In this episode of Poised for Exit, Ann Marie Liotta, CPA and U.S. Wealth Strategist with Gallagher, and Mike Winn, CEPA and Financial Advisor with Chartered Wealth Partners, join the show to discuss POLI, or Partnership-Owned Life Insurance, a planning strategy designed for high-earning business owners, partners, and leadership teams.

The conversation explores why this strategy is sometimes described as a “Super Roth,” how it can support tax-free growth and tax-free distributions, and why it may be attractive to business owners who have already maxed out traditional retirement planning options. Ann Marie and Mike also discuss how POLI can be used as a retention tool for key employees without giving up equity, including examples for closely held businesses, law firms, medical groups, family offices, and private equity-backed companies.

Finally, they touch on important considerations including investment risk, suitability, time horizon, guaranteed issue requirements, institutional pricing, and the importance of working with experienced advisors who understand the structure. For business owners and advisors looking beyond traditional planning tools, this episode introduces a unique strategy worth understanding.

Connect with Ann Marie Liotta here or by email at annmarie_liotta@cfgllc.com
Connect with Mike Winn here or by email at mwinn@charteredwealth.com

Download the POLI Overview here

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Podcaster, and Instructor

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Jen Roth, Founder and CEO of Blue Sparq Marketing, joins the show to discuss how intentional marketing systems can drive sustainable growth and increase business value. Drawing from her experience building and leading marketing agencies, Jen shares how business owners can stop guessing at marketing and build a clear plan that supports growth.

The conversation explores why marketing and sales must work together to create a predictable pipeline, how CRM systems and better lead tracking can improve decision-making, and why cutting marketing during slower periods can ultimately hurt long-term growth. Jen also explains how fractional marketing teams can give companies access to the strategy and execution they need without the cost of building a full in-house department.

Jen also shares how AI can help marketing teams work more efficiently, without replacing the strategy and judgment that make marketing effective. They also touch on the importance of documenting institutional knowledge, building systems that do not rely entirely on the owner or top salespeople, and why these investments can make a business more scalable, transferable, and attractive to future buyers.

Finally, Jen talks about her experience with Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) and how the global peer community has supported her growth as an entrepreneur and leader. She shares why having a trusted network of fellow business owners, opportunities to learn from shared experiences, and a more holistic approach to leadership have been so meaningful in her journey.

Connect with Jen Roth here
Connect with Blue Sparq Marketing here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Brian Cox, Partner at Traction Capital, joins the show to discuss what private equity buyers are really looking for when evaluating founder-led businesses. Drawing from his experience as both an entrepreneur and investor, Brian shares practical insights into how business owners can better position themselves for a successful exit.

The conversation explores the factors that influence buyer confidence and valuation, including clean financials, succession planning, operational readiness, and the importance of having a clear growth strategy. Brian also explains common deal structures, such as rollover equity, seller involvement after closing, and earn-outs, and why flexibility and alignment are essential to creating successful outcomes for both buyers and sellers.

The discussion also touches on the growing role of AI within portfolio companies, the benefits of working with experienced advisors throughout the transaction process, and why owners who begin planning early are often best positioned to maximize value and achieve the exit they envision.

Connect with Brian Cox here
Connect with Traction Capital here

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