We recently connected with Jonathan Klunk and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Jonathan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. It’s in my DNA. Growing up, I watched my parents juggle full-time jobs while building a network marketing company on the side. They climbed to the top position, and I was right there helping out, And I was very proud of them. That experience really shaped who I am today.

I like to joke that I’ve been filing a Schedule C on my tax return since I was 16. But before I took the plunge to be my own boss – which was 8 years ago – I was working in corporate America. When I started, it was the most money I’d ever made. But the golden handcuffs were real.

My husband and I had a side hustle managing Airbnbs. One day, this huge opportunity came our way. It was going to be a challenge to handle with our day jobs, so we decided to take a leap of faith and go all in on our business.

We didn’t sit down and crunch numbers or make elaborate spreadsheets. We just went for it. Sometimes, you’ve got to trust your gut. They call it your “second brain” for a reason. You can’t make every decision based on spreadsheets and proposed outcomes. We make our own reality and our success depends on grit and determination.

Looking back, it was definitely a risk, but it felt right. And we’ve never looked back. It’s been quite a journey, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey into real estate began with our Airbnb management business. It was eye-opening to watch people buy properties for short-term rentals. I realized I was missing out on a huge opportunity by not being able to assist with those purchases. Getting through the real estate courses took me a year – no small feat when you’re running a company with 7 employees and 15 cleaners. We were Louisville’s 5th largest hotel, operating with a skeleton crew. It was not a job for the weary.

Before the pandemic hit, I managed to sell two properties, both for investor clients. Then, when the world ground to a halt, I turned to my marketing guy and said, “Let’s figure out our real estate.” Social media was just starting to boom in the real estate world, and we were on the cutting edge – creating videos, crafting creative posts, and meticulously tracking everything. That early push into digital marketing became a cornerstone of our initial success.

These days, I work with a diverse clientele – commercial clients, investors, and homeowners – helping them navigate the market and achieve remarkable success. The marketing skills we honed early on are still paying dividends. A lot of the skills I picked up in corporate America have proven invaluable: negotiation tactics, professionalism, and communication. These soft skills are hard to replicate without a solid background.

I’m proud that we can grow our business year after year. Each year has been a record-breaker for us, both personally and professionally. But the best part is the trust people place in us when it comes to some of the biggest investments of their lives. Being able to help our clients with that is very special.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve always been one to embrace change, but I never really thought of myself as a “quitter” until I saw that article about me titled “The Successful Quitter.” At first, I was taken aback, but then it clicked – and now I wear that title like a badge of honor!

I’m a huge believer in doing what’s right for you. Life’s too short to stick with something that’s not working. So, if you realize a situation isn’t a good fit, don’t beat yourself up about it. Instead, take a deep breath, pivot, and try something new.

It’s all about loving what you do and finding joy in your daily life. Think about it – once today is gone, you can’t get it back. So why waste it doing something that makes you miserable?

My philosophy? Focus on what you enjoy, work on optimizing it, and trust me, the money will follow. Don’t fall into the trap of chasing money while doing something you hate. It’s just not worth it in the long run.

Remember, it’s okay if you don’t get it right the first time. Or the second. Or even the third! What matters is that you keep moving forward, keep pivoting, and keep searching for that sweet spot where your passions and skills align. That’s where the real magic happens.

Conversations about M&A are often focused on multibillion dollar transactions – but M&A can be an important part of a small or medium business owner’s journey. We’d love to hear about your experience with selling businesses.

Selling a business can be a rollercoaster, so be prepared. Our experience with selling our Airbnb management company two years ago was, fortunately, a smooth one. But let’s face it, not everyone’s that lucky.

If you’re on the buying end, here’s a pro tip: always assume there’s something hidden beneath the surface. “Buyer beware” isn’t just a catchy phrase – it’s real. It’s on you to dig deep and uncover any skeletons in the closet.

For those looking to sell, transparency is your best friend. Lay all your cards on the table from the get-go. Surprises are great for birthday parties, but not so much for business deals. They can send potential buyers running.

Remember, every deal is unique. Are you including accounts receivable? What about inventory? Real Estate? Debt? These details can make or break a deal, so make sure you’ve got a savvy attorney on speed dial to guide you through the process.

When it comes to negotiations, don’t be shy, but don’t let greed cloud your judgment either. If a solid offer lands in your lap, seriously consider taking it. Greed can be a deal-killer, and the outcome should always be equitable for both parties.

The true value of your business is whatever someone’s willing to pay for it. If you’ve hit the ceiling and your gut says they’re not bluffing, that’s your market value. Sure, you can hold out for a better offer, but don’t bank on it. Sometimes, the bird in hand really is worth two in the bush.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gokeysource.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/top.louisville.realtor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/top.louisville.agent
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klunkjonathan/
• Other: Podcast: https://pod.link/sdc/episode/1b3ea5112e3c1fb9931973ea914b77fd

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