Startup to Successful Exit in 4 Years: How Ray Reyes Did It

Most business owners spend decades trying to scale. Ray Reyes did it in four and a half years.

In this episode of Catalyst for the Trades, Jennifer Bagley and Chuck Staszkiewicz talk with Ray, founder of New Jersey Pipe Doctor, about how he launched a home services company from scratch and exited with a multi-million dollar deal in record time.

This is a real, raw conversation about what works and what doesn’t when you're building a business to grow fast and exit strong.

Why This Episode Is Worth Your Time

Ray didn’t have a perfect path. He dealt with staffing issues, long hours, family pressures, and the tough decisions that come with fast growth. But he figured out what most entrepreneurs miss, and shares the exact strategies he used to win.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

1. How to Grow Fast and Exit Smart

Ray breaks down how he scaled to a profitable exit in just over four years and what made that possible.

2. Balancing Business and Family

Running a business is hard. Doing it while raising a family and partnering with a spouse who’s also an entrepreneur adds more layers. Ray shares how he kept it together.

3. Overcoming the Early Roadblocks

From hiring the wrong people to learning the financial side, Ray explains how he pushed through the toughest early-stage challenges.

4. Culture Drives Growth

Ray didn’t just hire people; he built a strong, mission-driven team. Learn how he created a company culture that scaled with him.

5. Exiting Can Fuel Your Next Chapter

Selling your business doesn’t mean stepping away. Ray explains how a well-timed exit can set you up for your next move and expand your impact.

6. The Power of Mentorship

Ray didn’t do it alone. He surrounded himself with the right people, coaches, and tools to move faster and make better decisions.