Episode 423: Fire, Squatters, and Drugs! When Your $100k Chicago Investment Goes To Zero with Jonathan Klemm

Jan 1, 2026

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Jonathan Klemm of Quality Builders returns to discuss refinements in his General Contracting business and investment strategy since his last appearance!

Jonathan starts by explaining partnership pitfalls to avoid based on recent changes within his business. He gets vulnerable by discussing a multifamily investment on Chicago's southside that involved various evictions and a $400,000 fire caused by a problem tenant! Jonathan shares tips on the mindset required to weather business storms and turns to more positive news by discussing some large renovation projects that his company is working on. He closes with how he has leveraged networking to skyrocket his business and shares his plans for continued growth going into the new year!

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Guest: Jonathan Klemm of Quality Builders

Link: Founders (Podcast Recommendation)

Link: SUCI Ep 250 - Jonathan Klemm

Link: SUCI Ep 206 - Prashanth Mahakali

Guest Questions:

02:07 Housing Provider Tip - Perform adequate due diligence specifically as snowy conditions are present!

03:44 Intro to our guest, Jonathan Klemm!

06:50 Partnership pitfalls to watch out for.

15:10 Jonathan's scary "fire" deal!

29:41 Mindset for getting through a difficult deal.

42:41 Large renovation projects by Quality Builders.

48:26 Leveraging BiggerPockets to grow a business.

50:36 Jonathan's 5 Year Outlook!

53:20 What is your competitive advantage?

54:00 One piece of advice for new investors.

54:31 What do you do for fun?

54:38 Good book, podcast, or self development activity that you would recommend?

55:32 Local Network Recommendation?

56:51 How can the listeners learn more about you and provide value to you?

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Production House: Flint Stone Media