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

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 often: how business owners can grow the value of their companies. I walk through the four intangible capitals, human, structural, customer, and social capital, and explain why these areas often represent the majority of a company’s true enterprise value.

I also share what listeners can expect in 2026, including new perspectives, continued conversations focused on helping owners prepare for better outcomes, and my appreciation for the 2026 sponsors who support the show and align with the values behind Poised for Exit. I look forward to another year of meaningful discussions ahead.

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

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 diligence, earn-outs, and post-closing obligations, this episode breaks down what sellers need to address before going to market.

Our conversation covers how to prepare foundational legal documents, evaluate buyer fit, navigate seller carry and earn-out structures, and think strategically about post-closing involvement. James also shares what he’s seeing in the current deal environment and how business owners can position themselves for a smoother transition heading into 2026.

If you’re advising clients or preparing your own business for a future exit, this episode offers grounded, experience-driven guidance to help you reduce risk, protect value, and move forward with confidence.

Connect with James Olsen here

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