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