Kevin Kennedy
Founder and CEO of Beacon Exit Planning
Kevin Kennedy is the founder and CEO of Beacon Exit Planning. He bought and sold an Engineering News-Record Top 20 roofing contractor that successfully transferred to the fourth generation. During his tenure, the team grew the company from 35 to more than 200 employees into an Engineering News-Record Top 20 specialty contractor that has been in business for more than 77 years.
Kennedy truly understands the choices, taxes, emotions and complexities of the exit and succession process. His first-hand experience, combined with a proprietary process and an engaging delivery, resonates with company owners in all industries.
Joseph Bazzano, CPA, CVA CBEC
Co-owner and COO of Beacon Exit Planning
Joseph Bazzano is the co-owner and COO of Beacon Exit Planning, a certified public accountant, certified valuation analyst, and certified business exit consultant with more than 20 years of experience in public accounting, valuation and exit strategy services for companies ranging from $5 to more than $400 million. He is a national speaker regarding exit planning, valuation, taxes and asset protection and has shown business owners how to increase the value of their businesses by millions of dollars with exponential savings on tax dollars.
He is a recognized voice and thought leader in the construction industry regarding exit planning. He has presented to more than 60 national and regional contracting trade associations and peer groups.
Lawrence Prudhomme, CPA, ACT
Vice president of GPW and Associates Inc.
Lawrence Prudhomme, vice president of GPW and Associates Inc., joined the company—an actuarial and consulting firm founded in 1998—to apply his management skills in the captive insurance industry. He began his career with Arthur Andersen & Co. in Detroit and spent eight years in the tax department, specializing in small to mid-size companies. During his business career, Prudhomme has been in management positions in the graphic arts industry, investment advisory business and with a Fortune 100 company. He has achieved the Associate in Captive Insurance designation from the International Center for Captive Insurance Education.
Ethan Allen, JD
Director of business development
In February 2020, Ethan Allen joined GPW and Associates Inc. (GPWA) as director of business development. His fields of expertise include insurance company formation, management and taxation, and large deductible/self-insured programs. His responsibilities included working with a network of commercial insurance brokers, certified public accountants, attorneys and other advisers to assist their clients who desire their own single-parent captive or want to join a property and casualty group.
Matthew Carbray CFP,® ChFC,® CLU,® CExP,®
Managing Member/Certified Financial Planner
Matthew Carbray offers comprehensive financial planning advice to individuals, families and small-business owners. Partnering with clients to define their financial priorities, short-term goals and long-term aspirations, he designs comprehensive, customized, and flexible financial plans to help them achieve their desired financial futures. A core focus of his practice is helping business owners and entrepreneurs figure out how to successfully exit their business.
Before founding Ridgeline Financial Partners, he began his career as a financial planner with New England Financial in 2002 and co-founded Carbray Staunton Financial Planners LLC, in 2006. He is a registered representative with Kestra Investment Services LLC and an investment advisor representative with Kestra Advisory Services LLC.