Poised for Exit

Hosted by Julie Keyes

Business

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Episodes

309

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 12, 2026Episode 31038 min

Is Your Business Bankable? What Lenders Want to See Before a Sale

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Bob Morse, VP Community Business Banker with MidCountry Bank, joins the show to discuss what lenders look for from business owners preparing for a sale and from buyers seeking financing for an acquisition.A business can be profitable and still create headaches when it comes time to finance a sale. Bob explains why owners should be talking with their banker long before a buyer appears, and what lenders are actually looking for when they evaluate the business, the buyer, and the deal itself.He shares the story of one buyer who came to him carrying four separate loans, expensive debt, and no line of credit. By restructuring the financing and creating more breathing room, Bob helped improve the company’s cash flow by more than $70,000 a year and put the owner in a position to buy the real estate he was operating from, moving him several years closer to his eventual exit.Bob also gets into SBA versus conventional financing, what buyers should expect during underwriting, and an issue many owners overlook: the same tax strategies that minimize taxable income can make it harder to demonstrate the earnings needed to qualify for a loan. It’s a practical look at why the right banking relationship, and involving that banker early, can make a meaningful difference when it’s time to buy, sell, or prepare for what comes next. Connect with Bob Morse hereLearn more about MidCountry Bank hereConnect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLCFounder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

August 6, 2026Episode 30935 min

What Exit Advisors Need to Know About Estate Planning

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Kari Voorhees, founder and president of Voorhees Law Group, estate planning attorney, and fellow CEPA, explains why estate planning must be integrated into the broader exit planning process. Kari shares how her father’s brain cancer diagnosis led him to sell his successful trucking company in a panic, without a valuation or a qualified advisory team, and how the poorly structured transaction left him facing significant legal and financial consequences.Kari discusses how exit advisors can help business owners identify gaps between their estate plans, corporate documents, and long-term transition goals. She explains why advisors should review trusts, buy-sell agreements, operating agreements, stock ownership, and business real estate together, while also considering how family members, trustees, and business partners will work together if the owner dies or becomes incapacitated.The conversation also explores the risks of delaying these decisions until a health crisis or unexpected death forces action. Through real client examples, Kari illustrates why business owners need plans for incapacity, access to company finances, leadership continuity, and the eventual transfer or sale of the business. She emphasizes that effective estate planning is not simply about creating documents. It requires thoughtful conversations and coordination among the owner’s trusted advisors.Connect with Kari Voorhees hereLearn more about Voorhees Law Group hereConnect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLCFounder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

July 30, 2026Episode 30836 min

How One Business Drew 4 Private Equity Offers in 81 Days

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Dr. Michael Filosi, dentist, exited business owner, and entrepreneur, shares how he transformed a worn-out dental practice with possums in the walls into the largest dental practice in Adelaide, Australia. Ten years after purchasing the struggling business, Michael sold it in just 81 days after receiving offers from four different private equity firms, with no earn-out or required retention period.Michael explains how he created competitive tension among prospective buyers, why he declined to name his own asking price, and what it was like to negotiate directly with professional private equity buyers. He also shares why clean financial records made the practice easier to value, reduced perceived risk, and allowed buyers to submit stronger offers with confidence.The conversation explores what makes a business truly sellable, including eliminating dependence on the owner, building a capable leadership team, and preparing the company to operate successfully after the founder exits. Michael also discusses when and how he informed his team about the sale, the emotional realities of walking away, and why business owners should begin preparing long before they are ready to enter the market.Connect with Dr. Michael Filosi hereLearn more about Dr. Michael Filosi hereConnect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLCFounder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

July 22, 2026Episode 30733 min

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 hereWatch Justin’s video on scaling an advisory practice hereLearn more about Relentless Value Coaching here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLCFounder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

July 16, 2026Episode 30639 min

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 hereLearn more about Lakeside HR Group hereConnect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLCFounder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

July 9, 2026Episode 30536 min

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 hereLearn More About HUB’s Business Owner Advisory Services hereTake the Business Transition Readiness Assessment hereJoin the Business Owner Roundtable Series hereConnect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLCFounder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

July 2, 2026Episode 30437 min

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 hereLearn More about KeyeStrategies herePurchase Julie’s book, Poised for Exit: The 3rd Edition here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLCFounder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

June 25, 2026Episode 30344 min

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 hereConnect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLCFounder, Consultant, Author, Podcaster, and InstructorConnect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLCFounder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

June 18, 2026Episode 30227 min

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 hereConnect with Blue Sparq Marketing hereConnect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLCFounder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

June 11, 2026Episode 30125 min

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 hereConnect with Traction Capital hereConnect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLCFounder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor