In this episode of Poised for Exit, we talk with Vincent Renda, a nationally recognized financial advisor with Edward Jones who specializes in helping business owners prepare for life beyond their company.

Vincent explains why most owners view an exit as a financial event when, in reality, the real challenge is the transition: identity, purpose, lifestyle, and what comes next. He shares a powerful client story that illustrates how a lack of purpose can stop an exit in its tracks.

We also cover the biggest value drivers and detractors, including owner dependency and hidden lifestyle expenses that create major wealth gaps. Vincent highlights why planning three to five years ahead is critical, and why forced exits often happen due to the Five Ds: death, disability, divorce, disagreement, and destruction.

Finally, Vincent discusses the tools and collaborative resources Edward Jones provides to help owners build a business that’s sellable, sustainable, and aligned with their long-term goals.

Next Steps:

• Connect with Vincent on LinkedIn for a complimentary review

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Joe Seetoo, Partner at Morton Wealth and the current Exit Planner of the Year. Joe brings a rare blend of wealth management expertise, exit planning insight, and real-world examples that reveal what owners most often overlook when preparing for a transition.

Joe shares how Morton Wealth built The Strategist, a flat-fee, exit-focused planning model designed to support owners long before a deal is on the table. He explains why exit planning is a “team sport,” why knowing your number is essential, and how early readiness prevents rushed or poorly structured deals.

You’ll learn why estate planning, insurance coverage, cash-flow clarity, and personal preparedness all play a critical role in the outcome of an exit. Joe also walks through Morton Wealth’s all-weather investment philosophy, built on diversified, risk-aware strategies that support owners before, during, and after their transition.

This conversation is filled with practical insight for business owners, whether an exit is years away or quickly approaching.

Resources from Morton Wealth:

• Strategist Brochure
• The Business Owner’s Transition Toolkit
• Article: “Why Owners Need a General Contractor for Their Exit”
• Article: “The Hidden Costs of Not Knowing Your Number”

Additional Resource Mentioned in This Episode:

• Julie’s online exit planning course

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

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

 | 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

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

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 [email protected]

Learn more about Virtual Assistant Services with The VA Solution here or by emailing [email protected]

Connect with Ailee here

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

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

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

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

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 [email protected]
Connect with Yan here or email [email protected]
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