

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

Oct 3, 2024 • 14min
75: Stop Selling and Try This Instead
Creating a compelling offer is key to success in business. If your product or service solves your customers' biggest pain points, you don't need to hard-sell—it will sell itself. In this podcast, Steve shares the strategies he's used to grow businesses, including how to package your offer to be irresistible, the importance of conviction in what you're offering, and why solving your customers' core problems is your fiduciary responsibility. Whether you're just starting out or scaling a multi-million dollar company, these insights will help you achieve lasting growth and profitability. 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

Oct 1, 2024 • 14min
74: This is Why Profitable Companies Fail
Cash flow is often more important than profit when evaluating a business. Many companies with high profits struggle due to poor management of working capital and capital expenditures. Focusing on free cash flow, the true indicator of a company's financial health, leads to better investment decisions. Understanding how to analyze a business beyond EBITDA and profit margins, factoring in working capital needs and capital intensity, can help you optimize your business for long-term growth and 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

Sep 27, 2024 • 15min
73: What You Need to Know About Working Capital
In this episode, we dive into the essential topic of working capital and its critical role in a company's financial health. Steve breaks down the difference between working capital and operating working capital, explaining why it's vital for managing cash flow and preventing financial surprises. Through real-world examples, you'll learn how changes in current assets and liabilities impact your cash position and why focusing on operating working capital is key to sustaining daily operations. Tune in to better understand this hidden driver of 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. www.coltivar.com

Sep 19, 2024 • 11min
72: Listen to This If You Think Finance Is for the Birds and Nerds
In this engaging discussion, Steve, a seasoned strategist from Coltivar, highlights the vital link between strategy and finance. He emphasizes that financial literacy is essential for avoiding the 82% of business failures linked to poor cash flow. Steve breaks down key financial statements like income statements and balance sheets, providing insight into their importance for success. He shares practical strategies for merging mission with financial goals, enhancing cash flow, and ultimately boosting profitability, empowering leaders to tackle financial challenges head-on.

Sep 12, 2024 • 11min
71: The 2 Value Drivers That Will Make Your Business Wildly Profitable
Discover the secrets to skyrocketing your business profitability by focusing on growth and return on invested capital. Learn how innovation can help you sidestep market wars, emphasizing the importance of creating new products over competing for market share. Dive into strategies for effectively balancing customer acquisition costs with their lifetime value. Prioritize meaningful strategic improvements to ensure lasting profitability, avoiding the pitfalls of short-term thinking.

Sep 5, 2024 • 10min
70: Do You Really Have a Competitive Advantage
Discover how to truly assess your business's competitive advantage beyond just beliefs or talent. Learn the significance of metrics like return on invested capital (ROIC) versus weighted average cost of capital (WACC). A significantly higher ROIC could indicate strong potential for success. The conversation dives into aligning your advantages with what customers value, paving the way for long-term growth and profitability. Tune in for strategic insights that could transform your business approach!

Aug 29, 2024 • 12min
69: 5 Fundamental Things Every Business Should Have
In this episode, Steve breaks down the five essential elements every business needs to excel. Discover why a well-crafted strategy blueprint is crucial, how to effectively implement initiatives with the IAR framework, and the importance of clear success measures and timely financial statements. Steve also reveals the value of the Financial Strategy Review (FSR) meeting and how it can drive performance and growth. Tune in for actionable insights to transform your business and achieve remarkable results.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

Aug 22, 2024 • 10min
68: The 5 Responsibilities of Effective CEOs
In this episode, Steve breaks down the five key responsibilities every effective CEO should master. From building a unified, high-performing team to setting a clear strategic direction, consistent communication, and holding people accountable, he shares real-world insights from his experience turning around multi-million and billion-dollar companies. Plus, he dives into the importance of having tough conversations that drive better outcomes and build respect. Whether you’re a seasoned CEO or aspiring leader, these strategies will help you lead with purpose and achieve stronger results. 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

Aug 15, 2024 • 12min
67: My 3 Biggest Mistakes in Business and How You Can Avoid Them
In this episode, Steve takes a deep dive into the three biggest mistakes he made while building Coltivar and turning around multi-million and billion-dollar companies. These are not just minor errors but significant missteps that can drain your resources, strain relationships, and stall your business growth. Through candid stories and actionable insights, Steve explains how these common pitfalls can be avoided, focusing on key areas such as the importance of quality revenue, the necessity of mastering financial literacy, and the critical role of prioritizing relationships within your business.By understanding these lessons, you’ll learn how to build a more resilient and profitable business, equipped to withstand challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Steve’s experiences offer valuable guidance for entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to avoid costly errors and create a sustainable, thriving enterprise. Tune in to this episode to gain practical strategies that will help you steer clear of these mistakes and set your business on a path to 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

Aug 8, 2024 • 19min
66: Is Your Business Actually Profitable?
In this insightful lesson, we delve into the crucial aspects of assessing your business's financial health, focusing on understanding the true profitability and economic performance of your company. If you're relying solely on income statements to gauge your financial success, you might be overlooking key insights. This lesson breaks down why it’s essential to go beyond just profit margins and look at other critical metrics to fully grasp your business's economic reality. This lesson is perfect for entrepreneurs, financial analysts, and business owners who want to enhance their financial acumen and avoid costly mistakes. By mastering these financial metrics and concepts, you’ll be better equipped to evaluate your business’s performance, make strategic decisions, and drive sustainable 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. www.coltivar.com