

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 11, 2025 • 8min
99: How Do You Know If Your Strategy Is Working?
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Most businesses focus on growth, culture, and innovation—but what if you're missing the one thing that truly keeps a company alive?In this episode, Steve reveals the brutal truth about why so many businesses fail, the hidden trap leaders fall into, and how to tell for sure if your strategy is actually working. If you're waiting on the numbers before making a move, you might already be behind.Don't miss this eye-opening episode—your business depends on it.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

7 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 16min
98: What Is ROIC and Its Impact on Your Strategy?
Is your business truly creating value or just chasing growth? Discover the vital link between strategy and finance through Return on Invested Capital (ROIC). Learn why mere profitability isn’t enough, as 70% of bankrupt companies still turned a profit. Uncover the financial levers that can elevate thriving businesses above those merely surviving. If scaling your business with precision is the goal, this discussion provides insights you won't want to miss!

Jan 28, 2025 • 8min
97: How AI Will Impact Your Strategy and Competitive Advantage
AI is transforming the business landscape, creating both opportunities and distractions. Leaders must navigate these changes to stay competitive and focused. The discussion reveals how AI levels the playing field for companies, regardless of size, while introducing challenges like information overload. Strategies for leveraging AI as a value creation tool are key to thriving in this fast-paced environment. Prepare to adapt or risk falling behind in the evolving competitive landscape.

Jan 21, 2025 • 18min
96: Why Your Business Isn’t as Profitable as It Could Be
Struggling to boost profits? Discover five crucial areas that may be hindering your success. Learn how to craft irresistible offers that attract customers. Dive into effective pricing strategies to optimize revenue. Find out ways to eliminate distractions that drain resources. Explore the importance of clear metrics and strong customer retention. Unlock the potential of your business and see your bottom line flourish!

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.

9 snips
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
Discover how the right key performance indicators (KPIs) can transform your company's success. Learn to align your metrics with strategic goals while avoiding common pitfalls. The conversation dives into practical tips for simplifying KPIs and focusing on what truly drives outcomes. Unlock valuable insights that can help you steer your business toward growth, leaving behind ineffective metrics that waste time. It's all about mastering measurement for real impact!

6 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 7min
92: Strategy Explained Simply
Discover how identifying your organization's biggest constraint can unlock a powerful business strategy. Learn why prioritizing fewer, high-impact actions can lead to greater results, instead of getting lost in tactics. Uncover a straightforward approach to innovation and competitive advantage, enhancing value creation and transforming customer experiences. Streamline your strategic processes to propel your business forward.

Dec 18, 2024 • 11min
91: 5 Financial Metrics You Should Know in Your Business
Discover the five critical financial metrics every business owner should master. Learn how to optimize profit margins and improve cash flow for smarter decision-making. The conversation digs into key performance indicators like operating profit and return on invested capital. Find out which single metric reigns supreme in driving profitability. Tune in to take control of your financial landscape and elevate your business to new heights!

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!