This 30-Year-Old Made Bank on a Fourplex, Now He's Building a Junk Empire (With a 5-Year Exit Plan)

Startups With Stu

What's the smartest way to turn $10,000 in savings into a business that gives you true time and financial freedom? In this episode of Startups with Stu, Ethan Clark reveals his journey from real estate investing to co-founding Idaho Falls Junk Removal, while plotting an ambitious exit strategy that could multiply his company's value. Host Stuart Draper breaks down the counterintuitive truth about real estate versus service businesses - why a demolition company could potentially grow faster than property investments, and how to structure deals that let the business pay for itself. Through real-world insights, you'll learn why hunting for distressed business owners in their mid-60s could be your ticket to entrepreneurial success, and how creative financing can help you acquire a $300,000 business with just $10,000 down. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Stuart explains why subscription models could transform a simple service business into a highly valuable asset, potentially tripling its sale price. For entrepreneurs looking to build wealth without being chained to their business, this episode offers a masterclass in strategic thinking - from finding the right opportunities to engineering your own exit, all while maintaining the freedom to spend time with family.