From Law to Legacy:
How John Brown Pioneered the Exit Planning Industry In this Exit Planning Coach podcast interview with John F. Dini, John Brown, founder of the Business Enterprise Institute (BEI), shared his journey from Michigan grocery store roots to becoming a pioneer in exit planning. Brown's path led from the Colorado Attorney General's office to founding the law firm Minor and Brown, where his focus on business owners naturally evolved into exit planning expertise. He authored "How to Run Your Business So You Can Leave It in Style," reportedly the first book specifically focused on exit planning, which sold over 200,000 copies. After 12-15 years of law practice, Brown founded BEI, developing it into one of the oldest certifying organizations for exit planners in the US. The organization created proprietary software (EPIC, now called "Planet") to support advisors in comprehensive exit planning. BEI continues to innovate with new initiatives like Owner Based Planning (OBP), focusing on value growth and business continuity. Brown's legacy includes transforming exit planning from an unknown concept to a recognized field, emphasizing the importance of planning beyond traditional buy-sell agreements.