

Building Margin
Steve Coughran
Welcome to Building Margin: Strategies for Business Owners Who Want to Think Bigger and Earn More. If you're a construction or service business owner working harder than ever, but still struggling with cash flow, profit margin, or burnout, this podcast is for you. Hosted by Steve Coughran of Coltivar, Building Margin helps you take back control of your business, stop guessing with your numbers, and start making decisions that actually move the needle. Each episode dives into what really drives success: clear strategy, confident leadership, and a business that doesn’t depend on you for everything. You’ll learn how to grow your business with less stress, improve financial clarity, and create margin—in your time, your team, and your bottom line. Whether you’re trying to scale, step back, or just finally get ahead, this show helps you build something that lasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 1, 2024 • 14min
39: It's Time to Fire that Toxic Employee
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode, your host Steve Coughran dives into the critical topic of "It's Time to Fire that Toxic Employee." Drawing on his extensive experience working with companies of various sizes and industries, Steve sheds light on the game-changing impact toxic employees can have on an organization. Sharing anecdotes from his days as the CFO of a major construction company, Steve emphasizes the detrimental effects of retaining toxic individuals, even if they are high performers. He discusses the delicate balance between the professional and personal aspects of such decisions and explores the widely recognized HR mantra: "Fire fast." Steve guides listeners through identifying red flags, such as poor cultural fit and lack of engagement, and offers practical advice on navigating the challenging process of letting go of toxic employees. If you're grappling with this dilemma, Steve's insights provide a roadmap for making tough decisions that contribute to the overall health and success of your business. Tune in for valuable lessons on creating a positive work environment.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Jan 25, 2024 • 14min
38: The Dangers of Straddling
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Join host Steve Coughran as he tackles "The Dangers of Straddling" in the world of modern business. Dive into the detrimental effects of pursuing multiple strategies simultaneously, a trap many ambitious companies fall into. Explore why a less-is-more approach, focusing on a single, well-executed strategy, leads to sustained success, growth and differentiation in the market. Understand how a singular strategy aligns with a company's overall objectives, promotes effective resource allocation, and leads to financial improvements. Learn why straddling can cause confusion, hinder adaptability, and ultimately, compromise a company's standing in today's ever-evolving marketplace. Tune in to uncover the power of strategic focus in business success.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Jan 18, 2024 • 24min
37: B2B Leads on LinkedIn with Automation and AI With Matt Clark
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this insightful conversation, Steve sits down with Matt Clark, the visionary Founder of Virtual Edge, to delve into the world of "B2B Leads on LinkedIn with Automation and AI." Together, they explore the critical elements of successful B2B lead generation on LinkedIn, emphasizing the importance of defining an ideal customer, the power of personalization in outreach, and the art of building meaningful business relationships. Matt shares valuable insights on how businesses can leverage cutting-edge automation and AI technologies to not only expand their network but also scale their operations efficiently. Tune in as they unravel the strategies that can transform your approach to B2B lead generation and propel your business to new heights. Don't miss this episode packed with actionable tips and strategies for navigating the dynamic landscape of digital business development.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

10 snips
Jan 11, 2024 • 29min
36: What You Should Know About AI in Innovation
Join Steve Coughran and Katrin Zimmermann in this thought-provoking podcast where they discuss the transformative force of AI in innovation. They explore strategies to stay ahead in this AI-driven era, the impact of personalization in business, and the challenges of distinguishing humans and AI bots. Don't miss this episode to understand and leverage the power of AI for innovation and success.

Jan 4, 2024 • 28min
35: Leadership Strategy for Navigating a Crisis
Distinguished guests Roderick Jones, Executive Chairman, and Mike LeFever, CEO, of Concentric, share practical insights on leadership strategy for navigating a crisis. They discuss self-awareness and taking care of people, adaptability in times of crisis, and crisis response training. Tune in for actionable advice and strategic wisdom!

Dec 28, 2023 • 22min
34: Pursuing Differentiation or Cost Leadership
Explore the concepts of differentiation and cost leadership in business strategy. Learn how companies like Apple and Tesla excel at differentiation, while Walmart and Southwest Airlines exemplify cost leadership. Discover how efficient processes contribute to Southwest Airlines' success. Understand how companies like Amazon benefit from a cost leadership strategy. Finally, navigate the pitfalls and complexities of implementing a cost leadership strategy in business.

Dec 21, 2023 • 43min
33: Lessons from an Entrepreneur with Sam Meldrum
Entrepreneur Sam Meldrum delves deep into Steve's entrepreneurial journey, discussing topics such as starting a business in an economic downturn, customer value proposition and goal setting, pursuing big goals, building trust and a strong company culture, the potential of AI in business, lessons learned from adversity, and the importance of resilience.

Dec 14, 2023 • 29min
32: Ask Your CFO With Jess Meehan
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In a special session, host Steve Coughran is interviewed by Jess Meehan to discuss important financial topics. Explore key aspects of assessing business health and performance by monitoring financial ratios and metrics. Discover potential risks and challenges when scaling a business and learn effective strategies to mitigate them. Gain insights into attracting investment and securing funding for business expansion plans. Navigate tax planning and compliance to minimize your business's tax burden and maximize tax benefits by the end of the year. Consider the idea of filing an election for your LLC to be taxed as an S-corp and explore the benefits. Explore the possibility of purchasing vehicles and equipment before the end of the year to reduce taxable income. Tune in to this informative episode for expert advice and valuable insights for your business's financial success.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Dec 7, 2023 • 17min
31: What's the Best Way to Track Your Strategy
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Today's episode covers tracking your strategy for long-term success. Start by defining clear objectives and KPIs to align efforts and measure progress. Set baselines and targets for each KPI, and consider using a strategy management platform for real-time tracking. Engage employees and gather feedback to foster alignment and accountability. Regularly review and adjust your strategy to stay agile in changing markets. Tune in to the full episode for more insights on driving business success. Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Nov 22, 2023 • 19min
30: How to Revisit Your Strategy
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this insightful episode, Steve discusses the critical aspects of knowing when to revisit your strategy and why it is of utmost importance in today's ever-changing business landscape. He delves into the steps and best practices for conducting a strategy offsite, providing valuable insights and practical advice. From identifying key triggers for revisiting your strategy to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Steve offers a comprehensive guide for executives and leaders seeking to navigate strategic challenges effectively. Through his engaging storytelling and expert analysis, he empowers listeners to embrace strategic reevaluation as a means to achieve long-term success in their organizations. Tune in to the Business Strategy podcast to gain valuable knowledge and actionable tips on optimizing your business strategy.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com