Rose completes exit planning program

Travis Rose, co-owner of the Thrivent Financial-Pinnacle Team in Antigo, recently earned the certified exit planning adviser designation from the Exit Planning Institute in Cleveland.

The CEPA program was specifically designed for business advisers who work closely with owners of privately held companies. The organizing principle of the program is the alignment of business, personal and financial goals. Formed in 2005, the Exit Planning Institute serves the educational and resource needs of wealth managers, financial planners, accountants, management consultants, attorneys, commercial lenders and other business advisers.

“I’m one of two Thrivent agents nationwide with this certification,” said Rose.

The online course was a huge time commitment for one week. Rose attended online Zoom sessions Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a three-hour final exam Saturday. The upside of all that hard work is having the tools necessary to help people bring value to their businesses so that when they are ready to sell, they get top dollar.

Rose noted that there are business brokers who will sell a business for a 6-10% commission, but they tend to only work in the large cities and only for large companies. Most companies in this area tend to be smaller, and the sale of the company is what the owners depend on for their retirement.

Single owners, partnerships and even farms are all businesses that can benefit from this kind of service, according to Rose. He partners with companies to make plans to add value to the businesses and then figures out the best ways to retain the most money once it’s sold so the owners don’t pay too much in taxes.

For his services, Rose charges a flat fee that is agreed upon in advance and is dependant on the scope of the business.

With this certification, Rose is able to partner with other advisers across Wisconsin serving as an adviser to the other advisers. Rose noted that they don’t have to change investment brokers and they don’t need to have any Thrivent products.

“Our focus at Thrivent is holistic rather than product specific,” said Rose.

The Thrivent offices in Hatley and in Pulaski will be utilizing these services as well.

Rose lives in Wittenberg with his wife and four daughters. He serves as a board member of the Wittenberg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Wittenberg Development Corporation. Both organizations seek to find and bring businesses to the area.

“Finding the right business, I can make a compelling case for them to move here,” said Rose.

AT A GLANCE
WHO: Travis Rose
WHAT: Thrivent Financial-Pinnacle Team
WHERE: 815 Superior St., Antigo
FYI: 715-623-5279