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In this episode of Poised for Exit,John Schwalbach and Gregory Holmgren of Freedom Financial Partners discuss why building wealth outside of a business is essential to preparing for a successful exit. For many business owners, the majority of their net worth is tied up in the company they've spent years building. While reinvesting profits can fuel growth, relying too heavily on the business to fund retirement can create significant financial risks and limit an owner's options when it's time to sell. John and Greg share real-world examples of owners who discovered that even a multimillion-dollar sale might not generate enough income to maintain their lifestyle. The conversation explores how diversifying wealth can strengthen an owner's negotiating position, reduce exposure to business-related risks, and provide greater flexibility when evaluating potential offers. They also address common misconceptions about diversification, the uncertainty of earnouts and deferred payments, and why having assets outside the business can make the difference between accepting a deal out of necessity and choosing one that aligns with an owner's long-term goals. Whether you're a business owner preparing for a future transition or an advisor helping clients navigate the exit planning process, this episode offers practical insights into building personal wealth alongside business growth. From identifying your financial "freedom point" to establishing a systematic approach to diversification, John and Greg explain why planning well before an exit can create greater financial security, more options, and the freedom to transition on your own terms. Connect with John Schwalbach here Connect with Gregory Holmgren here Learn more about Freedom Financial Partners here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Umut Kaplan, co-founder of Coccinella, shares his entrepreneurial journey from Turkey to Minnesota and how unexpected experiences, family values, and a passion for sharing Mediterranean culture led to the creation of a unique and growing business. What began with an exchange student experience that brought Umut and his brother to the United States eventually evolved into a family business offering authentic Turkish olive oil and textiles. Umut discusses how the company established its retail presence in Minnesota and later discovered an unexpected opportunity in corporate gifting after a customer's enthusiastic response revealed an entirely new market. The conversation explores how recognizing customer needs, embracing new opportunities, and finding ways to differentiate a business can create meaningful growth. Umut also shares how Coccinella has expanded its offerings to serve businesses of all sizes, helping companies build stronger relationships with clients, employees, and referral partners through personalized experiences and products that leave a lasting impression. Whether you're a business owner looking for ways to stand out in a competitive market or an advisor helping clients identify new opportunities for growth, this episode offers an inspiring example of how entrepreneurial thinking, adaptability, and attention to what makes a business unique can open unexpected doors. Connect with Umut Kaplan here Learn more about Coccinella here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Jon Tichich of Calhoun Companies and Garrett Gillen, Partner at 31 Partners, share an inside look at what business buyers look for when evaluating an acquisition and what owners can do to make their companies stand out. Drawing from their experience working together on the acquisition of Preferred Tool, Jon and Garrett discuss what made the company an attractive investment and how the right buyer-seller relationship contributed to a successful transition. Garrett also explains how 31 Partners takes a different approach from traditional private equity, focusing on long-term growth, preserving company culture, and investing in the people who make a business successful. The conversation explores the factors that influence a buyer's decision, from strong management teams and organized financial records to equipment investments, customer relationships, and growth opportunities. Jon and Garrett also share practical insights into the due diligence process, common mistakes owners make when preparing to sell, and why continuing to invest in your business can positively impact its valuation. Whether you're considering selling your business or simply want to understand what makes a company attractive to investors, this episode offers valuable insights from both sides of the transaction and a real-world example of what a successful acquisition can look like.   Connect with Jon Tichich here Learn more about Calhoun Companies here Connect with Garrett Gillen here Learn more about 31 Partners here   Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Renee Russo, business coach, exit planner, and Exit Planning Institute's Exit Planner of the Year, shares why even the best exit plans can fall short without the right execution. Renee knows firsthand what it feels like to be trapped in a business you worked so hard to build. After navigating her own challenging entrepreneurial journey, she discovered how the right systems, leadership, and planning can give owners something they often set out to achieve in the first place: freedom. Today, she helps business owners bridge the gap between having an exit strategy and actually making it happen. The conversation explores why so many owners struggle to step away from their businesses, even when they're ready for a change. Renee discusses the importance of building a company that can thrive without its founder, getting advisors to work together, and turning long-term goals into actionable steps. She also shares how she's using AI to simplify exit planning, identify opportunities to increase business value, and help owners make better decisions faster. Whether you're planning to sell in the next few years or simply want more freedom from the day-to-day demands of ownership, this episode offers practical insights into building a business that gives you more options for the future.   Connect with Renee Russo here Learn more aboutOptionality.ai here Learn more about Rise Up Business Coaching here Learn more about Exit Mentor here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Lisa McEllistrem, CEO of Modern Foundation and President of EO Minnesota, shares how strategic marketing can drive business growth, strengthen company value, and help owners prepare for a successful exit. Lisa's journey into business ownership followed nearly two decades in the advertising industry and a personal experience that reshaped her priorities. She shares how those experiences led her to Modern Foundation, where she helps businesses connect their marketing efforts to measurable results. She explains why sales, marketing, and finance need to work together, how data can reveal new growth opportunities, and why building a repeatable sales engine is especially important for owners planning an eventual transition. The conversation also explores what makes a strong brand, why customer trust and human relationships matter more than ever in an AI-driven world, and how a manufacturing client grew from “Main Street to Wall Street” with the help of a focused marketing strategy. Lisa also discusses the value of connecting with fellow business owners through Entrepreneurs' Organization and shares her advice for finishing the year strong by focusing on the priorities that matter most. Connect with Lisa McEllistrem here Learn more about Modern Foundation here Learn more about EO Minnesota and upcoming events here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Jaryd Krause, founder of Buying Online Businesses, shares how buying an existing business can open up new opportunities for entrepreneurs, whether they’re looking for a new venture or a faster way to grow a business they already own. Jaryd’s own path into business ownership started with a simple realization: instead of building something from scratch, why not buy a business that was already working? He shares how that decision led him to buy several online businesses and eventually help other entrepreneurs do the same. Along the way, he breaks down how buyers can narrow their search, understand what they can afford, and find a business that actually fits their goals and strengths. The conversation also gets into one of the biggest challenges for buyers: knowing whether a promising opportunity is really as good as it looks. Jaryd shares what to look for during due diligence, why getting emotionally attached to a deal can cloud your judgment, and how existing business owners can use acquisitions to add new capabilities, revenue streams, and growth opportunities. Connect with Jaryd Krausehere Learn more about Buying Online Businesseshere Listen to the Buying Online Businesses Podcast here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Todd Krough, President of the EPI Twin Cities Chapter discusses why some of the most valuable insights for business owners can come from other owners who have already faced the decisions, challenges, and opportunities that come with preparing for what’s next. Todd shares how the Twin Cities Chapter has evolved over the past decade and why collaboration among business owners and their advisors is such an important part of successful exit planning. From building enterprise value to assembling the right advisory team, the conversation explores how better preparation can benefit not only the owner, but the long-term future of the business. Todd also previews the 2026 Owners Forum on October 7, an interactive event designed around business owners learning from other business owners. Attendees will hear directly from a panel of owners about their experiences, take part in small-group discussions, and have the opportunity to connect with owners and advisors facing many of the same questions around growth, transition, and what comes next. Connect with Todd Kroughhere Learn more about the EPI Twin Cities Chapterhere Register for the 2026 Owners Forum here  Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Andy Knutson of John A. Knutson & Co., PLLP and Zach Freeman of Christensen Group Insurance explore what can happen after a business transaction closes and why business owners and their advisors need to be prepared for issues that may surface after the deal is done. The conversation covers the post-closing process, including working capital true-ups, closing balance sheet adjustments, tax deadlines, and financial discrepancies that can affect both buyers and sellers. Andy explains how seemingly small accounting issues can become significant when they affect EBITDA and the purchase price, and why having advisors who know the business involved throughout the transaction can help identify potential problems earlier. Zach breaks down reps and warranties insurance, how it can protect buyers when unknown issues surface after closing, and why it can also help reduce friction between buyers and sellers. Andy and Zach also discuss the importance of thorough due diligence, strong communication among advisors, and taking a proactive approach to reducing post-transaction surprises. Connect with Andy Knutson here Learn more about John A. Knutson & Co., PLLP here Connect with Zach Freeman here Learn more about Christensen Group Insurance here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Peter Pluimer of Old National Bank shares