Poised for Exit

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we're joined by Colin Hirdman, entrepreneur, strategist, and co-founder of Rainmaker, to explore the untapped potential of LinkedIn as a true growth engine for business.

Colin shares his entrepreneurial journey, from launching his first company just weeks after college to co-founding Monkey Island Ventures and helping business leaders build targeted lead-generation systems using LinkedIn.

We d...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Cindy Leines, founder of CEL Marketing, a firm dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations communicate with purpose and build lasting trust. With decades of experience in strategic communications, branding, and reputation management, Cindy brings a unique perspective to the exit planning conversation.

We dive into the role of transparency and trust in successful business tran...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Cindy Mclagan and Jonathon Lansink from John A. Knutson & Co., PLLP. We sit down for an insightful conversation on estate and tax planning for business owners preparing to exit!

Jonathon and Cindy address why proactive estate and tax strategies are critical for protecting generational wealth and ensuring smooth business transitions. From the use of trusts and gifting strategies...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Leah Berend, founder and managing partner of Marrin Investment Partners, a private equity firm focused on investing in and growing purpose-driven businesses. Leah shares her unique journey from a background in leadership and due diligence to founding her own firm, one that’s rooted in integrity, workforce culture, and long-term value creation.

We explore the common misconceptions a...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Heide Olson, founder and CEO of All in One Accounting, 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...

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, founder of Whitewater Consulting 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 ...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Justin Goodbread, 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.

Just...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Michael Hubsmith of True North M&A and Mark Cheeley of Synergy Wealth Management, 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 owner...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Tony Morse, CEO of Proliferate Performance & Profit, 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 prep...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Jon Marquet from Trust Point shares invaluable insights into the essential strategies for a successful business exit. As an expert in retirement planning and business transitions, Jon provides expert advice on what business owners need to consider as they approach one of the biggest decisions of their careers.

Jon discusses the importance of early and comprehensive financial planning to ensure a s...

With a unique background in leadership, organizational strategy, and academia, Moira Petit brings fresh insight into the evolving relationship between AI and human leadership. As the co-founder and partner of Activ8 LLC and ProjectWe, she has firsthand experience in leading organizations through change. In this episode, we dive into how technology is reshaping the workplace—while the core principles of leadership, company culture, ...

With extensive experience in entrepreneurship and business investment, Jeff Porubcan and Jeff Thurston bring valuable insights into navigating partnerships and scaling businesses successfully. In this episode, we explore the challenges and rewards of co-ownership, as well as the key factors that contribute to a thriving business partnership.

As partners in Master Supplements Inc., Jeff and Jeff discuss their journey in the health an...

With a background in law and expertise in mediation, Amy Wirtz brings a deep understanding of the challenges family businesses face when transitioning leadership. Our conversation explores how businesses evolve from single-family ownership to multi-generational enterprises, requiring new skill sets, structured leadership, and strategic planning.

Amy outlines key factors for a successful transition, including strong family leadership...

The week on the Poised for Exit podcast, I take the mic for a solo episode to share exciting updates for 2025!

After nearly six years and approaching our 300th episode, I wanted to take this time to personally connect with you - our valued listeners - and give you an inside look at what's happening this year.

First, I extend my gratitude to our incredible sponsors, including True North M&A, Trust Point Inc., JAK + Co. CPAs, ...

Keeping a family business thriving across generations isn’t easy, but Dr. Jeremy Lurey knows how to make it happen. As Founder and CEO of Family Legacy 1st, he’s spent over 20 years guiding family enterprises through leadership transitions, governance, and exit planning.

Jeremy shares why succession planning is about more than just handing over the reins - it’s about shifting from manager to mentor. He highlights the power of indepe...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Tina Corner Stolz, founder of LXCouncil and author of Your Seat at the Table, for an insightful conversation about the power of peer advisory groups in exit planning. Selling a business is one of the biggest financial and personal transitions an owner will ever face, and having a strong peer network can make all the difference.

Tina shares her journey from corporate leadership to building one...

Our guest for this episode is Cindy Jennings, Founder of Interwovenly, a firm specializing in turning owners’ aspirations into post-exit action plans!  Cindy has been leading owners and executives in creating their ideal personal plan for many years. She's seen many owners regret their decision to sell, and for reasons that have nothing to do with how much they sold their business for. Usually, it's an intangible obstacle...

Our special guest today is none other than Todd Krough, incoming President of the Twin Cities Metro Area EPI Chapter. Todd is also a financial advisor and wealth planner with MN Bank & Trust and is a CEPA as well. Todd has been an active member of the Chapter, almost since its inception in 2016. Our discussion today revolved around how the Chapter has been integral in helping professional advisors become more equipped to assist...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Ruba Khairi and Ahmed Mousa, a dynamic husband-and-wife team of business brokers at Sunbelt Business Advisors. Their journey into business brokerage is anything but ordinary. In 2018, they were prospective buyers themselves, exploring business ownership before being drawn to the world of business brokerage.

When COVID-19 disrupted their plans, they took a leap of faith an...