CEPA CULTURE CREED
The shared commitments that define how CEPAs show up for business owners, for each other, and for the future of the profession.
Introduced during Ben Utecht’s keynote at the 2026 Exit Planning Summit, the CEPA® Culture Creed captures the values that unite this global community of advisors. Download the full creed and keep these principles close as you continue building your impact as a CEPA.
ACCESS THE FULL CEPA CULTURE CREED
The full CEPA Culture Creed outlines the guiding commitments that shape the culture of the CEPA community.
Whether you are a long-time CEPA or a newly credentialed advisor, the creed serves as a powerful reminder of the standard we hold ourselves to as advisors and leaders.
WHAT IS THE CEPA CULTURE CREED?
The CEPA Culture Creed represents the shared values and commitments that define the Certified Exit Planning Advisor community.
CEPAs come from different industries and backgrounds, but they are united by a common purpose: helping business owners build significant companies, create lasting value, and achieve exits that align their personal goals, financial needs, and business goals. The creed captures the mindset and standards that guide how CEPAs show up for business owners, collaborate with one another, and lead within the broader exit planning profession.
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MEET BEN UTECHT
Ben is the recipient of the prestigious NFL Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy’s “Uncommon Leader Award“ for his leadership performance both on and off the NFL football field. After retiring, Utecht began building a significant career across multiple talents. His speaking career launched him into the Fortune 500 community as a subject matter expert, focusing on the strategy for building high-performing culture. Utecht’s passion for people and culture then entered into a corporate leadership position as the Chief Culture Officer for True North Private Equity, a family of companies whose portfolio currently includes 28 companies across 5 industries. He is a franchisor in the top US Ninja Fitness/Entertainment Franchise, Conquer Ninja Gyms, where he oversees all culture systems that impact every location. Also, he is the culture and brand ambassador for Realty Group. To complete his pursuit of transforming organizational culture and multiplying company value, Utecht is launching his new Organizational OmniCulture Software platform, including a powerful, first-of-its-kind, individual and comparative Belief-based archetype assessment.