

Grow Your Video Business with Ryan Koral
Ryan Koral
🎬 The podcast for ambitious filmmakers who want to build a thriving business—without burning out.
Hosted by Ryan Koral, a 20+ year video production vet and coach, this weekly show is your behind-the-scenes pass to what actually works in the world of commercial video.
Every episode is packed with real talk, tactical strategies, and candid conversations to help you:
+ Book better clients (at better rates)
+ Build systems that don't rely 100% on you
+ Charge what you're worth—with confidence
+ Create videos that make an impact and grow your bottom line
If you're ready to stop winging it and start running your business like a pro—you're in the right place.
🎙️ New episodes drop every week.
đź”— Learn more at https://studiosherpas.com
Hosted by Ryan Koral, a 20+ year video production vet and coach, this weekly show is your behind-the-scenes pass to what actually works in the world of commercial video.
Every episode is packed with real talk, tactical strategies, and candid conversations to help you:
+ Book better clients (at better rates)
+ Build systems that don't rely 100% on you
+ Charge what you're worth—with confidence
+ Create videos that make an impact and grow your bottom line
If you're ready to stop winging it and start running your business like a pro—you're in the right place.
🎙️ New episodes drop every week.
đź”— Learn more at https://studiosherpas.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 15, 2025 • 54min
468. Local Marketing That Actually Works with Chad Godfrey
Chad Godfrey has been running Summit Video Services for over 20 years, and he's built something most video pros overlook: a thriving business where 60% of revenue comes from video transfers and archival work. In this conversation, we dig into why his transfer business keeps growing year after year, how local networking and in-person relationships are still the best marketing strategy, and why teaching free workshops can actually land you more clients instead of giving away the farm. Key Takeaways Video transfer and archival services can be a massive, consistent revenue stream—Chad's business grows every year despite assumptions that the market would dry up Building real relationships through chambers, boards, and local networking events is still the most effective way to generate buzz and trust in your community Teaching free workshops positions you as a leader and keeps you top of mind when people need professional help—it's counterintuitive but it works Having strategic relationships with complementary businesses (graphic designers, photographers, etc.) creates a powerful referral network About Chad Godfrey As a young child, Chad Godfrey was constantly infatuated with film and video cameras, audio recorders, and early personal computers. In 2004, Chad linked these interests together and started a business. For the past 21 years, Chad has been the owner of Summit Video Services, an audio and video production and photography services company based in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Chad is an Emmy-nominated and nationally-awarded video producer with recognitions in the areas of video production, editing, photography, design, documentary, motion graphics, and sound design. Chad's professional work in video production includes documentary and brand films for businesses and the non-profit sector. He is a creative storyteller with a unique ability to structure a narrative, whether for a short film, commercial, music video, or YouTube vlog. Chad has an exceptional capability to pace a story, build tension, and create emotional engagement; all critical skills to the clients he serves. Chad's photography is primarily commercial, providing services for architectural firms, municipalities, and the commercial real estate industry. Though less for profit, Chad's true passion is landscape and astro-photography. He's had many opportunities to travel internationally with a backpack full of gear (sometimes too full) to "chase the light." Chad is a contributing member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Chad's spouse of 24 years, Suzie, is an elementary teacher in the Lee's Summit School District. Together, they have three kids, ages 22, 19, and 15. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:42] Meet Chad Godfrey [16:17] Advertising Strategies [17:07] Documentary Video Production [24:57] Things That Sustain a Business [26:42] Aha Moments From The Mastermind [37:09] Advice to New Business Owners [40:15] Finance Resources [46:28] Being Involved In Local Groups [47:41] Connect with Chad [52:41] Outro Quotes "There's no substitute for just talking to people and inviting them to and going to events and shaking hands. If you're not generating some buzz about what you do in your local area, then you're just not doing enough." - Chad Godfrey "That seems counterintuitive—you're giving away the farm. But when people can actually see you as a leader in that realm and that you're giving away some of your knowledge, they're gonna wanna come back to you and pick your brain some more." - Chad Godfrey "The quickest and easiest way to build trust with somebody is in person so they can really see what you're like. People will hire people that they know, like, and trust." - Ryan Koral Guest Links Follow Summit Video Services on Instagram Visit Summit Video Services Website Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

Dec 8, 2025 • 49min
467. Why Good Enough Is Actually Great with Brad Ellison
Brad Ellison went from selling insurance to building Michigan's highest-rated painting company in just a few years, and he's got some seriously practical wisdom about profit, personality, and perfectionism. In this conversation, we dig into why finishing jobs to 75% can actually be the smartest move for your business, how your core values should drive everything from your marketing to your hiring, and why contractors are the perfect clients for video producers right now. About Brad Ellison Brad grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan and graduated from Oakland University. During school, his goal was always to run his own small business and he got his start at age 19 when he started a local window washing company to pay for tuition. Brad and Rachel operate Ellison Painting together and now live in Oakland Twp with their 5-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son. They enjoy exercising, time outdoors, and being involved in the local community and church. Key Takeaways Stop over-delivering: That last 25% of polish you're adding? Your clients often can't even tell the difference, but it's costing you real profit. Focus on meeting expectations, not exceeding them to the point of vanity. Your core values aren't just wall art: Brad's company lists "levity" as a core value, which is why their funny ads work. Every piece of marketing you create should reflect at least one of your actual values. There's a huge opportunity with contractors: Painting, roofing, and other trade companies desperately need help with video content but don't know where to start. If you can crack this market, there's serious money to be made. Build around what you actually care about: Brad's business exists to support his faith, family, fitness, and friendships—not the other way around. Define what matters to you first, then build your business to serve those priorities. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:02] Meet Brad Ellison [11:17] Success In Business [21:54] Having Enough Leads [22:50] Having Multiple Marketing Methods [27:25] Word of Mouth Marketing [33:10] Passion Work and Business Growth [46:09] Connect with Brad [47:53] Outro Quotes "We have more five star reviews than any other painting company in Michigan and just like my jumper—it's not even close." - Brad Ellison "For me, my passion lies with my faith, my family, my fitness and my friends. And I have a painting business to feed those four." - Brad Ellison "You want to do a great job for your customers, but you also need to understand what their expectations are... that last 25% is purely for vanity and at the cost of his profit." - Brad Ellison "Identify your core values and any ad that you put out should highlight at least one. Ideally two or more of those core values." - Brad Ellison Guest Links Ellison Painting Website Follow Brad Ellison on Facebook | Instagram Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter Check out the full show notes

Dec 1, 2025 • 53min
466. Turn Your Expertise Into Qualified Leads with Maeve Ferguson
Maeve Ferguson breaks down why quiz funnels are dominating lead generation right now and how you can build one that actually qualifies your prospects instead of just filling up your inbox. She shares her journey from accountant to funnel strategist to AI obsessed entrepreneur, plus we get into the wild world of agentic AI—including the agent she built that finds speaking opportunities and matches them to her calendar automatically. Key Takeaways Quiz funnels outperform traditional lead magnets because they tap into people's curiosity and desire to learn about themselves Your intellectual property (IP) and strategic frameworks are what'll make you AI-proof—the execution will get automated Agentic AI can handle repetitive tasks like finding leads, posting content, and even analyzing ad performance The best quizzes aren't about convincing people they need your service—they're about helping qualified prospects realize they're ready for it About Maeve Ferguson Maeve Ferguson Is A Business Strategist And The Creator Of The Client Engine™, a proven system that helps authors, consultants, and entrepreneurs transform their intellectual property into evergreen lead-generation machines. Specialising in diagnostic assessments and quiz funnels, Maeve helps experts attract, qualify, and convert high-ticket clients at scale. With a background in private equity and a track record of working with 7- and 8-figure thought leaders, Maeve brings a unique blend of corporate strategy and entrepreneurial speed to the table. Her clients range from bestselling authors to global speakers who want to scale without shouting into the void or wasting time on unqualified leads. Maeve has been featured in Forbes, appeared on Jen Kem's Stage, and leads a multi-6-figure business while raising two young kids on a horse farm in Ireland. Through a mix of systems, data, and diagnostic-driven strategy, she helps creatives turn their ideas into income and their frameworks into globally recognised assets. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:41] Meet Maeve Ferguson [07:36] Intellectual Property [14:01] Diagnostic Architecture [28:11] Rich Niche [32:24] Marketing Strategies [37:59] Agentic AI [50:02] Connect with Maeve [51:37] Outro Quotes "Listen to your market and give them what they want." - Maeve Ferguson "Where the world is going, those services of doing the doing will be replaced by AI. What won't be replaced is the tail framework." -Maeve Ferguson "The things I'm building now didn't exist six months ago. Never mind where we're going to be next year, five years time. It's going to be a different planet." -Maeve Ferguson "We're not trying to convince people that they should want video, because that's like pushing water up a hill." -Maeve Ferguson Guest Links Get your IP Assessment (in 8 minutes) Follow Maeve Ferguson on Instagram Connect with Maeve Ferguson on LinkedIn Watch the Expert to Thought Leader Show on YouTube Listen to the Expert of Thought Leadership podcast Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Nov 24, 2025 • 55min
465. From Information Overload to Lean Learning with Pat Flynn
Pat Flynn, CEO of Flynn Industries and New York Times bestselling author, shares his "lean learning" philosophy for combating information overload. After watching his kids get overwhelmed by endless learning options, Pat developed frameworks for just-in-time learning and micro mastery that helped him overcome stage fright and build multiple successful businesses, including a Pokemon YouTube channel with nearly 2 million subscribers. Key Takeaways We're "obese with information"—transition from just-in-case learning to just-in-time learning focused on your immediate next step Micro mastery: Pick one tiny component of a skill and hyper-focus on it for a specific period rather than trying to improve everything at once Scale your service business by productizing offerings, adding upsells, or creating templated packages that require less customization Community is crucial—surround yourself with peers who lift you up, mentors who guide you, and people you can teach and serve About Pat Flynn Pat Flynn is a father, husband, and lifelong learner from San Diego who has built a reputation as one of the most influential voices in digital entrepreneurship. Through his diverse portfolio of businesses, award-winning podcasts, newsletters, YouTube channels, and thriving online communities, Pat reaches and inspires millions of people each month. He is the founder of SPI, an online community for digital entrepreneurs, co-inventor of the SwitchPod, and host of the Deep Pocket Monster YouTube channel as well as founder of Card Party, a large-scale live event for the community of Pokémon collectors. Pat also serves as an advisor to dozens of companies and is a sought-after keynote speaker. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, collecting Pokémon cards, and rewatching the Back to the Future trilogy. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [07:53] Meet Pat Flynn [13:53] Work Life Balance [21:53] Nailing Down Systems and Automation [26:05] Lean Learning Book [32:43] Micro-Mastery [39:22] Having Community [49:30] Methods for Scaling [53:53] Connect with Pat[ [54:26] Outro Quotes "We are obese with information right now. Find the right thing for the next step that you're doing." - Pat Flynn "You cannot read the label when you are inside the bottle." - Pat Flynn "Information at one point used to be valuable. If you were the smartest kid in the class, you were going to be the most successful. No longer." - Pat Flynn "There's a reason why it's called shower thoughts. When you're in your shower, you have your best thoughts because it's literally the only place in the world now that you have nothing else to do but just think." - Pat Flynn "Count uploads, not likes. Control the thing that you can control, which is you showing up and hitting record and hitting publish." - Pat Flynn Guest Links Find Pat Flynn online at Smart Passive Income & Deep Pocket Monster Follow Pat Flynn on Instagram | TikTok | Twitter Follow Deep Pocket Monster on Instagram | TikTok | Twitter Listen on YouTube Pat Flynn | Deep Pocket Monster | Short Pocket Monster Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Nov 17, 2025 • 51min
464. The 80% Rule That Changes Everything with Dave Hunter
Dave Hunter started GreenRoom Video after a career in theater, building it from side hustle to a $1.2 million company. Recently discovering he's an integrator (not a visionary) through reading Traction, Dave shares how he's learned to delegate, scale, and break through belief barriers that were limiting his growth. His team now handles projects from start to finish while he focuses on business development and strategy. Key Takeaways The 80% rule: If someone can do what you're doing at 80% of your ability, they should be doing it to enable growth Belief barriers like "no one can do this as good as me" often limit business growth more than actual constraints Start with contractors before full-time hires to test your management skills and their abilities Learning whether you're a visionary or integrator fundamentally changes how you should approach running your business About Dave Hunter Dave Hunter is the Founder and Creative Director of GreenRoom Video, a Chicago-area production company that has produced over 1,000 videos for Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, schools, and nonprofits. With a background in theater and more than a decade of experience in performance and production, Dave brings a creative storyteller's eye to every project. Under his leadership, GreenRoom Video surpassed $1 million in annual sales and continues to grow with a focus on helping organizations communicate their messages with clarity, creativity, and impact. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:27] Meet David Hunter [11:08] Having an Executive Assistant [15:41] 20 Dollar An Hour Projects [27:02] Belief Barriers [29:56] When To Be On Set [40:42] EOS Method [48:51] Connect with David [50:29] Outro Quotes "If somebody can do what you're doing at 80% of what you can do, they should be doing it." - Dave Hunter "There's several belief barriers we have where we don't think that's possible, but it is, and the only difference is choosing to try it." - Dave Hunter "Your prices are too low if everyone's saying yes to your proposals." - Dave Hunter's business coach "Act your wage as a company—profit doesn't mean your salary, profit means after your salary, there's still profit." - Dave Hunter Guest Links Find Dave Hunter online at GreenRoom Video Follow Dave Hunter on Instagram | Facebook Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Nov 10, 2025 • 1h
463. The Psychology of Premium Pricing with John Bunn
John Bunn recently launched his solo podcast "Shifting Focus" after years of co-hosting How to Film Weddings. Starting with over $400K in student debt, he's built a wedding business that now books $30K+ weddings and has his entire year's expenses covered by the first month. John shares the psychology behind premium pricing, why cash flow equals creative freedom, and how getting specific about your ideal client changes everything about your business. Key Takeaways When you don't need the money, you come across completely different in sales calls—clients can sense desperation vs. abundance Getting laser-focused on your ideal client (not just any client with money) is what allows you to charge premium rates Cash is oxygen for your business—sometimes picking up part-time work is the smartest move to take pressure off while you build Consistency in the right activities (not just any activities) is what creates long-term success in creative businesses About John Bunn John Bunn is a wedding industry educator and mentor who has dedicated his career to elevating professionals through practical, results-driven education. After starting his own wedding video business in 2007, Bunn went on to film and photograph over 550 weddings, gaining deep insights into what truly drives success in the industry. Since transitioning to education in 2018, Bunn has mentored and worked with tens of thousands of wedding professionals, focusing on what he calls "the things that nobody wants to talk about" — the fundamental business practices that create lasting success beyond fleeting trends. Bunn's approach is rooted in real-world experience and a belief that sustainable success comes from shifting focus to what actually matters. His passion for teaching stems from the countless success stories he's witnessed, from working mothers who've transitioned to full-time wedding businesses to professionals finally booking their dream clients. Known for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach, Bunn emphasizes that "trends come, and trends go, but those who shift their focus and put in the work are the true success stories." His mission is to help wedding professionals cut through industry noise and concentrate on the strategies that will genuinely impact their businesses and families. As both mentor and coach, Bunn brings over 15 years of hands-on wedding industry experience combined with a track record of transforming careers through focused, practical education. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:09] Meet John Bunn [09:08] Shifting Focus [20:32] Healthy Mindset with Money [28:10] Importance of Being Profitable [40:56] When Cash Is Tight [56:24] Connect with John [59:20] Outro Quotes "You come across completely different in your sales calls when you don't need the money." - John Bunn "Cash is oxygen in your business. It's hard to make good decisions when you don't have oxygen." - John Bunn "If you're not being intentional about where you want to go, you're going to be running someone else's race." - John Bunn "There's nothing wrong with saying, I need to go pick up a part-time job. Stop by on your way to where you're heading." - John Bunn "What does your business look like if you didn't need to make the sale today? That's the secret to selling." - John Bunn Guest Links Find John Bunn online Follow John Bunn on Instagram Follow John Bunn Films on Instagram Listen to the Shifting Focus podcast Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 5min
462. Building a Legacy Filmmaking Empire with Clinton Haby
