2026 SPEAKER LINEUP
The 2026 Exit Planning Summit features a variety of industry experts and exit planning thought leaders for introductory to advanced exit planning sessions.
Michael Esser
Helping families make clear, confident financial decisions is at the heart of my work. For more than two decades, I’ve guided families, business owners, and professionals through the complex intersections of life, relationships, and money, all...
ABOUT MICHAEL
Helping families make clear, confident financial decisions is at the heart of my work. For more than two decades, I’ve guided families, business owners, and professionals through the complex intersections of life, relationships, and money, all centered stewardship, simplicity, and trust.
Since joining Edward Jones in 2008, I’ve built a planning practice centered on whole‑family engagement. As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and holder of other designations, I bring the training and perspective needed to help clients navigate major decisions and keep their plans aligned with their values and long‑term hopes.
My team and I marry Value Acceleration methods into a Virtual Family Office, partnering with trusted tax, legal, risk management, and other professionals so families don’t have to manage that complexity on their own. Together, we follow a disciplined process designed to help you:
• Make informed financial decisions
• Mitigate taxes
• Protect and prepare heirs
• Strengthen asset protection
• Support charitable and legacy goals
My team's administrators, Jennifer Snead and Kathleen Seifert, play a central role in ensuring every family receives consistent, proactive service.
Beyond my advisory work, I serve as the North Carolina state chair of Edward Jones’ Grassroots Taskforce and remain engaged in the community through the Durham Arts Council board, the NC Bar Association Investment Committee, and the Rotary Club of Durham. These roles reflect my belief in stewardship through civic involvement.
My wife, Elizabeth, and I live in Apex with our four children: Mary Alice, Amity, Genevieve, and William. Life at home keeps me grounded and gives me space to enjoy personal passions like music, flying, baking, fishing, and the occasional attempt at chicken‑wrangling.
If you’re approaching retirement, preparing to sell a business, receiving an inheritance, or facing another major decision and want a coordinated, values‑aligned planning partner, I’d be honored to start a conversation.
