Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond

Scale Without the Stress with Nick Keesey   Ever feel like your business is running you instead of the other way around? You’re not alone—and today’s guest proves it’s possible to escape that trap and scale with less stress and more profit. Nick Keesey is a battle-tested entrepreneur who’s built multiple 6- and 7-figure businesses—and burned a few to the ground along the way. But instead of staying down, Nick turned failure into fuel, discovering how organization, clarity, and ruthless focus are the keys to sustainable business growth. If you’ve ever struggled with shiny object syndrome, burnout, or scaling chaos—this episode is your wake-up call. We dig into the exact mindset shifts and strategic frameworks that helped Nick (and now his clients) go from “overwhelmed operator” to “organized owner.”   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why most entrepreneurs fail not from lack of opportunity—but from lack of focus. How to identify the offer that’s working (and stop pivoting away from it!). The organizational strategy Nick uses to turn ideas into systems and profits.  The #1 mental shift that separates 7-figure business owners from burnout-prone hustlers. How to step back, see the big picture, and build a business that aligns with your life—not just your P&L.   Key Takeaways:  Focus is Fuel: If you’re always chasing the next opportunity, you’ll miss the one right in front of you. Lock in on what’s working and double down. Burnout = Misalignment: Too many owners scale offers they secretly hate. Nick reminds us—if you don’t like your business, it won’t last. Organize to Optimize: Business chaos isn’t a badge of honor. It’s a profit leak. Systems, structure, and space to think are your unfair advantages. See Beyond the Bank Account: Money problems keep you short-sighted. Clear the fog with a strategic plan that connects day-to-day tasks to long-term vision.   Meet Nick Keesey: Nick Keesey is a serial entrepreneur who’s built (and lost) multiple six- and seven-figure businesses. His background in home organization translated perfectly into the entrepreneurial world—where clutter, chaos, and confusion kill momentum. Nick helps entrepreneurs cut the noise, simplify operations, and build scalable businesses that align with their personal goals. If your business feels overwhelming, Nick has a blueprint for clarity.   Conclusion: Don’t Scale a Business You Hate If you’re scaling without a strategy or ignoring the warning signs of burnout, today’s episode is your permission slip to stop… and rethink everything. Nick’s journey proves that chaos is optional—and profitability comes when you align focus, structure, and purpose.   Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickkeesey/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickkeesey/ https://premierclosers.com/   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. #profitfirst  

Profitable Exit Strategy and Succession Planning with Eric Brotman   Are you building a business you can actually walk away from? What if the problem isn’t how to exit—but how you think about it? This week on The Profit Answer Man, we sat down with the legendary Eric Brotman, CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, who’s flipping the script on succession planning. For him, retirement isn't the end—it's a graduation into a new, exciting chapter. In this episode, we’re not just talking theory—we’re breaking down the actual moves Eric made over 15 years to build a business that thrives without him. If you’re serious about maximizing the value of your business and exiting on your terms (without private equity hijacking your legacy), this is the playbook you need.   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why Eric hates the word retirement—and what mindset shift could unlock your next level. How to start building your exit strategy a decade before you plan to leave. The difference between building a sellable company… and just owning your job. Real-world examples of internal succession done right—without sacrificing culture or control. The one metric you’re probably not watching that could destroy your transition plan.   Key Takeaways: Start Your Exit Long Before You Need It. Eric started building his succession plan at 38. Today, he’s gradually transferring ownership to internal partners—protecting culture, profitability, and legacy. “Graduation” Beats “Retirement”.  Instead of stepping away into boredom, Eric talks about moving into a chairman/advisory role, staying engaged with strategic vision without day-to-day stress. Internal Buyouts Aren’t Always Lucrative—But They’re Often More Fulfilling. He could’ve taken a big check from PE. Instead, he chose continuity, values, and staying true to the mission. Team Building Is Strategic Planning. This wasn’t just about creating a leadership team. It was about building equity, commitment, and a business that thrives without dependency on one person. Succession = Culture + Cash Flow + Control. Get these right, and you’ve got options. Ignore them, and you’re the bottleneck holding the whole thing back.   About Eric Brotman: Eric D. Brotman, CFP®, is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, founder of Brotman Media Group, and author of Don’t Retire…Graduate! With 30+ years in the financial planning world and over $700 million AUM, Eric is a true architect of long-term business and financial legacies. His firm’s unique internal succession model offers a rare roadmap for owners who want to graduate instead of retire.   Conclusion:  Will Your Business Outlive You? Too many founders build a business that dies when they leave. Eric Brotman is living proof that with vision, systems, and intentional planning—you can build a company that survives and thrives without you. If you're not exit-ready, you're not growth-ready. It's time to change that.   Links:  https://www.facebook.com/BFGFinancialAdvisors/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bfgfa/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebrotman/ https://www.instagram.com/bfgfinancialadvisors/ brotmanmedia.com   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. #profitfirst

Predictable Profitable Membership Models with Stu McLaren   What if your current business model is quietly killing your freedom? That’s the harsh truth Stu McLaren uncovered—and when he made the switch, everything changed. In this episode of The Profit Answer Man, Stu shares the pivotal moment he realized his business, while successful on paper, wasn’t scalable or sustainable for the life he wanted. What followed was a transformation into one of the most respected minds in the world of membership-based business models.  If you’re a coach, creator, consultant, or service provider, and you’re stuck in the time-for-money trap—this episode is your wake-up call.    In This Episode, You Will Learn:  Why a good business can still be built on a broken model  How switching to a membership model unlocks scalable income and time freedom  The key mindset shift needed to move from 1:1 to 1:many service  Tools and strategies Stu used to build a wildly successful recurring revenue business  How to identify whether your current business model is serving your goals—or sabotaging them    Key Takeaways:  Your Business Model Should Serve Your Life, Not the Other Way Around. Stu realized his “successful” consulting business was incompatible with being a present father. The solution? A model that scaled beyond his hours.  Memberships Create Leverage. Instead of solving the same problem over and over in 1:1 settings, he teaches at scale. That gave him freedom, impact, and exponential revenue.  Look for the Friction. When business success causes anxiety instead of joy, it’s time to reassess the model. Profit is important, but peace is the ultimate metric.  Teach What You Know, and Package It Smart. Your skills can be transformed into recurring revenue if structured properly. Stu has helped thousands—from fitness to finance—launch profitable memberships.    About Stu McLaren:   Stu McLaren is a renowned membership site expert who has been helping entrepreneurs, authors, coaches, and content creators build recurring revenue since 2008. He co-founded multiple platforms and programs dedicated to scaling membership businesses and is the author of Predictable Profits. Stu’s specialty? Helping you turn your expertise into a sustainable business model that works for your life, not against it.    Conclusion:  More hours won’t solve a broken model. Stu’s journey is a reminder that entrepreneurship isn’t just about income—it’s about freedom. If you’re burning out trading time for dollars, this episode is your signal to shift.    Links:   Website: https://stu.me/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumclaren/    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stumclaren    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIInFLE5DHNFC3xM7-E4NyA    X: https://x.com/stumclaren       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. #profitfirst

Systems & Processes That Drive Profit with Adi Klevit   Chaos is expensive. In this episode of The Profit Answer Man, we crack the code on how documented systems aren’t just nice-to-have—they’re the missing multiplier in your business’s profitability formula. If you're tired of being the bottleneck, constantly putting out fires, and never getting ahead, it's time to trade the hustle for high-performance systems that scale. Our guest, Adi Klevit, reveals how business owners can create a self-operating machine by implementing and optimizing their processes.  Spoiler alert: Systems aren’t the enemy of creativity—they’re the foundation of freedom.    In This Episode, You’ll Learn:  Why most entrepreneurs resist creating processes—and how that resistance kills profitability. The difference between organized chaos and scalable clarity. How systematization frees up your mental space AND cash flow. The connection between process documentation and higher business valuations. Why your SOPs are your secret weapon in scaling and exiting.    Key Takeaways:  “Freedom comes from structure.” Entrepreneurs crave autonomy, but lack of documented processes is what traps them in day-to-day firefighting. Systems are your escape hatch. Systematize for scalability. Want to sell your business or open new locations? Investors and buyers care about repeatability. That means documented processes. Retention tool: Losing a key employee shouldn’t threaten your operations. When SOPs are in place, you retain knowledge even if you lose people. Consistency = trust = profit. Standardized delivery builds a brand customers trust—and trust drives referrals and lifetime value. Build your business to sell, even if you’re not planning to. Systematizing gives you options—scale, step back, or cash out.    About Adi Klevit:  Adi Klevit is the visionary founder of Business Success Consulting Group, where she helps business owners build scalable, efficient organizations. With a 25+ year background as an Industrial Engineer and management consultant, Adi turns complexity into clarity. She's a process queen and people whisperer—combining strategy and operations into a powerhouse system that frees business owners to thrive.  She's also the host of the Systems Simplified podcast, where she interviews top entrepreneurs about the systems behind their success.    Conclusion:   Systems Drive Profit. What’s the true cost of not having processes? Missed profits. Burnout. Lost opportunities. Adi makes a compelling case that processes are profit levers—and that the business owner's role is to step back, build systems, and lead with clarity. As EOS, Traction, and Scaling Up all emphasize: documented, followed-by-all processes are a non-negotiable for sustainable growth.  If you’re ready to turn chaos into cash flow, this episode will show you how.    Links:   Website: https://bizsuccesscg.com  Podcast: https://bizsuccesscg.com/podcast/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adiklevit/  Link to schedule free process mapping session: https://calendly.com/meetwithadi/free-process-mapping-session    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. #profitfirst

Profitable Exits: How to Build and Sell For Maximum Value with Cameron Bishop   Are you sitting on the edge of explosive business growth—but don’t know how to scale profitably or exit wisely? Want to know how the pros turn $7 million companies into $400 million powerhouses while pocketing $100 million in profit? In this episode of The Profit Answer Man, we sit down with Cameron Bishop, a serial acquirer, turnaround expert, and strategic advisor who’s bought, built, and exited dozens of businesses. From the front lines of private equity deals to the nitty-gritty of turnaround strategy, Cameron drops pure gold for any entrepreneur ready to grow smart, scale fast, and exit rich. Whether you're thinking about your first acquisition or preparing to sell your life's work, this conversation is your shortcut to clarity.   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why acquiring a business isn’t just for private equity players (and how YOU can do it). How to assess if a business is worth buying—and what red flags to avoid. Why most deals die in due diligence, not over price (hint: it's all about the details). The biggest mistakes business owners make when trying to sell (and how to prepare YEARS in advance). Why having clean books, clear systems, and competent leadership make your company far more valuable than just revenue. How to de-risk your business before you scale—or sell. What it really takes to grow from $7M to $400M in revenue (and $100M in EBITDA!).   Key Takeaways: Acquisitions are a strategic growth lever, not a gamble—if you understand what to look for. Culture and leadership matter more than you think when acquiring or exiting a business. You must plan your exit 3–5 years before you're ready to sell. Otherwise, you're leaving millions on the table. Profitability and simplicity beat growth for growth’s sake—especially in a sale. Most sellers are unprepared. Buyers will see through the fluff, so get your house in order.   Who is Cameron Bishop? Cameron Bishop is a battle-tested CEO, investor, and M&A expert who scaled Intertec Publishing from $7M to $400M and $100M in EBITDA through 35+ strategic acquisitions. He’s led turnarounds, advised billion-dollar firms, and now helps business owners maximize value through strategic exits. As a partner at Raincatcher, he specializes in helping entrepreneurs navigate the complex world of mergers, acquisitions, and business transitions.   Conclusion: Don’t Wait to Build a Sellable Business If you're serious about scaling or exiting, this episode is a masterclass. Whether you want to grow through acquisition, clean up your books, or understand what really drives value in a sale—Cameron brings decades of wisdom to help you get there faster and with less risk.   Links: raincatcher.com    https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-bishop-19b6804/   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. #profitfirst

A Profitable Legal Strategy with Jeff Holman   Is your professional service firm just a glorified job? Are you stuck in the time-for-money trap, wondering where the profit is? In this eye-opening episode of the Profit Answer Man, we sit down with Jeff Holman, a serial entrepreneur and attorney who cracked the code on building true profitability into a law firm—without working 80 hours a week or billing by the hour. If you're running a service-based business, this episode is a masterclass in aligning cash flow, value creation, and scalable legal support. You’ll hear how Jeff transitioned from paycheck-chasing attorney to scalable business owner using a fractional legal team model—and how he implemented Profit First in an industry that often ignores profit altogether.   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why most law firms (and professional services) operate at a financial loss—even when they look successful. How to escape the “next client, next invoice” cycle and start building enterprise value. The secret behind Jeff’s Fractional Legal Team model—and how you can apply the same thinking to your industry. Why implementing Profit First was a game-changer for Jeff’s firm—and how you can do it too.  Why professional service providers MUST stop thinking like employees and start acting like business owners.   Key Takeaways:  Profit Isn’t Optional: Running a law firm—or any business—without a clear profit strategy is just self-employment in disguise. Jeff shares how he flipped the script and began designing profit into the business. The Time-for-Money Trap is Real: Many lawyers, consultants, and service professionals stay broke by chasing billable hours. Jeff explains how he stepped out of the "lawyer job" mindset and into the role of a true business owner. Build with the End in Mind: “If you’re going to run this business for 10–15 years, why not build something that’s actually worth something?” Jeff dives into how he intentionally built enterprise value instead of just cash flow. Fractional Legal is the Future: Jeff’s team model puts the right attorney with the right client at the right time—maximizing value while minimizing overhead. It’s not just smart law—it’s smart business. Profit First for Professionals: Learn how Jeff applied the Profit First system to create clarity, control, and cash flow in a notoriously chaotic industry—and why more professionals need to do the same.   