In this episode of Business & Exit Planning Simplified, Joe Curry sits down with serial entrepreneur Ted Jenkin to unpack what really drives business value and why most owners shouldn’t try to sell alone. They discuss exit planning strategy, valuation multiples, recurring revenue, and how to prepare years in advance to avoid costly mistakes. If your retirement income plan depends on selling your business, this conversation is essential listening.

Resources

1. Ted Jenkin
2. Exit Stage Left Advisors
3. Two-Year Exit Planning Checklist (available via Exit Stage Left Advisors)

ABOUT JOE CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified Podcast, and the Your Retirement Planning Simplified Podcast and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe/

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

DISCLAIMER

Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

If you’re a Canadian service-based business owner within five years of stepping back, this episode walks you through a practical exit and retirement income planning framework. Joe Curry explains how to align your business value, tax strategy, and personal retirement plan so you can become work optional — without regrets or last-minute pressure.

ABOUT JOE CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified Podcast, and the Your Retirement Planning Simplified Podcast and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe/

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

DISCLAIMER

Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

Many business owners assume their business sale will fund retirement—but most overestimate what their business is actually worth. In this episode of Business and Exit Planning Simplified, Joe Curry explains why 80% of businesses never sell, the real drivers of business value, and how exit planning must be integrated with retirement income planning to avoid costly surprises.

ABOUT JOE CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified Podcast, and the Your Retirement Planning Simplified Podcast and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe/

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching retirement. The podcast empowers listeners to transition with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.

DISCLAIMER

Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

Most business owners don’t plan to exit suddenly — but life often has other plans. In this episode, Joe Curry breaks down the Five Ds of exit planning and explains how divorce, disagreement, disability, distress, and death can force unplanned exits if you’re not prepared.

RESOURCES

Exit Planning Institute Blog: How to Protect Your Business from the 5 D’s – you can find the link to download the 5 D’s infographic at the bottom of this blog post

Exit Planning Basics for Business Owners

https://retirementplanningsimplified.ca/blog

Explore Joe’s Previous Business & Exit Planning Simplified Podcast Episodes on the 8 Key Drivers of Business Value

1. Ep 10: How Clean Financials Boost Business Value and Improve Exit Terms
2. Ep 11: Boosting Your Company’s Valuation: Strategies for Highlighting Growth Potential
3. Ep 12: Reducing Dependency Risk to Maximize Business Value and Attract Buyers
4. Ep 13: The Valuation Teeter Totter: How Working Capital Impacts What Your Business Is Worth
5. Ep 14: The Power of Predictability: Why Recurring Revenue Drives Higher Business Valuation
6. Ep 15: Monopoly Control: How to Carve Out a Niche So Strong You Can Set the Price
7. Ep 16: How to Boost Business Value Through Client Loyalty and Feedback
8. Ep 17: Why Owner Independence Is the Key to a Sellable Business | Hub & Spoke Explained

ABOUT JOE CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified Podcast, and the Your Retirement Planning Simplified Podcast and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit...

A successful business exit takes more than a great sale price. In this episode, Joe Curry explains the three critical legs of exit planning—business readiness, personal readiness, and financial readiness—and why overlooking any one of them can derail your retirement. Learn how to exit your business with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Resources

True Wealth Roadmap™ Process – Aligning business exit proceeds with retirement income and legacy goals

Retirement Planning Simplified Podcast Blog – Related insights from Joe’s retirement focused podcast

Explore Joe’s Previous Business & Exit Planning Simplified Podcast Episodes on the 8 Key Drivers of Business Value:

1. Ep 10: How Clean Financials Boost Business Value and Improve Exit Terms
2. Ep 11: Boosting Your Company’s Valuation: Strategies for Highlighting Growth Potential
3. Ep 12: Reducing Dependency Risk to Maximize Business Value and Attract Buyers
4. Ep 13: The Valuation Teeter Totter: How Working Capital Impacts What Your Business Is Worth
5. Ep 14: The Power of Predictability: Why Recurring Revenue Drives Higher Business Valuation
6. Ep 15: Monopoly Control: How to Carve Out a Niche So Strong You Can Set the Price
7. Ep 16: How to Boost Business Value Through Client Loyalty and Feedback
8. Ep 17: Why Owner Independence Is the Key to a Sellable Business | Hub & Spoke Explained

ABOUT JOE CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified Podcast, and the Your Retirement Planning Simplified Podcast and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified...

