Poised for Exit

Today's show featured Sheryl Plouffe who's been in broadcasting media for many years. She owns Sheryl Plouffe Media and knows a thing or two about why video is a powerful way to build your brand and how to go about doing it.  Sheryl got her start as a TV broadcaster in Canada and spent 25 years growing her expertise in the world of media. Her entrepreneurial spirit lead her to launch her...

CEO and Chairman, Paddy McNeely of Meritex Company was our guest on the show, sharing his long earned wisdom on family business success and succession.  Paddy's family has owned Meritex for 104 years and he is the third generation of family members who are now working to transition to the fourth generation!  Family business comprises a significant portion of the Gross Domestic Product; upward...

Our guest for this #PoisedforExit episode is the Founder of "A Simple Message", David Mann . David's background as an actor, director and playwright serve him well in the work he does with his clients. He focuses on creating a message that attracts the right kinds of clients and customers, through relating to their emotion over logic . In theatre, your entire focus is on the audienc...

This episode of #PoisedforExit features the Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center at the University of St Thomas, Diane Paterson.   Diane's extensive business acumen included 13 years owning her business. She's been a small business advocate and instructor for many years, teaching entrepreneurs how to succeed by setting up well in the beginning, with the " Smart...

In this #PoisedforExit episode we featured a long time journalist and radio personality, turned Podcast Producer, Bob Sansevere .  Bob has had quite the career over the years, spanning several different US publications and landing at KQRS in Minneapolis back in 1987. As a big part of the KQ Morning Show for 30 years, Bob grew quite an audience of fans. Now as a podcaster and producer, he's ta...

This episode of #PoisedforExit features Amy Quale , Co-founder and owner of Wise Ink Creative Publishing in Minneapolis.  Amy shared how she and her partner, Dara Beevus built Wise Ink from the ground up, starting with a blog for writers and working their way towards publishing 60 - 70 books per year! She got her entrepreneurial bug from her parents who taught her that risk pays off when you do it...

This episode covers a very timely topic that concerns all of us. We featured Mary Dynes , a licensed healthcare insurance expert, who specializes in healthcare programs for business owners; individual or group. When employers and employees no longer have access to a group plan, Mary can help. When employers have had to reduce their employees hours, Mary can help with alternatives to group insuranc...

This #PoisedForExit episode features prominent business attorney, Jeff O'Brien , partner at Chestnut Cambronne in Minneapolis. Jeff shared some horror stories with us (just in time for Halloween!) about some cases he's working on where partner disputes occurred. Some fell between 50/50 owners and some between majority and minority owners.  We talked about a provision for Buy Sell Agreeme...

We visited today with Chris Steffl , Co-Founder of Versatile Insurance Services. Chris is what I would call an expert for the experts. He works with insurance and financial advisers in selecting the right products or mix of products that assist the adviser and their clients with customized insurance solutions. They happen to specialize in privately held companies, so you'll want to listen if...

Today's show featured yours truly, Julie Keyes , being interviewed by my producer, Bob Sansevere on my entrepreneurial journey, why I wrote the book and what I'm seeing in the world of entrepreneurship today. When I got my start in business it wasn't as an entrepreneur, but eventually I realized it was the ideal way for me to achieve my goals and live the life I knew would make me h...

Our guest for this episode is none other than Scott Snider, who with his father, Chris Snider are the owners of the Exit Planning Institute in Cleveland, OH. EPI has a credentialed certification process for advisers to become CEPA's; there are over 2000 in the United States and around the world.  Exit Planning became 'a thing' as Scott would say in the early 2000's and has taug...

This #PoisedforExit episode featured two of my trusted colleagues in Exit Planning, Joe Strazzeri and Shelley Lightfoot . Joe and Shelley are partners in several firms in San Diego. Joe has a prominent legal practice in Estate Planning and Tax Planning. The conundrum business owners have when in tax and estate planning, is actually taking the time away from the business to advocate for themselves...

In this #PoisedforExit episode we spoke with Dan Korsman , who is a CPA, JD and partner at Boulay Group in the Twin Cities.  We focused our conversation on what he's been seeing among his clients who are preparing to or have sold their companies in the past few months, and what owners can do right now to strengthen the appeal of their businesses for buyers who are much pickier than before.  H...

Today's Poised for Exit Show featured Chris Cuneo , an attorney with Ballard Spahr, whose long-standing reputation and expertise in Minneapolis is rivaled only by his own sense of humor! Chris compared a relationship with your attorney to be like Gandalf or Gollum from Lord of the Rings; both being different species of 'Guide'. Listen to the show to get the gist of the analogy and l...

Our guest in this #PoisedforExit episode is US Congressional Candidate, Kendall Qualls . Kendall literally came from Harlem, went through the Military as an Army Officer, became a Healthcare Executive. From there, he decided to run for congress and won the Republican endorsement. His family is starting its fourth generation of service in the US Military and Kendall couldn't be more proud. Ken...

Our show today focused on family business success tips with Jon Keimig , Director of the Family Business Center at the University of St Thomas. Jon's been a family business advocate for many years and his programs are known and respected across the country.  Here are a few key takeaways from our show: 1. The biggest issue facing family business today is poor communication. Jon recommends fami...

Our guest for this show is Tammie Rosenbloom, a licensed therapist who founded a practice called "Walk Talk Therapy" where she meets with her clients outside and they walk during their therapy sessions! Tammie says that getting past the negative thoughts and feelings you have can sometimes require the help of an outside guide to help provide clarity and set you on the right path towards...

This episode features Rick Brimacomb , Founder of Brimacomb & Associates, and Club Entrepreneur. Rick's interview focused on strategies business owners can utilize to build value in their companies and how to prepare well for a future exit, especially in light of the pandemic. Tune in and learn why now is the time for owners to diversify their customer list and delegate authority, among o...

This episode features Cathy Paper , Founder and CEO of Rock Paper Star . Cathy is a professional speaker, trainer, coach and book promotion specialist for the likes of Harvey Mackay and many others. Cathy talks about a program she's running called IMPACT 100™, and the importance of building a strong professional network, especially if you are a business owner or professional adviser. Building...

In this episode, we visited with President and CEO of Climate Makers, Inc, Lori Bauer . Lori has grown her commercial HVAC company exponentially from it's humble roots when she bought it in 2006 from the founder. The company does business statewide as a union shop provider of HVAC services. Lori shares a few secrets of her success, pitfalls of being in a male dominated industry, and finally h...

Our topic today with Bret Erickson, President at Passkey Technology, covered best practices in IT for business owners, especially in a merger or acquisition situation. If you're planning a business exit in the near future, you'll want to listen to this episode. Working from home, cybersecurity and remote access were also discussed. A lot to digest, but worth the listen! Find Bret Here: h...

Today's show featured Erin Turner , Co-Founder and managing partner at Johnson Turner Legal. Johnson Turner is a law firm that specializes in family law and estate planning, among other practice areas. Erin shares the story of how her mindset shifted from owning a law firm, to owning a business. She also shares some anecdotes and action items that any business owner can use and apply right aw...

If you're like most business owners, you're wondering how to gain a better return on your Marketing spend. For owners who are preparing their company for a future sale, it's even more vital to have a clean, consistent brand message and marketing strategy. The content of today's show with Marnie Ochs Raleigh , CEO of Evolve Systems discusses these issues and more; you'll wa...

Today's show featured family business owner and Next Gen leader, Jeff Porubcan , President of Master Supplements, Inc. Jeff and his father, Randy have grown MSI into an international company selling digestive health products. Their recent strategic acquisition proved to be a great move for the top and bottom line. Jeff shares some lessons learned and best practices that have worked for him an...

Our guest today is best selling Amazon author, Forbes columnist and publisher, Henry DeVries ! We talked about Henry's new book "Client Attraction Chain Reaction" which explains how this process can make a lasting impact on your ability to acquire new clients. Being such an accomplished author, Henry is a master storyteller and also discussed how to tell a compelling story. He expla...