Ep 261 Increase Profit and Cash Flow with Paul Maskill

03/25/25 • 41 min

Profit Answer Man: Scaling with Profit First & Beyond

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

Profit First Toolkit: https://lp.profitcomesfirst.com/landing-page-page

Relay Bank (affiliate link): https://relayfi.com/?referralcode=profitcomesfirst

Profit Answer Man Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/profitanswerman/

My podcast about living a richer more meaningful life: http://richersoul.com/

Music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast

Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

#profitfirst

Increase Profit and Cash Flow with Paul Maskill

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:

Conclusion:

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

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

Previous Episode

Ep 260 From Startup to Multi-Million Dollar Brand with Matt McLean

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

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...

Next Episode

Ep 262 Turn Your Business into a Freedom Machine with Leslie Hassler

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/

X: https://x.com/YourBizRules

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourBizRules

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslie.hassler/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeslieHassler

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@profitanswerman

Profit First Toolkit: https://lp....