In this episode of Poised for Exit, Hilary Spreizer, Owner and CEO of The Latitude Group, 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
Learn more about The Latitude Group here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Shaun Jackson, business broker with Calhoun Companies, steps in as guest host to interview his client, Dale Doriott, former owner of Injection Molding Solutions. 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

Learn more about Calhoun Companies here

Connect with Dale Doriott here

Learn more about Injection Molding Solutions here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Jennifer Vickerman Akaolisa, Gift Planner at Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, 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 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

Learn more about Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation here

Register for the upcoming webinar here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Stacey Bartelson, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, discusses why business owners should start planning their exit from day one. She shares how many owners focus on growth but overlook the long-term strategy needed to successfully transition or sell their business.

Stacey explains that enterprise value goes far beyond financials, highlighting the importance of building a strong team, creating systems, and ensuring the business can operate without the owner. She also discusses why a significant percentage of businesses never sell and how a lack of early planning can limit options and reduce overall value.

This conversation explores the shift from working in the business to working on the business, along with the importance of continuity, succession planning, and aligning personal and financial goals with long-term exit outcomes.

This episode highlights how strategy, structure, and long-term thinking all play a role in whether a business is actually prepared for a successful exit.

Connect with Stacey Bartelson here
Learn more about the Bartelson Blesener Wealth Group at Edward Jones here
Learn more about the Owners Edge Summit here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Steve Storkan, Executive Director at The Employee Ownership Expansion Network, discusses how employee ownership is gaining traction as a business exit strategy. He shares the growth of employee ownership across the U.S. and explains why more business owners are considering it as part of their transition planning.

Steve breaks down how increased awareness, new sources of capital, and impact investing are making employee ownership more accessible. He also highlights research showing the significant wealth created for employees through these models, along with the flexibility and legacy benefits for business owners.

This conversation explores the different forms of employee ownership, including ESOPs, and what makes a company a good fit. Steve also emphasizes the importance of having the right advisors and ensuring strong financial feasibility when considering this path.

This episode offers a practical look at how employee ownership can support both successful exits and long-term business continuity.

Connect with Steve Storkan here

Learn more about The Employee Ownership Expansion Network here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Darin Lynch, Founder and CEO of Irish Titan, shares what it really takes to build a strong, scalable business. Drawing from over two decades of experience, Darin explains how focusing on “business first, online second” has shaped his company’s growth and long-term value.

Darin breaks down how prioritizing partnerships over transactions, along with a clear and disciplined operating model, contributes to building a durable business. He discusses the impact of his “Titan-only” approach, keeping all work in-house, and how that decision has strengthened team cohesion, client outcomes, and overall company performance."

This conversation explores the difference between simply running a business and intentionally building one with consistency, clarity, and long-term focus. From evolving your services over time to staying grounded in your core principles, Darin highlights what actually drives sustainable growth.

This episode offers a practical look at how thoughtful operating decisions can position a company for long-term success and a stronger exit.

Connect with Darin Lynch here

Learn more about Irish Titan here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Jon Marquet and Brenna Johnson of Trust Point Inc. dive into a crucial yet often overlooked part of the exit journey: what happens after the deal closes. They explain why an exit plan is about much more than maximizing your sale price; it’s about aligning your business, financial, and personal goals to create a sustainable, fulfilling next chapter.

Jon and Brenna break down how early, holistic planning helps business owners understand their true net outcome, build a lifestyle-supporting plan, and avoid unexpected challenges. Whether you’re a business owner or advisor, this conversation examines the value of looking beyond the transaction to the life you want to lead afterward.

They also explore why timing, coordination, and thoughtful planning with the right advisors can make a significant difference. Understanding how your personal goals connect to your business exit allows for decisions that truly support your future. By focusing on what comes next, you can create an exit strategy that serves both your business and your life vision.

If you’re a business owner or an advisor and haven’t mapped out how an exit supports broader life goals, this episode is a must-listen!

Connect with Jon Marquet here
Connect with Brenna Johnson here

Learn more about Trust Point Inc. here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we welcome back Todd Krough, Private Wealth Advisor with UMB Bank and president of The Twin Cities Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute. Todd shares how the chapter has grown over the past decade into one of the most active and collaborative EPI chapters in the country, bringing together advisors and business owners to improve the outcomes of business transitions.

We discuss how the Twin Cities chapter has built a strong ecosystem of advisors focused on collaboration rather than competition. Through monthly meetings, educational programming, and cross-industry partnerships, the chapter has helped raise awareness about the importance of exit planning and the value of a team-based approach when preparing a business for transition.

The conversation also highlights the impact of the Twin Cities exit planning surveys conducted in 2017 and 2023, which revealed improvements in owner satisfaction after selling their businesses. We also preview the upcoming Owners Forum on October 7, an annual event designed specifically for business owners to learn from peers and advisors about the realities of planning for life after business.

If you work with business owners, or are one yourself, this episode offers valuable insight into how collaboration and education can lead to stronger, more successful exits!

Contact Todd Krough here

Learn more about The Twin Cities Chapter of the Exit Planning Institute here

EPI Summit (April 19–21, Nashville)

Owners Forum – October 7, Midland Hills Country Club (Twin Cities)

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