Exit is Now: Partners & Pours

Building Trust That Scales Organizations

Thu, 21 May 2026 03:59:59 +0000

In this episode of Exit Is Now: Partners & Pours, Josh Koza sits down with Dr. Fred Johnson of InitiativeOne to explore the often overlooked driver of enterprise value: leadership. Recorded live at the Exit Planning Summit, the conversation moves beyond theory and into real-world application, highlighting how leadership transformation directly impacts culture, decision making, and long term value creation. Josh and Dr. Johnson unpack the tangible outcomes of strong leadership, from increased accountability and reduced organizational “drama” to measurable improvements in profitability and team alignment. They also introduce the concept of trust accelerators, the specific behaviors and agreements that build high performing teams and strengthen human capital, one of the most critical intangible assets in any business. This episode reinforces a core principle of exit planning: value is not built solely through financial performance, but through people, leadership, and culture. For advisors and business owners alike, the discussion offers a practical lens on how leadership development can elevate an organization from income generation to true value creation. ============================================ Hear more from our guest: https://www.linkedin.com/company/initiativeone/ https://www.initiativeone.com/ ============================================ Want to learn more? Go to: https://exit-planning-institute.org/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute Connect with Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamkoza/ #ExitPlanningInstitute #JoshKoza #Podcast #Partners&Pours ============================================ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-partners-pours-with-josh-koza/id1833221553 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LvzPqHQiGPd1HTkJy4U8O ============================================ About Josh: As the Director of Strategic Relationships at Exit Planning Institute® (EPI), Josh Koza plays a vital role in the exit planning community by fostering connections between EPI, our partners, and Certified Exit Planning Advisors. At EPI, Josh makes sure that partners are recognized, listened to, and included in discussions to create a strong, valuable exit planning resource for advisors worldwide. He works to link partners and advisors with existing resources and products, while also curating customized offerings to meet their specific needs. Josh is dedicated to relationship building and problem-solving. When a need arises, he relies on his experience from both EPI’s Member Experience team and Business Development team to find solutions that provide real value to our partners.and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.

The Power of Assessments: Spark Better Conversations with The Value Builder System

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Join us for an episode of The Exit Is Now: Partners and Pours, hosted by Josh Koza. In this episode, Josh sits down with Laura Ferguson, Chief Revenue Officer at The Value Builder System, to discuss how their advisor-first platform empowers strategic exit planning conversations. Built on the framework of Built to Sell, the Value Builder System combines three critical assessments; business value, personal readiness, and financial freedom, to give owners and advisors a clear, actionable roadmap. Laura unpacks how advisors across industries use the platform to deepen relationships, nurture leads, and ultimately help business owners achieve successful exits.
Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstitute

Connect with Epi: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute

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SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR

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CONNECT WITH EPI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgA

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute

Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org

#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast

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About Josh

As the Director of Strategic Relationships at Exit Planning Institute® (EPI), Josh Koza plays a vital role in the exit planning community by fostering connections between EPI, our partners, and Certified Exit Planning Advisors. At EPI, Josh makes sure that partners are recognized, listened to, and included in discussions to create a strong, valuable exit planning resource for advisors worldwide.
He works to link partners and advisors with existing resources and products, while also curating customized offerings to meet their specific needs. Josh is dedicated to relationship building and problem-solving. When a need arises, he relies on his experience from both EPI’s Member Experience team and Business Development team to find solutions that provide real value to our partners.

From Rocks to Results: Bringing Methodology to Life with Ninety

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Join us for an exclusive episode of The Exit Is Now: Partners and Pours, hosted by Josh Koza. In this episode, Josh welcomes Kris Snyder, Chief Revenue Officer at Ninety, to explore how their performance platform is transforming the way business owners prepare for exit. Kris explains how Ninety supports ongoing team alignment, strategic execution, and process documentation, making businesses more scalable, sellable, and valuable. They also discuss how CEPA advisors can use free practice accounts, configure the platform to suit their style, and collaborate with other advisors inside one shared space. Whether you’re a value advisor, financial planner, or owner looking to systematize your company, this episode shows how Ninety helps bring planning to life.
Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstitute

Connect with Epi: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute

============================================

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR

============================================

CONNECT WITH EPI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgA

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute

Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org

#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast

============================================
About Josh

As the Director of Strategic Relationships at Exit Planning Institute® (EPI), Josh Koza plays a vital role in the exit planning community by fostering connections between EPI, our partners, and Certified Exit Planning Advisors. At EPI, Josh makes sure that partners are recognized, listened to, and included in discussions to create a strong, valuable exit planning resource for advisors worldwide.
He works to link partners and advisors with existing resources and products, while also curating customized offerings to meet their specific needs. Josh is dedicated to relationship building and problem-solving. When a need arises, he relies on his experience from both EPI’s Member Experience team and Business Development team to find solutions that provide real value to our partners.

How Strategic CFOs Help Business Owners Move Forward with FocusCFO

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Join us for an exclusive episode of The Exit Is Now: Partners and Pours, hosted by Josh Koza. This week, Josh welcomes Darren Cherry of FocusCFO, a firm specializing in fractional CFO services for the lower middle market. Darren walks us through FocusCFO’s unique dual-role model that pairs business owners with both a relationship lead and a CFO focused on strategic execution. From cash flow forecasting to transition readiness, their team helps companies grow with confidence and clarity. Darren also shares how they integrate the Value Acceleration Methodology, what makes a good client fit, and how they collaborate with financial advisors and CPAs across the CEPA community.

Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstitute

Connect with Epi: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute

============================================

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR

============================================

CONNECT WITH EPI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgA

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute

Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org

#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast

============================================
About Josh

As the Director of Strategic Relationships at Exit Planning Institute® (EPI), Josh Koza plays a vital role in the exit planning community by fostering connections between EPI, our partners, and Certified Exit Planning Advisors. At EPI, Josh makes sure that partners are recognized, listened to, and included in discussions to create a strong, valuable exit planning resource for advisors worldwide.
He works to link partners and advisors with existing resources and products, while also curating customized offerings to meet their specific needs. Josh is dedicated to relationship building and problem-solving. When a need arises, he relies on his experience from both EPI’s Member Experience team and Business Development team to find solutions that provide real value to our partners.

From Value Estimate to Exit: The M&A Process with Cornerstone

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Join us for an exclusive episode of The Exit Is Now: Partners and Pours podcast, hosted by Josh Koza. This episode features Scott Bushkie, Managing Partner at Cornerstone Business Services, an investment bank specializing in M&A services for lower middle-market companies. Scott shares how their Assurance 360 process gives business owners and their advisors a structured, trusted path to exit. From fair market analysis and value-building strategy to a deep focus on advisor collaboration, Cornerstone ensures owners are informed, aligned, and prepared. Learn how to engage Cornerstone early, protect advisor relationships, and increase client outcomes.

Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstitute

Connect with Epi: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute

============================================

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR

============================================

CONNECT WITH EPI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgA

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute

Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org

#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast

============================================
About Josh

As the Director of Strategic Relationships at Exit Planning Institute® (EPI), Josh Koza plays a vital role in the exit planning community by fostering connections between EPI, our partners, and Certified Exit Planning Advisors. At EPI, Josh makes sure that partners are recognized, listened to, and included in discussions to create a strong, valuable exit planning resource for advisors worldwide.
He works to link partners and advisors with existing resources and products, while also curating customized offerings to meet their specific needs. Josh is dedicated to relationship building and problem-solving. When a need arises, he relies on his experience from both EPI’s Member Experience team and Business Development team to find solutions that provide real value to our partners.

Exit Strategy Is Business Strategy: A Conversation with Cultivate Advisors

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Join us for an exclusive episode of The Exit Is Now: Partners and Pours podcast, hosted by Josh Koza. In this episode, Josh sits down with Jeff Armstrong, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Cultivate Advisors, a firm built entirely by former business owners. Jeff shares how Cultivate helps entrepreneurs scale their companies, increase enterprise value, and prepare for a successful exit through their signature one-on-one advising model. Learn how their virtual-first approach allows them to serve clients nationwide, why they partner closely with financial and M&A advisors, and when to bring them into the conversation. Whether you're a business owner or an advisor looking to drive more value, this episode delivers tactical insights and proven processes to take businesses from successful to significant.

Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstitute

Connect with EPI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute

============================================

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-partners-pours-with-josh-koza/id1833221553

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5LvzPqHQiGPd1HTkJy4U8O

============================================

CONNECT WITH EPI

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgA

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute

Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org

#ExitPlanningInstitute #JoshKoza #Podcast

============================================
About Josh

As the Director of Strategic Relationships at Exit Planning Institute® (EPI), Josh Koza plays a vital role in the exit planning community by fostering connections between EPI, our partners, and Certified Exit Planning Advisors. At EPI, Josh makes sure that partners are recognized, listened to, and included in discussions to create a strong, valuable exit planning resource for advisors worldwide.

He works to link partners and advisors with existing resources and products, while also curating customized offerings to meet their specific needs. Josh is dedicated to relationship building and problem-solving. When a need arises, he relies on his experience from both EPI’s Member Experience team and Business Development team to find solutions that provide real value to our partners.