Poised for Exit
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.
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 p...
Jul 30
36 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...
Jul 22
33 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, inclu...
Jul 16
39 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 prep...
Jul 9
36 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 he...
Jul 2
37 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...
Jun 25
44 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 syste...
Jun 18
27 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 plan...
Jun 11
25 min
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...
Jun 4
31 min
Why Commercial Real Estate Can Make or Break an Exit Plan
In this episode of Poised for Exit, Anna Coskran, President of NTH, Inc. joins the show to discuss why commercial real estate can play a major role in business transitions and exit planning. Drawing from nearly three decades of experience in commercial real estate and construction management, Anna shares practical insight into how real estate decisions can either support or complicate a successful transition. The conversation explores how leases, building ownership, and property-related oblig...
May 28
29 min
Load more