Poised for Exit

Julie Keyes

Welcome to the Poised for Exit podcast! Poised for Exit is an under 30-minute strategic planning guidance podcast for busy small business owners. Each week you’ll hear certified exit planning advisor, Julie Keyes, talk with a range of entrepreneurs and professionals about preparing your business for a future transition. Guests at every stage of company ownership will share their personal stories and lessons learned about topics such as the anatomy of the exit planning process, developing a growth strategy, how to sell on your terms, exit planning for women small business owners, handling business diversity, and how to sell a family business. Whether you’re planning an exit in the near future or not, this show will provide you with the same action-oriented content that Julie utilizes while consulting with Keyestrategies clients. Building an exit strategy can be overwhelming, especially with all the decisions and details you have to consider. “Poised for Exit” will simplify the process and help you unwrap the unknowns, giving you more confidence in your planning process. Previous episodes are available for download, so if you are new to our show, you can listen to them in any order that suits you. Join us each week for timely, relevant content that will surely impact your business exit outcome! Subscribe to our newsletter below to receive your weekly episode link and stay updated on new strategic planning content. Find “Poised for Exit” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and others. Thank you to our Sponsors: Sunbelt Business Advisers and JAK CPA's. A special note of thanks to Tyler Keyes who produced the music for the “Poised for Exit” show.

  1. 7h ago

    From Startup to an Eight-Figure Exit

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, Justin Goodbread, Founder and CEO of Relentless Value Coaching, shares how he built a financial advisory firm from the ground up, grew it to an eight-figure valuation in just 49 months, and ultimately exited the business. Drawing from his experience as an advisor, entrepreneur, coach, and business owner, Justin explains why intentional growth begins with thinking like an owner rather than simply operating as a technician. The conversation explores Justin’s five-step framework for building a scalable and valuable company: Relentless Foundation, Relentless Examination, Relentless Execution, Relentless Exit, and Relentless Freedom. He also breaks down the four areas that drive growth in a service-based business: attracting the right clients, converting them into customers, delivering a consistent experience, and retaining them as long-term advocates. Justin shares examples of advisors who increased revenue, created stronger systems, reduced their working hours, and built teams capable of operating without the owner’s constant involvement. Whether the goal is to increase enterprise value, prepare for an eventual exit, or gain more freedom from the business, the episode highlights why growth must be intentional, repeatable, and supported by the right systems.   Connect with Justin Goodbread here Learn more about Relentless Value Coaching here  Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

  2. 6d ago

    The HR Mistakes That Can Derail Your Exit

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, Kristin Nordling, Founder and CEO of Lakeside HR Group, joins the show to discuss why HR should be viewed as a strategic business function—not simply a source of compliance support. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in HR, recruiting, private equity, and acquisitions, Kristin shares how overlooking the people side of a business can create costly problems during a sale. The conversation explores what effective HR due diligence should uncover, including company culture, leadership gaps, key employee dependencies, and the ability of a team to successfully navigate change. Kristin explains why financial performance alone does not tell the full story and how culture and employee retention can ultimately determine whether an acquisition succeeds. Kristin also shares how strategic HR can help owners reduce their company’s dependence on them, strengthen the leadership structure, and prepare key employees for a future transition. From identifying the need for a COO or integrator to using retention strategies such as stay bonuses and phantom stock, thoughtful people planning can protect both enterprise value and the owner’s legacy. Whether an owner is preparing to sell soon or still several years away, the episode highlights why these issues cannot be addressed at the last minute. Building a transferable company takes time, and the right HR strategy can help create a stronger business today while positioning it for a more successful exit tomorrow.   Connect with Kristin Nordling here Learn more about Lakeside HR Group here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    The HR Mistakes That Can Derail Your Exit

