Elevating Exit Planning and XPX Atlanta, with XPX Atlanta President Maria Forbes and President-Elect Anthony Chen (The Exit Exchange, Episode 17)
On this episode of The Exit Exchange, host John Ray welcomes Maria Forbes, President of XPX Atlanta, and Anthony Chen, President-elect. They discuss the formation of XPX Atlanta chapter in 2018 as part of the global Exit Planning Exchange based in Boston, highlighting its mission of innovating and elevating exit planning services in Atlanta. The organization attracts a diverse range of professionals who seek to work collaboratively to improve business owners’ exit strategies. They emphasize the essential need for interdisciplinary cooperation among professionals to successfully plan and execute business exits, focusing on low- to mid-market, privately held businesses. The episode also covers the evolution of XPX Atlanta over the years, its shift towards member-led initiatives, and upcoming events such as mastermind groups and a major conference in November. The discussion underscores the importance of early and strategic planning for business exits and the role of XPX Atlanta in facilitating this through collaboration, education, and promoting long-term thinking among professionals.
The host of The Exit Exchange is John Ray, and the show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. John Ray and Business RadioX are Gold Sponsors of XPX Atlanta.
Maria Forbes, President, XPX Atlanta
Maria is the President of XPX Atlanta and was a founding board member of the chapter.
In her professional practice, Maria Forbes is the Founder and President of FIREPOWER Business Catalyst, LLC. Maria’s thirty-year consulting career serves privately held business owners in financial services and related fields across the U.S. Our mission is to integrate financial capital with human capital in planning for organizational growth and continuity. Maria’s work frames the long-term trajectory of business growth and succession through people-powered structures that enable an ongoing positive impact of talent through all business life cycles.
Maria and her teams provide expertise in expanding internal capacity through creative alignment of human values, making it possible for owners and key decision-makers to lead both their people and their businesses confidently toward the future. As a committed strategic partner to her clients, Maria makes visible the arrangement of human strengths as part of an innovative business strategy. This work optimizes organizational performance and builds transferable value as owners look toward a role transition and business succession.
Maria conducts a summer mentor program for college graduates and seasoned professionals who are navigating career transitions. The mentor process develops personal advantage in the career marketplace and fosters confidence in communicating the best roles for a successful new career.
Maria is a Kolbe Certified Consultant, Faculty member of The Life Transitions University™, mentor, and member of the Catholic Charities Atlanta Georgia Leadership Program.
Anthony Chen, President-Elect, XPX Atlanta
Anthony Chen is the President-Elect of XPX Atlanta. He will begin his term as President of the chapter in January 2025.
In his professional practice, Anthony is a financial advisor with Lighthouse Financial. He is also the host of Family Business Radio.
Anthony Chen started his career in financial services with MetLife in Buffalo, NY, in 2008. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, he considers himself a full-blooded New Yorker while now enjoying his Atlanta, GA, home. Specializing in family businesses and their owners, Anthony works to protect what is most important to them. From preserving to creating wealth, Anthony partners with CPAs and attorneys to help address all of the concerns and help clients achieve their goals. By using a combination of financial products ranging from life, disability, and long-term care insurance to many investment options through Royal Alliance, Anthony looks to be the eyes and ears for his client’s financial foundation.
In his spare time, Anthony is an avid long-distance runner.
Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:00 Welcome to the Exit Exchange: Introducing XPX Atlanta
01:11 The Mission and Vision of XPX Atlanta
02:39 Addressing the Core Needs of Business Owners
04:44 The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach
12:07 The Evolution and Growth of XPX Atlanta
14:48 Member-Led Initiatives and Future Directions
22:52 Maximizing Member Engagement and Utilizing Resources
25:44 Reviving the Exit Exchange Show: A New Focus
28:31 Joining and Benefiting from XPX Atlanta
The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta
The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta (XPX) is a diverse group of professionals with a common goal: working collaboratively to assist business owners with a sale or business transition. XPX Atlanta is an association of advisors who provide professionalism, principles, and education to the heart of the middle market. Our members work with business owners through all stages of the private company life cycle: business value growth, business value transfer, and owner life and legacy. Our Vision: To fundamentally changing the trajectory of exit planning services in the Southeast United States. XPX Atlanta delivers a collaborative-based networking exchange with broad representation of exit planning competencies. Learn more about XPX Atlanta and why you should consider joining our community: https://exitplanningexchange.com/atlanta.
The Exit Exchange is produced by John Ray in the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. The show archive can be found at xpxatlantaradio.com.
John Ray and Business RadioX are Gold Sponsors of XPX Atlanta.
