Inside Exit Factor: Real Insights from the Franchise That Scales Businesses

 

Andy and Jessica welcome you to another episode of The Deal Board Podcast. This week, Andy sits down with Jessica and business exit strategist Kelly Chess to explore the fast-growing Exit Factor franchise. They dive into how Exit Factor helps business owners increase valuation, clean up financials, and develop exit strategies that maximize returns. Kelly also highlights the importance of clean financials, documentation, and having a coach to guide long-term planning. With over 90 territories sold in just 18 months, Exit Factor is quickly becoming a go-to for entrepreneurs looking to build and sell smarter. To learn how to turn your business into a more valuable, sellable asset, tune in today! 

 

Listing of the Week:  

AJ Ramsey (Eastern North Carolina) is selling a high-volume commercial roofing business serving top national production builders. The business generates $24M in revenue with $1.6M in earnings. For more information, call AJ at [phone] or email [email protected]. 

 

Deal of the Week: 

Guillermo Birmingham (Richmond, VA) sold a struggling kebab restaurant that was transformed by new ownership into a thriving Mexican eatery doing $2.2M in revenue in its first year. Guillermo even helped the buyer secure licenses and create buzz that packed the place on opening day. To learn more, call Guillermo at [phone] or email [email protected]. 

 

Key Points From This Episode: 

 

• [00:54] How Exit Factor has expanded to 22 states and 93 territories in under two years. 

• [02:31] Helping business owners uncover untapped value in their operations. 

• [03:00] Coaching and accountability as a cornerstone of Exit Factor’s process. 

• [04:08] Leveraging market data to boost value and monetize hidden opportunities. 

• [06:48] Exit Factor’s 62-point qualitative assessment explained. 

• [08:33] Addressing sellers’ post-exit identity and long-term goals. 

• [11:06] Optimizing profit, operations, and team structure ahead of the sale. 

• [11:57] Why clean financials are non-negotiable for serious buyers. 

• [13:06] Ideal timeline: one to five years for a strong, well-documented exit. 

• [17:25] Coaching as a mirror to break bad habits and unlock potential. 

• [18:30] Listing of the Week: AJ Ramsey is selling a $24M commercial roofing business in the Southeast 

• [19:52] Deal of the Week: Guillermo Birmingham sold a local kebab house that became a $2.2M Mexican restaurant success. 

 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:  

The Deal Board Podcast  

Subscribe to The Deal Board Podcast YouTube Channel  

The Deal Board on LinkedIn 

The Deal Board on Facebook 

United Franchise Group  

Transworld Business Advisors  

Transworld on LinkedIn  

Transworld on Facebook  

Call us on [phone]  

Email us at [email protected]  

Jessica Fialkovich on X 

Kelly Chess on LinkedIn 

Email Kelly at [e-mail] 

Call Kelly on [phone] 

Exit Factor 

AJ Ramsey 

Listing: Large, Award-Winning, SE US Commercial Roofing Contractor 

Guillermo Birmingham 

 

#thedealboard #transworldbusinessadvisors #realestate #commercial 

 

Quotes: 

 

“A great entrepreneur is creative. They’re always trying different things. What we've been able to do with Exit Factor, with the sister relationship with Transworld, [is that] we actually know the formula to unlock value, whereas a lot of business owners don't.” — @jessfialkovich [0:03:35] 

 

“[Exit Factor works] with people who aren't quite ready to sell yet. It might be [3 to 5 years], and we can develop a relationship with them. We can get to know them and what their goals are, not only valuation-wise, but what comes after the sale. That's an important piece of it.” — Kelly Chess [0:08:07] 

 

“[Going] through this process to learn what it's like to value your business – brings a whole other level to the way that [business owners make] decisions moving forward and the kind of strategies that they're bringing in.” — Kelly Chess [0:16:12]