Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond
Rocky Lalvani
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Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Ep 257 The Most Important Numbers and Drivers with Lee Benson
Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond
02/25/25 • 52 min
The Most Important Numbers and Drivers with Lee Benson
Welcome to another episode of The Profit Answer Man, where we dive deep into the strategies and mindsets that drive business profitability and sustainable growth. Today, we’re joined by Lee Benson, a serial entrepreneur who has successfully built and sold multiple businesses, including a nine-figure exit to Textron.
Lee brings decades of experience in business strategy, leadership, and value creation. His passion for helping organizations increase their impact and profitability is evident in his work as the CEO of Execute to Win, a firm dedicated to enhancing organizational effectiveness.
If you’re a business owner looking to scale profitably while navigating growth challenges, you won’t want to miss this episode!
In this episode, you will learn:
- How Lee took a failing company, assumed its debt, and turned it into a highly profitable venture.
- The key lessons from scaling a business from $0 to a nine-figure exit.
- Why hitting plateaus in business growth is normal and how to break through them.
- The importance of aligning leadership with the needs of the company at different stages.
- How to develop a sustainable growth strategy that maintains profitability.
- The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when scaling and how to avoid them.
Key Takeaways:
- Take Smart Risks and Own the Outcome – Lee turned a struggling company around by assuming its debt, securing customers, and focusing on value creation. Many entrepreneurs hesitate at the idea of taking on debt, but when done strategically, it can be a powerful tool for business growth.
- Growth is Not Linear – Scaling a business involves hitting revenue plateaus before making the next big leap. Lee experienced these plateaus, such as being stuck at $8 million for a few years before unlocking the next growth phase.
- Be the CEO Your Company Needs – One of the biggest lessons Lee shared is that business owners must evolve as leaders. Each stage of business growth requires different skills, mindsets, and strategies.
- Focus on Profitability Over Revenue – A mistake many business owners make is chasing top-line revenue without ensuring profitability. Lee emphasized the importance of maintaining strong profit margins while scaling.
- Execution is Everything – Scaling isn’t just about strategy; it’s about execution. Lee’s company maintained a 20%+ annual growth rate by continuously refining operations and executing with discipline.
Guest Bio:
Lee Benson is the founder and CEO of Execute to Win, a company dedicated to helping organizations maximize their value. He is a serial entrepreneur who has started and grown multiple businesses, including Able Aerospace, which he successfully sold to Textron in a nine-figure deal.
Lee is also a sought-after speaker, author, and podcast host of Show Your Value. His expertise lies in value creation, leadership, and execution, and he has been featured in major publications like The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Inc.
Conclusion:
Scaling a business isn’t just about growth—it’s about profitable growth. Lee Benson’s journey demonstrates the importance of strategic risk-taking, leadership evolution, and disciplined execution.
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to break through revenue plateaus and build a high-value business, start by implementing the key lessons from this episode.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-j-benson/
https://www.facebook.com/ETW.executetowin
https://www.instagram.com/executetowin/
https://www.youtube.com/@execute-to-win
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...
Ep 262 Turn Your Business into a Freedom Machine with Leslie Hassler
Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond
04/01/25 • 37 min
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 RichTM 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 RichTM. 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/
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....
Ep 260 From Startup to Multi-Million Dollar Brand with Matt McLean
Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond
03/18/25 • 39 min
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/profita...
Ep 264 Profitable Exits How to Build and Sell For Maximum Value with Cameron Bishop
Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond
04/15/25 • 39 min
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:
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
Ep 263 A Profitable Legal Strategy for Your Business with Jeff Holman
Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond
04/08/25 • 40 min
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/grou...