Clinton Haby has spent 16 years building a legacy filmmaking business that charges $8K-$24K per project. Starting with a desire to capture his grandfather's stories, he's developed a systematic approach to intimate storytelling that can't be replicated by technology. In this emotional episode recorded shortly after his grandfather's passing, Clinton shares his three-tier pricing model and announces Legacy Film School to teach others the art of premium storytelling. Key Takeaways Clinton's three packages range from $8K (captured as-told) to $24K (full cinematic treatment with B-roll and music) He insists on being alone with storytellers during interviews to create the most authentic connection His entry-level package generates roughly $250/hour, proving that specialized storytelling can command premium rates Legacy filmmaking is recession-proof and AI-resistant because it's built on authentic human connection About Clinton Haby Clinton Haby is a legacy filmmaking pioneer and the founder of StoryKeeping. What began as an urge to keep his grandparents' stories has taken him on a journey of non-stop learning. Listening to clients' wants and striving to deliver beyond their expectations has pushed StoryKeeping to standards far beyond what Clinton initially envisioned. Having served on the board and executive committee of the Association of Personal Historians, Clinton has had a front row seat to the legacy film industry from its infancy to today. Tested by the market and time, Clinton wants to help others capture the legacies of our personal heroes by launching Legacy Film School. In This Episode [00:00:00] Welcome to the show! [00:04:37] Meet Clinton Haby [00:07:57] Legacy Films [00:11:38] StoryKeeping [00:16:35] New Interest for Legacy Films [00:30:45] Using Your Gifting [00:34:16] Pricing for Legacy Films [00:39:57] Having a Distraction Free Space [00:44:48] Budgeting Time [00:57:37] Legacy Film School [01:01:04] Connect with Clinton [01:03:41] Outro Quotes "There's nothing like the first person perspective. It needs to come from pop, my grandpa, for it to resonate and for it to retain that magic." - Clinton Haby "People tell stories differently depending upon who's in the room." - Clinton Haby Guest Links Find Clinton Haby online Learn more about Legacy Film School Follow Clinton Haby on Instagram | Facebook Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Oct 27, 2025 • 51min
461. From Zero to Million Dollar Agency with Lauren Cobello
Lauren Cobello built a million-dollar PR agency in just 10 months as a single mom of four, working with celebrities like Kurt Angle and major influencers. She breaks down why personal branding isn't optional anymore, how to do a simple audit of your online presence, and why your story is the key to charging premium prices in a crowded market. Key Takeaways Your personal brand is simply what shows up when people Google you—make sure it's consistent across all platforms Your story is your biggest differentiator and allows you to charge premium prices instead of competing on cost Identify what drains your energy versus what lights you up, then set goals to hire out the energy drains You need to show up in AI search results now, not just traditional Google searches About Lauren Cobello Lauren Cobello is a Book Coach and Founder and CEO of Leverage with Media PR. As a renowned national TV personality, 4x author, and a prominent figure in the world of entrepreneurship and public relations. She has an impressive track record of success and a charismatic on-screen presence and has captivated audiences on national TV on shows like the TODAY show, GMA, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, and hundreds of others for over a decade. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show![04:18] Meet Lauren Cobello|[06:02] Lauren's Story[20:26] Personal Branding[22:32] AI Search Results[24:52] Importance of Writing a Bio[35:00] Dig Into Your Story More[37:07] Your Zone of Genius[45:51] Connect With Lauren[50:04] Outro Quotes "Failure is my fuel and I'm one of the strongest, most resilient people that I know." - Lauren Cobello "I've got one life to live, and I'm going to be damned if it's a miserable one." - Lauren Cobello "What is the brand? What comes up when people Google you? Plain and simple." - Lauren Cobello "Your story matters. If I didn't have my personal brand set up so well on the back end, I would have just blended in with the rest of the agencies." - Lauren Cobello "You are sitting on gold. Your story is different from everybody else's story." - Lauren Cobello Guest Links Find Lauren Cobello online at Leverage With Media Follow Lauren Cobello on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Oct 20, 2025 • 40min
460. Why Creatives Fail at Ads with Ashley Brock
