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Nominate a CEPA for a 2023 Excellence in Exit Planning Award!

Written by Colleen Kowalski | Dec 9, 2022 5:00:00 AM

Certified Exit Planning Advisors are some of the most trusted, valued, and knowledgeable advisors in the exit planning community. The exit planning profession poses unique challenges and opportunities. The advisors leading this industry tend to be more entrepreneurial, display high leadership, and are instrumental in driving best practices for their peers and for business owners themselves.

This year Exit Planning Institute is celebrating the eleventh anniversary of the Excellence in Exit Planning Awards.

What Are the Excellence in Exit Planning Awards?

The Excellence in Exit Planning Awards offer advisors the chance to nominate CEPAs they believe are making a positive impact in the industry. Each year, the Exit Planning Institute awards three advisors for doing things right, making a lasting impact, and taking this marketplace to the next level.“Here at EPI, we think it’s time we focus on the advisors who are doing things right” Chris Snider, the Exit Planning Institute CEO, commented. “We love to recognize their successes and share their stories with other owners or advisors.”

The Excellence in Exit Planning Awards are made up of three prestigious honors: The Member of the Year, Leader of the Year, and the Peter Christman Exit Planner of the Year. 

Member of the Year Award

The Member of the Year Award is presented to a CEPA who contributes significantly to the EPI community of advisors and the overall exit planning profession. They act as a critical leader and expert in their local or regional marketplace and lead exit planning education while driving market awareness.

Thought Leader of the Year Award

The Thought Leader of the Year Award is presented to a CEPA who has successfully trailblazed a first-of-its-kind project, initiative, or practice which has made a significant contribution to the exit planning profession and the overall community. This advisor is also a thought leader; someone who has taken a position and become a regarded expert/specialist in a specific niche area, who tasks, innovates, and influences, and above all, showcases characteristics of collaboration. 

Peter Christman Exit Planner of the Year Award

Named after the co-founder of EPI, the Peter Christman Exit Planner of the Year Award is the highest honor offered in the exit planning industry. It is awarded to a CEPA who either practices exit planning, manages exit planning engagements, educates business owners and advisors, or provides industry-changing exit planning solutions or tools that can be directly tied to changing outcomes for business owners and leading advisors. This advisor makes significant contributions to the industry, and exemplifies the core values and characteristics of EPI and the CEPA credential while making a uniquely significant impact on the larger exit planning profession on a local, regional, national, and/or international scale. 

Who are the Previous Award Winners?

Past Excellence in Exit Planning Award winners include CEPA faculty members, EPI Chapter Presidents, successful entrepreneurs, and engaging educators in the exit planning industry. 

Take a look at some of our most recent Award Winners:

2016 Award Winners

  • Exit Planner of the Year: Gordon Bell
  • Leader of the Year: Mark Kravietz
  • Member of the Year: Lorelei Tolson

2017 Award Winners

  • Exit Planner of the Year: Michael Trabert
  • Leader of the Year: Julie Keyes
  • Member of the Year: Stephen Capizzi

2018 Award Winners

  • Exit Planner of the Year: Melisa Silverman
  • Leader of the Year: Justin Goodbread
  • Member of the Year: Gary Rzucidlo

2019 Award Winners

  • Exit Planner of the Year: Dan Doran
  • Leader of the Year: Joseph Strazzeri
  • Member of the Year: Vincent Mastrovito

2022 Award Winners

  • Exit Planner of the Year: Justin Goodbread
  • Thought Leader of the Year: Julie Keyes
  • Member of the Year: Shina Culberson

How Do I Nominate a CEPA?

Do you have an advisor in mind for each of these awards? We are accepting nominations for the three Excellence in Exit Planning awards now! 

Nominate an advisor you believe exhibits the characteristics of a strong leader, asset of the CEPA community, or expertise in exit planning today! 

EPI will be accepting nominations through January 27. 

Submit Your Nominations Here!

When Will The Winners be Announced?

We will announce the Excellence in Exit Planning Award winners at our 2023 Exit Planning Summit on Monday, May 22, in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Exit Planning Summit is a conference where top advisors, their teams, and business owners come to build deep relationships, share unique experiences, and uncover innovative solutions for their businesses.

The Summit is the coming together of the CEPA Community. The best CEPAs from around the world collaborate with their supporting partners and colleagues that are all helping business owners to create more significant companies. CEPAs will develop new or further current relationships, learn best practices, and advance themselves as advisors. Advisors will leave the Exit Planning Summit not only galvanized to accelerate their practice but with the tools and connections to do so.  

Learn more about the Exit Planning Summit and register to reserve your spot today at www.exitplanningsummit.com

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