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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Jaryd Krause, founder of Buying Online Businesses, shares how buying an existing business can open up new opportunities for entrepreneurs, whether they’re looking for a new venture or a faster way to grow a business they already own.

Jaryd’s own path into business ownership started with a simple realization: instead of building something from scratch, why not buy a business that was already working? He shares how that decision led him to buy several online businesses and eventually help other entrepreneurs do the same. Along the way, he breaks down how buyers can narrow their search, understand what they can afford, and find a business that actually fits their goals and strengths.

The conversation also gets into one of the biggest challenges for buyers: knowing whether a promising opportunity is really as good as it looks. Jaryd shares what to look for during due diligence, why getting emotionally attached to a deal can cloud your judgment, and how existing business owners can use acquisitions to add new capabilities, revenue streams, and growth opportunities.

Connect with Jaryd Krausehere
Learn more about Buying Online Businesseshere
Listen to the Buying Online Businesses Podcast here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Todd Krough, President of the EPI Twin Cities Chapter discusses why some of the most valuable insights for business owners can come from other owners who have already faced the decisions, challenges, and opportunities that come with preparing for what’s next.

Todd shares how the Twin Cities Chapter has evolved over the past decade and why collaboration among business owners and their advisors is such an important part of successful exit planning. From building enterprise value to assembling the right advisory team, the conversation explores how better preparation can benefit not only the owner, but the long-term future of the business.

Todd also previews the 2026 Owners Forum on October 7, an interactive event designed around business owners learning from other business owners. Attendees will hear directly from a panel of owners about their experiences, take part in small-group discussions, and have the opportunity to connect with owners and advisors facing many of the same questions around growth, transition, and what comes next.

Connect with Todd Kroughhere
Learn more about the EPI Twin Cities Chapterhere
Register for the 2026 Owners Forum here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Andy Knutson of John A. Knutson & Co., PLLP and Zach Freeman of Christensen Group Insurance explore what can happen after a business transaction closes and why business owners and their advisors need to be prepared for issues that may surface after the deal is done.

The conversation covers the post-closing process, including working capital true-ups, closing balance sheet adjustments, tax deadlines, and financial discrepancies that can affect both buyers and sellers. Andy explains how seemingly small accounting issues can become significant when they affect EBITDA and the purchase price, and why having advisors who know the business involved throughout the transaction can help identify potential problems earlier.

Zach breaks down reps and warranties insurance, how it can protect buyers when unknown issues surface after closing, and why it can also help reduce friction between buyers and sellers. Andy and Zach also discuss the importance of thorough due diligence, strong communication among advisors, and taking a proactive approach to reducing post-transaction surprises.

Connect with Andy Knutson here
Learn more about John A. Knutson & Co., PLLP here

Connect with Zach Freeman here
Learn more about Christensen Group Insurance here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Peter Pluimer of Old National Bank shares insights from the bank’s latest State of Business Report and what business owners across the Midwest are saying about today’s opportunities, challenges, and economic uncertainty.

The conversation explores how business owners are moving forward despite uncertainty, from investing in their workforce and accessing capital to addressing growing cybersecurity risks. Peter also discusses what he’s seeing in the lending environment and why waiting for the “perfect” interest rate can sometimes hold businesses back from making investments that support growth and long-term value.

Peter also shares what the survey revealed about AI adoption, including how many businesses are still in the early stages of putting AI into practice. He discusses how Old National Bank is incorporating AI internally and shares a real-world example of how one business used AI to analyze financial data, identify underperforming equipment, and make more informed operational decisions.

Connect with Peter Pluimerhere
Learn more about Old National Bankhere
View The State of Business Survey Report 2026 here

Learn more and register for the 2026 M&A Summit here

🎟️ Complimentary registration code: PFE2026

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Andy Schwandt of True North Mergers & Acquisitions offers a preview of the 2026 M&A Summit, an annual event bringing together business owners and advisors for a day focused on preparing, positioning, and planning for successful business transitions.

The conversation explores what attendees can expect from this year’s Summit, including discussions around owner readiness, mitigating risk, and understanding what can go wrong during a transaction. Andy also shares why preparing a business well before an exit is on the immediate horizon matters, from reducing owner dependency and customer concentration to building the right team of advisors.

Andy also previews several highlights from the 2026 M&A Summit, including keynote speaker Walter Bond, an economic update from Goldman Sachs, the Grow or Go panel, lessons from owner exit readiness, and the live QuietAuction™ experience, where private equity firms evaluate the same business and submit competing offers.

Connect with Andy Schwandt here
Learn more about True North Mergers & Acquisitions here

Learn more and register for the 2026 M&A Summit here

🎟️ Complimentary registration code: PFE2026

Interested in sponsorship opportunities or hosting a VIP table for your clients? Contact Nicole Magandy at nicole@slipka.com

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