Poised for Exit
Welcome to the Poised for Exit podcast! Poised for Exit is an under 30-minute strategic planning guidance podcast for busy small business owners. Each week you’ll hear certified exit planning advisor, Julie Keyes, talk with a range of entrepreneurs and professionals about preparing your business for a future transition. Guests at every stage of company ownership will share their personal stories and lessons learned about topics such as the anatomy of the exit planning process, developing a growth strategy, how to sell on your terms, exit planning for women small business owners, handling business diversity, and how to sell a family business. Whether you’re planning an exit in the near future or not, this show will provide you with the same action-oriented content that Julie utilizes while consulting with Keyestrategies clients. Building an exit strategy can be overwhelming, especially with all the decisions and details you have to consider. “Poised for Exit” will simplify the process and help you unwrap the unknowns, giving you more confidence in your planning process. Previous episodes are available for download, so if you are new to our show, you can listen to them in any order that suits you. Join us each week for timely, relevant content that will surely impact your business exit outcome! Subscribe to our newsletter below to receive your weekly episode link and stay updated on new strategic planning content. Find “Poised for Exit” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and others. Thank you to our Sponsors: Sunbelt Business Advisers and JAK CPA's. A special note of thanks to Tyler Keyes who produced the music for the “Poised for Exit” show.
Poised for Exit
Leading With Grit and Growth
Some of the most successful businesses start with a simple idea and a whole lot of determination.
In this week’s episode of Poised For Exit, we sit down with Esme Miranda, founder of a fast-growing cleaning company, Squeaky Services. Esme shares how a small effort to support her family during the pandemic turned into a full-scale operation offering commercial cleaning, carpet care, painting, and more. The business has grown with a clear focus on service, loyalty, and smart strategy.
Esme explains how she went from cleaning homes herself to building and managing a team, with an emphasis on employee retention through perks and a referral incentive program. She also talks about the importance of hiring the right office manager with EOS experience to support the company’s next phase of growth.
Her story offers valuable insight into scaling a service-based business while staying true to core values, and why pushing past fear is often the first step to building something great.
The conversation also highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with a strong support system. Esme discusses how industry groups, networking opportunities, and mentorship have played a critical role in her journey, helping her stay focused, make smart decisions, and grow with confidence.
Her story is a reminder that while business growth takes strategy, lasting success is built through connection, community, and the courage to keep going.
Find Esme Miranda here
Learn more about Squeaky Services here
Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor