In this episode of Poised for Exit, Jon Tichich of Calhoun Companies and Garrett Gillen, Partner at 31 Partners, share an inside look at what business buyers look for when evaluating an acquisition and what owners can do to make their companies stand out.

Drawing from their experience working together on the acquisition of Preferred Tool, Jon and Garrett discuss what made the company an attractive investment and how the right buyer-seller relationship contributed to a successful transition. Garrett also explains how 31 Partners takes a different approach from traditional private equity, focusing on long-term growth, preserving company culture, and investing in the people who make a business successful.

The conversation explores the factors that influence a buyer's decision, from strong management teams and organized financial records to equipment investments, customer relationships, and growth opportunities. Jon and Garrett also share practical insights into the due diligence process, common mistakes owners make when preparing to sell, and why continuing to invest in your business can positively impact its valuation.

Whether you're considering selling your business or simply want to understand what makes a company attractive to investors, this episode offers valuable insights from both sides of the transaction and a real-world example of what a successful acquisition can look like.

Connect with Jon Tichich here
Learn more about Calhoun Companies here

Connect with Garrett Gillen here
Learn more about 31 Partners here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Renee Russo, business coach, exit planner, and Exit Planning Institute's Exit Planner of the Year, shares why even the best exit plans can fall short without the right execution.

Renee knows firsthand what it feels like to be trapped in a business you worked so hard to build. After navigating her own challenging entrepreneurial journey, she discovered how the right systems, leadership, and planning can give owners something they often set out to achieve in the first place: freedom. Today, she helps business owners bridge the gap between having an exit strategy and actually making it happen.

The conversation explores why so many owners struggle to step away from their businesses, even when they're ready for a change. Renee discusses the importance of building a company that can thrive without its founder, getting advisors to work together, and turning long-term goals into actionable steps. She also shares how she's using AI to simplify exit planning, identify opportunities to increase business value, and help owners make better decisions faster.

Whether you're planning to sell in the next few years or simply want more freedom from the day-to-day demands of ownership, this episode offers practical insights into building a business that gives you more options for the future.

Connect with Renee Russo here
Learn more aboutOptionality.ai here
Learn more about Rise Up Business Coaching here
Learn more about Exit Mentor here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Lisa McEllistrem, CEO of Modern Foundation and President of EO Minnesota, shares how strategic marketing can drive business growth, strengthen company value, and help owners prepare for a successful exit.

Lisa's journey into business ownership followed nearly two decades in the advertising industry and a personal experience that reshaped her priorities. She shares how those experiences led her to Modern Foundation, where she helps businesses connect their marketing efforts to measurable results. She explains why sales, marketing, and finance need to work together, how data can reveal new growth opportunities, and why building a repeatable sales engine is especially important for owners planning an eventual transition.

The conversation also explores what makes a strong brand, why customer trust and human relationships matter more than ever in an AI-driven world, and how a manufacturing client grew from “Main Street to Wall Street” with the help of a focused marketing strategy. Lisa also discusses the value of connecting with fellow business owners through Entrepreneurs' Organization and shares her advice for finishing the year strong by focusing on the priorities that matter most.

Connect with Lisa McEllistrem here
Learn more about Modern Foundation here
Learn more about EO Minnesota and upcoming events here

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