Podcast 36
In this episode of Successfully Unsuccessful, I sat down with my good friend Jordan Olmscheid, a true solopreneur who has carved his path in the cleaning industry with a unique blend of purpose and practicality. We dug into his journey from teacher to business owner—a transition that wasn’t part of his original plan. Like many of us, Jordan’s venture began as a side hustle, a way to make some extra income over the summers. But through dedication, adaptability, and hard work, he transformed that seasonal gig into a stable, profitable business focused primarily on commercial window cleaning.
What struck me most about Jordan’s journey is how he embraced the many roles of a solopreneur. From cleaning windows to handling customer follow-ups, invoicing, and scheduling, he wears all the hats. Yet, he’s managed to build a steady, dependable business that fits his more conservative approach to risk and growth. Jordan’s success isn’t measured by scaling to a massive company but by creating a business model that supports his personal values and priorities. In an age where “growth” is often synonymous with “success,” Jordan’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of stability, autonomy, and alignment with one’s core principles.
During our talk, Jordan shared about a pivotal mentorship that shaped his outlook on business and life. His mentor, a seasoned business owner, guided him through the challenges of growth and showed him the value of manageable, intentional scaling. While Jordan initially dreamed of building a large company, he soon realized that the pursuit of “bigger” could come at a high cost, especially when it meant sacrificing time with his family or mental peace. Instead, he redefined his goals to prioritize his family and mental clarity, aiming for steady growth that preserved his freedom and didn’t overwhelm him with responsibilities. It’s a lesson we can all take to heart, especially in a culture that often pushes us to aim higher, do more, and take on more.
What I admire most is Jordan’s ability to use his work time for personal growth and reflection. He’s found ways to enrich his spiritual life while working, often listening to podcasts like the BEMA Podcast that deepen his understanding of faith. This alignment between work and spiritual growth fuels his drive and keeps him grounded. We talked about the challenges of balancing financial goals with spiritual values and the ongoing effort it takes to stay focused on what truly matters. For Jordan, success isn’t just about financial gain—it’s about living out his values, keeping his faith strong, and remaining true to himself in all areas of life.
Jordan’s story is a testament to the idea that we can all define success on our own terms. His journey shows that it’s possible to find purpose, financial stability, and personal fulfillment by aligning our work with our deepest priorities. In a world that often glorifies relentless growth, Jordan’s approach reminds us that true freedom might just come from knowing when to scale back, focusing on what matters most, and building a business—and a life—that feeds our soul.
