FinFactor: Expert Insights for the CFO

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Abhijit Verekar, founder of Avero Advisors, to unpack one of the biggest misconceptions in today’s tech landscape: that public agencies and large organizations can simply “buy AI” and transform overnight. AV breaks down why so many AI pilots fail, how legacy ERPs, siloed data, outdated infrastructure, and missing guardrails derail even the best intentions, and why the real work isn’t flashy—it’s foundational. 

Together they explore how organizations can modernize responsibly, where spreadsheets actually outperform legacy green-screen systems, why vaporware is back, and how to design AI pilots that solve real problems without creating new ones. 

If you’re a CFO or agency leader trying to make sense of AI amid tightening budgets, policy constraints, and messy data, this episode gives you the clarity and roadmap you need. 

Visit Dryrun.com to modernize your cash flow forecasting and leave spreadsheets behind.

#AIstrategy #GovernmentTechnology #PublicSectorInnovation #ERPmodernization #CFOInsights

Connect with Abhijit at linkedin.com/in/verekar

Learn about Avero Advisors at averoadvisors.com

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Lmx0X3Kwyx0

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Jim Harris of Western Computer to uncover the biggest operational and financial challenges facing manufacturers and importers today—especially those still relying on outdated ERPs and massive, error-prone spreadsheets. 

Jim breaks down why inaccurate COGS, tariff miscalculations, batch-level blind spots, and legacy processes quietly destroy margins, and how a properly implemented ERP can completely transform visibility and control. They also dive into change management, the realities of ERP timelines, why Excel is the “shared enemy” of scalable finance teams, and how AI is rapidly reinventing supply chain and financial operations. If your business is feeling the pressure of volatility, rising costs, or outdated systems, this is your roadmap to modernization. 

Visit Dryrun.com to level up your cash flow forecasting and leave spreadsheets behind.

#manufacturingERP #COGSmanagement #MicrosoftBusinessCentral #AIforManufacturing #CFOinsights

Connect with Jim at linkedin.com/in/jharris775

Learn about Western Computer at westerncomputer.com

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_K6DY95ATks

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Donovan Pyle of Health Compass Consulting to expose one of the largest hidden opportunities on the corporate P&L—wasted healthcare spend. Donovan explains how up to 25% of employer healthcare costs are pure waste, why most CFOs never see it, and how to uncover where the money is disappearing. 

They break down the structural problems in the insurance and brokerage industries, the blind spots that keep organizations overpaying, and the steps CFOs can take to diagnose waste, get unbiased advice, and reclaim lost profits. 

Donovan also shares insights from his new book "Fixing Healthcare", outlining a practical roadmap for transforming healthcare from a runaway cost center into a strategic advantage.

#CFOInsights #HealthcareCosts #BusinessStrategy #EmployeeBenefits #CostReduction

Unlock clarity and control in your financial forecasting—visit Dryrun.com.

Connect with Donovan at linkedin.com/in/donovanpyle

Read his book “Fixing Healthcare: How Executives Can Save Their People, Their Business, and the Economy” at donovanpyle.com

Learn about Health Compass Consulting at healthcompassconsulting.com

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mKQ0cHndG6E

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with CEO Dusty Gulleson of eResources to unpack what truly makes the relationship between the CEO and the finance team work. Dusty shares firsthand insights from decades of leading and growing companies—covering everything from daily cashflow discipline to managing multi-entity operations, navigating acquisitions, evaluating quality of earnings, integrating teams, and aligning culture during major transitions. 

They explore why cashflow visibility matters more than the P&L, how communication builds trust between leadership and finance, and how CEOs and CFOs can collaborate to drive expansion, strategy, and long-term stability. If you’re a finance leader, CEO, or operator looking to strengthen executive-to-finance alignment, this conversation is packed with practical, real-world wisdom.

#CFOInsights #CashflowForecasting #BusinessGrowthStrategy #CEOTips #FinancialLeadership

Ready to bring clarity, accuracy, and speed to your cashflow forecasting? Visit Dryrun.com.

Connect with Dusty at linkedin.com/in/dustygulleson

Learn about eResources at eresources.com

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vghFJOdnsEI

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch talks with Rafael Pinho of TD Pine Advisors about the modern M&A landscape and what different types of buyers—private equity, strategic, family offices, and search funds—are really looking for in today’s deals. They dive into the psychology, timelines, and goals that drive acquisitions, explaining how sellers can tailor their exit strategies to match the right buyer and maximize value. 

You’ll learn how to evaluate buyer fit beyond financials, understand valuation nuances, and spot emerging trends like the rise of search funds and operator-led acquisitions. This conversation offers CFOs, founders, and finance leaders a clear roadmap for navigating M&A with confidence and clarity.

#MergersAndAcquisitions #CFOInsights #BusinessValuation #ExitStrategy #PrivateEquity

Discover more finance insights and smarter cash flow forecasting tools at Dryrun.com

Don’t miss future episodes of FinFactor—subscribe, like, and share to stay connected with the latest insights from top CFOs, AI innovators, and finance experts shaping the future of business.

Learn how you can gain crystal-clear cash flow insights, accurate forecasts, and powerful scenario modeling at Dryrun.com

Connect with Rafael at linkedin.com/in/rafaelpinho

Learn about TD Pine Advisors at tdpineadvisors.com

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OzkhfGBLPjU

When is the right time to replace your ERP—and when is the smarter move to optimize what you already have? In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch (CEO of Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting Software) sits down with Azat Ospanov, founder of Oscorp, to explore the hidden costs, risks, and realities behind ERP implementation. 

They discuss why many finance teams outgrow their systems for the wrong reasons, how to evaluate technology decisions through a CFO’s lens, and the pragmatic steps that prevent years of wasted time and budget. If you’re planning an ERP change or rethinking your financial tech stack, this conversation is a must-listen.

#CashflowForecasting #CFOInsights #FinancialPlanning #CashManagement #BusinessGrowth

Don’t miss future episodes of FinFactor—subscribe, like, and share to stay connected with the latest insights from top CFOs, AI innovators, and finance experts shaping the future of business.

Learn how you can gain crystal-clear cash flow insights, accurate forecasts, and powerful scenario modeling at Dryrun.com

Connect with Azat at linkedin.com/in/azatospanov

Learn about Oscorp at oscorp.ca

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZjPnbGYR7kU

In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with finance leader Ken Lacroix to explore why the 13-week cashflow forecast is one of the most powerful yet overlooked tools in business finance. They discuss the challenges companies face when setting up accurate forecasts, the shift in mindset required to move from profit and loss to true cash management, and the importance of focusing on major inflows and outflows to gain clarity. 

The conversation also covers how customer behavior impacts collections, why velocity of money is key for managing working capital, and how technology can streamline cashflow forecasting for CFOs and finance teams. Packed with real-world insights, this episode delivers practical finance strategies to help leaders gain visibility, reduce risk, and drive business growth.

#CashflowForecasting #13WeekForecast #FinanceStrategies #CashManagement #WorkingCapital

Don’t miss future episodes of FinFactor—subscribe, like, and share to stay connected with the latest insights from top CFOs, AI innovators, and finance experts shaping the future of business.

Learn how you can gain crystal-clear cash flow insights, accurate forecasts, and powerful scenario modeling at Dryrun.com

Connect with Ken at linkedin.com/in/kenlacroix/

Learn about Insightful Partners at insightfulpartners.com

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Sx8PGWq72aw

Blaine Bertsch welcomes Jarome McKenzie, fractional CFO and founder of Arrowhead Strategy Group, to break down how clean, investor-ready financials can make or break a sell-side M&A deal. Jarome shares real stories—including a seller who improved EBITDA from $500K to $911K and exited for $5.7M, and another who discovered $750K in taxes paid on phantom profit and later secured refunds (including $42K in sales tax) after fixing systems. 

