
Today on Wisdom Journey, I had an insightful chat with Marty M. Fahncke, an expert in business growth, M&A, and content business strategy. We broke down what really drives business valuations—hint: it’s about profit, not just revenue—and explored how creators like us can build businesses that aren’t tied to our daily grind or our faces alone. Marty walked us through smart exit strategies, why timing matters, and how to prep your business for sale years in advance (even if you’re not ready to sell yet!). My hope is that you walk away from this episode empowered to think of yourself not just as a creator, but as a CEO building something valuable for the long haul. Start planning now, keep your business running smooth, and always, always begin with the end in mind. Let’s build for the future, together!
Connect with Marty Fahncke
Website: https://www.westboundroad.com/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyfahncke/
I’m building an online business in public — sharing every win, setback, and “I can’t believe that happened” moment along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to start from scratch, come along for the ride. Join the journey at https://wisdom.beehiiv.com/
Chapters & Timestamps
00:00:00 – Introduction & Guest Background
00:00:44 – How to Value a Business
00:04:16 – What Determines Business Multiples
00:06:11 – Understanding EBITDA and SDE
00:08:36 – Increasing Business Valuation as a Creator
00:13:04 – Transitioning From Personality-Based Brands
00:13:53 – Timing Your Business Exit
00:17:46 – Preparing Your Business for Sale
00:19:38 – Content Business Models & Revenue Streams
00:21:25 – Making Local Media Businesses Sellable
00:22:53 – Examples of Local and Niche Community Exits
00:24:43 – Roll Ups & Group Acquisition Strategies
00:26:21 – Key Metrics for Exit Readiness
00:28:03 – Overhyped Metrics in Valuation
00:29:18 – Real-World Examples: Successful Content Business Exits
00:38:25 – How Far in Advance to Prepare for Exit
00:41:51 – Final Advice: Begin With the End in Mind
00:41:59 – Where to Find Marty Fahncke
00:42:52 – Outro & Closing Remarks