In this episode of Poised for Exit, we’re joined by Mark Kravietz, Managing Partner and Founder of Aline Wealth, for a practical discussion on what business owners need to understand before relocating to a lower-tax state.

Mark explains why changing residency for tax purposes is far more involved than many owners expect and why simply spending “six months and a day” in a new state is rarely sufficient. He walks through the core factors states examine when determining residency, including home ownership, time spent, business involvement, personal connections, and family ties, and explains how intent plays a central role in audits and enforcement.

The conversation also explores how business ownership complicates relocation decisions, particularly when owners maintain active involvement in high-tax states. Mark shares real-world examples from his decades of advising business owners, highlighting common mistakes, documentation gaps, and misconceptions that can put owners at risk if not addressed early.

Throughout the episode, Mark emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, both financially and personally, when considering a move. From aligning residency decisions with long-term exit goals to understanding how lifestyle choices, identity, and post-exit plans factor into success, this episode offers clear, actionable insight for business owners thinking strategically about their future.

Connect with Mark Kravietz here
Learn more about Aline Wealth here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we speak with Andy Kocemba, President and CEO of Calhoun Companies, about how buyers are evaluating businesses as we head into 2026. Andy shares his perspective from decades of working with buyers and sellers, and explains why preparation consistently matters more than trying to time the market when it comes to achieving a strong outcome.

Andy walks through the key drivers of valuation, including the outsized role of cash flow, business performance, and risk. He discusses common red flags buyers notice quickly, such as customer or salesperson concentration, and explains how deal structure often reflects the level of trust a buyer has in the business. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that simpler deal structures and stronger cash at closing are often the result of thoughtful preparation well before going to market.

Throughout the episode, Andy discusses broader market trends, including which industries are seeing the strongest demand and how acquisition strategies may shift in the coming year. Andy also shares how Calhoun Companies works with sellers, the importance of engaging advisors early, and why many business owners wait too long to start planning. The conversation offers practical insight for owners and advisors looking to better understand buyer expectations and valuation drivers.

Connect with Andy Kocemba here
Learn more about Calhoun Companies here

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

In this episode of Poised for Exit, we speak with Alexis Bostrom, founder and CEO of Big Wolf Siteworks, about how she built a construction company that has grown steadily while remaining intentionally small. Alexis shares how the business began as a two person operation with her husband and evolved into a company supported by a close knit team.

Alexis walks through the realities of hiring for the first time, becoming a union shop, and expanding from residential work into government and civil projects. She discusses how operating with a small team required her to learn quickly, prioritize people and systems, and make thoughtful decisions about what projects the business could realistically take on as it grew.

Throughout the conversation, Alexis reflects on leadership, legacy, and the importance of building a company designed for long term value rather than short term hustle. Her story offers practical insight for business owners who are scaling carefully, hiring intentionally, and working to grow a construction business that can succeed beyond the founder.

Connect with Alexis here

Learn More About Big Wolf Siteworks here

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