March 3 – VIRTUAL – Pre-Launch Introductions
Join us for a short Zoom meeting to meet the Leadership Team and learn more about our goals for the EPI San Francisco chapter!

April 7 – LIVE – Exit Planning is Not What You Think: Chapter Launch Event; Presented by Chris Snider, CEPA, CEO of the Exit Planning Institute
We are pleased to announce the launch of the San Francisco Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute! Our first event will be on April 7, 2025 at the Italian Athletic Club on Stockton Street from 2:30pm to 4:30pm.
Our commitment is to form a chapter of business professionals who are thought leaders on business succession planning, capable of serving business owners in San Francisco and surrounding areas.
Exit planning is the fastest growing marketplace within the financial and professional services industry, with the exit of millions of Baby Boomer business owners on the horizon totaling more than $10 trillion dollars in transferable wealth. This is your “$14 Trillion Dollar Opportunity!”
That said, the business community is changing and like it or not, the need for a new kind of advisor has become undeniable. You can no longer view your relationships with your clients and prospects as transactional. You must become more than your deliverable. In 2025 and beyond, you must do more than assess value. You must provide value. In this session, you will learn how to help change the outcome for business owners by identifying, protecting, building, harvesting & managing business wealth.

May 5 – VIRTUAL – Deep Dive into VAM Panel; Presented by Kurt Rauzi, CEPA, ChFC and Shelley Lightfoot, CEPA
Join us for an enriching exploration into the intricacies of the Value Acceleration Methodology (VAM) in our upcoming chapter meeting. Delve deep into the core principles and practical applications of VAM as we uncover strategies to maximize business value and drive sustainable growth.
Our expert panel, comprising industry leaders and seasoned practitioners, will guide us through an insightful discussion on the nuances of VAM and share invaluable insights gleaned from their wealth of experience. Gain firsthand knowledge from those at the forefront of the field, as they illuminate key concepts, best practices, and real-world case studies.
Through interactive dialogue and engaging discourse, attendees will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of VAM and explore its transformative potential for businesses across diverse industries. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the realm of exit planning, this meeting promises to inspire, enlighten, and empower you to unlock new avenues for value creation.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to join fellow enthusiasts and industry experts for a riveting exploration of the Value Acceleration Methodology. Together, let’s chart a course towards enhanced value, sustained success, and unparalleled excellence in the realm of exit planning and beyond.

June 2 – LIVE – Opening Conversations with Business Owners; Presented by Joe Strazzeri, Esq.
How do you approach an owner to provide them their exit options? Most owners are unfamiliar with the language and process behind exit planning. When working with an owner during what is likely the largest financial transaction of their life, understanding how to effectively communicate is crucial.
In this session, you will work through a hands-on case study to develop your conversation skills. Through this case study, you will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of advisors to gain experience you can directly apply to your practice.

July 7 – VIRTUAL – The Five Conversations That Drive Business Succession Planning; Presented Joe Strazzeri and Shelley Lightfoot
Just as there are many types of advisors (from multiple disciplines) that help business owners with different parts of the business succession process, there are also many ways to engage owners in the conversation. Depending on the owners’ current “pain” and state of mind, they may be more driven by the prospect of reducing taxes, increasing the value of the business, or resolving an internal conflict. Join Joe and Shelley for this dynamic conversation about how to take owners as they come, identify their true issues, and then engage for the conversation that will drive the entire planning opportunity for you and your collaborative team.

August 4 – LIVE – SPEED DATING:  ALWAYS KNOW WHO TO CALL!
Great collaborative advisors realize they can’t do it all, but they always know who to call!  Join your fellow members for this fast-paced method to learn more about each other, while practicing your conversations with business owners.   Get to know each other on a new level.

September 1 – Pre-Empted for Labor Day Weekend

October 6 – VIRTUAL – Put a Pin In It – Meeting Your Clients Where They Are; Presented by Sean Hutchinson
There are many critical junctions for an owner on their business’s evolution. As a professional advisor, it is critical for you to understand where they are to be able to offer them the most impactful advice. Sean Hutchinson will share the Ready for Next approach to understanding where a client is and how to quickly identify their needs, understand what you can offer and how to move them forward. There is currently a bull market for exit planning. This webinar will help position you to provide immediate value to your business owner clients no matter where they are in their journey.

November 3 – LIVE – Investigating Exit Options – Panel Discussion; Presented by Joe Strazzeri, Esq. and Peter Myers, Esq.
Researching all exit options focuses on more than just the sale. They can identify the exit option that aligns with the personal, financial, and business needs. Joe and Peter as they lead an interactive conversation into what exit options exist for our business owner and the importance of building a business that is independent of himself. In this session, you will work through a hands-on case study to build your exit planning acumen. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of advisors to gain experience you can directly apply to your practice.