

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

7 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 13min
95: Winning with Strategy - The Surprising Power of the 'F Word'
Leaders often struggle with executing strategy due to distractions. The importance of maintaining focus in business is highlighted, revealing how it can enhance performance. Learn to tackle strategic problems and drive results by simplifying your approach. Discover a proven system for turning around businesses without chasing fleeting trends. This discussion emphasizes the value of protecting your team's time to build lasting impact.

Jan 8, 2025 • 8min
94: Ready to Revisit Your Strategy? Start Here.
Get ready to transform your business in 2025 by revisiting your strategy! Discover the hidden power of defining your strategic problems and how to break free from frustrating cycles. Learn from real-world examples of industry titans like Verizon and Amazon as you uncover the formula for identifying and overcoming your greatest constraints. This blueprint is crucial for scaling effectively—without amplifying existing issues!

Dec 24, 2024 • 11min
93: How Setting KPIs Can Make a Difference in Your Company
Are your KPIs driving real results—or just taking up space?In this episode, discover how to set the right KPIs that align with your strategy, unlock value, and keep your team focused on what truly matters. Learn the secrets behind simplifying metrics, avoiding common pitfalls, and using a value logic tree to track what drives success.Stop guessing and start mastering your business—listen now to transform how you measure 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.www.coltivar.com

Dec 19, 2024 • 7min
92: Strategy Explained Simply
Is your business strategy holding you back?In this episode, Steve explains the key to crafting a winning strategy: identifying and solving your organization’s #1 constraint. Learn why less can mean more, how to focus on high-impact actions, and why jumping straight to tactics could derail your success.Tune in to discover a simple yet powerful system to drive value, foster innovation, and build long-term competitive advantages.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.www.coltivar.com

Dec 18, 2024 • 11min
91: 5 Financial Metrics You Should Know in Your Business
Are you running your business blind?In this episode, Steve Coughran, founder of Coltivar, reveals the five critical metrics you need to know to stop guessing and start growing. Learn how to optimize margins, improve cash flow, and make smarter, data-driven decisions—lessons Steve learned from scaling multi-million and billion-dollar companies.Discover the one metric that trumps them all and start building a more profitable, iconic business.Tune in now and take control of your numbers.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.www.coltivar.com

Dec 10, 2024 • 8min
90: How to Unlock Value and Boost Cash Flow
What is value in business, really? Discover the elusive 'value formula' that can transform financial and operational performance. Explore strategies to enhance profitability through price premiums and cost efficiencies. Dive into key metrics that assess performance and learn how to align every business action with measurable impact. Ready to elevate your organization? Uncover the secrets to boosting cash flow and watch your profits soar!

Dec 6, 2024 • 7min
89: Better Financial Results Start With This
Want to boost profits and accountability across your organization? In this episode, Steve shares proven methods from decades of turning around million and billion-dollar companies.Discover two powerful approaches—macro and granular—for assigning financial responsibility across your team. Learn how to transform financial statements into actionable insights through monthly strategy reviews.Ready to drive results and build a culture of ownership?Listen now and take the first step toward higher profits.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.www.coltivar.com

7 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 15min
88: Listen to This Before You Set Another Business Goal
Is your business stuck chasing goals that don’t move the needle?In this episode, Steve shares his proven five-step framework to set goals that solve your biggest challenges and drive real results. Learn how to identify your organization’s key constraint, create focused initiatives, and execute actions that lead to measurable success.With practical examples and actionable advice, Steve walks you through the strategies that have transformed struggling companies into profitable powerhouses.Tune in to unlock the secrets of focused growth and 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.www.coltivar.com

Nov 26, 2024 • 14min
87: The Key to Revolutionizing Products, Sales, and Operations
Are you leaving massive growth on the table? Discover the untold strategies behind building billion-dollar companies and turning failing businesses into unstoppable forces.In this episode, Steve reveals how to pinpoint your ideal customers, create products they can’t resist, and optimize every part of your business for explosive results.These game-changing insights have transformed companies—and they can do the same for you. Don’t miss out on the strategies that could redefine your success. Listen now! 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.www.coltivar.com

Nov 21, 2024 • 11min
86: How Strategy Really Works
What’s holding your business back from its full potential?In this episode, Steve shares the proven frameworks and strategies that have helped companies overcome their biggest challenges and unlock immense value. Learn how to identify key constraints, create clarity across your organization, and align your team around actions that truly move the needle.From simplifying complex strategy concepts to introducing the powerful IAR Framework, Steve delivers actionable insights you can apply to drive growth and financial success. Ready to transform your approach? Tune in and start your journey to building a more focused, profitable 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.www.coltivar.com