About Jeff Holman: Jeff Holman is the founder of Intellectual Strategies, a firm revolutionizing how startups and growth-stage businesses access legal help. His Fractional Legal Team approach gives companies the right legal expertise when they need it—without the cost of a full-time legal department. With a background in engineering, law, and business, Jeff bridges the gap between technical teams and legal strategy. He’s admitted to practice in California, Utah, and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and brings over two decades of experience tackling complex business and legal problems. Jeff’s mission is simple: help clients grow smarter, faster, and more profitably.   Conclusion: You don’t need to be a lawyer to learn from this episode. Whether you're running a design agency, a coaching practice, or a consulting firm, Jeff Holman’s story is your wake-up call: your business should serve YOU—not the other way around. Stop building a job. Start building a business that pays you now and has value when you’re ready to step away.   Links: Website: https://www.intellectualstrategies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holman/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@intellectualstrategies9742 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intellectualstrategies/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61554259033445   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. #profitfirst

Turn Your Business into a Freedom Machine with Leslie Hassler   Scaling a business is the dream of many entrepreneurs, but for most, it turns into a nightmare filled with burnout, financial struggles, and inefficiencies. What if there was a way to grow and scale profitably without sacrificing your health, sanity, and freedom? On this episode of The Profit Answer Man, we sit down with Leslie Hassler, founder of Your Biz Rules, to discuss how entrepreneurs can create predictable profits, sustainable growth, and a thriving business—without the common pitfalls of burnout. Leslie shares her personal journey, key lessons from her Scaling Rich™ framework, and how business owners can shift their mindset to unlock real financial success. If you’ve ever felt stuck or overworked or wondered if scaling is really worth it, this episode is for you.   In This Episode, You Will Learn: How to break free from the feast-and-famine cycle of business growth. The biggest mistake business owners make when trying to scale (and how to avoid it). Why most entrepreneurs get in their own way—and how to shift your mindset to unlock success. The importance of implementing systems and processes before you scale. How to build a business that supports your ideal lifestyle, not just revenue goals. Practical steps to start creating predictable profits today.   Key Takeaways: Scaling Isn’t Just About Growth—It’s About Predictable, Sustainable Profits. Many business owners push for aggressive growth without ensuring their business can handle it. Leslie emphasizes that scaling profitably requires a strong financial foundation, repeatable processes, and a business model that doesn’t solely depend on the owner. Entrepreneurs Often Get in Their Own Way. Leslie explains that business owners tend to believe their business is “different” or “special,” which prevents them from learning proven strategies that work. The truth? Business growth follows predictable patterns, and entrepreneurs must be willing to adjust their approach. Systems and Processes Are Key to Freedom. A common reason businesses struggle to scale is the lack of documented systems. Leslie shares how implementing structure allows entrepreneurs to step out of the daily grind and focus on growth. Profit First: A Must-Have for Scaling. Without a clear cash management system, many businesses scale out of control—leading to financial chaos instead of success. Leslie highlights the importance of using Profit First principles to ensure that growth is both profitable and sustainable. Burnout Is a Symptom of Poor Business Design. Leslie’s approach emphasizes designing a business that supports the owner's life, rather than one that consumes it. She shares strategies to ensure scaling doesn’t lead to exhaustion, but rather to more freedom and profitability.   About Leslie Hassler: Leslie Hassler is the founder of Your Biz Rules, a business strategist, and author of First This, Then That and the upcoming book Scaling Rich™. With over 17 years of entrepreneurial experience, she specializes in helping small business owners scale without burnout by creating predictable profits and sustainable business models. Her holistic approach blends financial strategy, leadership development, and systemization to help business owners reclaim their time, energy, and wealth.   Conclusion: Scaling a business should lead to more profit, more freedom, and less stress—not the other way around. Leslie Hassler’s insights prove that with the right mindset, systems, and financial strategies in place, business owners can grow and scale without falling into the burnout trap.   Links: Website: https://www.yourbizrules.com/PAM  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliehassler/ X: https://x.com/YourBizRules   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourBizRules Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslie.hassler/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeslieHassler   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. #profitfirst

Increase Profit and Cash Flow with Paul Maskill   Are you a business owner looking to scale your operations without drowning in the chaos of daily management? Paul Maskill, a seasoned entrepreneur and financial expert, joins us on The Profit Answer Man podcast to reveal how systematizing your business can lead to sustainable growth and financial freedom. With years of experience in owning and selling service-based businesses, Paul now serves as an outsourced CFO, helping blue-collar businesses create predictable, positive cash flow. If you’re tired of feeling like your business owns you instead of the other way around, this episode is for you. Learn how to shift from technician to leader, attract the right talent, and implement the financial systems necessary for lasting success.   In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why systems and processes are critical for freeing up your time and scaling your business efficiently. How treating employee recruitment like customer acquisition solves staffing challenges. Why most business owners struggle with cash flow management—and how to fix it. How Paul transitioned from corporate finance to building, scaling, and selling multiple businesses. The biggest financial mistakes business owners make and how to avoid them.   Key Takeaways:  You Must Systematize Your Business to Scale. Paul emphasizes that many business owners get trapped in the "technician mindset" (a concept from The E-Myth by Michael Gerber). Instead of focusing on high-level strategy, they’re consumed by daily operations. The solution? Implementing repeatable systems and processes. Recruiting Should Be a Constant Process. One of the biggest challenges business owners face is finding good employees. Paul flips the script and treats recruiting like business development. Cash Flow is King—Understand Your Numbers. Paul explains that many business owners don’t truly understand their financials. They mistake revenue for profit and fail to manage their cash flow effectively. The Power of Fractional CFOs for Small Businesses. Most small businesses can’t afford a full-time CFO, but they still need financial strategy and oversight. That’s where fractional CFOs like Paul come in.   About Paul Maskill: Paul Maskill is an entrepreneur, financial strategist, and the founder of Blue Collar Business Advisors. After leaving corporate finance in 2010, he built and sold multiple service-based businesses, including an electrical service company that scaled by over 500% in three years. Now, he helps blue-collar business owners increase profitability, improve cash flow, and create businesses that don’t depend on them.   Conclusion: Scaling a business doesn’t mean working harder—it means working smarter. By implementing systems, hiring strategically, and managing cash flow effectively, you can create a thriving business that runs without you. Paul Maskill’s insights are a game-changer for business owners who want to break free from the daily grind and achieve financial freedom.   Links: Email: paul@thebluecollaradvisors.com Website: thebluecollaradvisors.com LinkedIn: LinkedIn/paulmaskill   Instagram: @paul_maskill   BusinessFreedomFormula   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. #profitfirst

From Startup to Multi-Million Dollar Brand with Matt McLean   What does it take to turn a backyard business into a nationwide brand? How do you scale profitably while staying true to your mission? And what are the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when growing their companies?   This week on The Profit Answer Man, we dive deep with Matt McLean, founder and CEO of Uncle Matt’s Organic, America’s top-selling organic orange juice brand. With distribution in 20,000+ stores nationwide, including Walmart, Whole Foods, and Kroger, Matt has mastered the art of scaling a business while staying profitable.   But it wasn’t always easy. Matt’s journey is one of resilience, adapting to economic downturns, market competition, and supply chain disruptions while keeping his company thriving. If you’re an entrepreneur looking for real-world lessons on business growth, financial discipline, and staying ahead in a competitive market, this episode is for you.   In This Episode, You Will Learn: How Matt McLean grew Uncle Matt’s Organic from 3 acres to a national brand. The profit-first strategies he uses to maintain financial stability. The #1 mistake most businesses make when trying to scale. Why competition can destroy your margins—and how to fight back. How to stand out in an overcrowded industry and build a loyal customer base.   Key Takeaways:    Why Every Business Needs a “Day One” Mentality. Even after 25 years in business, Matt still thinks of Uncle Matt’s Organic as a startup. He believes that success comes from constantly innovating, staying lean, and never becoming complacent—a mindset Amazon’s Jeff Bezos also champions.   The Hardest Part About Scaling? Profitability. Most entrepreneurs believe that more revenue = more profit. WRONG!. As Matt explains, when you create a highly profitable niche, competitors swarm in, driving down margins. The Biggest Mistake That Kills Businesses. Matt shares how many businesses fail because they don’t plan for market fluctuations. After surviving industry downturns and major economic shifts, his advice is clear: “Always have a financial cushion. If you don’t manage your cash flow, you won’t survive long enough to see the next big opportunity.   The Secret to Standing Out in an Overcrowded Market. Organic food brands are everywhere. So how did Uncle Matt’s Organic dominate? Matt attributes their success to: Brand authenticity- Their commitment to real organic farming builds trust. Consistent quality- Cutting corners kills brands. Consistency wins, and Customer education- They don’t just sell juice; they educate consumers on health benefits.   Want to Grow Faster? Master These Profit First Principles. Matt credits financial discipline as the key to staying profitable.   About Matt McLean: Matt McLean is a pioneer in the organic food industry, an entrepreneur, and an advocate for sustainable farming. A 7th-generation Floridian, his citrus-growing heritage inspired him to launch Uncle Matt’s Organic in 1999—before the USDA even had an organic certification.   Today, Uncle Matt’s Organic is the #1 selling organic orange juice brand in America, with products available in over 20,000 stores nationwide. Matt is passionate about organic farming, sustainability, and helping other entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of growing a business profitably.   Conclusion: Matt McLean’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, smart growth, and financial discipline. If you’re looking to scale your business without losing sight of your bottom line, his Profit First approach is a game-changer.   Links: Website: Uncle Matt's Organic – Organic Juices and Beverages | Love at First Sip Media Kit: Matt McLean - Kitcaster Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/# Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unclematts Twitter: www.twitter.com/unclematts   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. #profitfirst

Profitable Entity Structures with Alex Langan   In this episode of The Profit Answer Man, we sit down with Alexander Langan, an attorney and financial advisor who brings a unique perspective to wealth management and strategic financial planning. As the Chief Investment Officer of Langan Financial Group, Alex is well-versed in helping business owners build sustainable financial strategies.   Our conversation covers the importance of aligning financial, tax, and legal strategies, the impact of business entity structures on profitability, and how business owners can adopt a Profit First mindset—even if they don’t realize they’re already doing it.   If you're looking for ways to improve your business's financial health, ensure your advisors are working together effectively, and make smarter financial decisions, this episode is for you.   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why business owners need a cohesive financial team consisting of a CPA, attorney, financial planner, and a business strategist. How entity structures impact tax savings and long-term financial growth. The hidden financial pitfalls that could be draining your profitability.  Why a Profit First approach can simplify financial management—even if you don’t formally follow the system. How to set up multiple bank accounts to manage cash flow more effectively. How financial advisors and business strategists can work together to maximize your bottom line.   Key Takeaways: Your Business Needs a Financial Dream Team. Alex emphasizes that business owners should have a CPA, attorney, financial planner, and profit coach who communicate regularly. Without alignment, owners can end up making costly decisions—like structuring their business in a way that benefits their CPA or attorney but hurts their long-term wealth. Entity Structures Can Make or Break Your Finances. Choosing the right business entity isn’t just a legal decision; it’s a profitability decision.  Financial Planning Isn't Just About Investments. Most business owners think of a financial advisor as someone who just manages stocks and retirement funds. But Alex brings a broader perspective—financial planning should start at the business level. Optimizing tax strategies, structuring cash flow, and ensuring liquidity in business operations are just as important as planning for personal wealth. Profit First Is a Mindset, Not Just a System. While Alex wasn’t formally using Profit First, he realized he was already following many of its principles. Even if you’re not implementing Profit First exactly as written, adopting a cash flow allocation strategy ensures you’re setting aside money for taxes, profit, and future growth before spending. Simplicity Wins When Managing Finances. A complicated financial plan is one that doesn’t get followed. Whether it’s investing, tax strategies, or cash flow management, the simpler the system, the more effective it is.   Guest Bio: Alex Langan is the Chief Investment Officer of Langan Financial Group, a leading financial planning and wealth management firm. As a second-generation leader in the family business, Alex specializes in strategic investments, business finance, and wealth-building strategies.   Alex holds a Doctor of Law from Widener University and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law. He has been featured in major media outlets, including MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, and ABC 27. Beyond his work in financial planning, Alex is also a Board Member for multiple nonprofits and is passionate about helping business owners build long-term financial success.   Conclusion: If you’re a business owner struggling to connect the dots between accounting, legal strategy, financial planning, and business growth, this episode is a must-listen. Aligning your advisors, choosing the right business structure, and adopting a Profit First mindset can transform your financial success.   Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-langan-26017b40 https://langanfinancialgroup.com/   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. #profitfirst