The community of Certified Exit Planning Advisors (CEPA®) continues to grow. Over 4,000 CEPAs are now active in the exit planning industry, providing the necessary expertise and resources for business owners looking to build business value, exit their business, and have a fulfilling next act. The CEPA community comprises advisors from diverse backgrounds, including accountants, financial advisors, attorneys, wealth managers, and more.
Today we spotlight Excellence In Exit Planning Award nominee, Jesse Abercrombie. A CEPA since 2017, Jesse has since grown his own advisory practice, expanded the network of CEPAs at Edward Jones, and is a known thought leader in the exit planning space.
We spoke to Jesse to learn more about how his CEPA credential has helped improve his business!
As an Edward Jones financial advisor, Jesse Abercrombie believes it is important to invest his time to understand what his clients are working toward before they invest their money. Working closely with the client, their CPA, attorney, and other professionals, Jesse can help determine the most appropriate financial strategy for his clients. He can also help with a retirement savings strategy so there are options when clients retire.
Helping business owners with business succession planning is a very important aspect to Jesse’s business. In 2017 he completed an educational program and earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®) credential. The training courses that make up this program cover many aspects of business and succession planning including assessing business readiness and personal financial preparedness, effectively engaging with the client team of CPAs, attorneys, and other professionals, integrating strategies into professional, personal, and financial goals, and building and preserving family wealth for future generations.
Jesse earned a bachelor's degree in finance and financial planning from the University of North Texas. He received the AAMS® designation from the College of Financial Planning. The AAMS® designation is awarded to individuals who successfully complete a 12-module professional education program, pass a final examination, commit to its code of ethics, and agree to pursue continuing education. Jesse began his Edward Jones career as a financial advisor in 2003 and has since become a partner with the firm.
Jesse has been active in business and civic affairs in the Dallas area for many years. He serves on the advisory committee for The Dallas Foundation and the Communities Foundation of Texas. He has also served as a committee member for the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
Jesse: I've been intrigued about exit planning for over 20 years. What I love most is helping a business owner realize their “why” of starting the business. As their financial advisor, I can help them with an array of services but their baby is their business. It was their original plan to achieve financial independence. Helping them realize this dream is why I'm so passionate about exit planning.
Jesse: I'm most proud of seeing Edward Jones go from 1 CEPA 5 years ago to 300 now and seeing our projections go to 1000 CEPA at the firm. We're in a very good place as a firm to reshape the face of exit planning. This means a lot to be a part of something this special. Some day there will be one of our advisors helping a client sell their company for over 100 million dollars and to know I had something to do with this occurring is incredible.
One day Edward Jones will have 2000 CEPAs. If the average CEPA helps their clients with 20 million in transactions our firm could be a part of 40 billion dollars' worth of transactions per year. This is what drives me to not only help my clients but also influence and inspire our firms' advisors and CEPAs that serve business owners.
Jesse: A good exit planning advisor is a great listener, patient, and excels at being a team player.
Jesse: Since I’ve earned the CEPA I have been more intentional with my efforts to promote exit planning. I now share its importance with our clients’ CPAs and attorneys and look to add value to their practices with regard to being a resource and also providing resources for their clients who need help in this space.
Jesse: A leader is someone who doesn't just have a title as a leader. It's someone who develops relationships with the people they lead. They inspire, motivate, and lead by example. They also help develop the people they lead to help them become better leaders as well. They have empathy but are also results-oriented people who leave a mark on those they lead.
Jesse: Get involved. Join a chapter. Focus on how you can help the client and do it with passion and you will help raise the bar for the exit planning community. Make it a goal to leave the CEPA community better than you found it!
Jesse: I have thought leadership content through a coaching group that puts together very relevant information to share with business owners, CPAs, and attorneys. I also post timely information regarding exit planning on social media. I have made it a mission to educate the public so that when my services are needed, I’m one of the first people they think of.
The Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential is for professional advisors who want to effectively engage more business owners, build value within their business, and exit on their own terms. Through the process of Exit Planning, utilizing the Value Acceleration Methodology, owners can build more valuable companies, have stronger personal financial plans, and align their personal goals. Earning the CEPA credential expands your expertise and enhances your ability to engage business owners and conduct value-added conversations around growth and exit.
The Certified Exit Planning Advisor credential is for those advisors who want to expand their expertise and differentiate themselves from the competition.
Learn more about the CEPA program and become your client’s Most Valued Advisor today!