Business Owner Strategy Summit: Chicago

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

You’ve built a successful business. What comes next is worth planning carefully. 

Business Owner Strategy Summit — Chicago

Join us for an exclusive afternoon program bringing together business owners and entrepreneurs with leading financial, legal, and strategic advisors — focused on the decisions that define the future of a business. 

Through interactive panel discussions, you’ll gain practical insights on: 

  • Enhancing business value ahead of a potential transaction 
  • Raising capital to fund growth at the right stage 
  • Structuring a partial or full exit to protect your financial outcomes 

Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532

Program

1:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Business Owner Exit Planning & Wealth Planning

Ken GriderSenior Managing Director, Alex Brown / Raymond James
Michael Schodrof, CEPA, CFAWealth Advisor / Exit Planner
  • Business Owner Exit Planning
  • Wealth Planning

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Keep, Grow or Sell: Choosing the Right Path for Your Company

Rodger HowellCEO, Houlihan Capital
  • Maximizing Business Value
  • Strategic Growth vs. Exit Decisions
  • Boutique Investment Banking Perspective

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Operational Excellence & Transaction Readiness

Molly HillerPresident, Growth Operators
Rick NordvoldFounder, Growth Operators
  • Growth Acceleration
  • Operational Excellence
  • Due Diligence Preparation
Tushar ShahManaging Director, Aprio
  • QoE Services
  • Financial Due Diligence Preparation

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM

Networking Break

2:45 PM – 3:15 PM

Exit Panel: Lessons from a Successful Business Exit

Ken BuckmanBusiness Owner
  • Preparing for an Exit
  • Lessons Learned Through the Process
  • Life After Transaction

Moderator

Michael Schodrof, CEPA, CFA

3:15 PM – 3:45 PM

ESOPs as a Strategic Exit Option

Mark WeisheiplDirector, BDO Capital Advisors
  • ESOP Structures
  • Ownership Transition Strategies
  • Employee Ownership Considerations

3:45 PM – 4:15 PM

Managing the Legal Side of a Transaction

Maria MetropulosM&A Attorney, Holland & Knight
  • Transaction Structuring
  • Legal Risk Management
  • Navigating the Deal Process

4:15 PM – 4:45 PM

Private Equity, Venture Capital & Growth Capital Perspectives

Nicole Lev RossFounder, Literal North
  • Private Equity Support
  • Founder Positioning & Growth Strategy
Nick MoranFounder, New Stack  ·  Host, The Full Ratchet Podcast
  • Venture Capital Trends
  • Investor Perspectives for Founders

Moderator

JR – Placeholder

4:45 PM – 5:00 PM

Building Your Next Chapter Beyond the Transaction

Cara GrayFounder, Good Morning Freedom  ·  Future Identity Strategist
  • Founder Identity Beyond Exit
  • Transitioning Into the Next Stage
  • Purpose & Leadership After Ownership

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Cocktail Reception

Reserve Your Seat

Space is limited. Complete the form below to register. 


By registering for this event, you are opting in to receive communications from Houlihan Capital and the co-sponsors of this event. Unsubscribe at any time.

City street flanked by tall office buildings, with a landscaped median and cars moving in both directions.

Nine Firms. One Afternoon. Every Dimension of the Decision.

Houlihan Capital, Alex Brown/Raymond James, Aprio, BDO, Forte One Capital, Growth Operators, Holland & Knight, Literal North,  and New Stack bring together the investment banking, capital markets, tax, legal, and growth advisory expertise business owners need — in one room. 

Questions about attendance or suitability?

Get in Touch

The Business Owner Strategy Summit is an invitation-only event. Space is limited.