

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

Aug 29, 2024 • 12min
69: 5 Fundamental Things Every Business Should Have
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 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. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Aug 22, 2024 • 10min
68: The 5 Responsibilities of Effective CEOs
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 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. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Aug 15, 2024 • 12min
67: My 3 Biggest Mistakes in Business and How You Can Avoid Them
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 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. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Aug 8, 2024 • 19min
66: Is Your Business Actually Profitable?
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 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. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Aug 1, 2024 • 13min
65: 4 Fundamentals of Strategy You Must Know
Explore the key differences between strategy and strategic planning to unlock your business's potential. Discover how to define your company's purpose and identify strategic problems for success. Learn how to evaluate strategic options while keeping the customer at the heart of your decisions. Delve into crafting long-term initiatives that enhance customer experience and drive innovation. Finally, see how aligning strategy with finance can create a robust framework for sustainable growth.

Jul 25, 2024 • 7min
64: The Most Important Ratio to Measure Your Sales and Marketing Effectiveness
Discover the importance of the LTV to CAC ratio in scaling your business profitably. Learn how to calculate and optimize these metrics for growth while aiming for a healthy 3:1 ratio. Gain insights on improving customer retention and enhancing the customer experience to maximize profitability. Tracking these key metrics over time can help identify trends and guide informed decisions. If you're looking to refine your sales and marketing strategies, find valuable tips and support to transform your business into a more resilient venture.

Jul 18, 2024 • 11min
63: From Victim to Victor- The Power of a Growth Mindset
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode, Steve Coughran shares his personal journey of turning adversity into opportunity. He opens up about the mindset shift that took him from feeling stuck to building a multimillion-dollar business. Along the way, he offers practical strategies and motivating insights to help you overcome challenges, refine your strategy, and unlock your next big breakthrough.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 11, 2024 • 33min
62: Vision and Valuation with Patrick Donohue
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode, Steve delves into the critical aspects of vision and valuation for business owners, featuring our distinguished guest, Patrick Donohue. Join us as we explore how having a clear vision and understanding the true value of your company can drive strategic decisions, enhance growth potential, and prepare you for future challenges.Key Discussion Points:Crafting a Vision: Discover how a compelling vision can guide your business towards long-term success. Learn practical steps for defining and aligning your company's vision with your business goals, market opportunities, and customer needs.Business Valuation: Uncover the essentials of valuing your business accurately. Our guest provides insights on the various methods of business valuation, their implications for mergers, acquisitions, and investments, and how understanding your company's worth can influence strategic planning.Strategic Decision-Making: Understand the interplay between vision and valuation in making informed, strategic decisions that enhance operational efficiency, drive market competitiveness, and foster innovation.Future-Proofing Your Business: Learn strategies to future-proof your business by integrating vision and valuation into your overall strategic framework, ensuring resilience against market shifts and economic uncertainties.Whether you’re a startup founder, a seasoned entrepreneur, or a business leader, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice to refine your business vision and leverage valuation for sustainable 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. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Jul 4, 2024 • 10min
61: Strategy for The Now
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode, Steve Coughran unpacks the critical role business strategy plays in driving long-term success. He explores how strategic planning fuels innovation, sharpens competitive advantage, and positions companies for sustainable growth.Steve also highlights what’s at stake when businesses fail to adapt—missed opportunities, market irrelevance, and financial setbacks. With practical advice tailored for business leaders, this episode offers clear steps to align your strategy with shifting trends and real-world demands.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

Jun 27, 2024 • 17min
60: Why I Want You to Invest in Your Strategic Acumen
Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode, Steve Coughran dives into why developing strategic acumen is essential for thriving in today’s fast-moving business world. He breaks down how mastering strategic thinking can lead to better decisions, sustainable growth, and a lasting competitive edge.Steve shares practical tips on identifying your core strategic problem, defining a clear purpose, and building principles that actually guide execution. Whether you’re leading a startup or scaling an established company, this episode will help you think more strategically and lead more effectively.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