Bennett Thrasher LLP, one of the top 100, full-service public accounting and consulting firms in the country, announced today the formation of a new practice group: Value Acceleration and Exit Planning Services, providing comprehensive exit planning consulting that includes valuation, corporate tax, personal tax, wealth advisory, transaction advisory, audit and assurance consulting, and operational support for business owners planning to transition out of their businesses. Gina Miller will lead the new Bennett Thrasher services offering and holds the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation from the Exit Planning Institute (EPI).
“The new Value Acceleration and Exit Planning practice group can benefit our clients by having a team of trusted CPAs and specialists collaborate and advise on the exit planning process,” said Jeffrey A. Eischeid, managing partner of Bennett Thrasher. “Gina brings a wealth of experience consulting on the valuation of equity interests in closely held companies and can provide clients with guidance as they evaluate the options available to them in order to develop a plan to achieve their business and personal financial goals.”
Miller comments, “Bennett Thrasher is able to bring a holistic approach to exit planning by maximizing the value of a business while simultaneously creating a framework for the success of the business and the individual after a transition of ownership. With nearly two-thirds of the current 6 million operating companies in the United States owned by baby boomers, and an estimated half of those business owners planning to retire in the next 10 years, there is an immense need for strategic exit planning.”
Miller is an Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) with the American Society of Appraisers. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensed in the state of Georgia and is certified in Financial Forensics. Miller is a member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA), a board member of the GSCPA’s Educational Foundation and a member of the Leadership Council of the GSCPA.
Miller earned her bachelor of science in accounting from Truman State University and her master of business administration from Southern Illinois University.
About Bennett Thrasher LLP
Bennett Thrasher LLP is one of the country’s largest full-service certified public accounting and consulting firms. The firm creates significant value and a unique positive experience through collaboration – with and between clients, partners, associates and the community. Founded in 1980 by Rick Bennett and Ken Thrasher, Bennett Thrasher today has a dedicated, experienced team of partners and associates who believe in creating value by working “Better Together.”
About the CEPA Program
The Certified Exit Planning Advisor program was specifically designed for business advisors who work closely with owners of privately held companies. The organizing principle of the program is Master Planning, the alignment of the three legs of the stool (business, personal, financial), which is executed through the implementation of a process called the Value Acceleration Methodology™. Using an executive MBA-style format, the program includes a combination of lectures, group discussions, case studies and individual exercises to introduce participants to these concepts and to reinforce skills.
About the Exit Planning Institute
The Exit Planning Institute delivers interactive education and training, performance-enhancing resources, and strategic tools designed to enhance the exit planning profession. Formed in 2005 to serve the educational and resource needs of wealth managers, financial planners, accountants, management consultants, attorneys, M&A advisors, commercial lenders and other business advisors, the Institute is considered the standard trendsetter in the field of exit planning. It is the only organization that offers the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) program, which qualifies for continuing educational credits with 12 major professional associations, making it the most widely accepted and endorsed professional exit planning program in the world.
