The History of Exit Planning Institute
In 2005, an idea emerged. What if business owners were better equipped to exit their businesses on their own terms, maximizing benefits and obtaining the greatest value from their companies? After all, a significant wave of older business owners was poised to leave the market, presenting a substantial opportunity for advisors and owners alike.
This $10 Trillion Opportunity, as it was coined by exit planning forefathers Peter Christman and Rich Jackim, became the thesis statement for what would ultimately evolve into the Value Acceleration Methodology™, which was conceptualized by EPI CEO Christopher Snider in 2013. Recognizing the necessity for a structure around this idea, Peter and Rich co-founded the Exit Planning Institute® (EPI), which has since become the cornerstone of Value Acceleration and enhanced exit planning knowledge. Two years later, in 2007, EPI launched its inaugural Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) program. This comprehensive curriculum serves as the foundation for all aspects of exit planning, and one 2008 graduate, in particular, would go on to make a significant impact in the exit planning space.
Christopher, a new CEPA at the time and a professional M&A advisor, recognized the value of EPI and its credential. A few years later, in 2012, Christopher and his son Scott acquired EPI as Peter and Rich stepped away from ownership. Since then, EPI has experienced significant growth, evolving into the center of the profession.
As EPI grew, the Value Acceleration Methodology was officially introduced in 2013, along with the very first State of Owner Readiness Research report. These key elements, followed by the 2016 release of Christopher’s Walking to Destiny: 11 Actions an Owner Must Take to Rapidly Grow Value & Unlock Wealth, positioned EPI as the exit planning touchstone for advisors on a global scale. Also crucial to this global authority is the annual Exit Planning Summit, which provides an opportunity for advisors across the world to gather for three days of experiences, people, and innovation.
A Wealth of Knowledge
As a source of exit planning education, EPI offers various learning mediums. Overall, the CEPA program starts with a week-long course featuring modules led by thought leaders in the field. Each day concludes with a virtual faculty Q&A, allowing prospective CEPAs to connect with peers and leaders. After completing the course, they take an exam, and if they pass, they achieve their CEPA credential.
The CEPA credential is essential to everything EPI does, but the education doesn’t end there. As previously mentioned, CEPAs from around the world can attend the Exit Planning Summit to enhance their exit planning knowledge. Other virtual opportunities are available as well, including continuing education hosted by industry leaders and various content pieces such as the Annual Exit and each collection of Mastering the Market.
With webinars, think tanks, blogs, case studies, and more, there are ample opportunities to learn and maintain exit planning knowledge that serves as the foundation of the Value Acceleration mindset.
A New Era for EPI
In 2025, EPI launched a new initiative focused on business owners, called DriveValue.com. DriveValue.com serves as the one-stop for all things related to Value Acceleration for business owners, including tools, insights, education, and more. EPI President Scott Snider describes it as a central hub.
“DriveValue.com is about creating a stronger company today focused on growth, profit, people, and scalable systems while creating a more valuable company long term that is aligned to the owner’s business, personal, and financial goals,” Scott said. “The owner, and the leaders that surround them, can get data and research, tools, business, personal, and financial assessments, content, how-to videos, deep dive courses, and experts to help them rapidly grow value and unlock their wealth while building a legacy.”
DriveValue.com celebrated its official launch at the Nashville Superspeedway on June 1, 2025 for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series with the #42 DriveValue.com Legacy Motor Club car, driven by John Hunter Nemechek.
A Bright Future
As EPI and exit planning have evolved to meet the needs of an ever-changing world, it is always valuable to recognize milestones and celebrate our roots. Without the foundations of the profession, it would be impossible to understand where exit planning would be today. From beginnings in back-of-store offices to new headquarters, and paper napkin ideas to a racecar on the track, EPI has consistently looked toward the horizon for a better future for advisors and business owners.
In 2045, we will reflect on how much has changed since 2025, just as we do now. As we continue to shift toward significance and align business, personal, and financial goals for holistic value creation, we can take comfort in knowing that the future of exit planning is bright.
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