 gave the profession a framework and a common curriculum by which to prepare advisors to change the lives of their clients.
Perhaps no other program has changed the exit planning profession like our field’s professional credential. In the first five years of the program, 200 advisors earned their CEPA. Today, we serve nearly 5,000 CEPAs worldwide, with over 20,000 advisors in the exit planning community.
After earning a CEPA, advisors don’t just serve their clients more thoughtfully, they contribute to the exit planning community, contributing to—and evolving—the body of thought regarding exit planning. Through this, CEPAs are inspiring both colleagues and business owners to seek more value via exit planning.
This year, we’re proud to recognize seven outstanding CEPAs who earned their credential in 2008—marking their 15th year as Certified Exit Planning Advisors. Throughout the year, we’ll profile each advisor, giving an in-depth look into their contribution to the field.
These advisors will also be recognized at the Exit Planning Summit—as a part of the Excellence in Exit Planning Awards session—on Monday, April 29.
Celebrating the CEPAs from the Class of 2008
Christopher Snider: Creator of the Value Acceleration Methodology and author of Walking to Destiny: 11 Actions an Owner Must Take to Rapidly Grow Value & Unlock Wealth, Christopher Snider has been CEO of the Exit Planning Institute since 2013. The Value Acceleration Methodology became the core curriculum for the CEPA Program, changing exit planning forever.
Sean Hutchinson: A partner in the international value growth consulting firm Ready for Next Global, Sean Hutchinson helps owners in the USA and Canada increase the enterprise value of their businesses, achieve transition readiness, and, ultimately, harvest that value to fund their “third act.” Sean was one of the first 100 CEPAs to be certified, is the longest-serving EPI faculty member, and has been recognized as EPI Exit Planner of the Year and EPI Leader of the Year. He founded the San Francisco EPI Chapter, one of the first in the network.
James Cornell: Managing Partner and Founder of Fiduciary Wealth Partners in Boston and General Partner of Meach Cove Capital, James Cornell is a private equity and venture capital investor. As a seventh-generation owner of Cornell Enterprises, Inc., a privately held family business founded in New York City in 1828, he provides special insight to families on how to create a family wealth system through family-owned businesses. He has spent his career coaching, counseling, and advising families on articulating their values through estate and financial planning.
Michael Lissner: A partner with Acropolis Investment Management in St. Louis, Michael Lissner has extensive experience in personal financial planning and managing investment strategies. Acting as a “Family CFO,” Michael infuses exit planning into his clients’ comprehensive planning around retirement and investing. His thoughtful strategic counsel helps owners transition on their own terms and timelines.
Mike Sedlak: Based outside of Chicago, Mike Sedlak is the founder and a partner at Sikich. Mike continues to advise closely held businesses and help business owners maximize wealth and minimize tax impact over multiple generations. He prides himself on using a team-oriented approach that often brings together his clients’ other advisors to provide succession and sale strategies.
Phillip McDuffee: An advisor focused on helping physicians and their families navigate estate planning and wealth transfer, Phillip McDuffee is the Founder, President, and CEO of Twin Oak Advisors in Austin. He is the co-author of The Physician’s Guide to Financial Independence, The Dentist’s Guide to Financial Independence, and Promises Kept. Phillip has been named on a list of the country’s Top Financial Security Professionals from Forbes and SHOOK Research every year since its inception. He founded the McDuffee Family Foundation in 2006 to address children’s causes and Stop Alzheimer’s Now in 2013 to raise awareness of and funding for Alzheimer’s research.
Stephen Capizzi: An expert exit planner with merger and acquisition sell-side experience, Stephen Capizzi is the Founder and Managing Principal of Apex Exit Advisors near Atlanta. He created an exit planning process called “The 2% Exit Club,” which helps owners with ownership transition on their terms. Stephen is President of the Georgia Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute, a frequent speaker, and was EPI’s Member of the Year in 2017.
Recognizing Excellence in Exit Planning
Reflecting on the achievements of these seven CEPAs, it's clear they've made a big impact beyond just helping their clients. Their hard work has changed exit planning and inspired others in the field. By honoring them, we're not just celebrating their success, but also the growth of exit planning overall. Through their leadership, they've set a standard that will guide future advisors. Their achievements will be honored at the Exit Planning Summit, highlighting their dedication to excellence and innovation in exit planning.
Learn more about, and join us in celebrating the achievements of these exceptional individuals, at this year’s Exit Planning Summit.
