Resource Library
Free exit planning resources
Guides, assessments, and tools to help business owners plan a successful exit. All free.
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Organized to follow the journey in Rod's book — from first considering an exit all the way through to life after the sale.
Introduction · Chapters 1–2
Facing the Crossroads
You're starting to think about what's next. Begin by understanding where you really stand — emotionally and practically — and what could force the decision before you're ready.
5 Things to Know
Exit Planning Institute's 5-4-3-2-1 primer: five core ideas every owner should know about exit planning.
Download free Whitepaper 80 pages
2025 State of Owner Readiness: Tennessee
EPI's 2025 survey of 386 Tennessee owners on exit readiness, compared with 2017 and national 2023 data.
Download free Guide 2 pages
The 5 D's
The five events that can force a business transition whether you're ready or not.
Download freeChapter 3
Know What It's Worth
Before you can plan, you need an honest picture of your business's value — and the intangible assets that drive most of it.
Understanding Your Business Value
EPI's walkthrough of the five stages of value maturity, from a first valuation to managing sale proceeds.
Download free Infographic 1 page
The 4 Intangible Capitals
A one-page infographic defining the four intangible capitals, with three self-check questions for each.
Download free Assessment 2 pages
The 4 C's Evaluation Tool
A 40-item checklist for rating your four intangible capitals (the 4 C's), plus a 10-line action plan.
Download free Whitepaper 22 pages
How Intangible Capitals Make or Break a Business
EPI's 22-page whitepaper on how human, customer, social, and structural capital shape a business's value.
Download freeChapters 4–5
Build Your Team & Strategy
You can't exit alone. Assemble the right advisors and choose the exit strategy that fits your goals.
The Exit Ready Roadmap
A one-page map of nine exit planning steps in three phases, with the financial advisor as team quarterback.
Download free Whitepaper 26 pages
From Successful to Significant
EPI's whitepaper on the Value Acceleration Methodology: three gates for building value and deciding to sell.
Download free Infographic 1 page
Key Members
Who needs to be on your exit planning team, and what each person brings to the table.
Download free Infographic 1 page
Business Planning Pyramid
EPI's five-level pyramid for building integrated business plans, from enterprise strategy up to marketing.
Download freeChapters 6–9
Close the Gaps & Maximize Value
Legal, financial, operational, and the exit process itself. This is where you do the work to be ready — and to be worth more.
Know Your Gaps
EPI's one-page guide to three numbers every owner should know: your profit gap, value gap, and wealth gap.
Download free Whitepaper 14 pages
Value Creation
EPI interviews 13 Value Advisors on how value creation engagements work, from first assessment to exit.
Download freeChapter 10 · Bonus Chapter
Life After Exit
The sale is the beginning, not the end. Build a life that's significant, not just successful.
Go Deeper
Ready to talk about your exit?
These resources are a starting point. When you're ready for a real conversation about your situation, Rod is available.