

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

Sep 6, 2023 • 26min
19: Choosing the Right Entity Structure
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode of the Business Strategy podcast, Steve Coughran explores the importance of choosing the right entity structure when starting or scaling a business. From sole proprietorships to LLCs and corporations, Steve highlights how aligning your structure with your strategy can protect assets and drive growth. Tune in for essential insights to help you make informed decisions for long-term 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

Aug 30, 2023 • 49min
18: From Software to Skis With Ted Eynon
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode of the Business Strategy podcast, host Steve Coughran sits down with the Founder of Meier Skis, based in Denver, Colorado, to delve into his remarkable journey from selling Christmas trees to building a thriving business of crafting handmade skis. The conversation touches on the various pivots and transitions along the way, including detecting gas leaks and developing software. Together, they explore the challenges and grind of entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of putting the customer at the center of every decision. They also discuss the delicate balance between strategy and intuition that has been instrumental in the founder's success. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the entrepreneurial journey and discover how passion, adaptability, and a customer-centric approach can pave the way to building a flourishing business.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

Aug 23, 2023 • 53min
17: The Do's and Don'ts of Expanding Abroad With Dr. Shan Nair
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode of the Business Strategy Podcast, host Steve Coughran talks with Dr. Shan Nair, President of Nucleus, about key strategies for expanding businesses abroad. They discuss the importance of hiring culturally competent leaders, leveraging local experts, and evaluating a company's readiness based on financial strength and market demand. Dr. Nair emphasizes how understanding cultural nuances and working with local professionals can boost the chances of success in new markets. Tune in for valuable insights on unlocking profitable growth through international expansion. 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

Aug 16, 2023 • 21min
16: How to Integrate Finance With Your Strategy
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode of the Business Strategy podcast, Steve Coughran discusses the importance of integrating finance with strategy. He explains how clear strategic initiatives guide financial decisions, resource allocation, and long-term success. Coughran highlights the need for a financial plan that aligns with business goals, covering revenue, expenses, and cash flow. He also emphasizes regular financial analysis and continuous monitoring to adapt and stay aligned with strategic objectives. This episode offers valuable insights on merging finance and strategy for business growth. 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

Aug 9, 2023 • 45min
15: The Customer First Approach to Strategy With Debbie Levitt
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In the podcast episode, host Steve Coughran engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Debbie Levitt, Chief Experience Officer at Delta CX. This captivating discussion delves into the power of adopting a customer-centric strategy and its potential to enhance various aspects of business performance. By placing the customer at the heart of strategic decision-making, organizations can experience a boost in sales, heightened engagement levels, improved employee morale, and an overall increase in firm value. The episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for businesses looking to prioritize the customer experience in their strategic endeavors.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

Aug 2, 2023 • 47min
14: Preparing People For the Uncertainty of Tomorrow with Chris Marshall
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this captivating episode, host Steve Coughran engages in a thought-provoking conversation with renowned behavioral scientist Chris Marshall. Together, they delve into the crucial topic of preparing individuals and organizations for the uncertainties of tomorrow. Chris introduces his groundbreaking "pause-pause" framework, which empowers influential leaders to embrace a moment of reflection, enabling them to navigate ambiguity with clarity. By adopting this approach, leaders can make better decisions, drive greater value, and ultimately thrive in an ever-changing business landscape. Tune in to gain invaluable insights on how to embrace uncertainty and unlock limitless potential in your organization.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

Jul 26, 2023 • 14min
13: What is a Strategic Initiative
The host explores the concept of strategic initiatives in this episode, emphasizing their role in overcoming challenges, building competitive advantages, and driving innovation. Real-world examples and case studies are used to illustrate how these initiatives can transform businesses through entering new markets, developing new products, improving efficiency, and expanding the customer base. The importance of setting clear goals and aligning initiatives with overall strategy is highlighted. The host introduces the IARs framework to bridge the gap between strategy creation and implementation. Strategies are turned into reality by prioritizing and aligning actions with strategic initiatives.

Jul 19, 2023 • 40min
12: How To Use IARs to Drive Execution
The podcast discusses a framework called IARs that helps teams implement agile strategies, mitigate market risk, and drive desired outcomes. It addresses the disconnect between strategy and execution, the shift in value drivers, and the importance of initiatives. It also emphasizes defining actions, measuring results, and achieving better results by building an enduring organization.

Jul 12, 2023 • 30min
11: Overcoming Biases in the Strategy Room
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode, Steve explores how to overcome cognitive biases in the strategy room. He shares insights on recognizing biases, ensuring diverse perspectives are heard, and challenging assumptions. Steve emphasizes the importance of continual evaluation and feedback to keep strategies effective. With practical tips for overcoming biases, this episode is essential for anyone looking to sharpen their critical thinking and improve business strategy. Tune in to learn how to make better decisions and drive your business forward!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

Jul 5, 2023 • 46min
10: The Courage to Make Bold Moves with Steven Ginsburg
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Join host Steve Coughran as he interviews Steven Ginsburg, Founder of Restore Detox Centers and author of the book "Filling the Void" in this inspiring episode of the podcast. Steven shares his personal story of healing and transformation, and how he was driven by his passion to start a detox center to help others who were struggling with addiction. He discusses the bold moves he made to follow his heart and turn his vision into a reality, as well as the challenges and obstacles he faced along the way. Steven's journey is a testament to the power of faith and determination, and he shares valuable insights on how to trust God and find your life's purpose. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that will inspire you to pursue your dreams and make a difference in the lives of others.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