In this final episode of the Eight Drivers of Business Value series, Joe Curry explains why the hub and spoke model is one of the biggest threats to business value and exit success. Learn how reducing owner dependence can increase valuation, reduce buyer risk, and create a business that’s easier — and more enjoyable — to run.

Resources

1. Traction by Gino Wickman
2. Eight Drivers of Business Value eBook - available by request via info@retirementplanningsimplified.ca
3. Explore Joe’s Previous Business & Exit Planning Simplified Podcast Episodes on the 8 Key Drivers of Business Value
4. Ep 10: How Clean Financials Boost Business Value and Improve Exit Terms
5. Ep 11: Boosting Your Company’s Valuation: Strategies for Highlighting Growth Potential
6. Ep 12: Reducing Dependency Risk to Maximize Business Value and Attract Buyers
7. Ep 13: The Valuation Teeter Totter: How Working Capital Impacts What Your Business Is Worth
8. Ep 14: The Power of Predictability: Why Recurring Revenue Drives Higher Business Valuation
9. Ep 15: Monopoly Control: How to Carve Out a Niche So Strong You Can Set the Price
10. Ep 16: How to Boost Business Value Through Client Loyalty and Feedback

ABOUT JOE CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified Podcast, and the Your Retirement Planning Simplified Podcast and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about...

Customer satisfaction isn’t just good business — it’s a core driver of company value when you eventually exit. In this episode, Joe Curry breaks down how loyal, engaged clients make your business more transferable, why buyers rely on data (not assumptions), and what simple systems you can put in place today to increase your valuation.

Resources

· Learn more about The Value Builder System and its eight key drivers of company value

· Explore Joe’s Previous Business & Exit Planning Simplified Podcast Episodes on the 8 Key Drivers of Business Value

• Ep 10: How Clean Financials Boost Business Value and Improve Exit Terms
• Ep 11: Boosting Your Company’s Valuation: Strategies for Highlighting Growth Potential
• Ep 12: Reducing Dependency Risk to Maximize Business Value and Attract Buyers
• Ep 13: The Valuation Teeter Totter: How Working Capital Impacts What Your Business Is Worth
• Ep 14: The Power of Predictability: Why Recurring Revenue Drives Higher Business Valuation
• Ep 15: Monopoly Control: How to Carve Out a Niche So Strong You Can Set the Price

ABOUT JOE CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified Podcast, and the Your Retirement Planning Simplified Podcast and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe/

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/

ABOUT BUSINESS & EXIT PLANNING SIMPLIFIED

The Business and Exit Planning Simplified podcast offers clear, actionable guidance to help business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and achieve financial freedom. Hosted by Joe Curry, a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, each episode delivers expert insights, real-life case studies, and practical strategies tailored for service-based entrepreneurs approaching...

In this episode, Joe Curry breaks down how business owners can achieve monopoly control—not by eliminating competition, but by becoming the only obvious choice for their ideal clients. Learn how narrowing your focus, deepening your expertise, and creating an integrated client experience can help you command premium pricing, improve margins, and grow your company’s value before exit.

Key Takeaways

Monopoly control isn’t about having no competition — it’s about being the only logical choice for your target clients because of your unique positioning and value.

Specialization creates pricing power. When you go deep into a niche, you stop competing on price and start setting it.

Build systems and intellectual property that make your process hard to replicate and your business indispensable to clients.

Integrated client experiences create dependency. Make your services so valuable and embedded that switching feels like a downgrade.

The result is higher EBITDA and valuation. By tightening your focus and strengthening your moat, you increase both profit and buyer appeal.

Resources

• Learn more about The Value Builder System and its eight key drivers of company value
• Explore Joe’s Previous Business & Exit Planning Simplified Podcast Episodes on the 8 Key Drivers of Business Value:

Ep 10: How Clean Financials Boost Business Value and Improve Exit Terms

Ep 11: Boosting Your Company’s Valuation: Strategies for Highlighting Growth Potential

Ep 12: Reducing Dependency Risk to Maximize Business Value and Attract Buyers

Ep 13: The Valuation Teeter Totter: How Working Capital Impacts What Your Business Is Worth

Ep 14: The Power of Predictability: Why Recurring Revenue Drives Higher Business Valuation

ABOUT JOE CURRY

Joe Curry is the host of Business and Exit Planning Simplified Podcast, and the Your Retirement Planning Simplified Podcast and the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Joe is passionate about helping business owners maximize value, plan successful exits, and find purpose beyond their business. His mission is to ensure clients retire with confidence—financially secure and personally fulfilled.

You can reach out to Joe through:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe/

Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/business-owners/

Website: