Poised for Exit

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we're joined by Colin Hirdman,  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinhirdman/]entrepreneur, strategist, and co-founder of Rainmaker [https://rainmakergrows.com/], to explore the untapped potential of LinkedIn as a true growth engine for business. Colin shares his entrepreneurial journey, from launching his first company just weeks after college to co-founding Monkey Island Ventures [https://www.monkeyislandventures.com/] and helping business leaders build targeted lead-generation systems using LinkedIn. We dive into how Colin and his team help founders, advisors, and sales professionals stop wasting time on surface-level posting and start using tools like Sales Navigator, live streams, and LinkedIn events to activate first-degree connections and drive meaningful results. Colin breaks down practical strategies for identifying ideal client profiles, building authentic relationships at scale, and using LinkedIn in a way that feels human, not spammy. Whether you’re a solopreneur, advisor, or sales leader, this episode offers immediately actionable insights for turning your LinkedIn network into real sales opportunities without relying on likes, comments, or canned messages. If you’re looking to level up your LinkedIn strategy, this conversation is a must-listen. Check out Colin’s resources here: Rainmaker Messages GPT [https://chatgpt.com/g/g-wYOrm79jv-rainmaker-messenger] Rainmaker Poll GPT [https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67c0e1a75f64819185be70b86ffef68e-rainmaker-poll-creator] Rainmaker Livestream GPT [https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67d452fa02b481919f5e84ceaa2e6d55-rainmaker-livestream-assistant] https://chatgpt.com/g/g-67d452fa02b481919f5e84ceaa2e6d55-rainmaker-livestream-assistant Connect with Julie Keyes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekeyes/], Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Cindy Leines [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyleines/], founder of CEL Marketing [https://www.celpr.com/], a firm dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations communicate with purpose and build lasting trust. With decades of experience in strategic communications, branding, and reputation management, Cindy brings a unique perspective to the exit planning conversation. We dive into the role of transparency and trust in successful business transitions, especially in closely held and family-owned companies. Cindy shares lessons from her entrepreneurial journey, highlights the legal risks of overlooking website accessibility compliance, and explains why clear, honest communication -both internal and external - is essential when preparing a business for sale. This episode is a thoughtful reminder that numbers alone don’t drive value. Reputation, clarity, and trust play a powerful role in shaping how a business is perceived—and how smooth a transition can really be. Whether you’re years away from an exit or facing one soon, Cindy’s insights will help you prepare with integrity. Connect with Julie Keyes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekeyes/], Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Cindy Mclagan [https://jakcpa.com/about-us/our-team/cynthia-mclagan/] and Jonathon Lansink [https://jakcpa.com/about-us/our-team/jonathon-lansink/] from John A. Knutson & Co., PLLP [https://jakcpa.com/]. We sit down for an insightful conversation on estate and tax planning for business owners preparing to exit! Jonathon and Cindy address why proactive estate and tax strategies are critical for protecting generational wealth and ensuring smooth business transitions. From the use of trusts and gifting strategies to navigating the complexities of estate tax law, this episode is packed with practical advice for owners, advisors, and financial professionals alike. Our conversation covers how to properly fund trusts, the role of irrevocable trusts in real estate planning, and the value of building a collaborative team that includes CPAs, attorneys, and financial advisors. Additionally, Jonathon and Cindy also touch on the challenges of generational family businesses and best practices for onboarding estate planning clients. If you’re advising clients or preparing your own business for a future transition, this episode delivers grounded, actionable insights to help you plan ahead with clarity and confidence. Connect with Julie Keyes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekeyes/], Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Leah Berend [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahberend/], founder and managing partner of Marrin Investment Partners [https://www.marrininvestment.com/], a private equity firm focused on investing in and growing purpose-driven businesses. Leah shares her unique journey from a background in leadership and due diligence to founding her own firm, one that’s rooted in integrity, workforce culture, and long-term value creation. We explore the common misconceptions around private equity and why many business owners overlook the importance of early, strategic exit planning. Leah discusses the critical role of due diligence, the psychology behind successful deals, and how her firm approaches investment with both structure and empathy. Our conversation covers everything from Leah’s investment criteria and concerns about the future workforce, to her emphasis on governance, employee incentives, and culture-building as drivers of enterprise value. If you’re a founder, advisor, or business owner, this episode offers grounded insights into how private equity, done with purpose, can be a powerful tool for transition and legacy! Be sure to check out Leah's podcast: The Future of Private Equity [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-private-equity/id1744632482] Connect with Julie Keyes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekeyes/], Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Heide Olson, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heide-olson/] founder and CEO of All in One Accounting [https://allinoneaccounting.com/team/heide-olson/], a firm specializing in fractional CFO, controller, and accounting services for businesses and nonprofits. Heide shares her entrepreneurial journey, the lessons she learned while growing her company, and the critical role that financial systems play in building a business that is truly exit-ready. We explore how strong financial processes, smart technology use, and team development are essential for scaling a business and preparing it for a successful transition. Heide also opens up about the emotional side of preparing for an exit, comparing her business journey to raising a fifth child and emphasizing the need for strategic planning long before a sale or handoff is on the horizon. Our conversation highlights why having the right advisors, operating systems, and financial discipline are key ingredients for any business owner thinking about their future transition. We also touch on the importance of nonprofit financial management, business continuity planning, and why adaptability and self-awareness are vital for long-term success. Connect with Julie Keyes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekeyes/], Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor