What if you built a great business—but no one wanted to buy it?

In this episode, Jeremy Vos business consultant and owner of Exit Factor breaks down the hard truths about exit planning, why most businesses never sell, and how to avoid the costly mistakes owners don’t see coming. Whether you’re thinking of selling in five years or still scaling, this conversation will reshape how you think about long-term strategy.

Jeremy pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to prepare a business for sale. From understanding what drives value to the surprising reasons most listings never close, Jeremy shares practical advice for owners who want to exit on their own terms. He outlines the components of a proper exit assessment, explains why early preparation is key, and offers insights on identifying buyers and increasing sale potential.

If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner, this is your must-hear roadmap to a successful, profitable exit.

Top 5 Takeaways:

• Jeremy explains how poor preparation, messy financials, and too much owner involvement often sabotage a potential exit before it even begins.

• A clear grasp of what makes your business attractive, from recurring revenue to systems, and why these are essential for increasing appeal and valuation.

• Why starting exit planning early gives owners the time they need to tighten operations, build strong teams, and enter negotiations with confidence.

• How most businesses are sold to outside buyers—highlighting the importance of preparing for a broader market, not just internal successors.

• From clean financials to reduced owner involvement, Jeremy explains how operational excellence drives demand and leads to stronger offers.

👤 About Jeremy Vos:

Jeremy Vos is the owner of Exit Factor and a trusted consultant for business owners looking to scale and sell. With deep expertise in strategic planning, business modeling, and growth consulting, Jeremy has helped countless entrepreneurs unlock value, streamline operations, and prepare for the next chapter—whether that’s an exit, succession, or scale-up. Known for his no-fluff approach, Jeremy is passionate about helping founders turn their businesses into assets that work for them, not the other way around.

Contact Info:

Website | https://exitfactor.com/offices/des-moines

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-vos/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/jeremy.vos.906215

What if your biggest impact came from the job you never planned to take?

Karie Kading Ramsey didn’t set out to lead her family’s housing business, but once she did, she transformed it. This episode dives into how she’s redefining affordable housing in Iowa, balancing rapid growth with deep community partnerships, and leading with heart in an industry shaped by dollars and decisions.

In this episode, we sit down with Karie Kading Ramsey, CEO of Kading Properties, to talk about her unexpected entry into the family business and her mission to provide workforce housing that truly serves Iowa communities.

Karie shares what it’s like to manage nearly 3,000 units across the state, how rising costs like insurance are reshaping the property landscape, and why collaboration with local governments is key to long-term success. She also opens up about the emotional and professional growth that comes from rejection, taking risks, and leading with values in a high-stakes industry.

5 Takeaways:

• How saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities can lead to purpose-driven impact.

• Why smart housing development starts with understanding the people you serve.

• Why investing in a strong, empowered team helps ensure care and consistency at every level.

• The unseen challenges that come with building and maintaining affordable housing.

• Why every “no” is a stepping stone to smarter strategy and stronger resolve.

👤 About Karie Kading Ramsey:

As CEO of Kading Properties, Karie Kading Ramsey leads one of Iowa’s largest providers of workforce housing, managing nearly 3,000 residential units across the state. Known for her strategic mindset and compassionate leadership, Karie has turned Kading into a model of how affordable housing can be both mission-driven and financially sustainable. Her work focuses on partnering with communities, empowering her team, and challenging outdated perceptions about what affordable living looks like. Under her leadership, Kading continues to grow—without losing sight of the people it serves.

Contact info:

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/kading-llc/posts/?feedView=all

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/kadingproperties

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/kadingproperties/

What does it take to turn a college side hustle into a portfolio of multi-million dollar businesses?

For Todd Mendenhall, it started with a mop and a mindset. In this episode, Todd shares how grit, focus, and knowing your lane helped him build, scale, and sell companies—while staying grounded in values that outlast any market cycle.

In this candid conversation, entrepreneur Todd Mendenhall opens up about the journey from founding a janitorial business during college to launching and exiting multiple companies across industries like recycling, logistics, and real estate. He shares lessons learned through tough markets, the power of mentorship, and how treating real estate as a standalone business helped him build long-term wealth. Todd also emphasizes why relationships, humility, and plain old common sense are often more powerful than flashy strategies. Whether you’re building from scratch or scaling what you’ve started, Todd’s wisdom is a blueprint worth studying.

5 Fresh Takeaways:

• Start with a disciplined focus—like Todd did with janitorial services—and you can build the cash flow and confidence to expand into bigger ventures.

• Understanding market cycles allowed Todd to invest wisely, even when others pulled back.

• Separating the real estate from his operating companies gave Todd leverage, tax benefits, and long-term control.

• Todd credits key mentors for helping him avoid costly mistakes and fast-track his growth.

• In a world chasing complexity, Todd’s approach is rooted in fundamentals: hard work, smart timing, and knowing when to say no.

About Todd Mendenhall:

Todd Mendenhall is a lifelong entrepreneur based in Des Moines, Iowa. He started Cleaning Connection, Inc. while still a student at Drake University, growing it into a successful commercial cleaning company serving Iowa and Nebraska. He later co-founded Earthwise Disposal, which he sold to Waste Management in 2018, and Mid-America Recycling, Iowa’s largest recycling facility. With decades of experience in construction, logistics, and real estate, Todd has built a reputation for smart growth, integrity, and community-minded leadership. His work continues to shape industries while inspiring the next generation of business builders.

Contact Info:

Email | ToddM@cleaningconnection.net