  3. Jul 9

    The Five-Year Exit Plan: How to Sell on Your Terms

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, Matthew Kulp, Senior Vice President of Wealth Management at HUB Retirement and Wealth Management, shares why time is one of the greatest advantages an owner can have when preparing for succession. Drawing from both his advisory work and his own firm’s five-year transition process, Matthew explains how early planning gives owners more options, stronger buyer readiness, and a clearer path to life after the sale. The conversation explores what it takes to prepare well before a sale is on the table, from understanding business value and exploring exit options to aligning partners, building the right advisory team, and navigating due diligence. Matthew also shares what his team learned while preparing their own firm for transition, including the importance of difficult conversations and choosing the best-fit buyer. For owners who want to exit on their terms, this episode makes one thing clear: preparation is what creates options. The sooner you start planning, the more control you have over your value, your buyer, your timeline, and your next chapter. Connect with Matthew Kulp here Learn More About HUB’s Business Owner Advisory Services here Take the Business Transition Readiness Assessment here Join the Business Owner Roundtable Series here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    The Five-Year Exit Plan: How to Sell on Your Terms

  4. Jul 2

    Freedom to Build, Risk, and Begin Again: A Fourth of July Message from Julie Keyes

    In this solo episode of Poised for Exit, with the Fourth of July approaching, host Julie Keyes reflects on freedom, entrepreneurship, and the responsibility that comes with building something of value. As America nears its 250th birthday, Julie shares a personal message about what freedom means to her as a business owner, advisor, and entrepreneur. Julie looks back on her own entrepreneurial journey and the motivation, belief, integrity, ambition, and independent thinking that helped guide her through years of business ownership. She shares lessons on taking risks, building a team, serving customers, learning from mistakes, protecting trust, knowing your numbers, and continuing to move forward. The episode also explores why exit planning is about more than the transaction itself. Julie reminds business owners that a successful exit requires the right advisory team, strong preparation, and thoughtful planning for what comes next. It is a timely reminder that the freedom to build a business also calls owners to protect what they have built and prepare well for the next chapter. Connect with Julie Keyes here Learn More about KeyeStrategies here Purchase Julie’s book, Poised for Exit: The 3rd Edition here   Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    Freedom to Build, Risk, and Begin Again: A Fourth of July Message from Julie Keyes

  5. Jun 25

    The Super Roth Strategy

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, Ann Marie Liotta, CPA and U.S. Wealth Strategist with Gallagher, and Mike Winn, CEPA and Financial Advisor with Chartered Wealth Partners, join the show to discuss POLI, or Partnership-Owned Life Insurance, a planning strategy designed for high-earning business owners, partners, and leadership teams. The conversation explores why this strategy is sometimes described as a “Super Roth,” how it can support tax-free growth and tax-free distributions, and why it may be attractive to business owners who have already maxed out traditional retirement planning options. Ann Marie and Mike also discuss how POLI can be used as a retention tool for key employees without giving up equity, including examples for closely held businesses, law firms, medical groups, family offices, and private equity-backed companies. Finally, they touch on important considerations including investment risk, suitability, time horizon, guaranteed issue requirements, institutional pricing, and the importance of working with experienced advisors who understand the structure. For business owners and advisors looking beyond traditional planning tools, this episode introduces a unique strategy worth understanding. Connect with Ann Marie Liotta here or by email at annmarie_liotta@cfgllc.com Connect with Mike Winn here or by email at mwinn@charteredwealth.com   Download the POLI Overview here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Podcaster, and Instructor Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    The Super Roth Strategy

