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. 18H AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. MAR 4

    Legal Pitfalls That Derail Business Sales and How Owners Can Avoid Them

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Ailana McIntosh, Business and Real Estate Attorney at Hellmuth & Johnson. Ailana shares her unique journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial immigrant family to building a career helping business owners navigate the legal side of starting, operating, and ultimately selling their companies. Her background gives her a firsthand understanding of the challenges entrepreneurs face and the importance of planning ahead. We discuss some of the most common legal issues that surface during business transactions, including disorganized corporate records, incomplete governance documents, and unclear ownership structures. We also explore why many of these issues go unnoticed for years, until an owner begins preparing for a sale. Throughout the conversation, Ailana explains how proactive planning, clear documentation, and the right advisory team can make the difference between a smooth transaction and a costly, time-consuming cleanup process.   Contact Ailana McIntosh here Learn more about Hellmuth & Johnson here Learn about the Trusted WISP tool for today’s professionals here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    27 min

  7. FEB 26

    Stop Winging the Future: Why Business Owners Need Intentional Planning

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, we are joined by John Schwalbach of Freedom Financial Partners, who leads a conversation with his client, Jennifer Zick, Founder and CEO of Authentic®. Together, they explore what shifts for a business owner when planning becomes intentional rather than reactive. As Jennifer’s company matured and began generating meaningful value, new questions surfaced about wealth, risk exposure, long-term flexibility, and what success truly looks like. Through her work with John and his team, she gained clarity around how her business fits into her broader financial picture, how to model different life scenarios, and how to reduce pressure that had quietly built over time. This conversation highlights why proactive planning is not just about numbers. It is about protecting what you are building, creating options for the future, and leading with greater confidence today. For business owners who sense they should start planning but have not yet taken that step, this episode offers perspective on why earlier clarity can be transformative.   Contact John Schwalbach here Learn more about Freedom Financial Partners here Contact Jennifer Zick here Learn more about Authentic® here Learn about the Trusted WISP tool for today’s professionals here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    27 min

  8. FEB 18

    What Sellers Should Understand Before Partnering with Private Equity

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Ben Axelrod, Managing Director at Borgman Capital,to explore what business owners should truly understand before partnering with private equity. With a background spanning M&A advisory and investment leadership, Ben offers a thoughtful perspective on how financial buyers approach transactions and long-term partnership. We discuss common misconceptions about private equity, including concerns around loss of control, cultural disruption, and the belief that all firms operate the same way. Not all private equity groups are interchangeable. Alignment, vision, pace of change, and approach to leadership matter just as much as valuation. We also examine the emotional side of transitions, including identity, legacy, and the complexities that often arise in family-owned businesses. This episode provides practical insight into what to look for in a partner and what questions to ask before moving forward. A business sale is more than a financial event. It is a strategic and personal transition, and understanding that distinction can shape the outcome in meaningful ways.   Contact Ben Axelrod here Learn more about Borgman Capital here Learn about the Trusted WISP tool for today’s professionals here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    28 min
See All (291)

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
    291
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Poised for Exit
  • Show Website
    Poised for Exit

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