Venture Exit Partners Directors

Facts on Exit Planning

Almost 50% have no plan to transfer ownership, management and control, and the percentage is even higher for companies that have been in business for less than 20 years
Nearly 60% of closely held companies have failed to gauge the potential tax exposure upon a transfer of ownership
25% are due to change hands within the next 5 years
About 90% of owners of closely held companies would like to transfer ownership, management and control of their companies to family or non-family key employees. Less than 50% manage to do so
Only 33% have defined criteria for hiring and promoting family members who want to take an active role in the business
Over 33% of closely held companies have no procedures in place for dealing with disputes between family member owners

^{1The statistics provided above have been derived from a variety of surveys of closely held business owners including: the PricewaterhouseCoopers 2007-2008 survey of nearly 1,500 closely held companies; the 2007 survey of 800 closely held businesses by the University of Connecticut School of Business Administration Survey; and the 2003 Arthur Andersen/Mass Mutual American Family Business Survey.}

Exit News

Gregory S. Chelap, Managing Director

Greg has extensive nationwide experience in advising business owners and their families on matters relating to financial, tax and management strategies for building and conserving wealth. He works closely with business owners and their families to plan and implement business exit planning strategies. He excels in protecting value and optimizing organizations throughout the exit process. Greg is also a partner in the law firm of Skarlatos & Zonarich LLP. Contact Greg directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

AV Rated - Highest attorney rating from Martindale-Hubbell (confidential peer rating)
Founder, past board member, LawPact® (international association of independent business law firms)
Former CFO of waste disposal and recycling company
Former corporate finance consultant for business development and government relations company

Kent E. Frese, Managing Director

Kent is a nationally recognized expert in leadership development, strategic planning, business development and operations process improvement with over 24 years of practical experience in organizational leadership and development. Additionally, he specializes in the design of organizational continuity programs, succession planning and exit strategies for CEOs and business owners.

An entrepreneur by nature, Kent excels in the creative end of the business, posing compelling questions to clients and reaching strategic, visionary solutions to today’s workplace challenges. His particular strength is aligning employees, and key institutional and technological resources, with business goals to achieve improved, measurable results.

VEP clients have the advantage of Kent’s proven track record with clients across the U.S and in front-line management and executive positions at both regional and national retirement financial services firms. He has held positions at all levels of management, including Director, CIO, Vice President and President.

Kent holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Villanova University. He is also a Catalyst graduate; Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst; Certified Professional Values Analyst; a certified facilitator for both Leadership Management, Inc and Teleometrics International; and he is certified for high and low ropes training. He also served as a skiing instructor and coach for over 18 years. Kent is also the President of Leadership Management Institute. Contact Kent directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Jacqueline B. Wolpert, Director

Jackie is focused on developing business valuation and tax strategies in business exit plans. Her background includes work at major accounting firms, including KPMG audit department and Deloitte & Touche corporate tax department.

Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts
Certified Public Accountant
Formerly affiliated with accounting firms, including KPMG audit department and Deloitte & Touche corporate tax department
Graduate, Rutgers University, MBA (professional accounting), and Brown University, BA