Adam Winfield, CEPA®

Strategic Business Continuity & Succession Advisor, The Frieden Agency

About Adam

Adam Winfield works with business owners and multi‑owner companies to help them think proactively about continuity, succession, and long‑term value. Since joining The Frieden Agency in 2014, Adam has partnered with business owners to identify and plan for risks that are often overlooked — including the loss of a key employee, an unexpected partner disability, or the absence of a clear transition strategy.

As a Certified Exit Planning Advisor® (CEPA®) with a background in employee benefits and insurance, Adam takes a comprehensive, big‑picture view of each client’s situation. Rather than focusing on individual products, he works to understand what is most at stake for the business and its owners, and helps develop strategies designed to support stability, continuity, and long‑term transferability.

Adam is known for his straightforward, relationship‑driven approach. He takes time to understand how each business operates, asks thoughtful questions, and collaborates with clients to explore solutions that align with their specific goals, structure, and timeline.

Areas of Focus

Adam works with business owners in a range of planning and strategic advisory areas, including:

  • Business continuity and succession planning
  • Buy-sell agreement design and funding strategies to help ensure smooth business transitions, establish clear ownership succession plans, and provide liquidity for ownership transfers in the event of retirement, disability, death, or other triggering events
  • Key person life and disability protection strategies designed to help businesses mitigate financial risk, protect operations, and maintain continuity in the event of the death or disability of an owner, executive, or other critical employee
  • Executive retention and incentive compensation planning
  • Business valuation and value‑acceleration strategies
  • Group employee benefits planning
  • Retirement plan design for business owners and employees
  • Ownership transfer planning, including family succession, management buyouts, and third‑party sales
  • Disability income planning for business owners and key executives

Education & Background

Adam earned his degree in International Studies from Virginia Tech. Earlier in his career, he spent 16 months working with the Department of Defense in Germany, an experience that shaped his appreciation for diverse perspectives and the importance of trust‑based, long‑term relationships — principles that continue to guide his work with clients today.

Community & Personal Life

Adam lives in Virginia Beach with his wife, Veronica, their three children, and their boxer. Outside of work, much of his time is spent supporting his children’s activities and coaching on the sidelines. He also remains engaged in his local community, which has long been an important part of his life.

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