Poised for Exit

Julie Keyes
  • 5.0 (19)
  • 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. 1D AGO

    How to Repair Cash Flow and Rebuild Trust with Your Bank

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, we welcome Eric Mitchellette, Founder and President of Strategic Business Coach,Inc. Eric shares how business owners can identify and repair cash flow challenges, rebuild trust with their banks, and strengthen the overall financial health of their organizations. With decades of experience as a CFO and turnaround advisor, he offers actionable strategies for improving receivables, creating financial visibility, and fostering productive banking relationships that endure through both good times and bad. Julie and Eric also discuss the most common warning signs of financial distress, the importance of transparent communication with lenders, and how a qualified financial leader can help companies prevent crisis, stabilize operations, and prepare for sustainable growth. Packed with valuable lessons and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for business owners who want to stay financially strong, resilient, and ready for what’s next.  Connect with Eric here Learn more about Strategic Business Coach, Inc. here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    26 min

  2. OCT 30

    The Hidden Cybersecurity Risks Every Business Owner Should Know

    | In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Steve Enzler, Owner and CEO of Tangible Values, a professional services firm supporting the accounting community. Steve shares eye-opening insights into cybersecurity risks that most small businesses and even accounting firms don’t realize they’re exposed to. From new IRS and FTC requirements to real-world data breach examples, this conversation sheds light on what every business owner needs to know about protecting client information. You’ll learn about the Written Information Security Plan (WISP) now required for accounting firms, what “personally identifiable information” (PII) really means, and the practical steps any business can take to protect themselves and their clients. Steve also explains how WispBuilder.com, one of Tangible Values’ latest innovations, helps firms easily comply with cybersecurity mandates and avoid devastating fines and data breaches.This is part one of a two-part discussion. Don’t miss part two in a few weeks, where Steve dives deeper into real cases and evolving threats. Learn more about Tangible Values here Resources mentioned: WispBuilder.com: Build and maintain your written information security plan. IRS Publication 4557: Safeguarding Taxpayer Data: A Guide for Your Business. New York Attorney General Settlement Announcement: Press release referenced in this episode. Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    32 min

  3. OCT 23

    Stepping Into a Family Business Built on Service, Safety, and Purpose

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, Erika Scherman, Owner and President of MC Tool & Safety Sales, joins the show to share her journey of stepping into leadership and carrying her family’s business forward. Erika reflects on how she transitioned from a career in the beer industry to running a company centered on service, safety, and strong customer relationships. She discusses the challenges of business succession, managing growth as a small company, and thoughtfully integrating technology like AI while maintaining a personal touch with every client. Together, Erika and Julie explore what it means to lead with purpose, balance legacy with innovation, and find fulfillment in work that keeps people safe and connected. Erika's story is an authentic look at the evolution of a family business and the mindset it takes to build lasting success.   Learn more about MC Tool & Safety Sales here  Connect with Erika here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    27 min

  4. OCT 16

    Rethinking HR and Virtual Assistance for the Modern Workplace

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Ailee Nelson, Founder and Owner of Approach HR and The VA Solution. Ailee shares how she built two distinct businesses that address different, yet equally important, needs in today’s workplace. Through Approach HR, she helps companies strengthen compliance, retention, and organizational development with strategic human resources support. And through her other company, The VA Solution, she connects busy professionals and business owners with skilled virtual assistants who bring structure, organization, and reliable support. In this conversation, Ailee explains how businesses can adapt to new expectations around flexibility, leadership, and work-life balance. She offers insight into how regular employee conversations improve retention and morale, and how delegating administrative work to trusted professionals helps leaders reclaim time and focus on what matters most. Ailee’s insights highlight how thoughtful HR practices and the right support can make any business more scalable, resilient, and ultimately more valuable! Learn more about HR Services with Approach HR here or by emailing ailee@approachmn.com Learn more about Virtual Assistant Services with The VA Solution here or by emailing ailee@thevasolution.com Connect with Ailee here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    25 min

  5. OCT 8

    Why Clean Financials Build Trust and Drive Better Business Transitions

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, we are excited to be joined again by Heide Olson, Founder & CEO All In One Accounting for Part 2 of the conversation on preparing a company’s books and operations for a successful transition. Heide explains why clean financials, accurate month-end closes, reconciled balance sheets, and meaningful budget reviews are essential to telling a credible story that buyers and stakeholders can trust. Our discussion explores the key metrics every business should track, how technology and automation can save time and reduce risk, and why having a second set of eyes on financials strengthens confidence and value. Heide also highlights the difference between running a lifestyle business and building a transferable asset by sharing real client stories that show how timely reporting can uncover risks and create opportunities. Ultimately, behind every set of numbers is a narrative, and when that story is clear, consistent, and well-documented, it builds confidence for owners, inspires trust from buyers, and sets the stage for a successful transition!   Connect with Heide here Learn more about All In One Accounting here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    30 min

  6. OCT 2

    Building Stronger Teams and Business Value Through EQ and AI

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Heather Polivka, Founder and CEO of Awesome People Leaders, to explore how leadership, culture, and emotional intelligence drive real business value. Heather shares how her firm helps organizations close leadership gaps, reduce disengagement, and elevate team performance. At the center of our conversation is Awesome EQ, a new AI-powered tool that delivers real-time coaching prompts inside everyday platforms like Outlook, Gmail, and Slack. The tool helps leaders build trust, communicate more effectively, and strengthen team dynamics in the moment. Our discussion touches on why emotional intelligence is such a critical predictor of success, how real-time insights prevent miscommunication and boost retention, and the ways companies have gone through acquisitions without losing key talent. Heather also outlines a three-year roadmap for developing leadership capacity, strengthening culture, and positioning a business for greater value at exit. She emphasizes that in an AI-driven world, the human element becomes even more critical. By combining neuroscience, EQ, and technology, leaders can unlock higher performance while safeguarding company culture and long-term value. Connect with Heather on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherpolivka/ Follow Awesome People Leaders on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/awesome-people-leaders Visit awesomepeopleleaders.com to learn more https://www.awesomepeopleleaders.com/   Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    28 min

  7. SEP 25

    What to Expect at the EPI Regional Summit 2025

    The Twin Cities business community is preparing for one of the year’s most anticipated gatherings: the EPI Regional Summit. In this week’s episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Todd Krough, President of the EPI Twin Cities Chapter and Wealth Advisor with UMB Bank, for an inside look at what attendees can expect on October 9 at Union Depot in St. Paul. Todd reflects on the evolution of the Owners Forum into today’s Regional Summit and why the Twin Cities Chapter continues to grow in reach and impact. This conversation highlights how the Summit has become a cornerstone event for connecting business owners and advisors, offering fresh insights, meaningful connections, and perspectives that extend well beyond the day itself. This conversation provides a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the Regional Summit such a powerful opportunity, from the energy of the Twin Cities business community to the unique lineup that blends learning, networking, and inspiration. If you’re considering attending, or simply want to understand what sets this event apart, this episode offers the perfect preview of what’s ahead! Learn more & get involved: 🔗 Register for the Regional Summit: DriveValue.com  🔗 Explore upcoming events & chapter details: EPI Twin Cities Chapter  🔗 Connect with the chapter on LinkedIn: EPI Twin Cities LinkedIn Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    20 min

  8. SEP 17

    How to Pass Down Real Estate Wealth Without the Tax Burden

    In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Nolan Gaffney, and Yan Arsenault, of Trust Point Inc., to explore real estate strategies that can transform how business owners and families protect their wealth. With trillions of dollars in real estate expected to pass from one generation to the next, the conversation couldn’t be more timely. Nolan and Yan walk us through approaches that allow owners to transition away from the burdens of managing property while still enjoying the benefits of real estate ownership. They share how tools like Delaware Statutory Trusts and 721 exchanges can create a smoother handoff to heirs, eliminate day-to-day management headaches, and defer significant tax obligations. Along the way, they illustrate how these strategies are helping families reduce risk, diversify their holdings, and plan with confidence for the future. Hearing how these strategies have played out for real families adds an important layer to the conversation. From clients eager to step away from the hassle of tenants and repairs to those focused on leaving a smoother path for their kids, the stories are relatable and eye-opening. Nolan and Yan strip away the complexity and show that with the right help, these options are available to more people than you might expect. If you’ve ever wondered how to move from active landlord responsibilities to passive real estate investing, or how to prepare your family to inherit wealth instead of stress, this episode is for you! Connect with Nolan here or email ngaffney@trustpointinc.com Connect with Yan here or email trust_point@trustpointinc.com Learn more about Trust Point Inc. here Learn more about Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

    23 min
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5
out of 5
19 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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    269
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Poised for Exit
  • Show Website
    Poised for Exit

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