The Better Than Rich Show

Building a premium home services brand goes far beyond offering great marketing or competitive prices; it’s about vision, culture, and empowering your team. In this inspiring episode of The Better Than Rich Show, host Mike Abramowitz welcomes legendary business leader and author Cameron Harold (“Vivid Vision”, “Double Double”, “The Second in Command”) for an actionable deep dive into scaling service companies, building lasting culture, and creating real leverage as an owner.  Cameron shares the mindsets and mechanics behind transforming 1-800-GOT-JUNK? from $2 million to over $100 million in six years—explaining five foundational levers every growth-minded business owner should master. The conversation covers vivid visioning, strategic price increases, “cult-like” cultures that attract top talent, free PR, operational delegation, and how leaders truly scale by investing in their people.   Timestamps: [00:00] Intro: Mike welcomes Cameron and sets the stage [00:31] Dream 100 goals, mastermind connections, and Cameron’s business journey [09:30] How to make vision part of weekly and quarterly business rhythms [10:39] Why customers care about your growth mission [18:28] Selling to the true decision maker (female buyers) [19:41] Adopting tech early: online booking and increasing direct web sales [22:05] Reducing cost, increasing profits, and meeting modern buyer expectations [23:21] Leveraging PR: Press pitch angles and media momentum [28:30] Sharing wins for lasting impact—Cameron’s “Digital Trifecta” method [30:15] The five timeless growth levers for any leader [33:42] Investing in your leaders: training, check-ins, and ongoing development [36:38] Operational skill-testing and real-world coaching for managers [39:08] The case for delegation and avoiding bottlenecks [41:21] Moving from tactician to business builder: mindset and peer learning [43:31] When to hire executive assistants, operations leadership, and COOs [45:14] Structuring your team for growth: revenue, then back-end support [46:12] Sales/marketing launch tactics: branding, visibility, and referral programs [48:31] Optimizing the sales funnel and identifying biggest leverage points [50:35] The importance of visibility on business metrics [51:15] “Better Than Rich”—Cameron shares his life philosophy [52:30] Contact info for Cameron and learning more about COO Alliance  [54:00] Mike’s final gratitude and Cameron’s closing thoughts  Key Quotes Vision without execution is hallucination. If you don’t have an executive assistant, you are one. The path of least resistance is to delegate and grow your people. Employees will listen to an outside expert more than they’ll listen to you. You’ll always run a small business if you keep saying, I’m the only one who can do this.  Key Takeaways  ● Clarity of vision powers growth — Crafting a detailed “Vivid Vision” rallies teams and unlocks strategic direction. ● Charge like a premium brand — Raising your prices and positioning as the top tier creates margin for excellence and talent. ● Build a culture people want to join — Treat culture as a magnet for employees and customers, not just an internal perk. ● Free PR is your untapped megaphone — Pitching unique, repeatable story angles gets you noticed without a massive budget. ● Invest in your leaders to multiply results — Scaling happens when you consistently develop your managers and delegate with intention.  Links Mentioned  ● Cameron Herold Website: https://cameronherold.com/  ● COOALLIANCE Podcast: https://cooalliance.com/podcasts/  ● Cameron Herold’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00845CG2S/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=ae58d421-3a31-4aa9-8c31-47281e3ee829&store_ref=ap_rdr&ref_=ap_rdr&ccs_id=9c67f461-05f2-4cbf-8974-49aa3571fad1  ● Better Than Rich BTR 

Growing a premium home service brand is not just about better marketing. It is about trust, craftsmanship, and building real relationships. In this special Member Spotlight episode of The Better Than Rich Show, host Mike Abramowitz sits down with Brian Danque, owner of The Lighting Lizards in Cocoa, Florida, to unpack how a design-focused approach to outdoor lighting is helping him scale with confidence.  Brian shares how he went from running an electrical contracting business to building a standout landscape lighting brand rooted in artistry, emotion, and client experience. He explains what separates true luxury outdoor lighting from box lights and quick installs, and why intentional design and how you treat people from the very first phone call create fans, referrals, and long-term growth.  Timestamps  [00:00] Intro Mike welcomes Brian and sets the stage for a Member Spotlight [01:23] From electrical contracting to lighting as an art form [02:20] Why lighting work creates emotion, pride, and extended living space [04:07] What makes luxury lighting different than handyman installs [04:45] Credentials that build authority certifications, publishing, and licensing [05:25] Scaling challenge delivering high-touch experiences at every price point [10:10] Brian’s best year yet and growth levers that drove momentum [10:33] Freeing time through Better Than Rich support and adopting stronger principles [12:36] Bottlenecks before BTR tech stress, slow execution, and admin overload [13:25] Polished systems mindset and how the team accelerated implementation [16:12] 2026 vision: more help, more design focus, more partnerships [18:34] Year-over-year growth: 70% increase [19:22] Reviews and referrals relationships, humility, and being a real human [33:59] Better Than Rich means time back to live a joyful life [34:56] How to contact The Lighting Lizards [36:22] Brian’s $10,000 idea: offload what you are not good at to grow faster  Key Quotes “It allowed me to be somewhat of an artist and use my imagination a little bit more.” “We’re thinking about it as an image, as a piece of artwork.” “The numbers don’t lie, and we are growing at a lot faster pace than I ever thought.” “Just being kind and humble to people is really what can help generate tons of business.” “What it means to me is to have time back in my life to do the things that I like to do and want to do.”  Key Takeaways  ● Luxury lighting is design, not placement — The difference is artistry, intention, and how immersive the final experience feels. ● Client experience starts at the first phone call — Make people feel appreciated immediately and confirm you’re a good fit. ● Credentials create brand authority — Licensing, certifications, and published work help buyers choose confidence over cheap installs. ● Treat every client like your biggest client — A $5K job still deserves care, intention, and respect. ● Rebranding is costly—but can unlock premium growth — Early failures are part of the process; strong anchors + consistency build momentum. ● Admin overload quietly limits growth — Offloading systems and tech work can free you to focus on what you do best. ● Relationships drive reviews and referrals — When clients feel a human connection, they naturally become promoters. ● Investing in yourself creates the “hustle effect” — Making the investment forces action—and often returns far more than it costs. ● Surround yourself with the right rooms — Events, certifications, and peer groups recharge motivation and expand what you believe is possible. ● Better Than Rich is time and joy — Success isn’t just money—it’s having time back for family, hobbies, and the life you want.  Links Mentioned  ● The Lighting Lizards website and contact form ● AOLP Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals ● International Landscape Lighting Institute ● Ryan Lee Landscape Lighting Secrets ● Better Than Rich BTR 

Many fitness professionals struggle to scale because they rely on hustle, one-on-one sessions, and inconsistent marketing. Others break through by installing clear systems, simplifying their offers, and structuring their lifestyle around the identity they want to build.  In this episode of The Better Than Rich Show, host Mike Abramowitz sits down with Sean Garner, performance coach, creator of the Online Trainer Mentorship, and former Men’s Health Top Trainer.  Sean explains why most trainers burn out, how to transition from technician to entrepreneur, and why clarity, structure, and identity work matter more than raw motivation. He breaks down his frameworks for simplifying operations, eliminating overwhelm, and building a business that supports rather than consumes the entrepreneur. From online coaching systems to content workflows to daily habits, Sean shares the exact levers that shift a business from chaos to consistency.  You’ll learn practical strategies for offer creation, lead nurture, automation, and operational focus, along with deeper insight into fatherhood, leadership, and personal discipline. Sean’s approach brings together business systems and personal mastery to create sustainable, meaningful growth.  Timestamps  [00:00] Introducing Sean Garner and his background in fitness and entrepreneurship [02:15] From personal trainer to online business mentor [04:50] Why most fitness pros fail to scale [07:18] Offer clarity: simplifying services to reduce overwhelm [10:43] Systems that replace hustle: onboarding, fulfillment, and content [13:58] Building a business that supports your lifestyle goals [17:34] Identity work: who you must become to grow [20:45] Leadership and team development in small service businesses [24:12] Automation for communication, scheduling, and client delivery [28:20] The power of repeatable frameworks in fitness and business [31:40] Family priorities, fatherhood, and designing a values-driven life [35:22] Morning routines, discipline, and personal productivity [38:55] Avoiding burnout and staying aligned with long-term vision [42:10] Content creation principles for coaches and educators [46:33] Why simplicity wins: reducing decisions and friction points [49:55] Lessons from coaching hundreds of fitness entrepreneurs [53:12] What it means to live “Better Than Rich” [55:40] Where to connect with Sean and next steps for listeners  Key Quotes “Confusion kills momentum. Clarity is the greatest competitive advantage for any entrepreneur.” “If you don’t build systems, your business owns you. If you do, the business becomes a tool for freedom.” “Identity drives behavior. Until you become the person who can run the business you want, you’ll sabotage it.” “Simplicity is the real unlock. Most coaches aren’t failing from lack of effort, but from complexity.” “Your business should support your family, not steal from it.” Key Takeaways Simplify your offer so clients understand it and you can deliver it consistently. Build repeatable systems for onboarding, fulfillment, communication, and content. Automate low-value tasks so you can focus on coaching and relationship building. Identity and habits matter more than tactics; personal alignment accelerates growth. Content strategy should be systematic, not reactive. Growth requires letting go of the technician mindset and stepping fully into leadership. Structure your business around the life and family you want, not the other way around. Links Mentioned  Sean Garner Website: https://seangarner.co Sean Garner Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/seangarner? Better Than Rich Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/betterthan_rich? 

Growing a home-service business from $3–5M to the next level isn’t about more leads—it’s about clarity, financial visibility, and eliminating guesswork.In this episode of The Better Than Rich Show, host Mike Abramowitz sits down with Paul Maskill, Fractional CFO and founder of Blue Collar Advisors, to break down the systems and scoreboards that unlock predictable profitability—even in uncertain markets.Paul explains why so many contractors feel stuck between $3–6M, how to define what the next level actually means for your life and business, and why accurate numbers turn every business problem into a solvable equation.You’ll learn:Why most owners don’t need more leads—they need better conversionHow to break down a $6M P&L and engineer $1M in profitThe KPIs every CSR, dispatcher, tech, and marketer should trackWhy online scheduling and ballpark pricing are now table stakesHow pricing mistakes and non-billable time destroy marginsWhen to hire (and when hiring makes things worse)How scoreboards eliminate stress, confusion, and reactive decisionsIf you want more cash flow, fewer surprises, and a business that’s actually exitable, this episode is required viewing.⏱️ Timestamps (Retention + SEO)00:00 Intro — Mike welcomes Paul and frames the conversation01:00 “What is the next level?” — Paul’s starting point with every client02:00 Why owners chase revenue without knowing why04:00 Defining success beyond “I want 8 figures”08:00 Inside a $6M P&L + the path to $1M profit10:15 Alternative scoreboards: values, impact, team income goals12:00 KPIs for techs, CSRs, dispatch, and marketing17:00 Customer journey leaks — why more leads won’t fix it18:40 Online scheduling & modern buyer expectations23:00 Branding vs advertising — where owners misdiagnose problems30:00 Scoreboards: the cure for “busy but broke”33:00 Booking-rate improvements & CSR scorecards35:30 Hiring decisions: data vs desperation39:00 Pay-for-performance & technician productivity40:20 Pricing mistakes & true hourly rate math43:00 Non-billable time, load factor, and undercharging45:00 Paul’s free pricing calculator + website framework47:00 What “Better Than Rich” means to Paul Maskill49:00 Closing thoughts + 2026 collaboration preview💬 Key Quotes (Pinned Comment / Shorts Friendly)“If the numbers are accurate, they don’t lie—and if they don’t lie, you can fix anything.”“Most owners don’t need more leads—they need to plug the leaks.”“Success isn’t an 8-figure business. It’s knowing why you want the next level.”“The free market works. Your price must match the promises you make.”“With the right scoreboards, the guesswork disappears—and so does the stress.”🎯 Key Takeaways (Algorithm + Viewer Value)Clarity beats hustle — Define your why before chasing scaleProfitability is math, not mystery — $6M can net $1M with disciplineOnline scheduling is no longer optionalPlug customer-journey leaks before buying more leadsPricing must account for non-billable time and load factorScoreboards create accountability at every roleBranding outperforms ad spend over timeGrowth doesn’t always mean bigger—sometimes it means better

