Kuuntele Poised for Exit

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we explore the often overlooked human side of exit planning, where leadership, culture, and legacy intersect. Our guest, Chuck Cooper [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-cooper1/], founder of Whitewater Consulting [https://whitewaterconsulting.net/] and author of The Family Business Blueprint, shares a wealth of experience helping family-owned businesses navigate the complexities of succession planning. Chuck emphasizes the vital role that company culture plays in a successful exit and why business owners should start developing leadership and investing in their people years before a transition. He shares powerful real-world stories, including one about a client facing a terminal illness who made it his mission to finalize a succession plan that would protect his family, employees, and company. This is a thoughtful and practical conversation about why exit planning isn’t just about numbers. It’s about people. If you care about preserving your legacy and preparing your business for a stable future, Chuck’s insights are not to be missed. 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 sit down with Justin Goodbread [https://www.linkedin.com/in/justingoodbread/], a lifelong entrepreneur who has built and sold multiple businesses and now coaches others to do the same. From launching his first company at 15 to achieving several seven-figure exits, Justin shares the biggest lessons he has learned about increasing company value, planning a smart exit, and building a business that supports your life instead of running it. Justin opens up about a life-threatening experience during Covid that led him to completely reevaluate his priorities. That pivotal moment inspired him to sell his firm and shift his focus to family, purpose, and more meaningful work. He now helps business owners do the same through a group coaching platform designed to help service-based professionals double or triple their business value within 18 to 36 months. We also dive into our collaboration on an AI-powered coaching platform and share how this new tool can help business owners grow with more structure, efficiency, and integrity. If you are an advisor, founder, or just someone looking to align your business with your values, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical direction. Justin’s story is a powerful reminder that success means nothing if it comes at the cost of the life you want to live. 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 Michael Hubsmith [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhubsmith/] of True North M&A [https://www.tnma.com/] and Mark Cheeley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcheeley/] of Synergy Wealth Management [https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/synergy-wealth-management1/], 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekeyes/], Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Tony Morse [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyjmorse/], CEO of Proliferate Performance & Profit [https://proliferateperformance.com/], 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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliekeyes/], Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor