Poised for Exit

In this annual recap episode of Poised for Exit, I reflect on 2025, share what stood out over the past year, and look ahead to what is coming in 2026. I also revisit how the show began during the early days of the pandemic, how it has grown over the past five years, and why exit planning conversations continue to resonate with business owners and advisors around the world.

I spend time discussing one of the questions I hear most oft...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we welcome James Olsen, Partner at Seiler Law PLCC, for a practical discussion on the legal realities business owners face when preparing for a sale or transition.

James shares insights from advising Main Street and lower middle-market business owners, highlighting common legal pitfalls that can delay or derail an exit. From handshake agreements and undocumented contracts to buyer due diligen...

Episode Reprise 

We’re excited to bring back this timely conversation as business owners focus on year-end planning and tax strategy. This episode remains especially relevant right now, and we’re thrilled to reshare these insights from the team at John A. Knutson & Co. for anyone preparing for a future transition. 

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In this episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Cindy Mclagan and Jonathon Lansink from John A. Knutson & C...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Gordon Bell, CEO and Founder of The Midland Group and fellow CEPA, for a conversation focused on why business owners must start planning their exit well before they intend to transition.

Gordon shares highlights from his career, including leading multiple companies and taking one public, and uses those experiences to illustrate the power of early preparation. He explains why readi...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we welcome back Steve Enzler, Owner and CEO of Tangible Values, for the second half of our deep dive into the cybersecurity threats impacting today’s business owners.

In Part 2, Steve shares shocking real-world examples of W-2 and 1099 fraud, including how organized criminal networks are filing thousands of fake returns using stolen business IDs, employee data, and even credit card informatio...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we talk with Jon Keimig, Executive Director of the University of St. Thomas Family Business Center and a leading voice in multi-generation family business education.

Jon shares what he’s seeing inside today’s family-owned companies and why communication often breaks down between generations. He explains why ownership conversations stall, how assumptions build on both sides, and what families can d...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we talk with Vincent Renda, a nationally recognized financial advisor with Edward Jones who specializes in helping business owners prepare for life beyond their company.

Vincent explains why most owners view an exit as a financial event when, in reality, the real challenge is the transition: identity, purpose, lifestyle, and what comes next. He shares a powerful client story that illustrates how a...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Joe Seetoo, Partner at Morton Wealth and the current Exit Planner of the Year. Joe brings a rare blend of wealth management expertise, exit planning insight, and real-world examples that reveal what owners most often overlook when preparing for a transition.

Joe shares how Morton Wealth built The Strategist, a flat-fee, exit-focused planning model designed to support owners long b...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we welcome Eric Mitchellette, Founder and President of Strategic Business Coach,Inc.

Eric shares how business owners can identify and repair cash flow challenges, rebuild trust with their banks, and strengthen the overall financial health of their organizations. With decades of experience as a CFO and turnaround advisor, he offers actionable strategies for improving receivables, creating financial...

 | In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Steve Enzler, Owner and CEO of Tangible Values, a professional services firm supporting the accounting community.

Steve shares eye-opening insights into cybersecurity risks that most small businesses and even accounting firms don’t realize they’re exposed to. From new IRS and FTC requirements to real-world data breach examples, this conversation sheds light on what every busine...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Erika Scherman, Owner and President of MC Tool & Safety Sales, joins the show to share her journey of stepping into leadership and carrying her family’s business forward.

Erika reflects on how she transitioned from a career in the beer industry to running a company centered on service, safety, and strong customer relationships. She discusses the challenges of business succession, managing grow...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Ailee Nelson, Founder and Owner of Approach HR and The VA Solution.

Ailee shares how she built two distinct businesses that address different, yet equally important, needs in today’s workplace. Through Approach HR, she helps companies strengthen compliance, retention, and organizational development with strategic human resources support. And through her other company, The VA Solut...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we are excited to be joined again by Heide Olson, Founder & CEO All In One Accounting for Part 2 of the conversation on preparing a company’s books and operations for a successful transition. Heide explains why clean financials, accurate month-end closes, reconciled balance sheets, and meaningful budget reviews are essential to telling a credible story that buyers and stakeholders can trust.

O...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Heather Polivka, Founder and CEO of Awesome People Leaders, to explore how leadership, culture, and emotional intelligence drive real business value.

Heather shares how her firm helps organizations close leadership gaps, reduce disengagement, and elevate team performance. At the center of our conversation is Awesome EQ, a new AI-powered tool that delivers real-time coaching prompt...

The Twin Cities business community is preparing for one of the year’s most anticipated gatherings: the EPI Regional Summit. In this week’s episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Todd Krough, President of the EPI Twin Cities Chapter and Wealth Advisor with UMB Bank, for an inside look at what attendees can expect on October 9 at Union Depot in St. Paul.

Todd reflects on the evolution of the Owners Forum into today’s Regional Sum...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Nolan Gaffney, and Yan Arsenault, of Trust Point Inc., to explore real estate strategies that can transform how business owners and families protect their wealth. With trillions of dollars in real estate expected to pass from one generation to the next, the conversation couldn’t be more timely.

Nolan and Yan walk us through approaches that allow owners to transition away from the ...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we are joined by Erik Gabrielson, co-founder of ProjectWe. Erik returns to the show to share how his firm is helping business owners and professional services leaders navigate one of the most disruptive forces of our time: artificial intelligence. The conversation begins with Erik’s own journey of adopting AI in early 2023, when he and his team recognized its potential to transform not only their...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Marianne Oehser, and Susan Latremoille, of Next Chapter Lifestyle Advisors, for a conversation about the often-overlooked emotional side of exiting a business.

With combined backgrounds in financial advising, corporate leadership, and retirement coaching, Marianne and Susan bring a unique perspective to what it really takes to prepare for life beyond the business. Their work focus...

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Kathleen Wickstorm, CEO of Spec 7 Group, a construction company specializing in waterproofing and protecting commercial buildings. Kathy shares her unusual journey from a career in healthcare to running a successful construction business, and how she has grown Spec 7 Group into a trusted partner for contractors, property managers, and building owners.

Kathy discusses the company’s...