The Benefits of Co-Founding in Professional Services

Kimberly (Kim) Wasney is the Co-founder of Ripples Edge Advisors, a Chicago-based advisory firm helping business owners grow strategically, prepare for transition, and build more transferable companies. An experienced operator and former head of business development, Kim grew the company's revenue from $160K to $9 million over the course of five years. Her background includes scaling revenue, building teams and processes, and guiding owners through growth, capital, strategic planning, and M&A decisions. In this episode… Growing a business means building it with the future in mind. For many business owners, decisions around scaling, succession, and a potential sale become easier when exit planning starts well before a transaction is on the table. How can founders grow intentionally while keeping their long-term options open? Business growth expert Kim Wasney explains that owners benefit from preparing for transition years in advance rather than waiting until they are ready to sell. Strong processes, the right leadership team, clear financial goals, and trusted advisors can create more flexibility when evaluating a sale, raising capital, bringing in a partner, or pursuing another path. Kim also emphasizes defining the right client and business fit, communicating openly with co-founders, and resisting the urge to perfect every detail before taking action. Thoughtful planning gives business owners more choices and greater control over what comes next. In this episode of Growth + Exit, Heather Bennett talks with Kimberly (Kim) Wasney, Co-founder of Ripples Edge Advisors, about intentional growth and exit readiness. Kim shares why owners should plan early, how evolving M&A conditions affect sellers, and why alternatives to a traditional sale deserve consideration. She also touches on co-founder relationships and building a trusted advisor network.