insights from the bank’s latest State of Business Report and what business owners across the Midwest are saying about today’s opportunities, challenges, and economic uncertainty. The conversation explores how business owners are moving forward despite uncertainty, from investing in their workforce and accessing capital to addressing growing cybersecurity risks. Peter also discusses what he’s seeing in the lending environment and why waiting for the “perfect” interest rate can sometimes hold businesses back from making investments that support growth and long-term value. Peter also shares what the survey revealed about AI adoption, including how many businesses are still in the early stages of putting AI into practice. He discusses how Old National Bank is incorporating AI internally and shares a real-world example of how one business used AI to analyze financial data, identify underperforming equipment, and make more informed operational decisions. Connect with Peter Pluimerhere Learn more about Old National Bankhere View The State of Business Survey Report 2026 here Learn more and register for the 2026 M&A Summit here 🎟️ Complimentary registration code: PFE2026 Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Andy Schwandt of True North Mergers & Acquisitions offers a preview of the 2026 M&A Summit, an annual event bringing together business owners and advisors for a day focused on preparing, positioning, and planning for successful business transitions. The conversation explores what attendees can expect from this year’s Summit, including discussions around owner readiness, mitigating risk, and understanding what can go wrong during a transaction. Andy also shares why preparing a business well before an exit is on the immediate horizon matters, from reducing owner dependency and customer concentration to building the right team of advisors. Andy also previews several highlights from the 2026 M&A Summit, including keynote speaker Walter Bond, an economic update from Goldman Sachs, the Grow or Go panel, lessons from owner exit readiness, and the live QuietAuction™ experience, where private equity firms evaluate the same business and submit competing offers. Connect with Andy Schwandt here Learn more about True North Mergers & Acquisitions here Learn more and register for the 2026 M&A Summit here 🎟️ Complimentary registration code: PFE2026 Interested in sponsorship opportunities or hosting a VIP table for your clients? Contact Nicole Magandy at [email protected] Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, father-and-son team Joe Strazzeri and Sal Strazzeri of Strazzeri Mancini explore succession from a perspective they know both professionally and personally. After years of helping successful business owners and families navigate complex transitions, Joe is now applying many of those same lessons as Sal builds his role within the family firm. The conversation explores why successful succession planning requires more than getting the legal, financial, and tax pieces right. Joe and Sal share what they have learned from working with families across generations, including how family dynamics, communication, and trust can shape whether a transition ultimately brings a family together or drives it apart. They also discuss the value of creating space for better conversations, learning from other families who have been through similar transitions, and moving beyond the “first draft” conversations that can prevent people from saying what they really mean. Joe and Sal also offer a candid look at their own transition, from the importance of letting the next generation develop real experience to recognizing that taking over the family business should be a choice, not an expectation. For business owners preparing to pass a company to the next generation, and for the advisors helping them do it, this episode is a reminder that a successful transition is not simply about transferring ownership. It is about preparing the people, relationships, and business for what comes next. Connect with Joe here Connect with Sal here Learn more about Strazzeri Mancini here Learn more about Care to Know here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Amy Wirtz and Andrew Wirtz of Family & Business Success unpack what makes family business succession so complicated and why the biggest challenges often have very little to do with the numbers. Family relationships, ownership, leadership, and expectations around the next generation can all shape whether a transition moves forward smoothly or gets stuck. Amy and Andrew share what they see behind the scenes when families avoid important conversations, make assumptions about who will take over, or struggle to make decisions together. They also share real examples of how family meetings, advisory boards, education, and outside guidance can help bring more clarity and alignment to the process. One of the biggest takeaways is simple: never assume the next generation wants the business. Amy and Andrew explain why those conversations need to happen early, what families should be talking about, and how better planning can help protect both the business and the relationships around it. Connect with Amy Wirtz here Connect with Andrew Wirtz here Learn more about Family & Business Success here  Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

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 here Learn more about MidCountry Bank here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

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 here Learn more about Voorhees Law Group here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

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 here Learn more about Dr. Michael Filosi here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor