In this episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Michael Hubsmith of True North M&A and Mark Cheeley of Synergy Wealth Management, two seasoned professionals whose 15-year collaboration has helped countless business owners plan smarter, sell stronger, and retire confidently.

Michael and Mark share real-world insights on how aligning M&A expertise with long-term financial planning creates better outcomes for business owners preparing to exit. They emphasize the importance of early planning, building a trusted advisory team, and addressing value gaps well before going to market.

Our conversation also explores the current M&A landscape, highlighting what today’s buyers are looking for and how owners can position themselves for premium deals - even in uncertain economic conditions.

This is a thoughtful and practical conversation that highlights the real impact of trusted professional relationships, and what’s possible when planning and execution come together at the right time!

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Tony Morse, CEO of Proliferate Performance & Profit, shares key insights for preparing your sales process for a successful exit.

Tony dives into the critical importance of building a scalable sales program that operates independently of the founder, making the business more transferable and attractive to potential buyers. He outlines three key elements that are often missing in businesses preparing for an exit: reliable forecasting, solid sales processes, and effective sales leadership.

Our conversation also touches on growth challenges, emphasizing the need to evaluate sales leaders and implement a professional sales system to address fluctuating growth and ensure sustainability. Tony offers insights into how to optimize sales processes and scale them for a smooth transition.

If you're aiming to maximize business value and prepare your sales program for a successful exit, this episode is full of practical, actionable advice that can make a significant impact!

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Jon Marquet from Trust Point shares invaluable insights into the essential strategies for a successful business exit. As an expert in retirement planning and business transitions, Jon provides expert advice on what business owners need to consider as they approach one of the biggest decisions of their careers.

Jon discusses the importance of early and comprehensive financial planning to ensure a smooth exit, covering everything from trust & estate planning to reducing tax burdens and aligning personal financial goals with business goals. He emphasizes how business owners can benefit from understanding and implementing specific trust instruments, as well as preparing for life after the exit.

The conversation also touches on strategies for business owners to get their businesses and themselves ready for a sale or transition, ensuring they not only achieve financial success but also prepare for a fulfilling post-exit life.

If you’re a business owner planning to exit or simply want to ensure you’re on the right path, this episode is for you!

🔗Find Trust Point Inc. here: [email protected] 
📧 Find Jon Marquet here: www.trustpointinc.com

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

With a unique background in leadership, organizational strategy, and academia, Moira Petit brings fresh insight into the evolving relationship between AI and human leadership. As the co-founder and partner of Activ8 LLC and ProjectWe, she has firsthand experience in leading organizations through change. In this episode, we dive into how technology is reshaping the workplace—while the core principles of leadership, company culture, and human connection remain as important as ever.

Moira shares practical ways AI can support decision-making, streamline operations, and enhance leadership, but also explains why emotional intelligence, adaptability, and genuine human connection are irreplaceable. She offers thoughtful strategies for integrating AI without losing the “human touch”, ensuring businesses stay both innovative and people-focused.

She also opens up about a deeply personal story—how watching her son navigate challenges has shaped her own leadership approach. His journey reinforced her belief in the power of resilience, mentorship, and continuous learning, qualities every leader needs in today’s rapidly changing world.

If you’re a business owner, executive, or entrepreneur looking to balance innovation with strong leadership, this episode is for you. Tune in and take away real-world insights you can apply right away!

🔗 Find ProjectWe Here: www.projectwe.com

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

With extensive experience in entrepreneurship and business investment, Jeff Porubcan and Jeff Thurston bring valuable insights into navigating partnerships and scaling businesses successfully. In this episode, we explore the challenges and rewards of co-ownership, as well as the key factors that contribute to a thriving business partnership.

As partners in Master Supplements Inc., Jeff and Jeff discuss their journey in the health and wellness industry, sharing how they built and expanded their supplement business. They highlight the importance of aligning visions, defining roles, and maintaining clear communication between business partners. Their conversation offers real-world experiences of overcoming obstacles, managing growth, and structuring agreements that ensure long-term success.

Our discussion also touches on succession planning, preparing for leadership transitions, and how businesses can maintain momentum when key players step away. They emphasize the value of mentorship, adaptability, and leveraging complementary skill sets to maximize business potential.

This episode is filled with practical advice for entrepreneurs, business owners, and those navigating partnerships to create sustainable growth. Be sure to tune in, subscribe, and share with others navigating the entrepreneurial journey!

Find Master Supplements Inc. HERE

As well as their podcast HERE

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

With a background in law and expertise in mediation, Amy Wirtz brings a deep understanding of the challenges family businesses face when transitioning leadership. Our conversation explores how businesses evolve from single-family ownership to multi-generational enterprises, requiring new skill sets, structured leadership, and strategic planning.

Amy outlines key factors for a successful transition, including strong family leadership structures, clearly defined roles, and proactive planning for the next generation. She explains how decision-making frameworks evolve over time, from informal discussions among family members to formal advisory boards and executive leadership teams.

Our discussion also covers accountability within family businesses, common challenges aging leaders face, and the importance of coaching future successors with structured planning tools. Amy shares real-world examples of businesses navigating these transitions and highlights strategies for ensuring financial security and long-term sustainability.

This episode is packed with actionable advice for business owners and advisors alike. Be sure to tune in, subscribe, and share with others looking to build a lasting family business legacy!

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

The week on the Poised for Exit podcast, I take the mic for a solo episode to share exciting updates for 2025!

After nearly six years and approaching our 300th episode, I wanted to take this time to personally connect with you - our valued listeners - and give you an inside look at what's happening this year.

First, I extend my gratitude to our incredible sponsors, including True North M&A, Trust Point Inc., JAK + Co. CPAs, and the Twin Cities Metro Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute. Their support has been instrumental in making this show possible, and I highly encourage you to check out the valuable services they offer!

I also dive into the latest offerings from my exit planning programs. My Advisor Program for CEPAs is currently in session, helping professionals develop their exit planning practice, and will be back again in September for another session. Additionally, our Monthly Exit Planning Cohort kicks off again on April 11th -  providing peer learning, case studies, and expert insights at a fraction of the cost of other peer groups.

Also, I'm excited to announce that the third edition of my book, Poised for Exit, is on its way and will be showcased at the EPI Summit in May, where I’ll also be speaking.

And perhaps the biggest announcement: We are launching an AI-powered exit planning application. This groundbreaking tool will provide real-time coaching, business development guidance, valuation insights, and collaborative features for advisors and business owners. We’re assembling a pilot group - so if you are interested, please reach out!

Tune in for more details, and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any upcoming updates. Thank you for your continued support - this show is here because of you!

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

Keeping a family business thriving across generations isn’t easy, but Dr. Jeremy Lurey knows how to make it happen. As Founder and CEO of Family Legacy 1st, he’s spent over 20 years guiding family enterprises through leadership transitions, governance, and exit planning.

Jeremy shares why succession planning is about more than just handing over the reins - it’s about shifting from manager to mentor. He highlights the power of independent boards, strong leadership development, and alternative exit strategies like ESOPs and partial sales. Whether you’re passing the business to family or preparing to sell, Jeremy’s insights help owners make smart, strategic moves.

A major challenge in family businesses is balancing professional and personal relationships. Jeremy explains how fostering family harmony is key to long-term success. When leadership teams communicate effectively and define clear roles, businesses can grow while preserving their legacy.

We also discuss the importance of adaptability. As industries evolve, family businesses must embrace change while staying true to their core values. Jeremy shares how successful enterprises navigate these shifts and create sustainable strategies for future generations.

If you're a business owner thinking about transition - whether to family or new ownership - this episode is packed with actionable advice. Learn how to build a legacy that lasts and ensure a smooth succession.

Find Jeremy here!
Learn more about Family Legacy 1st here!

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Tina Corner Stolz, founder of LXCouncil and author of Your Seat at the Table, for an insightful conversation about the power of peer advisory groups in exit planning. Selling a business is one of the biggest financial and personal transitions an owner will ever face, and having a strong peer network can make all the difference.

Tina shares her journey from corporate leadership to building one of the largest peer group facilitation firms. She offers valuable insights on how business owners can use peer groups to gain clarity, drive enterprise value, and make informed decisions. She explains how surrounding yourself with like-minded leaders creates a space for problem-solving, accountability, and strategic thinking, helping owners avoid common pitfalls and stay focused on long-term success.

We also explore how peer groups can help business owners engage the right advisors, structure their transition plans effectively, and prepare financially and emotionally for what comes next. Tina highlights the importance of fit when choosing a peer group and how a well-matched group can provide not only expert guidance but also the motivation to take action. She also shares real-life success stories of business owners who have navigated their exits with the support of peer networks.

Whether you are years away from selling or actively planning your next steps, this discussion provides actionable insights to help you transition on your terms and maximize the value of your exit!

Find Tina Here!
Learn more about LXCouncil here!

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

Our guest for this episode is Cindy Jennings, Founder of Interwovenly, a firm specializing in turning owners’ aspirations into post-exit action plans!  Cindy has been leading owners and executives in creating their ideal personal plan for many years. She's seen many owners regret their decision to sell, and for reasons that have nothing to do with how much they sold their business for. Usually, it's an intangible obstacle, like "What will I do with my life after business?"  that trips them up. 

One insight that jumped out from our conversation was that the values of an individual tend to change as he or she ages. What a person values when they're young vs raising children will differ. Likewise, when a person reaches their golden years, their values are going to be different. So, it's important for business owners who are planning a future exit to discern what their true values are, so that when they move on to their next chapter, their life will be more fulfilling, as they focus on activities, projects, work, and play which are tied to what they value. 

What's really important to you? What did you value as a child? What did you value as a business owner? What will you value as you exit your business? Thought-provoking questions that Cindy utilizes in her program called "LifeWise" help owners achieve their best outcome; not just for their sale but for the rest of their lives!

Find Cindy here!
Learn more about Interwovenly here!

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor