Poised for Exit

R&D Tax Credits Explained: What Business Owners Commonly Miss

In this episode of Poised for Exit, John Ammann [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jammann/]and Tim Urban [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-urban-cpa-mbt-53b4b1103/], CPAs with John A. Knutson & Co. [https://jakcpa.com/], join the show to explain how R&D tax credits work and why many business owners may qualify without realizing it. They discuss the fundamentals of the federal R&D tax credit, including the types of activities that may qualify and why these credits are not limited to large corporations or technology companies. John and Tim also break down common misconceptions around R&D credits, including the idea that innovation must be new to the world rather than simply new to the company itself. The conversation covers the IRS four-part qualification test, the importance of documentation, why failed projects can still qualify, and how startups may be able to apply credits against payroll taxes. The episode also explores AI-related investments, startup applications, and common concerns surrounding third-party R&D credit firms. John and Tim explain what business owners should understand before pursuing a claim and offer practical insight into how companies can better evaluate potential opportunities and requirements surrounding R&D tax credits. Connect with John Ammann here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jammann/] Connect with Tim Urban here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-urban-cpa-mbt-53b4b1103/] Learn More about John A. Knutson & Co.here [https://jakcpa.com/] Connect with Julie Keyes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekeyes/], Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

Beyond the Hype: How Private Companies Should Actually Approach AI Adoption

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Mariano Jurich [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariano-jurich/], Senior Product Leader at Making Sense [http://www.makingsense.com], returns to the show to share insights on how private companies are navigating the rapid evolution of AI and enterprise technology. With deep experience across product strategy, software development, and business transformation, Mariano offers a practical perspective on what’s changing and what actually matters. Mariano discusses how companies are approaching AI adoption today, highlighting the importance of aligning new technologies with business goals rather than chasing trends. He explains why AI is simply a tool, not a strategy, and why many organizations struggle with implementation due to lack of clarity, adoption, and unrealistic expectations. The conversation also explores how private equity-backed and middle market companies are shifting toward smaller, high-ROI use cases rather than large-scale transformations. Mariano shares how decision-making has evolved, why speed alone is no longer a competitive advantage, and why human-led strategy and thoughtful implementation remain critical for driving meaningful outcomes in a rapidly changing landscape. Connect with Mariano Jurich here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariano-jurich/] Learn more about Making Sense LLC here [http://www.makingsense.com] Connect with Julie Keyes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekeyes/], Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

AI, Hiring & Business Value: What Mid-Market Companies Are Getting Wrong

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Hilary Spreizer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillaryspreizer/], Owner and CEO of The Latitude Group [https://latitude-group.com/], shares her unexpected journey from employee to owner after purchasing the company during the uncertainty of COVID. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from leading sales and revenue generation to building the operational structure needed to scale a growing business. Hilary explains how strategic hires, stronger systems, and a focus on scalable infrastructure helped the company achieve significant growth and earn a Fast 50 award. She also shares lessons on leadership, surrounding yourself with people who know what you don’t, and implementing frameworks like EOS to create accountability and long-term organizational stability. The conversation also explores how mid-market companies are approaching AI, hiring, and technology adoption. Hilary discusses why many businesses rush into AI tools without a clear strategy, the operational and privacy risks that can create, and why companies should focus first on identifying the business problem before investing in technology solutions. The episode highlights the connection between operational scalability and enterprise value, particularly for owners preparing for future growth or exit planning. Hilary shares why reducing founder dependency, building resilient teams, and slowing down long enough to create the right blueprint can dramatically improve long-term outcomes. Connect with Hillary Spreizer here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hillaryspreizer/] Learn more about The Latitude Group here [https://www.latitude-group.com]   Connect with Julie Keyes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekeyes/], Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

A Real Exit Story: How Preparation and the Right Advisory Team Drove a Premium Outcome

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Shaun Jackson [https://www.calhouncompanies.com/our-team/shaun-jackson-sr], business broker with Calhoun Companies [https://www.calhouncompanies.com/], steps in as guest host to interview his client, Dale Doriott [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-doriott-091985a/], former owner of Injection Molding Solutions [https://www.imolding.com/]. Together, they walk through Dale’s real exit story and the key factors that led to a premium outcome. Dale shares how he built the business over decades, including navigating the 2008 financial crisis and growing through disciplined operations and reinvestment. He explains how a focus on clarity, organization, and strong leadership positioned the company to stand out to buyers and ultimately command a higher valuation. The conversation highlights the role of preparation and the impact of having the right advisory team in place. Sean and Dale discuss how alignment between the broker, accountant, and attorney strengthened their position during negotiations, even when working with a large, private equity-backed buyer. They also share how clear communication and trust helped guide key decisions throughout the process. Dale shares key lessons from the process, including understanding financial metrics earlier and how deal structure decisions like retaining real estate created long term value. He also discusses the benefits of staying on post sale for continuity and success. This episode offers business owners and advisors a grounded, real-world look at how preparation, leadership, and the right advisory team can drive stronger exit outcomes and lasting value beyond the transaction. Connect with Shaun Jackson here [https://www.calhouncompanies.com/our-team/shaun-jackson-sr] Learn more about Calhoun Companies here [https://www.calhouncompanies.com/] Connect with Dale Doriott here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-doriott-091985a/] Learn more about Injection Molding Solutions here [https://www.imolding.com/] Connect with Julie Keyes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekeyes/], Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

How Business Owners Can Build Philanthropy Into an Exit Plan

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Jennifer Vickerman Akaolisa [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifervickermanakaolisa/], Gift Planner at Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation [https://spmcf.org], joins us to discuss how philanthropy can become a powerful part of business exit planning. With a background in financial services and more than a decade of experience in philanthropy, Jennifer helps individuals, families, and business owners create giving strategies that align with their values and long-term goals. Jennifer shares why entrepreneurs are often among the most generous givers and how many owners want their life’s work to continue making a difference after a sale or transition. She explains why these conversations should begin early and how thoughtful planning can create both personal fulfillment and lasting community impact. The conversation also explores strategies such as donor-advised funds, gifting non-cash assets, and other planning tools that can help owners maximize flexibility and impact. Julie and Jennifer also preview their upcoming webinar [https://spmcf.zoom.us/webinar/register/7117732565616/WN_n6waRlDnQLWzfTkgb-zNLw] focused on advising at the intersection of business exit planning, legacy building, and community impact. This episode offers business owners and advisors a practical look at how philanthropy can strengthen exit planning while creating lasting value beyond the transaction. Connect with Jennifer Vickerman Akaolisa here [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifervickermanakaolisa/] Learn more about Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation here [https://spmcf.org] Register for the upcoming webinar here [https://spmcf.zoom.us/webinar/register/7117732565616/WN_n6waRlDnQLWzfTkgb-zNLw]  Connect with Julie Keyes [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekeyes/], Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor