

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

May 23, 2024 • 12min
55: How to Develop a Strategy for Your Business
In this episode, Steve Coughran walks through his proven 10-step strategy blueprint for building a winning business. From defining your purpose and pinpointing your core problem to researching the market and choosing the right strategic path, Steve shares a practical approach to creating clarity and momentum. It’s a must-listen for any founder looking to boost profits, outmaneuver the competition, and lead with purpose.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

May 16, 2024 • 15min
54: 5 Things the Best Founders Do To Build Great Companies
Discover the key principles that successful founders use to build great companies, including engaging deeply with customers, embracing short cycle times for rapid feedback, and staying lean until everything works well. Learn how empathy and iteration play crucial roles in developing customer-centric strategies and why it's essential to test products with customers before scaling up the workforce.

May 9, 2024 • 10min
53: How to Create an Ideal Customer Profile
In this episode, Steve breaks down how to really understand your customer—like really understand them. He shares a simple framework to help you uncover what your ideal customer wants, what’s getting in their way, and what would make them say, “This is exactly what I need.” It’s about empathy, not guesswork. If you want to create offers that truly connect and drive growth, this one’s for you.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

May 2, 2024 • 14min
52: LLC versus the S-Corp. Don't Make This Mistake When Getting Started
Today, we're diving deep into a critical decision for entrepreneurs: choosing between an LLC and an S-Corp. Titled "LLC versus the S-Corp: Don't Make This Mistake When Getting Started," this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate this crucial choice. Steve breaks down the pros and cons of each entity, from liability protection and tax implications to administrative requirements and flexibility. Whether you're just starting out or considering a restructuring, this episode is a must-listen for any business owner looking to make informed decisions that set the stage for long-term success. Tune in and avoid the pitfalls that come with this decision!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

Apr 25, 2024 • 36min
51: 3 Simple Stories to Scale Your Business with Akeem Shannon
In today's episode, we delve into the art of storytelling with Akeem Shannon, the CEO and Founder of Flipstik. Akeem shares three simple yet powerful stories that have been instrumental in scaling his business from its startup phase to rapid growth. Drawing from his experiences, including his appearance on the hit TV show Shark Tank, Akeem emphasizes the importance of storytelling in various aspects of business, from effectively communicating strategies to inspiring teams, attracting investors, and even decoding financial statements for deeper understanding. Tune in as we uncover how storytelling can transform your business journey and lead to success, just as it has for Akeem and Flipstik.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

Apr 18, 2024 • 25min
50: How Attorneys Steer the Course In Business
In this insightful episode, host Steve Coughran is joined by Alex Prasad from Aegis Law Firm. Together, they delve into the essential process of vetting a business attorney, pinpointing what entrepreneurs should look for to ensure a fruitful collaboration. The conversation also covers strategic exits and how legal expertise can not only streamline but also maximize the success of selling or restructuring a business. Whether you're at the helm of a startup or steering a mature enterprise, this discussion will arm you with the knowledge to choose and work with the right attorney, setting the stage for robust legal support through all phases of your business journey. Tune in to gain invaluable insights that could very well shape your venture's legal strategy and future 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

Apr 11, 2024 • 9min
49: How to Prevent This from Getting in the Way of Your Success
Discover the importance of prioritizing excellence over mediocrity in business, balancing operations and strategy for optimal results, prioritizing strategy alignment and action efficiency, and maximizing value through focus and prioritization in this insightful podcast episode.

Apr 4, 2024 • 11min
48-What You Need to Know About the 4 Phases of Strategy
Delve into the 4 phases of strategy: diagnose, design, execute, and empower. Utilize data analytics for pinpointing issues, integrate strategy and finance principles, and leverage IARs framework for tangible results. Empower resources for continuous improvement and innovation. Learn how to apply these principles for extraordinary business results.

Mar 28, 2024 • 13min
47: Why Most Strategies Fall Short of Their Aspirations
Discover why many strategies fall short of their aspirations as the host examines the traditional budgeting process, advocates for dynamic forecasting, and highlights the importance of strategic planning. Learn how setting realistic financial targets, avoiding common budgeting pitfalls, and fostering clear communication within organizations can lead to successful business strategies and improved outcomes.

Mar 21, 2024 • 7min
46: Every Company a Tech Company
Exploring how every company is evolving into a tech company, blurring the lines between traditional sectors and technology. Emphasizing the critical role of technology in enabling businesses to adapt and innovate. Highlighting the necessity of digital transformation for companies to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.