Most business owners blame labor shortages, weak leads, or tough markets when growth starts to feel chaotic. But the real problem usually lives inside the business: unclear roles, weak systems, poor communication, and leaders stuck as bottlenecks.In this episode of The Better Than Rich Show, host Mike Abramowitz sits down with Nick Schriver, a seasoned operational leader who has lived through rapid growth breakdowns firsthand. Nick has experienced overloaded production schedules, hiring misfires, confused team ownership, leadership burnout, and the painful realization that hustle can’t replace systems.Together, they unpack:Why growth exposes operational cracksHow unclear roles silently destroy accountabilityWhy training before scaling is non-negotiableHow communication rhythms prevent daily chaosThe leadership shift required to move from technician to strategic operatorThis episode is a must-watch for contractors, home service owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want scalable systems instead of constant firefighting.👉 If your business feels busy but unstable, this conversation will help you regain control.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 When Growth Exposes System Failures05:12 The Danger of Unclear Roles and Shadow Ownership10:27 Why Training Must Come Before Scaling15:41 Hiring Fast vs Hiring Right20:33 From Reactive to Intentional Communication25:50 Empowering Mid-Level Leaders to Remove Bottlenecks30:18 Shifting From Technician to Strategic Leader35:06 Rebuilding Trust After Operational Breakdowns40:22 Creating a Unified Operating System45:10 Leadership Habits That Stability Requires💬 Key Quotes “Responsibility without clarity is just chaos in disguise.”“Your people aren’t broken. Your systems are.”“Training feels slow, but not training slows everything down.”“You can’t grow past the bottleneck if the bottleneck is you.”🎯 Key Takeaways Clearly define roles to eliminate confusion and blameBuild training systems before hiring for growthUse predictable communication rhythms to prevent daily firesDevelop mid-level leaders to remove owner bottlenecksReplace hustle with operational clarity and leadership maturity

Some service businesses plateau because the owner stays trapped in daily operations. Others scale because they build teams, install systems, and let go of the work that keeps them stuck. This episode shows exactly what that transformation looks like.  In this episode of The Better Than Rich Show, Mike Abramowitz interviews Andrea Bryant, owner of Staged Right, one of Tampa Bay’s leading home-staging companies. Andrea went from a 20-year schoolteacher to a full-time house flipper to running a staging company that now completes 150–175 homes a year. Her journey shows how systems, team development, CRM automation, and targeted hiring free owners from 60–70 hour weeks and create a business that scales with consistency.  Andrea explains how she replaced herself in staging, delegated administration, built a reliable team culture, and streamlined client nurturing using automated pipelines and campaigns. She breaks down the shift from doing everything herself to running a company that performs better without her in the day-to-day. Her hours dropped below 40 a week, she took a full month away while revenue held steady, and the company hit more than 100 five-star Google reviews.  You’ll hear the real before-and-after: working nonstop with constant stress vs. creating freedom, stronger family relationships, and optionality to one day sell the business. This is a practical look at how everyday owners can buy back their time, build a self-sustaining company, and use business as a vehicle for their life.  Timestamps  [00:00] Introducing Andrea Bryant and Staged Right [01:10] From schoolteacher to home flipper to staging owner [03:30] Early fears, slow first months, first clients [04:35] Coaching, foundations, and learning real business systems [05:45] Building the team: movers, stagers, assistants [07:40] Hiring breakthroughs and culture wins [09:00] Current team structure and roles [10:40] Shifting out of admin and staging tasks [12:15] Volume growth: 150–175 homes a year [13:45] Revenue increases and price adjustments [15:40] What systems bought back time [16:50] CRM campaigns, nurture sequences, and business card automation [19:00] Staying in her “genius” and keeping relationship-driven sales [21:10] What’s automated behind the scenes [23:00] Impact of automation on reputation and client experience  [27:40] 100+ Google reviews and rising service quality [28:45] Receiving acquisition offers and thinking about selling [30:30] Making a business sellable vs. owner-dependent [37:04] Experience with Better Than Rich and key results [40:10] What being “better than rich” means [41:20] Who Staged Right serves and where to reach Andrea [42:45] Close and next steps for listeners  Key Quotes  “I realized the business actually performs better when I’m not the one staging.” “My 60–70 hour weeks are gone. I’m under 40 now, and the revenue is higher.” “Automation doesn’t replace personalization. It protects it.”  Key Takeaways  Hire for passion and skill so you can step out of the technical work. Build systems early: CRM, campaigns, tagging, automations, pipelines. Delegate admin immediately; every 10-minute task adds up to lost hours. A business grows faster when the owner focuses on relationships and rainmaking. Culture matters: loyalty, celebrations, shared wins, and team pride drive results. Removing yourself from operations increases valuation and creates optionality.  Links Mentioned  Staged Right www.stagedrightllc.com Better Than Rich betterthanrich.com/gsd Connect with The Better Than RichWebsite - https://www.betterthanrich.com/Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/betterthanrich/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterthan_rich/Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/betterthan_richTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterthanrichYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3xXEb7rKBvkCOdtWd4tj2ALinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterthanrich

Why do some home service owners stay stuck while others build companies that run with predictability? Many think the problem is marketing or labor, but the real issue is a lack of clarity. When the owner is unclear, the team becomes unclear. That creates mixed messages, slow decisions, and systems that break under pressure.  In this episode of The Better Than Rich Show, Mike Abramowitz sits down with Christine Marie, a 4th-Gen trades professional and consultant to leaders in the home service space. Christine explains how Legacy, identity, and apparent self-awareness influence the way an owner leads. She shows how personal clarity impacts the brand message, decision-making, systems, customer experience, and team alignment.   Christine guides business owners through vision work, emotional drivers, customer journey audits, and essential systems to help their businesses grow without personal burden. She shows how emotional intelligence, clear values, and strong relationships create predictable companies that scale confidently.   Timestamps [00:00] Opening and guest introduction [02:48] Legacy and the fourth-generation story [07:26] Why Legacy matters for every owner [11:26] Bringing identity into the business [12:31] Vision, clarity, and the eulogy exercise [18:58] Prompts for self-reflection [22:48] How relationships affect business health [26:39] Systems, audits, and predictable operations [30:42] The customer journey from first search to follow-up [32:33] Why emotions drive buying decisions [36:20] Understanding how customers feel [39:56] A simple testimonial framework [42:41] Emotional transformation for the customer [45:53] The complete client journey and referral loop [49:50] Bottom of funnel strategies [50:50] The Knowing Framework [52:15] How to connect with Christine [53:30] What it means to be better than rich  Key Quotes   “Every owner has a personal brand, even if they ignore it.”  “Your decisions today create the legacy your kids live with.”  “Predictability comes from systems, not talent.”  “Customers buy with emotion before they buy with logic.”  “Relationships shape the future of your business.” Key Takeaways    Get clear on who you want to be and what you want your business to become.  Audit the whole customer journey from search to follow-up.  Track how customers feel at every step.  Use systems to remove friction and free up your time.  Keep nurturing customers long after the job is done.  Links Mentioned https://christenemarie.com/ theknowingagency.com  Connect with The Better Than RichWebsite - https://www.betterthanrich.com/Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/betterthanrich/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterthan_rich/Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/betterthan_richTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterthanrichYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3xXEb7rKBvkCOdtWd4tj2ALinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterthanrich

The reasons some service businesses thrive while others struggle with ongoing crises and high employee turnover can be perplexing. While many attribute these challenges to market conditions, the true issues often stem from disorganized systems, ineffective hiring practices, and intricate customer journeys that obstruct growth. In this episode of The Better Than Rich Show, host Mike Abramowitz interviews Christine Hodge, CEO of Process CEO and owner of Clear View, New Jersey’s fastest-growing exterior cleaning company. Christine shares straight talk on how workflow systems, hiring frameworks, and clear client intake turn chaos into rapid, sustainable growth. She breaks down the “budget-middle-luxury” bundle pricing and her structured hiring process, and shows how automation frees owners from busywork. Christine’s approach keeps teams loyal, clients happy, and scaling steady—without burnout. You’ll get practical playbooks for qualifying leads, onboarding talent, and building company culture that employees never want to leave. Timestamps [00:00] Meet Christine Hodge—Background and Family Business [02:03] Fixing Business Bottlenecks and Moving to Digital [04:36] Standardizing Estimates and Increasing Ticket Price [07:04] Cross-Sell, Upsell, and Sales Team Training [09:53] Bundle Pricing: Budget, Middle, Luxury [13:44] Pre-Qualifying Clients and Streamlining Quotes [17:36] Remote vs In-Person Estimates: The 3000 sqft Rule [18:56] Building Trust with Branding and Online Systems [23:39] Automations: Email, Text, and Sales Follow-Ups [33:36] Hiring Framework: Multi-Step, Long-Term, Referral Driven [36:42] Company Culture: Clear View Day and Investing in People [45:01] Replacing Yourself: Hiring Experts as You Grow [52:51] The Process CEO: Coaching, Systems, Scaling [55:39] Work-Life Balance and Defining Better Than Rich Key Quotes “We don’t just hire a warm body. We build loyalty and careers.” “Our average ticket nearly doubled after bundling, cross-selling, and upselling—systematically.” “If your sales process takes ten steps, automate nine. Free yourself for what matters.” “Company culture isn’t an add-on. It’s the core of keeping great team members.” “There’s always a framework: qualify, quote, deliver, and delight.” Key Takeaways Move off paper—every process can and should be digitized. Create pricing bundles: basic, middle, luxury. This maximizes options and value. Systemize hiring: detailed, multi-step, and incentivized for referrals. Use automation for client comms and internal reminders—don’t leave anything to chance. Culture matters: recurring appreciation events, a clear mission, and personal investment retain talent. Delegate and invest strategically—know when to stay lean and when to buy back your time. Links Mentioned The Process CEO Community : https://www.theprocessceo.com/Jobber : https://www.getjobber.com/Connect with The Better Than RichWebsite - https://www.betterthanrich.com/Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/betterthanrich/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterthan_rich/Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/betterthan_richTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterthanrichYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3xXEb7rKBvkCOdtWd4tj2ALinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterthanrich

Are you a home service business owner who feels overwhelmed by the pace of change in 2025? Do you worry that AI is moving faster than your team, your systems, and even your competitors? How do you keep up with the new rules of search, booking, content, and customer experience without burning cash or wasting time?  In this episode of The Better Than Rich Show, host Mike Abramowitz talks with Jennifer Bagley, CEO of CI Web Group and Co-Founder of JustStartAI.io.  Jen is known as one of the leading experts in agentic AI systems for contractors. She is passionate about helping small- and mid-sized home service owners future-proof their businesses, increase visibility, raise margins, and eliminate operational waste through AI-enabled systems that operate 24 hours a day. Her background in development, automation, and large-scale digital operations makes her uniquely qualified to explain the shifts happening in the industry and how owners can win today, not someday. If you want to understand the real path forward, Jen brings clarity, urgency, and practical steps you can apply right away.  Timestamps [00:00] Why AI matters for home service owners [01:20] Conversational AI vs agent vs multi agent vs agentic [04:30] How Jen builds a whole AI-driven content team [09:30] What agentic workflows look like in real life [12:00] Why trying to build your own network is risky [13:15] Why Jen invested millions to stay ahead [18:20] What owners should do right now [20:00] Inside Start AI and how to get free credits [23:00] How AI improves marketing efficiency [26:30] Building systems for booking and follow-up [33:45] Why WordPress is holding contractors back [37:40] The shift from Google to AI search [43:20] Running a lean and profitable business with AI [46:10] Remodeling your PNL with AI [51:00] What being better than rich means to Jen   Key Quotes "Consumer adoption accelerates when devices receive updates overnight. This allows users to experience improved features right away, leading to faster acceptance of new technology." "The speed of progress is crucial right now. Staying ahead in a rapidly changing market is key to success." "Content acts as your storefront; if it's outdated, you risk becoming invisible. Fresh and relevant content is essential for attracting customers in the digital age." "AI will not replace contractors, but those who use AI will surpass those who don't. Embracing AI can boost efficiency and innovation, giving forward-thinking contractors a significant advantage."  Key Takeaways Identify where clients are dropping off in the process and quickly eliminate any friction. Utilize AI-enabled vendors before attempting to build anything in-house. Increase daily content output to boost visibility, impressions, and the number of booked jobs. Prepare for AI agents that can schedule appointments on behalf of homeowners. Modernize booking tools to allow agents to schedule appointments smoothly. Transition to low-code platforms when appropriate. Use AI to analyze and remodel your profit and loss statements to enhance margins.  Links Mentioned Just Start AI: https://juststartai.io CI Web Group: https://ciwebgroup.comConnect with The Better Than RichWebsite - https://www.betterthanrich.com/Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/betterthanrich/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterthan_rich/Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/betterthan_richTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterthanrichYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3xXEb7rKBvkCOdtWd4tj2ALinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterthanrich

Why do most business owners never achieve a successful exit, even after decades of effort? Many assume selling a company is simple—find a buyer, sign the papers, and walk away. The reality is harsher: 70 to 80 percent of businesses that go to market never sell. Poor planning, missing documentation, and overdependence on the owner make it nearly impossible to exit with both profit and peace of mind. In this episode of The Better Than Rich Show, host Mike Abramowitz sits down with Bennett Lebowitz, co-founder of Pando Consulting Group, to uncover what it really takes to build a business that can be sold on your terms. Bennett covers everything from financial cleanup to operational systems and leadership transitions. He shares actionable frameworks, key metrics, and real-world stories of owners who created companies strong enough to thrive long after they stepped away.   Timestamps [00:00] Defining a Successful Exit [03:11] Avoiding Forced Liquidations and the 5 D’s [05:43] Controlling the Controllables [06:51] Financial Health and Clean Books [09:27] Quality of Earnings and Operational Audits [12:06] Key Metrics Every Owner Should Track [17:31] Preparing for the Right Buyer [20:59] Getting the Owner Out of the Day-to-Day [28:27] Hiring Smart and Building Support Infrastructure [32:42] Shifting from Tactical to Strategic Leadership [36:52] Ideal Client Profile and Readiness [40:54] The Exit Process and Discovery [42:06] Why 70–80% of Businesses Never Sell [43:35] Life, Family, and Purpose  Key Quotes “Seventy-five percent of owners regret selling their business within 12 months, and it has nothing to do with money. It’s because they weren’t prepared for life after the sale.” “You can’t sell a business if you’re the one driving all the revenue. No one wants to buy a job.” “Profit is a direct correlation to value. Taxes are just a byproduct.” “If you’re not growing, you’re dying. Every system and hire is a step toward freedom.” “Everything we do should be purpose-driven. The money can’t come with us, but the impact can.” Key Takeaways Prepare early. A successful exit takes years, not months. Begin by cleaning your finances and documenting your systems.Build independence. A business that relies on the owner isn’t sellable. Train leaders and automate wherever possible. Track what matters. Focus on metrics like revenue per employee, recurring revenue, and client acquisition cost. Control what you can. You can’t change the market, but you can strengthen your processes, people, and profit.  Links Mentioned Pando Consulting Group – Readiness Assessment: https://pandoconsultinggroup.com LinkedIn – Bennett Lebowitz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennett-lebowitz Connect with The Better Than RichWebsite - https://www.betterthanrich.com/Facebook - https://m.facebook.com/betterthanrich/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterthan_rich/Twitter - https://mobile.twitter.com/betterthan_richTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@betterthanrichYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3xXEb7rKBvkCOdtWd4tj2ALinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/betterthanrich