Building Margin

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In this episode, Steve Coughran explores one of the most underrated drivers of entrepreneurial success: passion. Drawing from his own journey as a founder and CFO, Steve shares why passion isn’t fluff—it’s fuel. It drives creativity, resilience, and purpose, turning a business into a mission and teams into believers.

Packed with real stories and practical takeaways, this episode helps founders and leaders tap into what truly motivates them—and shows how to turn that energy into a strategic advantage.

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. 

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Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

In this episode, Steve Coughran sits down with entrepreneur Raph McGowan to talk about the grit, resilience, and mindset it takes to build a business from the ground up. Raph shares the highs and lows of his journey—how he turned obstacles into opportunities, made strategic pivots, and stayed motivated when things got tough. It’s an honest, inspiring conversation full of real-world lessons for anyone growing a 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. 

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Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

In this episode, Steve Coughran is joined by pricing expert Mark Stiving for a deep dive into the strategies behind smart pricing. Together, they explore practical ways to optimize pricing, tap into buyer psychology, and unlock hidden revenue. From subtle shifts to bold moves, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and actionable tactics to help business owners drive profit and scale with confidence.

Disclaimer:
The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. 

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Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

In this episode, Steve Coughran breaks down the three core financial statements every business leader should understand: the income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows. Drawing on his experience as a CFO, Steve explains how these tools reveal the true health of a business—and how they connect to strategic decisions. Whether you're tracking revenue, cash flow, or equity, this episode will give you the financial clarity you need to lead with confidence.

Disclaimer:
The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. 

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Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

In this episode, Steve Coughran walks through his proven 10-step strategy blueprint for building a winning business. From defining your purpose and pinpointing your core problem to researching the market and choosing the right strategic path, Steve shares a practical approach to creating clarity and momentum. It’s a must-listen for any founder looking to boost profits, outmaneuver the competition, and lead with purpose.

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. 

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coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

In this episode, Steve Coughran shares five powerful principles every founder should follow. He talks about the importance of truly knowing your customers, testing fast and learning faster, staying lean until your systems are solid, playing the long game, and prioritizing personal health. Because at the end of the day, a thriving company starts with a healthy, grounded leader.

Disclaimer:
The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. 

LinkedIn | YouTube

coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

In this episode, Steve breaks down how to really understand your customer—like really understand them. He shares a simple framework to help you uncover what your ideal customer wants, what’s getting in their way, and what would make them say, “This is exactly what I need.” It’s about empathy, not guesswork. If you want to create offers that truly connect and drive growth, 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

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

Today, we're diving deep into a critical decision for entrepreneurs: choosing between an LLC and an S-Corp. This episode is packed with insights to help you navigate this crucial choice. Steve breaks down the pros and cons of each entity, from liability protection and tax implications to administrative requirements and flexibility. Whether you're just starting out or considering a restructuring, this episode is a must-listen for any business owner looking to make informed decisions that set the stage for long-term success. Tune in and avoid the pitfalls that come with this decision!

Disclaimer:
The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.

This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information. 

LinkedIn | YouTube

coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

In today's episode, we delve into the art of storytelling with Akeem Shannon, the CEO and Founder of Flipstik. Akeem shares three simple yet powerful stories that have been instrumental in scaling his business from its startup phase to rapid growth. Drawing from his experiences, including his appearance on the hit TV show Shark Tank, Akeem emphasizes the importance of storytelling in various aspects of business, from effectively communicating strategies to inspiring teams, attracting investors, and even decoding financial statements for deeper understanding. Tune in as we uncover how storytelling can transform your business journey and lead to success, just as it has for Akeem and Flipstik.

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. 

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coltivar.com

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth 

In this insightful episode, host Steve Coughran is joined by Alex Prasad from Aegis Law Firm. Together, they delve into the essential process of vetting a business attorney, pinpointing what entrepreneurs should look for to ensure a fruitful collaboration. The conversation also covers strategic exits and how legal expertise can not only streamline but also maximize the success of selling or restructuring a business. Whether you're at the helm of a startup or steering a mature enterprise, this discussion will arm you with the knowledge to choose and work with the right attorney, setting the stage for robust legal support through all phases of your business journey. Tune in to gain invaluable insights that could very well shape your venture's legal strategy and future 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. 

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