How Marketing Strategy Drives Growth and Exit Readiness

In this episode of Poised for Exit, Lisa McEllistrem, CEO of Modern Foundation and President of EO Minnesota, shares how strategic marketing can drive business growth, strengthen company value, and help owners prepare for a successful exit. Lisa's journey into business ownership followed nearly two decades in the advertising industry and a personal experience that reshaped her priorities. She shares how those experiences led her to Modern Foundation, where she helps businesses connect their marketing efforts to measurable results. She explains why sales, marketing, and finance need to work together, how data can reveal new growth opportunities, and why building a repeatable sales engine is especially important for owners planning an eventual transition. The conversation also explores what makes a strong brand, why customer trust and human relationships matter more than ever in an AI-driven world, and how a manufacturing client grew from “Main Street to Wall Street” with the help of a focused marketing strategy. Lisa also discusses the value of connecting with fellow business owners through Entrepreneurs' Organization and shares her advice for finishing the year strong by focusing on the priorities that matter most. Connect with Lisa McEllistrem here Learn more about Modern Foundation here Learn more about EO Minnesota and upcoming events here Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor