In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Gordon Bell, CEO and Founder of The Midland Group and fellow CEPA, for a conversation focused on why business owners must start planning their exit well before they intend to transition.

Gordon shares highlights from his career, including leading multiple companies and taking one public, and uses those experiences to illustrate the power of early preparation. He explains why readiness is essential not only for a future sale, but for protecting the business during life events, leadership changes, or unexpected opportunities.

Together, we break down the core elements of exit readiness: value enhancement, de-risking, assembling a trusted advisory team, and understanding the full range of transition options. Gordon also shares his perspective on staying engaged with the business long-term and his philosophy of “refire, not retire,” which has shaped the way he works with owners today.

This episode gives business owners clear steps and a realistic path to becoming truly exit-ready, no matter their timeline.
Key Topics Covered
• Lessons from Gord’s career as a multi-time CEO
• Why exit planning should begin long before a sale
• How preparedness protects owners from unexpected events
• The role of value growth and de-risking in exit success
• Building the right advisory team for long-term planning
• Understanding exit options and choosing with clarity
• The mindset behind “refire, not retire”

Next Steps & Resources
Connect with Gordon here

Learn more about The Midland Group here

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