Dario Kerkez, CFP®, CEPA is a Chicago-based wealth and exit planning advisor combining personal financial expertise with business value-growth strategy. With a 20 years experience in serving hundreds of entrepreneurs, physicians, and family-owned companies, Dario bridges the gap between personal wealth planning and enterprise value acceleration, giving owners one coordinated strategy to build freedom, both inside and outside the business.

Dario holds two of the most respected designations in the industry:

CFP® – Certified Financial Planner™, the gold standard for financial planning

CEPA – Certified Exit Planning Advisor, specializing in business succession, valuation, and exit readiness

He helps owners align their business goals with their personal financial goals, preparing them for a successful transition whether the goal is selling, scaling, or passing the company to the next generation.

What Makes Dario Different

Most advisors focus on one side of the owner’s life, either the business or the personal finances. Dario integrates both.

His approach is structured around three pillars:

1. Business Value & Exit Strategy

Value Acceleration Methodology

Growth, de-risking, and scalability

Succession planning & ownership transition

Team coordination (CPA, attorney, banker, M&A)

2. Personal Financial Readiness

Pre & Post-exit wealth planning

Investment & Tax strategy

Risk Management, Insurance

Retirement readiness for entrepreneurs

Estate & asset protection strategies

3. Owner Freedom & Lifestyle Goals

Align business outcomes with personal priorities

Reduce owner dependency

Increase transferable value

Prepare for life after the sale

Mission

To give business owners clarity, confidence, and control, so they can make the right decisions today while preparing for the day they choose to step away from the business on their own terms.

Areas of Expertise

Personal Financial and Wealth Planning Services for Business Owners

Exit Planning (3–5 Year Runway)

Business Valuation & Value Drivers

Tax and Estate Optimization Strategies

Income Replacement Oversight Post-Exit

Risk Management & Liquidity Planning

Multi-advisor Coordination

401(k)/ DB Plan Optimization for Owners