In this episode of the Build It to Sell It podcast, host Lance Bachmann sits down with Kaela Reedy, founder of Elevated HQ, to strip away the sugar-coating of business ownership in the home services industry. Kaela, whose "love language" is P&Ls and KPIs, discusses the critical gap between what contractors think their business is worth and the "unattractive" reality of its actual market value. The conversation dives into the "owner dependency" trap, warning that if your business can't survive a 30-day vacation without you, it isn't a premium asset; it's just a high-overhead job. Lance and Kaela also engage in a heated debate over dispatch fees, with Lance sharing how removing them tripled his bookings. From the psychological toll of "sellers' depression" to the staggering statistic that only 7% of listed businesses actually sell, this episode is a masterclass in financial readiness and operational excellence for contractors looking to exit on their own terms. Key Topics Include: The "Ugly Baby" Truth: Closing the gap between perception and reality in business valuations. The Dispatch Fee Debate: Why charging for a "hello" might be costing you millions in bookings. Financial Red Flags: Moving beyond revenue to understand true profitability and GP. Personal Readiness: Navigating the identity crisis and depression that often follows a successful exit. Special Offer: Kaela shares an exclusive 20% discount on Elevated HQ’s initial discovery package for Build It to Sell It listeners.