Thrivent: 2026 Exit Planning Core Knowledge Program

This multifaceted educational experience is delivered in two phases and includes virtual self-paced learning, and a series of live virtual workshops focused on real-world application and accountability. Each component is led by experienced professionals and thought leaders in exit planning and business owner engagement. 

Program Structure

Phase 1: Foundational Education (Virtual, Self-Paced)

Participants will complete foundational coursework to establish core knowledge prior to the live workshop. 

• Walking to Destiny: 11 Actions an Owner Must Take to Rapidly Grow Value and Unlock Wealth 
  Required Reading 
• Basics of Value Acceleration 
  Instructor: Scott Snider, President, Exit Planning Institute 
  Overview: An on-demand course introducing the Value Acceleration Methodology™, laying the groundwork for understanding the advisor’s role in exit planning and transition strategy. 
• Empowering Conversations with Business Owners 
  Instructor: Scott Snider, President, Exit Planning Institute 
  What makes a conversation “empowering”? This session explores how to trigger meaningful owner engagement, shift business owner mindset, and structure impactful advisory dialogue. Topics include generational dynamics, conversation catalysts, and five key ways to start value-based planning discussions. 

Phase 2: Application & Accountability Workshops (Virtual, Live) 

A four-part live workshop series focused on real-time implementation and peer accountability. Each session will provide practical strategies for integrating exit planning into the daily advisory process. 

• How to WIN the Business Owner Niche: Proven Strategies for Financial Advisors 
  Instructor: Jeff Armstrong, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Cultivate Advisors 
  Are you ready to attract more business-owner clients and grow your assets under management? As a Thrivent financial advisor, you have the tools to guide business owners through critical financial decisions—but are you consistently connecting with and attracting more business owner clients?  In this session, you'll learn how to become a 'Business Owner Specialist'. 
• How to Build a Strong, Consistent Pipeline of Referrals  
  Instructor: Mike Garrison, CEPA, Founder, Strategic Referral Team 
  A results-focused workshop on building a personalized, sustainable referral system. Participants will walk away with a clear process for generating consistent high-quality referrals from business owner networks. 
• Personal Planning Deep Dive 
  Instructors: Susan Latremoille & Marianne Oehser, Co-Founders & Partners, Next Chapter Lifestyle Advisors 
  For business owners, transitioning out of their company is more than just a financial transaction—it’s a life-changing event that requires careful personal planning. Without a well-structured Personal Plan, owners risk financial uncertainty, lifestyle misalignment, and a lack of purpose after exiting their business. In this session, Susan and Marianne will guide participants through the essential components of a Personal Plan, illustrating how it fits into the broader "Three Legs of the Stool" (Business, Personal, Financial). Participants will also learn about key resources and tools to facilitate this process effectively and the pivotal role a financial advisor plays in guiding owners through personal planning. 

• Changing Disagreement into Dialogue: How to Manage Conflicts and Enhance Communication 
  Instructor: Amy Wirtz, CEPA, JD, Senior Consultant, Family Business Consulting Group 
  Business transitions often involve complex family dynamics. This session provides a five-step framework to manage emotionally charged conversations, improve listening, and help families move from disagreement to constructive decision-making.