You’ll learn how to prep 2–3 years before exit, select meaningful ad backs, accelerate diligence, and present numbers that command higher multiples. They also cover when to move beyond basic bookkeeping, why “speed through diligence” drives close rates, and how stronger controls boost margins and valuation long before you sell.

#ExitPlanning #BusinessValuation #MandA #SellSide #CFOInsights

Don’t miss future episodes of FinFactor—subscribe, like, and share to stay connected with the latest insights from top CFOs, AI innovators, and finance experts shaping the future of business.

Learn how you can gain crystal-clear cash flow insights, accurate forecasts, and powerful scenario modeling at Dryrun.com

Connect with Jarome at linkedin.com/in/jarome-mckenzie-778177187

Learn about Arrowhead Strategy Group: arrowheadstrategygroup.com

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0qfx00UkOF0

In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Matt Middendorp to break down the world of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). They explore how ESOPs impact company valuation, employee engagement, and long-term business legacy, while highlighting both the benefits and challenges of implementation. 

From feasibility studies and valuation modeling to avoiding common pitfalls, this conversation uncovers the key factors that make ESOPs successful. Real-life success stories illustrate how ESOPs drive financial growth, improve company culture, and align the goals of owners, employees, and the business itself. Whether you’re a business owner exploring succession planning or a leader interested in boosting engagement and retention, this episode offers the insights you need to understand the ESOP process.

#ESOP #EmployeeOwnership #BusinessGrowth #CompanyValuation #EmployeeEngagement

Don’t miss future episodes of FinFactor—subscribe, like, and share to stay connected with the latest insights from top CFOs, AI innovators, and finance experts shaping the future of business.

Learn how you can gain crystal-clear cash flow insights, accurate forecasts, and powerful scenario modeling at Dryrun.com.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z8n2UNMhQwo

Listen on your favourite podcast network or at finfactor.buzzsprout.com

Connect with Matt Middendorp and see if you’re ESOP-ready at esopready.com

Phone Matt: 715-897-0879

In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with Paul Barnhurst to dive into the rapidly expanding role of the CFO. Once defined by financial analysis, cash flow management, and forecasting, today’s CFO is now a strategic operator, taking on responsibilities that stretch far beyond traditional finance. From overseeing operations and liquidity planning to managing risk, asset allocation, and corporate strategy, the CFO is increasingly stepping into what was once the COO’s territory.

Paul and Blaine explore how AI, automation, and advanced financial modeling are transforming the finance function and reshaping the future of financial leadership. They also break down why financial governance, due diligence, and strong cross-functional collaboration are essential in today’s fast-moving business environment. This conversation reveals how CFOs can deliver clarity, drive resilience, and guide long-term growth by embracing their role as both financial stewards and strategic leaders.

Whether you’re a finance leader, entrepreneur, or business strategist, this episode is packed with insights on how the office of the CFO is evolving to meet the demands of modern business.

Don’t miss future episodes of FinFactor—subscribe, like, and share to stay connected with the latest insights from top CFOs, AI innovators, and finance experts shaping the future of business.

Learn how you can gain crystal-clear cash flow insights, accurate forecasts, and powerful scenario modeling at Dryrun.com.

#CFO #FinanceLeadership #FinancialModeling #CashFlowForecasting #BusinessStrategy #FinFactorPodcast

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/F2Y0N9qGpkA

Listen on your favourite podcast network or at finfactor.buzzsprout.com

Connect with Paul Barnhurst:

LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/thefpandaguy

Website: thefpandaguy.com/

Free FP&A Community (The FP&A Hub): community.thefpahub.com/

Podcast: Future Finance - thefpandaguy.com/future-finance

Podcast: FP&A Tomorrow Podcast - thefpandaguy.com/fpa-tomorrow-podcast

Podcast: Financial Modeler’s Corner Podcast - thefpandaguy.com/fmcpodcast