The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) has announced a strategic partnership with Million Dollar Author, a firm that helps professional services founders turn their expertise into best-selling books. The move signals a growing recognition that thought leadership, particularly in book form, can be a powerful tool for advisors seeking to engage business owners earlier in the exit planning process.
Million Dollar Author has published more than 370 books that have brought in new clients, speaking invitations, or referral networks for their authors. Under the partnership, the firm becomes an Alliance Partner of EPI, which describes itself as the leading authority on exit planning for advisors, business consultants, and business owners.
"We are excited to welcome Million Dollar Author to EPI's network of Alliance Partners," said Josh Koza, director of strategic relationships at EPI. "Many EPI members have written books about exit planning, business growth, entrepreneurship, and leadership; each member of our community has a unique methodology and perspective to share."
EPI's Alliance Partners are trusted collaborators that work closely with EPI to support advisor development, member engagement, and the broader EPI community. Through educational content, programming, events, and collaboration, alliance members provide valuable resources and expertise that help advisors and business owners navigate the exit planning process.
For Million Dollar Author, the partnership is an opportunity to help advisors make a greater impact. "Through this partnership with EPI, we want to help create more of the good kind of exit," said Steve Gordon, founder of Million Dollar Author. "Books can position Certified Exit Planning Advisors (CEPA®) so that they reach business owners before those owners are ready to exit, when the CEPA provides the most benefit. Every book we write is a force for good in the world. Our clients solve real problems for people."
That timing is critical. Exit planning advisors often find that business owners are not ready to discuss succession until they are close to a transition, which can limit the advisor's ability to influence the outcome. By publishing a book, a CEPA can establish credibility and demonstrate expertise well before that window opens, potentially attracting clients who are still years away from selling their companies.
The partnership also reflects a broader trend in professional services: books are increasingly used as a marketing and positioning tool, not just a vanity project. For EPI members, the alliance offers a structured pathway to develop that asset with support from a firm experienced in the process.
EPI was formed in 2005 to serve the educational and resource needs of professional business advisors. Its Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential program is the most widely endorsed professional exit planning program in the world, providing advisors with the content, tools, and training needed to engage business owners and become their most valued advisors.
Advisors interested in learning more about the alliance network can visit the EPI website. Additional information about EPI is available at exit-planning-institute.org.
