Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond

Scale Smarter: Use EOS to Add Another Zero with Rick Benton When business growth starts to feel like chaos, it's time to add structure. EOS (the Entrepreneurial Operating System) gives you a clear roadmap to align people, processes, and profit — but when you combine it with the right financial systems, that's when the real transformation happens. In this episode, Rick Benton, EOS Implementer and former multi-state business owner, joins Rocky Lalvani to unpack how EOS helps entrepreneurs simplify, scale, and create freedom. Together, they explore how visionaries can step back from the whirlwind, let go of control, and finally build a business that runs on systems — not stress. 5 Key Lessons from the Conversation: Let Go of the Vine. Growth starts when you release control. EOS helps visionaries trust their team, delegate effectively, and stay focused on the high-value activities that drive impact. Weekly Scorecards > Monthly Panic. Measure what predicts the future, not what reports the past. Weekly scorecards with 5–15 KPIs give you 52 chances a year to course-correct instead of 12. Finance Is the Missing Gear. EOS brings clarity, but without a financial dashboard tied to gross profit and cash flow, you can hit your goals on paper and still miss in the bank account. When EOS and Profit First systems work together, growth becomes predictable and profitable. From Rock Bottom to Rock Foundation. The lessons you've learned — and the systems you've built — become the foundation you can always stand on. You're not starting over; you're building from strength. Stop Hustling, Start Delegating. Hustle culture leads to burnout. Smart owners out-delegate, not out-work. Systems and scorecards let you scale without grinding yourself or your team down. Key Takeaway: EOS gives you the structure; Profit First systems make sure the structure actually pays. Together, they align your people, vision, and numbers so your business grows with ease — and adds another zero without adding more chaos. About Rick Benton: Rick's entrepreneurial journey started in high school when he and a friend started an event company. Dedicated to a vision of creating the most exciting and energetic experiences, the business quickly found successes that extended far beyond the local Detroit market. Fast forward a few decades and this multi-state, award winning company provided event planning, coordination, entertainment, and AV production services for national corporate, social and educational clients. After a successful sale and exit of the business in 2018, Rick has been a teacher, a coach, and a business consultant. His superpower is his energy and passion for business, learning and growth, always challenging the existing status quo to find better solutions. He personally understands and experienced the power of EOS and how it offers freedom for entrepreneurs to break through their ceiling, clarify and achieve their vision, while improving the lives of leadership teams, employees and their families. Rick is excited to share that EOS power with you to achieve your VISION, gain TRACTION, and build a HEALTHY, cohesive, and fun-loving leadership team. Links: EOS: https://www.eosworldwide.com/rick-benton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbenton/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rick.benton/ Conclusion: Scaling isn't about doing more — it's about doing the right things in the right order, backed by clear numbers. EOS brings operational discipline. Profit First adds financial confidence. When those two worlds meet, your business becomes scalable, self-managing, and sustainably profitable. If you're ready to connect your EOS scorecard to real profit and cash flow, schedule a Profit Assessment Call with Rocky and start turning structure into wealth. #ProfitFirst #EOS #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #CashFlow #FractionalCFO #Scorecard #Visionary #Integrator #Delegation #Systems #FinancialFreedom #SmallBusiness #ProfitAnswerMan Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Profit First Toolkit: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

From Bankruptcy to 60 Million: The Systems Behind a Successful Exit with Jason Sisneros Most business owners think success means more sales and more hustle. But Jason Sisneros discovered the opposite — freedom comes from systems, not speed. After crashing three businesses and digging himself millions into debt, Jason rebuilt from scratch. Over time, he created, scaled, and sold 26 companies with 6,800 employees for more than $60 million — all without investors or partners. Today, through his company Built to Exit, he helps business owners do what he finally mastered: design a business that creates wealth and freedom instead of chaos and burnout. 5 Key Lessons from the Conversation: Every Business Exits — It's Your Choice How. You'll leave your business one way or another. Build for a custom exit, not an involuntary one. Assess Honestly Before You Act. A turnaround begins with clarity — know your numbers, your relationships, and what truly drives value. Reignite Your "Why." Many entrepreneurs lose their original purpose. Rediscovering it reignites motivation and smart decision-making. Profit and Cash Flow Are Different Beasts. Jason uses the Profit First envelope system to separate profit, operating cash, and free cash flow — protecting the money that builds freedom. Systems Create Sellable Companies. Businesses that run on process, not personality, scale faster, stress less, and are worth more when it's time to exit. Key Takeaway: Revenue looks impressive — but free cash flow buys freedom. Structure your money so it serves your life, not the other way around. About Jason Sisneros: Jason Sisneros is a battle-tested Chairman obsessed with the game of business. His focus is consistently and predictably building 5% companies and 1% business owners. Renowned as one of the brightest minds in business and innovation, Jason has worked with Fortune 500 companies like Nike, Comcast, and Microsoft. His passion, however, is for the over 100 small—to mid-cap companies he has helped optimize for maximum cash flow or wealth-harvesting exits. Jason is sought after by business owners worldwide as a trusted resource for creating competitive advantages for their companies. His proprietary systems are called "Built To Exit" or B2X. He currently owns multiple businesses, has personally exited more than two dozen companies, and has spoken for hundreds of thousands of business owners on stages and podcasts around the world. Jason's commitment extends beyond business. He volunteers as an undercover operative and helps fund a child sex trafficking rescue unit called SERT Ministries. Actively involved in anti-domestic violence and food insecurity initiatives, Jason believes ethical capitalism improves the world. He champions that successful business owners are among the most generous, driving positive change globally. He considers a well-trained, robust small and mid-sized enterprise environment, where we all do business with each other, one of the most potent engines of freedom. Links: YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuiltToExit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jason.sisneros.1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasonsisneros Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-sisneros/ X: https://twitter.com/thejsisneros?lang=en B2x Website: https://builttoexit.biz/about/ Conclusion: Jason's journey proves that even failure can become fuel when you apply the right systems. Whether you plan to sell someday or simply want a business that runs without you, start now: know your numbers, separate your accounts, and define your end game. Because at the end of the day, every business exits — the smart ones are built to. Richer Soul Ep. 459 From Drug Runner to 60 Million Exit: Jason Sisneros' Redemption Story: https://richersoul.com/ep-459-from-drug-runner-to-60m-exit-jason-sisneros-redemption-story/ #ProfitFirst #BusinessExit #CashFlow #EntrepreneurMindset #FinancialFreedom #BuiltToExit #ProfitAnswerMan #SmallBusinessGrowth #BusinessStrategy #WealthBuilding Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Profit First Toolkit: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

Maximizing Business Value: Lessons from 800+ Deals with Matt Uhler The Cash Discipline That Saves—or Sells—Your Business Most companies don't go under because they lack revenue. They go under because they run out of cash. And the worst part? It doesn't happen overnight. It happens slowly… then suddenly. One month, you're profitable. The next, you're panicking over payroll and wondering what went wrong. In this episode, I sit down with Matt Uhler—a business broker and owner who's evaluated over 2,500 companies, completed 800+ transactions, and personally owned more than 35 businesses. Matt has seen it all: the slow leaks, the bad habits, and the simple financial blind spots that quietly destroy good companies. He's also seen what fixes them—disciplined cash management, clear financial dashboards, and owners who treat their business like an asset, not an ATM. Key Lessons from the Conversation with Matt Uhler: Cash Is the Real Failure Point. Most businesses don't collapse because of competition or bad strategy — they fail when they run out of cash. Profit on paper doesn't equal money in the bank. Lesson: Cash flow is oxygen. Without reserves, one slow quarter can suffocate your business. Protect Your Operating Capital Floor. Matt's formula: Accounts Receivable (avg. days outstanding) + 1 Month of Fixed Expenses = Your Minimum Reserve. Lesson: Treat this number like sacred ground. No owner draws or distributions until you're above that floor. Watch the Percentages, Not Just the Dollars. Only about 10% of business owners track financials by percentages — yet that's where the truth hides. Lesson: A 2% increase in labor, 1% rise in COGS, and a few missed invoices can quietly erase your entire profit margin. "Creep" Will Kill Your Profit. Profit erosion happens quietly — small leaks across pricing, payroll, or waste. Lesson: Five small 2% inefficiencies equal a 10% hit to profit. Track it monthly and fix leaks early before they become habits. Run Sale-Ready, Even If You're Not Selling. Buyers pay a premium for companies with systems, diversified revenue, and consistent cash flow — but those same traits make your business easier and safer to run today. Lesson: Operate like you'll sell in three years. You'll earn more now and later. Key Takeaway: Cash discipline isn't boring—it's freedom. When your reserves are full, you sleep better, make smarter decisions, and stop chasing bad business just to survive. A profitable business is one that's calm, clear, and ready for whatever comes next. Bio: Matt Uhler is far from a typical business broker and acquisition strategist. Over the course of his 27-year career, he has evaluated more than 2,500 businesses, completed over 800 transactions, and successfully owned and operated more than 35 businesses across multiple industries. Matt's journey was not without its challenges. In fact, he attributes much of his expertise to the early setbacks he faced, where he learned firsthand the pitfalls that derail many entrepreneurs. What set him apart, however, was his ability to turn those experiences into powerful lessons. This mindset, combined with his focus on strategic partnerships and creative deal structures, has allowed him to help countless clients build wealth through small business acquisitions. Matt is founder of Amped Success, a company dedicated to educating and empowering entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors with the tools they need to confidently navigate acquisitions. He is also the creator of the Buyer's Acquisition Formula, a proven framework that is designed to reduce risk and maximize opportunities for long-term success. 27 Years Experience Over 35 Businesses Owned Over 800 Deals Closed Over 2,500 Deals Evaluated $250+ Million Transactions Funded Links: Website: http://www.ampedsuccess.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557299191227&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=uV765w5z0S5PYnmb&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F19x2KTYQCb%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr# LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ampedsuccess?igsh=MWRrOTA1MWthOThlcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ampedsuccess?_t=ZP-8tXABIpBHxu&_r=1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmpedSuccess Conclusion: Most businesses don't fail from lack of opportunity — they fail from lack of cash discipline. It's not the big mistake that kills them, it's the small 1–2% leaks that add up over time. Matt reminded us that every owner needs a cash reserve floor — your operating capital formula of accounts receivable plus one month of fixed expenses. That's your safety net. Never draw below it. He also showed how tracking percentages instead of just totals helps you catch problems early — before the slow slide becomes a sudden crash. And finally, the mindset shift: run your business as if you'll sell it someday. Whether you do or not, that discipline makes your company stronger, more profitable, and less stressful to run. So take a moment after this episode — look at your numbers. Where has "creep" slipped in? How much runway would you have if revenue stopped for 60 days? And do you have the systems and reserves that let you sleep well at night? #ProfitFirst #CashFlow #OperatingCapital #BusinessFinance #OwnerPay #SmallBusinessProfit #Profitability Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Profit First Toolkit: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

Build a Business That Serves Your Life (Not the Other Way Around) with John Nieuwenburg Small business owners are great technicians—but often underpowered CEOs. Coach John Nieuwenburg breaks down why most owners feel squeezed by time, team, and money—and how to fix it. We cover building a simple, real-time dashboard (so you stop driving by the rear-view mirror), the "three-legged stool" of systems-people-leadership, recruiting a bench before you're desperate, plus hiring for culture over skills. The goal: a business that funds—and fits—your life. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why most small business owners struggle with time, team, and money—and how to regain control. How to build a dashboard with 3–5 KPIs that actually predict success, instead of relying on lagging P&Ls. The three-legged stool of systems, people, and leadership—and why systems must run the business. The 85/15 rule: systematize the routine, humanize the exceptions. How to shift from avoidance to mastery in crucial conversations with your team. Why recruiting should be ongoing—build a bench before you need it. The truth about culture: you don't get the one you want, you get the one you deserve. Why you must hire for culture and train for skills, not the other way around. The real purpose of a small business: to fund the life of its owner. Key Takeaways: Dashboards beat rear-view P&Ls: pick 3–5 KPIs owners can act on weekly. The 3-legged stool: systems run the business; people run systems; you lead people. Systematize 85% (routine), humanize 15% (exceptions). Seek system fixes, not people fixes. Recruit before you need it—build a bench so you can enforce standards without fear. Hire for culture, train for skill; most terminations are culture, not skill. Crucial conversations are a core leadership skill; avoidance is expensive. Purpose check: Your small business should serve your life. If not, change it. Guest Bio: John Nieuwenburg is a business coach (since 2004) who's helped 320+ small-business owners increase profits, remove chaos, and reclaim their lives. Formerly President of BC Liquor Stores (>$3B revenue; 4,000 employees), he was named MacKay CEO Forums' "Canada's CEO Trusted Advisor—Small Business" in 2019. He leads W5 Coaching, applying a Socratic approach to help owners think clearly and act decisively. Links: https://w5coaching.com/ https://www.facebook.com/john.nieuwenburg/ https://ca.linkedin.com/in/business-coach-canada Conclusion: At the end of the day, your business should exist to serve you—not consume you. As John Nieuwenburg reminds us, small businesses thrive when owners stop running by the "rear-view mirror," build dashboards that give them clarity, systematize their operations, and lead with courage in conversations and culture. The reward? A business that creates both profit and peace of mind. If your company isn't giving you the freedom and financial security you started it for, it's time to make the shifts that put your life back at the center. #ProfitFirst #SmallBusiness #CashFlow #BusinessCoach #KPIs #Dashboards #Systems #Leadership #Hiring #CompanyCulture

The Next Level Revenue Formula with Kyle Mealy Business growth doesn't have to be complicated. In this episode of Profit Answer Man, I welcome back Kyle Mealy, Fractional Chief Revenue Officer and author of The Next Level Revenue Formula. Kyle has helped small businesses double their top line and, in many cases, 10x their profit by applying simple math to sales and marketing. We dive into the new world of GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), niching through the "Snow Globe Economy," and the power of his Revenue Cascade framework. This isn't abstract theory—it's practical math that shows you where your leads are leaking, how to align your EOS scorecards, and how to make sure revenue actually turns into profit. Key Lessons from Kyle: GEO > SEO. SEO alone won't cut it anymore. Buyers are finding answers through AI-driven engines and social platforms. To win, you need to focus on thought leadership, trust, and influence where your niche actually lives. The Snow Globe Economy. Kyle calls today's business landscape a snow globe—self-contained worlds where ultra-niche companies thrive. The key is to niche by problem. Even if your product isn't narrow, you must get crystal clear on the specific problem you solve better than anyone else. The Revenue Cascade. Sales and marketing aren't separate—they're two sides of the same coin. Kyle's Revenue Cascade simplifies lead flow into measurable stages. By tracking conversion at each step, you quickly see where leaks are happening and where to focus your efforts. ROASS vs. ROAS. Traditional ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) ignores profitability. Kyle's upgrade—ROASS—puts revenue on top and marketing + sales below. If your operations eat up the rest, you could be running at break-even or worse. This simple math makes sure "growth" isn't draining your profit. Scorecards That Predict Cash. Many EOS scorecards track metrics that don't correlate to profit. Kyle emphasizes designing scorecards that align directly with your P&L and forecast cash flow 8 weeks out. Done right, your scorecard becomes an early-warning system for profit and growth. Key Takeaway: Profit doesn't come from more tactics—it comes from simple math. By mapping your buyer journey with the Revenue Cascade, calculating ROASS to protect margins, and aligning your scorecard to predict cash, you can stop guessing, plug leaks, and scale your business with clarity and confidence. About Kyle Mealy: Kyle Mealy is a small business Fractional Chief Revenue Officer. His clients have achieved an average of 35% year-over-year top-line growth, with many experiencing 10x profit improvements. Links: https://www.readyforthenextlevel.com/ ENRG - https://enrg.life/ Conclusion: As Kyle reminds us: "Measure first, strategy second." Too many business owners chase tactics—Facebook ads, new sales hires, trade shows—without knowing the math behind them. When you build your Revenue Cascade, calculate ROASS, and align your scorecard with profit, you stop guessing and start scaling with clarity. Profit isn't magic—it's math. And when you know the math, you win the game of business. #ProfitFirst #CashFlowFix #RevenueCascade #ROASS #GEO #SmartScaling #BusinessProfit #OwnerPay #BusinessClarity #ProfitMindset Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Profit First Toolkit: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

Scorecards, Not Gut Calls: How to Run Profitable Weeks with Austin McMillan Build a Profitable Business Buyers Can't Resist Most business owners dream of selling one day—but the reality of what buyers actually pay can be sobering. In this episode of Profit Answer Man, Rocky sits down with Austin McMillan, founder of Flywheel Financial, to break down how investors truly evaluate businesses, why contractual revenue beats hype, and how Profit First and a handful of simple ratios can transform your company into a business worth buying. Key Lessons from the Conversation: Buyers Value Contracts, Not Stories. When Austin worked on acquisitions in the landscaping industry, he learned buyers cared far more about signed contracts than the stories in a P&L. Relationships matter, but recurring revenue is what sets your valuation. Reflection: How much of your revenue is secured by contracts vs. one-time sales? Your Books Tell the Truth. Clean, accurate financials can instantly raise your sticker price. Many owners think they'll get a big payout, only to find sloppy accounting drags down value. Reflection: If you had to sell tomorrow, could you prove your profit? Profit First is a System—Not a Straitjacket. Austin loves Profit First because it forces owners to prioritize profit—but he stresses that you must adapt the allocations to your business, not force your business to fit the book. Reflection: Where do your Profit First allocations need adjusting? Obsess Over the Labor Efficiency Ratio. For every $1 in total labor costs (including admin, taxes, contractors), service businesses should aim to generate about $2 in gross profit. This simple ratio is often the fastest lever for boosting margins. Reflection: What's your current labor efficiency ratio with and without owner labor? Run on a Simple Weekly Scoreboard. Instead of drowning in a 100-line P&L, Austin runs his firm with five weekly metrics: Sales activity (lead generation), New client onboarding experience, Operations consistency, Cashflow & receivables, Customer service response time (the "Queen Bee" role). This keeps the team aligned, accountable, and focused on leading indicators that drive real results. Reflection: What five numbers would tell you if your business is winning or losing? Fix Process Before People. If a metric stays in the red for three weeks, Austin first checks the process before blaming the person. Only after validating the process does he shift focus to coaching or replacement. Reflection: Where might broken processes—not bad people—be costing you profit? Key Takeaway: A business that runs on clean books, clear systems, and a handful of key ratios isn't just more profitable today—it's more attractive to buyers tomorrow. Stop guessing by your bank balance. Start running the scoreboard that investors (and your future self) will thank you for. About Austin McMillan: Austin McMillan is the founder of Flywheel Financial, an accounting firm that helps business owners scale with financial clarity and build companies of lasting value. He believes healthy businesses create healthy families, and healthy families create healthy communities. Links: https://www.flywheel.financial/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austindmcmillan/ Conclusion: At the end of the day, buyers don't purchase your hustle—they purchase proof. Proof in the form of recurring contracts, clean books, efficient labor, and systems that keep a business running smoothly. Austin reminds us that profitability isn't just about bigger numbers on the top line—it's about clarity, discipline, and building a machine that works whether you're in the office or not. The businesses that win—whether you keep them or sell them—are the ones designed with profit and process at the center. Start small: track the right five numbers, implement Profit First in a way that fits you, and focus on turning every $1 of labor into $2 of profit. Do that consistently, and you'll create a business worth keeping… and worth buying. #ProfitFirst #CashFlowFix #BusinessProfit #FinancialClarity #SmartScaling #LaborEfficiency #Scorecard #ServiceBusiness #BusinessValuation #OwnerPay #EntrepreneurFinance #RevenueLeaks #SystemsAndProcesses #SmallBusinessGrowth #ProfitMindset Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Profit First Toolkit: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

How Small Businesses Beat Big: Profit Lessons from McKinsey to Main Street with Sri Kaza Most small business owners feel like underdogs—limited resources, endless responsibilities, and constant pressure just to keep up. But what if those very constraints were the secret to outpacing billion-dollar corporations? That's exactly what Sri Kaza, former McKinsey consultant and now small business advocate, reveals in his book Unconventional and in our latest conversation on the Profit Answer Man podcast. After years advising Fortune 500s and later scaling and selling private-equity backed companies, Sri discovered something surprising: small businesses that embrace their unique strengths can outmaneuver the giants. Key lessons from our conversation: Profit Struggles Aren't Just for the Small Guys. Even Fortune 500 companies wrestle with profit pressures—just on a different scale. Every quarter, CEOs are forced to deliver "more" to investors. Small business owners feel the same weight, but without the safety net of massive budgets. The lesson? Pressure is universal—discipline is optional. Stop Digging, Take the Ladder. Many business owners keep "digging" harder when they're in a hole—working more hours, cutting corners, or avoiding debt even when smart investment could be the ladder out. Climbing requires perspective. Look up, not down, and take the smarter path to profit. The Underdog Advantage: Positioning, Proximity & Purpose. Sri's underdog principles are what separate resilient small businesses from the rest: Positioning – Know exactly who you serve, and stop trying to please everyone. Proximity – Stay close to your customers; your agility and speed are advantages no big corporation can match. Purpose – Profit matters, but purpose keeps you and your team going when times are tough. Build Jobs Around People, Not Just Seats. Unlike big corporations that design roles and then try to squeeze people into them, small businesses can craft jobs around people's strengths and passions. It's not just about skills—it's about values, culture, and fit. Trust Is the Invisible Profit Driver. There's no line on the P&L for trust, yet it may be your most valuable asset. Sri highlights the Trust Equation: credibility × reliability × intimacy ÷ self-interest. The more authentic, reliable, and human you are, the more customers and employees will follow you. Key Takeaway: Small doesn't mean weak. It means nimble, personal, and resilient. By leaning into what makes you different—your closeness to customers, your unique positioning, and your purpose—you can outmaneuver the giants and build a business that's both profitable and fulfilling. Abou Sri Kaza: Sri Kaza is a seasoned business leader and small business advocate with a background in corporate strategy and entrepreneurship. After earning degrees from the University of Michigan and Northwestern, he began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Blue Martini Software before advising Fortune 500 companies at McKinsey & Co. He later transitioned to executive roles, including a leadership position at Viking Cruises, before shifting his focus to small business support. Sri founded Talytica, a data analytics startup that helped small businesses assess job applicants, and led the employment tax credit division at Tax Credit Co. (now part of Experian), supporting thousands of businesses in securing government incentives. Most recently, as CEO of ForwardLine Financial, he scaled the private equity-owned company and guided its sale to new investors. His book, Unconvention, draws on this extensive experience, challenging conventional corporate thinking and empowering small businesses to succeed by staying true to their unique strengths. Links: Website: Sri-Kaza.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srikaza Conclusion: The story of small business isn't about competing on size—it's about competing on strengths. While big corporations drown in bureaucracy and quarterly pressures, small businesses have the power to stay close to their customers, move quickly, and lead with purpose. Sri Kaza reminds us that profitability isn't just about spreadsheets and strategies. It's about positioning yourself where you can truly make an impact, crafting a business around your people and values, and never underestimating the invisible currency of trust. At the end of the day, being the underdog can be your greatest advantage. The question is: will you use it? #ProfitFirst #BusinessProfit #CashFlow #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #BusinessClarity #Profitability #UnderdogAdvantage #SmartScaling #EntrepreneurTips Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Profit First Toolkit: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

Your P&L Is Lying—Here's What to Track with Laresa McIntyre Stop Chasing Revenue: How Fractional CFOs Clear the Financial Fog Most business owners measure success by one thing: revenue growth. The problem? Revenue isn't cash—and it doesn't always translate into profit. In this episode of Profit Answer Man, I sat down with Laresa McIntyre, founder of Rockbridge CFO, to uncover the blind spots that keep owners stuck in financial fog. Laresa brings over 15 years of CFO experience and now helps service-based businesses scale smarter with fractional CFO insight—without the six-figure price tags. Key Lessons: Profit Lives in Margins, Not Revenue. Chasing top-line growth without tracking margins is a recipe for burnout. Know which products and clients actually contribute to the bottom line, and be willing to cut or reprice the ones that don't. A CFO Looks Forward, Not Backward. Bookkeepers and controllers record history. A CFO interprets that history to help you forecast the future and make smarter decisions 6–24 months out. That's where clarity—and profit—comes from. Cash Forecasting Prevents Panic. Revenue timing rarely matches expense timing. A 12-week rolling cash forecast shows when money will actually land in your account and when bills come due, so payroll never sneaks up on you. Growth Can Be Dangerous if Mis-Timed. Hiring ahead of sales is one of the fastest ways to destroy profitability. Use metrics like revenue per employee or labor efficiency ratio to know when it's safe to add headcount. Dashboards Need Action, Not Pretty Charts. Software may give you colorful graphs, but what matters is knowing which levers to pull: raise prices, renegotiate vendor terms, or shift client mix. Insight beats aesthetics. Benchmark Yourself, Not the Industry. Industry averages often include failing businesses. The best benchmark is your own improvement over time—measured by profit, not just revenue. Financial Fog Is Optional. Most founders walk around in a financial fog because the numbers feel intimidating. The cure? Honest conversations with someone who can translate financials into simple, actionable steps. Key Takeaways from the Conversation: The P&L Is Not Cash. Your profit and loss statement is an important report—but it leaves out distributions, debt payments, and sometimes even taxes. Use it in context with your balance sheet and cash forecasts, or risk flying blind. Margins > Revenue. A "big client" may look impressive on paper, but if their gross margin is weak, they're draining your business. Focus on products, services, and customers that actually add to the bottom line. Forecast Cash Like Payroll Depends on It (Because It Does). A 12-week rolling cash forecast helps you avoid Friday panic. It reveals not just what's in the bank today, but what's coming in and going out over the next three months. Hire After Sales, Not Before. Scaling too fast with payroll is one of the biggest traps. Track revenue per employee and labor efficiency to know when it's really time to bring on the next hire. Dashboards Are Useless Without Insight. Pretty graphs won't grow your profit. The value is in translating numbers into action: what's working, what's broken, and what needs to change this month to protect your margins and cash flow. About Laresa McIntyre: Laresa McIntyre is the founder of Rockbridge CFO, where she helps service-based businesses scale smarter by providing executive-level financial insight without the cost of a full-time CFO. A Certified Management Accountant with an MBA and Master's in Accounting, Laresa specializes in turning financial chaos into clarity, improving margins, and bringing calm to growth. Links: https://www.rockbridgecfo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laresamcintyre Conclusion: Too many business owners work harder and harder for revenue, only to wonder why their bank balance never seems to catch up. The truth is, profit clarity comes not from chasing sales but from mastering margins, timing cash, and knowing when to grow. As Laresa McIntyre reminds us, the P&L isn't cash, growth without discipline creates fragility, and dashboards without insight are just noise. When you cut through the fog with the right forecasts, metrics, and financial guidance, you finally get what every business owner craves: calm, control, and consistent profit. #ProfitFirst #BusinessFinance #CashFlowFix #FractionalCFO #FinancialClarity #Profitability #SmartScaling #EntrepreneurFinance Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Profit First Toolkit: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

The Profit Pitfalls Most Business Owners Miss with Lisa Hennigar Most business owners don't lose profit because of one big mistake — it's usually a thousand tiny leaks. From not knowing your why, to ignoring customer service, to failing to track the right numbers, the truth is this: profit slips away quietly while you're busy working hard. In this episode of Profit Answer Man, I sit down with Lisa Hennigar, Vice President of Franchise Development at ERA Group and a nationally recognized franchise strategist with over 22 years in the industry. Lisa has worked with everyone from household-name brands to emerging concepts, and she knows exactly where businesses get stuck — and how to turn things around. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why your "why" matters more than you think — and how it fuels resilience, team buy-in, and long-term success. The danger of ignoring your P&L — why most owners don't understand it, and what metrics you actually need to track. Scaling without losing profit — why growing too fast, or in the wrong way, can turn you into an employee of your own business. Customer service as a profit driver — how fast response times and the right client mix can outperform bigger competitors. The hidden costs that eat your margins — from bad leases to auto-renew contracts, to discounting that destroys profitability. Key Takeaway: Profit doesn't come from working harder — it comes from working smarter. That means knowing your numbers, understanding your why, and being intentional about both the clients you serve and the systems you build. As Lisa reminds us, "Doing simple is hard — but simple is where the money is." About Lisa Hennigar: Lisa Hennigar is a nationally recognized franchise growth strategist with over 22 years in the franchising industry. She currently serves as Vice President of Franchise Development at ERA Group, an executive cost intelligence consulting firm, where she has been instrumental in helping ERA achieve its highest ranking in 30 years in Entrepreneur Magazine and secure the #1 Global Franchise Brand designation. Her expertise spans franchise recruitment, operations, and unit economics—bridging the gap between sales and ongoing franchisee success. She has worked with brands from iconic household names to emerging concepts, creating scalable growth strategies, improving validation, and streamlining onboarding. Lisa is known as a true change agent, keeping culture, unit economics, and KPIs at the forefront of every transformation she leads—powered by grit, resilience, and a relentless work ethic. Beyond corporate leadership, Lisa served as Chair of SCORE in Michigan, sat on the YMCA Board in Michigan where she helped drive donor fundraising, and was active in Toastmasters, contributing to membership growth. Earning a Certified Franchise Executive, with the International Franchise Association in 2011, Lisa has also been instrumental in attracting top-tier executive talent into franchising and converting independent businesses into thriving franchise locations. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisahennigar/ Conclusion: Profit isn't accidental — it's the result of clarity, discipline, and intentional choices. As Lisa Hennigar reminds us, too many business owners ignore their why, overlook their numbers, or scale without strategy — and those blind spots quietly drain their wealth. The good news? Profit is always within reach when you track the right metrics, serve the right clients, and make simple, focused improvements. Remember, your business should give you both time and money. If it's not, it's time to plug the leaks and reset your strategy. #ProfitFirst #BusinessProfit #SmartScaling #EntrepreneurFinance #CashFlowFix #RevenueLeaks #BusinessClarity #OwnerPay Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Profit First Toolkit: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