Ep 259 Profitable Entity Structures with Alex Langan
Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond
03/11/25 • 42 min
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:
Ep 266 Predictable Profitable Membership Models with Stu McLaren
Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond
04/29/25 • 39 min
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
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
Ep 258 Scaling Success: Transforming Your Business into a Powerhouse with Courtney De Ronde
Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond
03/04/25 • 41 min
Scaling Success: Transforming Your Business into a Powerhouse with Courtney De Ronde
Welcome to another insightful episode of The Profit Answer Man! In this episode, we sit down with Courtney De Ronde, CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting, to discuss the crucial intersection of financial management and business growth. Many businesses struggle not with generating revenue but with understanding what their numbers mean and how to take action on them. That’s where Courtney and her Simple ScaleUp SystemTM come in, helping business owners move from financial confusion to confident decision-making.
If you’re looking to scale your business while keeping financial clarity, this episode is a must-listen.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- How your financials tell the story of your business and why most accountants stop short of helping you act on them.
- Why management consulting and financial expertise should go hand in hand for business success.
- The Simple ScaleUp SystemTM and how it helps entrepreneurs translate financial insights into action.
- How small businesses can bridge the gap between financial data and strategic decisions.
- The key factors that separate thriving companies from those that struggle financially.
Key Takeaways:
- Financial Reports Are Just the Beginning. Most business owners get financial reports but struggle to act on them. Courtney highlights how her firm goes beyond the numbers, ensuring business owners understand the "why" behind their profit margins.
- The Missing Piece in Accounting – Business Strategy. Many accountants provide historical financial data but don’t connect the dots to operational decisions. Courtney’s firm helps entrepreneurs answer the big question: "Now that I know my financials, what should I do next?" This bridges the gap between data and strategy.
- Scaling Requires Systems, Not Just Growth. Scaling a business isn’t just about increasing revenue—it’s about ensuring your systems, leadership, and financial clarity grow alongside it. The Simple ScaleUp SystemTM provides a structured framework for making scaling intentional and profitable.
- Profitability Isn’t Just a Math Problem – It’s a Leadership Issue. Your profit and loss statement won’t explicitly tell you if you have poor leadership, a toxic culture, or inefficient systems—but it will show up in your bottom line. Courtney shares how business leaders can spot these inefficiencies early and take action before they eat away at profits.
- CFO Services Aren’t Just for Big Companies. Many small businesses think they can’t afford financial leadership, but outsourced CFO services provide big-business financial strategy on a small-business budget. Whether through bookkeeping, tax strategy, or high-level consulting, having a financial expert on your team is a game-changer.
About Courtney De Ronde:
Courtney De Ronde is the CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting and the creator of the Simple ScaleUp SystemTM. With 20+ years as a CPA and 15 years in leadership, she helps business owners understand their numbers and take action toward growth. Her firm provides a mix of financial expertise and management consulting to help businesses and nonprofits scale successfully without financial blind spots.
When she’s not helping businesses thrive, Courtney enjoys road-tripping with her husband and three kids from their home base in Des Moines, Iowa.
Conclusion:
Scaling a business isn’t just about making more money—it’s about making smart, sustainable financial decisions. Courtney De Ronde delivers a refreshing perspective on the power of financial clarity, showing how combining numbers with strategy is the ultimate formula for success.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in financial reports but don’t know what to do next, this episode is for you.
Links:
Website: ForgeAhead.com
LinkedIn: in/CourtneyDeRonde
Facebook: /ForgeFMC
https://www.forgeahead.com/resources/simple-scaleup-system-e-book/
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/prof...
Ep 261 Increase Profit and Cash Flow with Paul Maskill
Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond
03/25/25 • 41 min
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: [email protected]
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
Ep 265 Systems & Processes That Drive Profit with Adi Klevit
Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond
04/22/25 • 34 min
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
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FAQ
How many episodes does Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond have?
Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond currently has 267 episodes available.
What topics does Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond cover?
The podcast is about Entrepreneurship, Podcasts, Business and Cfo.
What is the most popular episode on Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond?
The episode title 'Ep 255 The Psychology of Growing Profit with Matthew Stafford' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond?
The average episode length on Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond is 36 minutes.
How often are episodes of Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond released?
Episodes of Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond?
The first episode of Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond was released on Apr 16, 2020.
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