  6. Jun 18

    How to Build Marketing Systems That Increase Exit Value

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, Jen Roth, Founder and CEO of Blue Sparq Marketing, joins the show to discuss how intentional marketing systems can drive sustainable growth and increase business value. Drawing from her experience building and leading marketing agencies, Jen shares how business owners can stop guessing at marketing and build a clear plan that supports growth. The conversation explores why marketing and sales must work together to create a predictable pipeline, how CRM systems and better lead tracking can improve decision-making, and why cutting marketing during slower periods can ultimately hurt long-term growth. Jen also explains how fractional marketing teams can give companies access to the strategy and execution they need without the cost of building a full in-house department. Jen also shares how AI can help marketing teams work more efficiently, without replacing the strategy and judgment that make marketing effective. They also touch on the importance of documenting institutional knowledge, building systems that do not rely entirely on the owner or top salespeople, and why these investments can make a business more scalable, transferable, and attractive to future buyers. Finally, Jen talks about her experience with Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and how the global peer community has supported her growth as an entrepreneur and leader. She shares why having a trusted network of fellow business owners, opportunities to learn from shared experiences, and a more holistic approach to leadership have been so meaningful in her journey. Connect with Jen Roth here Connect with Blue Sparq Marketing here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

  7. Jun 11

    What Private Equity Buyers Really Want From Sellers

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, Brian Cox, Partner at Traction Capital, joins the show to discuss what private equity buyers are really looking for when evaluating founder-led businesses. Drawing from his experience as both an entrepreneur and investor, Brian shares practical insights into how business owners can better position themselves for a successful exit. The conversation explores the factors that influence buyer confidence and valuation, including clean financials, succession planning, operational readiness, and the importance of having a clear growth strategy. Brian also explains common deal structures, such as rollover equity, seller involvement after closing, and earn-outs, and why flexibility and alignment are essential to creating successful outcomes for both buyers and sellers. The discussion also touches on the growing role of AI within portfolio companies, the benefits of working with experienced advisors throughout the transaction process, and why owners who begin planning early are often best positioned to maximize value and achieve the exit they envision. Connect with Brian Cox here Connect with Traction Capital here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

  8. Jun 4

    What Every Owner Should Know About the Legal Side of Exit Planning

    In this milestone 300th episode of Poised for Exit, we celebrate six years of conversations with business owners, advisors, and industry experts. Since launching in 2020, the podcast has grown from a local audience to listeners around the world! In this episode, we sit down with Janice Miller, Managing Partner of Miller Haga Law Group and author of Coopertition. Janice joins the show to discuss the legal side of exit planning and why preparation years in advance can have a significant impact on the outcome of a business transition. The conversation covers due diligence readiness, succession planning, family business dynamics, and the legal and strategic decisions that can influence business value, buyer confidence, and transaction success. Janice also shares practical advice for business owners looking to reduce risk, strengthen their businesses, and better prepare for future transitions. As we celebrate 300 episodes of Poised for Exit, this conversation serves as a reminder that meaningful outcomes, whether in business, transitions, or life, are often the result of thoughtful planning long before the moment arrives.  Connect with Janice Miller here Learn more about Coopertition here Learn more about Miller Haga Law Group here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

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5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Poised for Exit podcast! Poised for Exit is an under 30-minute strategic planning guidance podcast for busy small business owners. Each week you’ll hear certified exit planning advisor, Julie Keyes, talk with a range of entrepreneurs and professionals about preparing your business for a future transition. Guests at every stage of company ownership will share their personal stories and lessons learned about topics such as the anatomy of the exit planning process, developing a growth strategy, how to sell on your terms, exit planning for women small business owners, handling business diversity, and how to sell a family business. Whether you’re planning an exit in the near future or not, this show will provide you with the same action-oriented content that Julie utilizes while consulting with Keyestrategies clients. Building an exit strategy can be overwhelming, especially with all the decisions and details you have to consider. “Poised for Exit” will simplify the process and help you unwrap the unknowns, giving you more confidence in your planning process. Previous episodes are available for download, so if you are new to our show, you can listen to them in any order that suits you. Join us each week for timely, relevant content that will surely impact your business exit outcome! Subscribe to our newsletter below to receive your weekly episode link and stay updated on new strategic planning content. Find “Poised for Exit” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and others. Thank you to our Sponsors: Sunbelt Business Advisers and JAK CPA's. A special note of thanks to Tyler Keyes who produced the music for the “Poised for Exit” show.

Information

  • Creator
    Julie Keyes
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    306
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Poised for Exit
  • Show Website
    Poised for Exit

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