Right People, Right Seats: The Hidden Profit Killer in Your Business with Pam Meissner When profit is slipping, most businsess owners look to cut costs or push sales harder. But what if your biggest drain isn't on the P&L at all—it's in your people? In this episode of Profit Answer Man, Pam Meissner—COO and CFO at CathCap—pulls back the curtain on why "right people, right seats" isn't just an HR slogan. It's one of the most powerful levers for profit growth that most companies ignore until it's too late. The Gap: Why Profit Leaks Hide in Your People: You can have a stellar product, growing sales, and tight cost controls—and still lose money. The reason? People issues that don't show up as a neat line item on your P&L. Pam sees it all the time: companies hanging on to team members who no longer fit, tolerating culture-killers because they perform well in one area, or promoting loyal employees into roles they can't succeed in. The Four Quadrants Every Leader Needs to Know: Pam breaks down the four categories of employees, based on competency and alignment with core values: Stars – High performers who live your values. Puppies – Aligned with values but lack skill; worth investing in if trainable. Rats – Low competency, no values alignment; they have to go—fast. Gremlins – Highly competent but toxic to your culture; they hold you hostage and quietly drain profit. Ignoring the "rats" and "gremlins" doesn't just hurt morale—it actively drives away your stars. Why Core Values Aren't Just a Poster on the Wall: Most companies have core values, but few hire, fire, and promote based on them. Pam's advice: Define your values clearly. Interview with them in mind (AI tools like ChatGPT can help craft questions). Involve peers in hiring to assess fit. Hold quarterly conversations so performance and alignment are never a surprise. The Real Cost of a Bad Hire: Replacing someone can cost multiple times their salary—especially if you use recruiters. But the hidden costs of keeping the wrong person are even higher: Lost productivity Star employee turnover Extra resources to "work around" problem employees Pam stresses: The cheapest solution is to hire right the first time—and act quickly when you don't. The Profit Plan: Align People, Process, and Purpose: To plug these hidden leaks: Audit your team using the four quadrants. Invest in "puppies" with clear timelines and training plans. Remove "rats" immediately and plan a strategic exit for "gremlins." Keep your stars engaged and appreciated. 💡Bonus Listening: For a real-world example of how to build and keep an all-star team, check out Episode 141 with Emily Cole, co-founder of the Savannah Bananas. Her approach to hiring for culture fit will inspire you to rethink how you find your next great hire. Key Takeaway: Profit isn't just about cutting costs or selling more—it's about aligning the right people in the right seats. When you protect your culture and your core values, profit follows. Ready to uncover your hidden profit leaks? Let's talk. Book a time at ProfitComesFirst.com and start building a team that fuels—not drains—your bottom line. About Pam Meissner: Pam Meissner is a powerhouse in the world of finance and leadership, with a career that spans CFO, COO, and CEO roles across industries. Known for her ability to drive business growth, she has helped companies scale while navigating the complexities of financial strategy and operations. Her expertise lies in turning numbers into narratives—helping business leaders make informed, confident decisions that fuel long-term success. Beyond her financial acumen, Pam brings a global perspective to her work. She has lived and worked across multiple countries, experiences that shaped her leadership philosophy and reinforced the importance of adaptability and innovation. Pam's journey is also one of resilience. Recently widowed after 30 years of marriage, she continues to lead with strength and purpose. Her son, who has autism, recently graduated from college, and her daughter, a marathon runner, raises funds for autism research—both reflecting the family's spirit of perseverance and impact. When she's not advising business leaders, Pam is an award-winning baker, avid reader, and self-taught fashion designer. Whether she's strategizing financial turnarounds, perfecting the art of the cake, or learning a new skill, she brings the same passion, precision, and problem-solving mindset to everything she does. Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pam-meissner/ Website: https://cathcap.com/ Cathcap LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cathcap/ Conclusion: Profit isn't just about financial spreadsheets—it's about people. As Pam Meissner shared, the wrong person in the wrong seat can quietly drain resources, culture, and profit. The real path to sustainable growth is aligning your team with your core values, investing in potential where it exists, and having the courage to let go when it doesn't. Remember: profit follows people. When you get the right people in the right seats, you unlock not just financial performance, but a business that truly thrives. Episode 141- Profit First Success with Savanah Bananas and Emily Cole- https://profitcomesfirst.com/ep-141-profit-first-success-with-the-savanah-bananas-and-emily-cole/ #ProfitFirst #BusinessClarity #ProfitLeaks #TeamPerformance #CultureFit #SmartScaling #OwnerPay #LeadershipMatters #BusinessGrowth #CoreValues Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available! Profit First Toolkit: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/ My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/ Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.