Poised for Exit

Julie Keyes
  • 5.0 (20)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 5D AGO

    A Real Exit Story: How Preparation and the Right Advisory Team Drove a Premium Outcome

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, Shaun Jackson, business broker with Calhoun Companies, steps in as guest host to interview his client, Dale Doriott, former owner of Injection Molding Solutions. Together, they walk through Dale’s real exit story and the key factors that led to a premium outcome. Dale shares how he built the business over decades, including navigating the 2008 financial crisis and growing through disciplined operations and reinvestment. He explains how a focus on clarity, organization, and strong leadership positioned the company to stand out to buyers and ultimately command a higher valuation. The conversation highlights the role of preparation and the impact of having the right advisory team in place. Sean and Dale discuss how alignment between the broker, accountant, and attorney strengthened their position during negotiations, even when working with a large, private equity-backed buyer. They also share how clear communication and trust helped guide key decisions throughout the process. Dale shares key lessons from the process, including understanding financial metrics earlier and how deal structure decisions like retaining real estate created long term value. He also discusses the benefits of staying on post sale for continuity and success. This episode offers business owners and advisors a grounded, real-world look at how preparation, leadership, and the right advisory team can drive stronger exit outcomes and lasting value beyond the transaction. Connect with Shaun Jackson here Learn more about Calhoun Companies here Connect with Dale Doriott here Learn more about Injection Molding Solutions here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    26 min

  2. APR 22

    How Business Owners Can Build Philanthropy Into an Exit Plan

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, Jennifer Vickerman Akaolisa, Gift Planner at Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, joins us to discuss how philanthropy can become a powerful part of business exit planning. With a background in financial services and more than a decade of experience in philanthropy, Jennifer helps individuals, families, and business owners create giving strategies that align with their values and long-term goals. Jennifer shares why entrepreneurs are often among the most generous givers and how many owners want their life’s work to continue making a difference after a sale or transition. She explains why these conversations should begin early and how thoughtful planning can create both personal fulfillment and lasting community impact. The conversation also explores strategies such as donor-advised funds, gifting non-cash assets, and other planning tools that can help owners maximize flexibility and impact. Julie and Jennifer also preview their upcoming webinar focused on advising at the intersection of business exit planning, legacy building, and community impact. This episode offers business owners and advisors a practical look at how philanthropy can strengthen exit planning while creating lasting value beyond the transaction. Connect with Jennifer Vickerman Akaolisa here Learn more about Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation here Register for the upcoming webinar here  Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    27 min

  3. APR 16

    Exit Planning Starts Day One: How to Build a Business That Can Actually Sell

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, Stacey Bartelson, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, discusses why business owners should start planning their exit from day one. She shares how many owners focus on growth but overlook the long-term strategy needed to successfully transition or sell their business. Stacey explains that enterprise value goes far beyond financials, highlighting the importance of building a strong team, creating systems, and ensuring the business can operate without the owner. She also discusses why a significant percentage of businesses never sell and how a lack of early planning can limit options and reduce overall value. This conversation explores the shift from working in the business to working on the business, along with the importance of continuity, succession planning, and aligning personal and financial goals with long-term exit outcomes.  This episode highlights how strategy, structure, and long-term thinking all play a role in whether a business is actually prepared for a successful exit.    Connect with Stacey Bartelson here Learn more about the Bartelson Blesener Wealth Group at Edward Jones here Learn more about the Owners Edge Summit here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    23 min

  4. APR 9

    Employee Ownership as a Business Exit Option

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, Steve Storkan, Executive Director at The Employee Ownership Expansion Network, discusses how employee ownership is gaining traction as a business exit strategy. He shares the growth of employee ownership across the U.S. and explains why more business owners are considering it as part of their transition planning. Steve breaks down how increased awareness, new sources of capital, and impact investing are making employee ownership more accessible. He also highlights research showing the significant wealth created for employees through these models, along with the flexibility and legacy benefits for business owners. This conversation explores the different forms of employee ownership, including ESOPs, and what makes a company a good fit. Steve also emphasizes the importance of having the right advisors and ensuring strong financial feasibility when considering this path. This episode offers a practical look at how employee ownership can support both successful exits and long-term business continuity.   Connect with Steve Storkan here Learn more about The Employee Ownership Expansion Network here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    29 min

