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Built to Sell Radio

Ep 434 Sticky: How Jordan Van Schyndel Grew His Service Business to More Than 30 Employees Without Having Anyone Quit Before He Sold It

Mar 22, 2024
Jordan Van Schyndel, founder of Dev Barbecue, shares his incredible journey of growing his service business to over 30 employees without anyone quitting. He highlights how a strong company culture fostered loyalty and ultimately attracted a buyer. Topics include the transformative benefits of shifting to a retainer model for client relationships, the complexities of partnership dynamics, and the emotional aspects of selling the business. He emphasizes the importance of empathy and transparency during transitions, creating a supportive environment for lasting success.
52:45

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Jordan Van Schyndel's focus on creating a supportive company culture played a crucial role in achieving remarkable employee retention rates.
  • The strategic pivot to a monthly retainer model enhanced client relationships and ultimately supported the company's significant growth and sale.

Deep dives

Origins and Transformation of Dev Barbecue

The business originally started in 2011 as a product-focused company by three software developers, but it inadvertently transformed into a service-oriented firm specializing in digital transformation projects. Initially naive about the business world, the founders adopted a customer-centric model, ultimately offering services like mobile app development and API integration. They experimented with various billing methods, noticing that time-based billing strained client relationships, leading them to switch to a monthly retainer model that prioritized long-term collaboration and accountability. This strategic pivot facilitated better client retention and established a solid foundation for the company's growth.

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