Strategy Meets Finance

Businesses often hit a wall in the $1M to $3M revenue range, known as the 'death zone.' Owners face cash flow issues and struggle with scaling, often relying on solopreneur strategies that fail post-inflection. Hiring experienced professionals can risk profits, while using fractional experts provides necessary skills without the burden of full-time employment. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of financial metrics, cash-positive unit economics, and the need for a solid growth plan to escape this challenging stage.

Ready to see how much cash is hiding in your business? Get your free Financial Health Check now: coltivar.com/check Get free tools to grow your company, smarter: coltivar.com/tools Sign up for the free Financial Pro course: coltivar.com/byfiq If you had to start from scratch and get smarter with money fast, where should you begin? In this episode, Steve Coughran breaks down the three financial statements every owner must understand, the key numbers to watch, and the free tools you can use to spot profit gaps and cash flow needs. It’s a simple roadmap to raise your financial IQ quickly and make better decisions for your business. _______________________________________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

Ready to see how much cash is hiding in your business? Get your free Financial Health Check now: coltivar.com/check Major moves and market momentum in this week’s top financial stories, including: Nvidia’s “New Normal” Still Looks StrongVenture Debt Firms Tilt Toward Bigger, Later-Stage DealsCracker Barrel Retreats After Logo BacklashAI’s Big Leaps Are Slowing—And That Might Be Good NewsAI-Skilled 20-Somethings Are Cashing InTune in for smart commentary, sharp context, and the financial insight you need to lead in a changing world — only on FinWeekly._______________________________________Disclaimer: BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. 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.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Ready to see how much cash is hiding in your business? Get your free Financial Health Check now: coltivar.com/check Growing fast feels exciting—but grow too quickly without enough cash and you’ll find yourself in big trouble. In this episode, Steve breaks down the simple formula every business owner needs to know: how to figure out the maximum speed your company can grow before you run out of money. He also shares a free calculator so you can plug in your numbers and see for yourself. If you’ve ever wondered whether your growth plans are realistic or risky, this will give you the clarity to scale with confidence. _______________________________________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

Ready to see how much cash is hiding in your business? Get your free Financial Health Check now: coltivar.com/check Levers of Profit Calculator: coltivar.com/levers-of-profit-calculator Most business owners look at their income statement but don’t really know what it’s telling them. In this episode, Steve breaks it down so you can see where profit is really made and where it’s slipping away. He explains how to read revenue, cost of goods sold, and gross profit, and then shows you what operating profit reveals about your overhead and efficiency. You’ll also learn the three levers that drive profitability and how to use them to improve margins and protect cash flow. If you’ve ever wondered why your sales keep growing but your bank account doesn’t, this episode will give you the clarity to spot hidden profit and make smarter financial decisions. _______________________________________Disclaimer:  BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. 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.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Major moves and market momentum in this week’s top financial stories, including: Jobless Claims Signal Cracks in the Labor Market Fed Holds Back on Rate Cuts at Jackson Hole Blackstone Bets on Power Infrastructure Walmart Walks the Tariff Tightrope Housing Market Gives Buyers New Leverage Corporate Hiring Plans Cool FinWeekly has the latest updates on market-shaping headlines and business strategy insights: Jobless claims rose to 235,000 last week, the biggest jump in three months, while continuing claims hit their highest level since 2021. With hiring slowing and tariffs adding pressure, the labor market is starting to show real cracks — and consumers are beginning to feel it. At Jackson Hole, Fed officials struck a cautious tone. Kansas City’s Jeffrey Schmid questioned whether current rates are even restrictive enough, signaling that cuts aren’t coming until the Fed sees “very definitive data.” For households and businesses, that means borrowing costs are likely to stay higher for longer. Private equity powerhouse Blackstone agreed to buy Shermco, an electrical services firm, for $1.6 billion. It’s a bet on the infrastructure behind AI and data centers — a reminder that the real money in tech often lies in the backbone, not the buzz. Walmart delivered strong sales growth but warned of rising costs as tariffs weigh on margins. By absorbing price hikes, it’s keeping shoppers across income levels loyal — a case study in how scale and cost discipline drive share gains in a squeezed economy. Housing offered a rare surprise: existing-home sales rose 2% in July as prices cooled and mortgage rates dipped. Buyers are regaining leverage, with more listings, price cuts, and longer days on market opening the door to negotiations. And across corporate America, hiring plans are cooling fast. One in five employers expects to slow headcount growth, with AI and cost discipline reshaping how companies think about labor. For workers, that means fewer openings and longer job searches — and for leaders, a push to do more with less. Tune in for smart commentary, sharp context, and the financial insight you need to lead in a changing world — only on FinWeekly._______________________________________Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. 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.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important informLinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Ready to see how much cash is hiding in your business? Get your free Financial Health Check now: coltivar.com/check Buying or selling a business can go wrong fast. Pay too much as a buyer and you’ll regret it. Sell too soon and you might leave millions on the table. In this episode, Steve Coughran shares a CFO’s perspective from years of buying, building, and selling companies worth over a billion dollars. He breaks down the three main ways businesses are valued, the four factors that drive valuation up, and the eight hidden risks that drag it down. Whether you’re looking to acquire a company or prepare for an exit, this episode shows you exactly what investors look for—and how to maximize the value of your business. _______________________________________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

Ready to see how much cash is hiding in your business? Get your free Financial Health Check now: coltivar.com/check coltivar.com/benchmarks Most people assume a $5 million business must mean big money for the owner. But in this episode, Steve breaks down the real numbers behind a $5M landscaping company, from revenue to actual cash in hand. Spoiler: it’s not what you think. Whether you're in landscaping, construction, or any service industry, this breakdown will help you understand how profit isn't the same as cash flow—and why that difference is what makes or breaks your business. This could change how you read your P&L forever. _______________________________________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

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthMajor moves and market momentum in this week’s top financial stories, including:Producer Prices Pop to a 3-Year HighBessent’s Bold Push for Big Fed CutsFast-Casual Chains Lose Their SizzleSouthwest Ends Open Seating, and a StrategyAmazon Doubles Down on Grocery DominationUlta and Target Break Up the Beauty AisleFinWeekly has the latest updates on market-shaping headlines and business strategy insights: July’s Producer Price Index surprised markets, jumping 0.9% month-over-month, the fastest core gain in over three years. With consumer prices also running hot, inflation may be reaccelerating just as the Fed prepares to cut rates. Businesses are already feeling the squeeze and may pass higher costs to consumers, setting up a tricky fall for policymakers.Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is urging the Fed to move faster, calling for a half-point cut in September and 150 basis points total over the coming months. That’s well below market expectations and adds even more weight to Powell’s August 22 Jackson Hole speech.In the restaurant world, Cava, Sweetgreen, and Chipotle all posted disappointing Q2 results as lunch traffic cooled and budget-conscious customers pulled back. It’s a reminder that even cult-favorite brands aren’t immune to a consumer slowdown.Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines is ending its decades-old open seating policy, trading boarding speed and customer loyalty for assigned-seat upsells, a shift that could erode one of its core strategic advantages.Amazon is pushing deeper into grocery with same-day fresh delivery in 1,000 cities this year and 2,300 by the end of 2025, a direct challenge to an industry built on razor-thin margins.And in retail, Ulta Beauty and Target will end their shop-in-shop partnership by August 2026, with Ulta focusing on standalone growth and Target looking to fill the beauty gap through private-label and new brand partnerships.Tune in for strategic insight, smart commentary, and the financial context you need to lead in a changing world — only on FinWeekly._______________________________________Disclaimer:BYFIQ, LLC is a wholly owned entity of Coltivar Group, LLC. 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.byfiq.com/terms-and-privacy-policy for additional important information.LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com

Ready to see how much cash is hiding in your business? Get your free Financial Health Check now: coltivar.com/check Most people think entrepreneurship is a young person’s game. But the data says otherwise. In this episode, Steve breaks down why your 30s, 40s, and even 50s might be the best time to launch or buy a business—and how real-world experience gives you a massive edge over the typical startup founder. He also unpacks some of the biggest myths around age and entrepreneurship, shares what he's seen from founders who started later and built real wealth, and offers a perspective that might change how you think about your next chapter. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I too old to start a business?”—this one’s for you. _______________________________________Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com