Strategy Meets Finance

Steve Coughran
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Jun 30, 2025 • 31min

How to Buy a Business Even if You’re Broke | Ep 169

Discover how to buy a profitable business without needing a hefty wallet. Learn about innovative strategies like seller financing and SBA loans that make business acquisition accessible. The discussion highlights vital financial metrics to evaluate deals and stresses the importance of cash flow. Avoid common pitfalls that can derail your plans, ensuring a smoother investment journey. With practical tips and valuable resources, you’ll be empowered to take control of your financial future through business ownership.
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Jun 23, 2025 • 12min

4 Simple Profit Levers Every Business Owner Needs to Know (+ Free Calculator) | Ep 168

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthLevers of Profit Calculator: coltivar.com/levers-of-profit-calculatorWant to know how to boost your business’s profitability? There are just four key levers that make all the difference: price, volume, cost of goods sold, and operating expenses. Once you understand these, you’ll be equipped to make smarter decisions that drive real results.In this episode, Steve walks you through a free tool he created that calculates how small changes to these four levers can impact your profit. With just two simple inputs—cost of goods sold and operating expenses—you’ll instantly see how adjusting each lever can improve your bottom line.Whether you're leading a team or sitting in a meeting, this tool gives you the confidence to make decisions based on real data._______________________________________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
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Jun 16, 2025 • 27min

If I Had to Learn Finance All Over Again, Here’s What I’d Do | Ep 167

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthWhy do so many businesses struggle with cash flow—and how can you avoid the same fate? In this episode, Steve reveals one of the biggest hurdles he sees business leaders face: a lack of financial literacy. But it’s not about complex accounting—it’s about understanding the story behind the numbers so you can take action.Steve shares his journey of learning the basics of finance and why getting these fundamentals right could be a game-changer for your business. From income statements to balance sheets, he breaks down the essentials that all business owners need to know. Tune in to learn how understanding your numbers can help you make smarter decisions and set your business up for long-term success._______________________________________Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. LinkedIn | YouTube coltivar.com
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Jun 10, 2025 • 12min

Why I’m Back—and What I Hope It Means for You | Ep 166

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthSteve is back! After taking a break to focus on his business, Coltivar, he's returning to the Boosting Your Financial IQ podcast with fresh insights and a new tool to help you level up your financial game.In this episode, Steve shares why financial literacy is key for business owners and how understanding your numbers can make a huge impact. He also introduces a free tool to help you find the best profit levers for your business and explains how small changes can lead to big results.Whether you're new to finance or looking to sharpen your skills, this episode will give you the real-world tips and tools you need to boost your financial IQ and grow your business.Get ready for more episodes to help you dominate your financial future!_______________________________________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
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Apr 14, 2025 • 12min

What Is a Good Profit Margin for a Small Business? | Ep 165

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth What is a good profit margin for a small business? Steve unpacks the truth behind profit margins—what they really mean, why they vary across industries, and how to know if your business is healthy.With practical examples, real stories, and actionable strategies, Steve helps you move beyond just chasing revenue to building a business that consistently creates profit by design. _______________________________________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
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Apr 10, 2025 • 21min

How to Increase Profit in a Business? | Ep 164

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growthProfit isn’t a reward, it’s a system. In this episode of Boosting Your Financial IQ, Steve breaks down the essential strategies behind building a truly profitable business. Whether you lead a growing company or are stuck wondering where the profit went, this episode will give you a clear playbook to turn things around. _______________________________________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
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Apr 7, 2025 • 24min

Why is My Business Not Making a Profit? | Ep 163

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Your company is generating real revenue, but where’s the profit? Steve unpacks the most common (and often hidden) reasons businesses struggle to turn revenue into bottom-line results. From product-market fit to pricing, from customer experience to capital structure Steve reveals the pitfalls that drain profitability and how smart founders fix them. If you’re leading a $3M–$20M company and wondering what’s holding you back, this episode is 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
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Mar 31, 2025 • 15min

The CEO Mindset: How Leaders Think About Money and Wealth | Ep 162

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Steve reveals the five things financially savvy CEOs focus on (and the common traps they avoid) to build cash-rich, high-growth companies.If you’re ready to shift from operator to strategic thinker, 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
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Mar 27, 2025 • 15min

Work for a Wage or Own the Business? The Truth About Wealth | Ep 161

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Steve answers a listener's heartfelt question: should you work for a wage or build your own business?  Through a raw and personal backstory from blizzards at Dairy Queen to building a multimillion-dollar company Steve shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. _______________________________________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
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Mar 24, 2025 • 13min

Strategic Finance Explained: What It Is & How to Use It for Business Growth | Ep 160

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Most companies get stuck in operating finance, but the real power lies in strategic finance where financial insights drive big decisions and long-term growth. In this episode, Steve breaks down the key differences and why mastering both can make you a powerhouse in 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

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