  5. APR 2

    Partnerships, Not Transactions: The Mindset Behind a Stronger Business

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, Darin Lynch, Founder and CEO of Irish Titan, shares what it really takes to build a strong, scalable business. Drawing from over two decades of experience, Darin explains how focusing on “business first, online second” has shaped his company’s growth and long-term value. Darin breaks down how prioritizing partnerships over transactions, along with a clear and disciplined operating model, contributes to building a durable business. He discusses the impact of his “Titan-only” approach, keeping all work in-house, and how that decision has strengthened team cohesion, client outcomes, and overall company performance." This conversation explores the difference between simply running a business and intentionally building one with consistency, clarity, and long-term focus. From evolving your services over time to staying grounded in your core principles, Darin highlights what actually drives sustainable growth.   This episode offers a practical look at how thoughtful operating decisions can position a company for long-term success and a stronger exit.   Connect with Darin Lynch here Learn more about Irish Titan here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    28 min

  6. MAR 26

    Building Your Exit Around Your Future, Not Just Your Business

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, Jon Marquet and Brenna Johnson of Trust Point Inc. dive into a crucial yet often overlooked part of the exit journey: what happens after the deal closes. They explain why an exit plan is about much more than maximizing your sale price; it’s about aligning your business, financial, and personal goals to create a sustainable, fulfilling next chapter. Jon and Brenna break down how early, holistic planning helps business owners understand their true net outcome, build a lifestyle-supporting plan, and avoid unexpected challenges. Whether you’re a business owner or advisor, this conversation examines the value of looking beyond the transaction to the life you want to lead afterward. They also explore why timing, coordination, and thoughtful planning with the right advisors can make a significant difference. Understanding how your personal goals connect to your business exit allows for decisions that truly support your future. By focusing on what comes next, you can create an exit strategy that serves both your business and your life vision. If you’re a business owner or an advisor and haven’t mapped out how an exit supports broader life goals, this episode is a must-listen!   Connect with Jon Marquet here Connect with Brenna Johnson here  Learn more about Trust Point Inc. here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    31 min

  7. MAR 18

    10 Years of Impact: How the Twin Cities EPI Chapter Is Raising the Bar for Business Exits

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, we welcome back Todd Krough, Private Wealth Advisor with UMB Bank and President of The Twin Cities Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute. Todd shares how the chapter has grown over the past decade into one of the most active and collaborative EPI chapters in the country, bringing together advisors and business owners to improve the outcomes of business transitions. We discuss how the Twin Cities chapter has built a strong ecosystem of advisors focused on collaboration rather than competition. Through monthly meetings, educational programming, and cross-industry partnerships, the chapter has helped raise awareness about the importance of exit planning and the value of a team-based approach when preparing a business for transition. The conversation also highlights the impact of the Twin Cities exit planning surveys conducted in 2017 and 2023, which revealed improvements in owner satisfaction after selling their businesses. We also preview the upcoming Owners Forum on October 7, an annual event designed specifically for business owners to learn from peers and advisors about the realities of planning for life after business. If you work with business owners, or are one yourself, this episode offers valuable insight into how collaboration and education can lead to stronger, more successful exits!   Contact Todd Krough here Learn more about The Twin Cities Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute here   EPI Summit (April 19–21, Nashville) Owners Forum – October 7, Midland Hills Country Club (Twin Cities) Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    25 min

  8. MAR 10

    From Invisible to Investable: Why Visibility Matters for Manufacturing

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Deepa Krishnamurthy, Co-Founder and CEO of Nterprisers, Inc. about the often unseen world of U.S. manufacturing. While many people picture large factories, most manufacturers are small, privately held businesses that operate quietly within local networks. Deepa shares how her experience in manufacturing and private markets led her to build a platform designed to help these companies become easier to find and connect with. Deepa explains how Nterprisers, Inc helps manufacturers gain visibility while still protecting their privacy. By organizing publicly available information into searchable profiles, the platform makes it easier for companies to discover partners, customers, talent, and advisors they might never have encountered through traditional word-of-mouth networks. The conversation also explores why visibility and connection play an important role in long-term business outcomes, including growth, succession, and exit planning. For many manufacturers, simply being discoverable can create opportunities that strengthen the value and future of the business. Contact Deepa Krishnamurthy here Learn more about Nterprisers, Inc. here Learn how the Nterprisers platform helps manufacturers become more visible, connected, and discoverable within the U.S. manufacturing ecosystem. 📅 March 25 | 10:00–10:45 AM ET Register: https://nterprisers.com Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    28 min
See All (294)

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
    294
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Poised for Exit
  • Show Website
    Poised for Exit

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