Ashley Brock has managed over $200 million in ad spend and scaled her advertising agency from $250K to $6 million in just two years. In this episode, she shares why Google Ads should be your starting point (not Meta), reveals her "search and social" retargeting strategy, and explains how balancing humility with credibility transformed her business. Key Takeaways Start with Google Ads instead of Meta—people searching have higher intent to buy than social media scrollers Use the "search and social" strategy: capture high-intent leads on Google, then retarget them with video content on Meta Balance humility with credibility by sharing your wins upfront—people need to know why they should listen to you Get specific with your messaging and "stack the pain" to make prospects feel like you're speaking directly to them About Ashley Brock Ashley Brock is the Founder & CEO of the Paid Ads Academy and the go-to expert for paid ads coaching. With over a decade of experience and more than $200 million in ad spend managed, she has worked with Fortune 500 brands, partnered with Google, Meta, and TikTok, and helped thousands of entrepreneurs grow their businesses using her proven ad strategies that convert. Her methods have supported clients spending anywhere from $10/day to $100,000+ per day, and she has personally scaled her own business to 7 figures (soon to be 8). Ashley is the #1 Amazon bestselling author of How to Win with Paid Ads™, host of the Win with Paid Ads Podcast, and has been featured on ABC News. When she's not teaching business owners how to become findable™ online, Ashley is a wife, a mom of two young boys, and an entrepreneur passionate about helping others master a skill that can transform their business for years to come. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:30] Meet Ashley Brock [05:46] Paid Advertising [13:54] The Power of Google Ads [20:04] Setting Up Ads Properly [21:36] Having a Re-Targeting Structure [26:46] Establish Your Credibility [31:31] Being In a Mastermind Group [37:00] Connect with Ashley [39:03] Outro Quotes "The performance of your ads will fall to the level of the skill of the person managing them." - Ashley Brock "Specificity creates the necessity." - Ashley Brock "You were so humble that you were actually not able to help them because they weren't listening, because they didn't care and they didn't believe you." - Ashley Brock "You are doing a disservice by not saying, here's why I can help you. Too many people are burying the lead." - Ashley Brock "What got you here won't get you there." - Ryan Koral Guest Links Find Ashley Brock online Follow Ashley Brock on Instagram | YouTube Listen to the Win With Paid Ads podcast Ashley Brock's book: "How To Win With Paid Ads" Join the "Win With Paid Ads Challenge" Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Oct 13, 2025 • 47min
459. Escape the Financial Hamster Wheel with Deb Meyer
CPA and financial planner Deb Meyer breaks down why most video business owners struggle financially and stay stuck on what she calls "the hamster wheel." She explains the crucial difference between revenue and profit, why separate bank accounts can save your business, and how to avoid nasty tax surprises that can cripple your cash flow. Key Takeaways Set up separate bank accounts for taxes, contractor expenses, and operating costs to avoid accidentally spending money that's already allocated Focus on profit margins (aim for at least 30%) rather than just top-line revenue numbers Get proactive tax planning to avoid surprise bills—a good CPA should give you quarterly projections, not April surprises Before buying any equipment or hiring staff, ask yourself if it will actually make you money or save you time that translates to revenue About Deb Meyer Deb Meyer, CFP®, CPA, and CEPA, is the award-winning author of Redefining Family Wealth, host of the Beyond Budgets® podcast, and founder of WorthyNest®, a fee-only, fiduciary wealth management firm that guides parents through important financial decisions using a values-based approach. Deb has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and CNN Business and is a contributor to Kiplinger. She is a 2019 CPA Practice Advisor "40 Under 40 Honoree" in Accounting and received the 2018 AICPA Standing Ovation Award. Deb lives in Missouri with her husband Bryan and three sons. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:51] Meet Deb Meyer [06:34] Have a Trusted Financial Advisor [07:29] Cash Cushion for Your Business [10:12] Discerning Needs From Wants [22:18] Revenue and Profit [32:01] Tax Planning [45:07] Connect with Deb [46:29] Outro Quotes "You just bought yourself another job, really. I mean, you're not truly an entrepreneur if you're always beholden to the, hey, this is the mass I can get as my salary." - Deb Meyer "Revenue, great. It's a fun vanity metric, but it doesn't really matter that much in the grand scheme of things." - Deb Meyer "I look back and I'm like, what the heck was I thinking? Because it just felt like that's how I was making decisions like, man, yeah, if we had somebody doing that, that would feel pretty good." - Ryan "When COVID happened, we shrunk to four people. And we figured out how to run this company, the same company with four people... we're like so much more profitable these days." - Ryan "They should never have just surprised you with a $28,000 federal tax bill. That is really unfortunate." - Deb Meyer Guest Links Find Deb Meyer online Connect with Deb Meyer on LinkedIn Get Deb's free Starter Guide on 10 family finance myths Follow WorthyNest on Facebook Subscribe to WorthyNest on YouTube Listen to the Beyond Budgets podcast Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes


