One Simple Habit Made This Startup Easy to Sell

Watch the interview

Some founders chase every new strategy. Others master one small habit that moves everything forward.

For Jordan Richards, that habit shaped the story of Local Comets, a digital-marketing agency that helped home-service businesses grow across the United States. He built it with focus, steady work, and clear systems.

When it was time to sell, that same discipline made the exiting process on Acquire.com smooth from start to finish.

From Mowing Lawns to Managing Leads

Jordan’s journey started far from boardrooms. In high school, he worked for a small lawn-care company, spending long days cutting grass. Years later, the same owner called again, this time requesting help in rebuilding the company website. That request changed his path.

He redesigned the site, learned about online ads, and saw results fast. Soon, other local owners wanted the same help. What began as side work evolved into an agency, first known as Kudos Marketing and later as Local Comets.

Instead of trying to serve everyone, Jordan stayed close to what he knew: cleaners, plumbers, landscapers, and electricians.

That focus helped him build a simple plan that delivered consistent results.

Building a Simple Offer That Actually Worked

While most agencies offered complex packages and long contracts, Jordan simplified everything.

He removed yearly contracts and offered month-to-month plans so clients stayed because they wanted to. Early on, his work came from referrals. Later, he tested ads, funnels, and different messages. Many failed, but each test taught him something new.

After refining the process, he found what worked best: the right message, good timing, and a clear offer. Referrals soon overtook paid traffic, and the agency grew at a steady pace.

Because operations stayed light, the team could adapt whenever the market changed.

Hiring Right and Learning the Hard Way

As Local Comets expanded, Jordan learned that success depends on people as much as systems. One great account manager lifted everything. Another bad hire cost the company more than $100k in one year.

That mistake showed him that saving money on talent often costs more later. From then on, he hired only people who raised standards.

The company became lean, efficient, and reliable. The kind of setup buyers want to see.

Building Through 2020

By early 2020, Jordan had left college to focus full-time on the agency. One month later, the pandemic began. Budgets froze, clients hesitated, and growth stalled. Then another challenge appeared: a cancer diagnosis.

Treatment started while the world shut down. During chemo, he kept his laptop open. He took calls, managed projects, and kept the company running. Work gave him focus and a reason to move forward. Each step pushed the business ahead even in a year filled with doubt.

Those months taught him how to lead under pressure. He built systems, delegated work, and made the business run even when he couldn’t.

That steady discipline later made Local Comets strong enough to sell.

From Hard Times to a Clean Exit

When restrictions were lifted, Local Comets came out stronger. Every process Jordan built during the hardest year now worked perfectly.

With loyal clients and steady revenue, he reached a new point. He could grow further or start something new. Deep down, he knew he loved building more than managing.

So he listed Local Comets on Acquire.com. There was no hype, just clean numbers, clear records, and smooth operations.

Within thirty days, serious buyers reached out.

The Power of Documentation

The habit that made Local Comets easy to sell was simple: document everything.

Whenever an employee asked a question, Jordan recorded his answer on Zoom. Over time, those clips turned into a full library of step-by-step videos. When buyers asked how hard it would be to take over, every answer was ready.

That preparation sped up the deal. The listing showed clear results, loyal clients, and well-organized systems. Within weeks, he received multiple offers. The only delay came from a short bank verification that was resolved quickly.

For Jordan, it proved one thing: clarity sells.

Lessons for Founders

Jordan’s story leaves useful lessons for anyone thinking about selling a company:

  • Keep systems simple. Predictable work attracts real buyers.
  • Document often. Small habits create big trust.
  • Hire wisely. The right people add value; the wrong ones erase it.
  • Know your energy. Some founders love to build; others love to scale.

Each decision made Local Comets easier to evaluate, easier to transfer, more valuable to the right buyer, and ready for a clean acquisition.

What’s Next

After closing the sale, Jordan focused on recovery, travel, and new ideas.

He is already exploring his next project, this time starting with strong systems from day one.

His story shows that success depends less on speed and more on structure, clarity, and consistency.


Jordan’s inspiring journey is just getting started. Listen to the full episode on YouTube and follow the guest.

LinkedIn
Jordan Richards
Local Comets

Get content like this, and more, sent directly to your inbox twice a month.