Many business owners dream of building a company that thrives without them, but few understand what it takes to make that a reality—especially when facing a leadership crisis. In this episode, I sit down with Heather Braimbridge-Cox, CEO of Windings, and Bill Mills, founder of The Leadership Process™, to break down how to transform a struggling culture, develop high-performing teams, and turn an ESOP into a thriving, scalable business. 

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Heather shares her journey from private equity executive to leading a 100% employee-owned company through a complete turnaround—one that took engagement scores from crisis mode to elite levels, increased productivity to 99.8%, and turned a struggling manufacturing business into a cash-generating machine that now acquires other companies. Bill walks us through the leadership and execution gaps that trap so many business owners and how to build a culture where people take ownership of results. 

If you're struggling to get your team fully aligned, wondering how to scale leadership beyond yourself, or considering how employee ownership (ESOPs) can create long-term value, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately. 
 
Heather Braimbridge-Cox is the CEO of Windings, Inc., a 100% employee-owned precision manufacturing company. After years in private equity, she transitioned to leading an ESOP and discovered a powerful, people-driven approach to building long-term enterprise value. Under her leadership, Windings transformed from a struggling business to an industry leader, growing revenue, tripling profitability, and making strategic acquisitions. She’s passionate about financial transparency, employee ownership, and creating businesses that thrive beyond any single leader.  

Bill Mills is the founder of The Leadership Process™, a system designed to eliminate execution gaps and create high-performing teams. With decades of experience coaching CEOs and leadership teams, he specializes in removing friction, increasing accountability, and building cultures that drive results. His approach has helped companies scale, reduce turnover, and create a leadership pipeline that sustains growth. 

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast. 

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around. 

Resources: 
Heather Braimbridge-Cox LinkedIn 
Windings Inc. 
Bill Mills LinkedIn 
The Leadership Process™ TheLeadershipProcess.com 
ESOP Case Studies & Resources NCEO.org 
#420: Closing the Execution Gap: Systematize Your Culture & Step Back with Confidence 
Independence by Design™ Workshop: https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop  
Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 
Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/ 
Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/ 
Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 
Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 
Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8 

 
Sound Bites 

“If you don’t give people the tools to perform, you’ll spend your life cleaning up their messes.” – Bill Mills 

“Ownership isn’t just a structure—it’s a mindset. Our employees don’t just work here. They own the outcomes.” – Heather Braimbridge-Cox 

“The numbers tell the truth, but the team has to make the numbers happen.” – Ryan Tansom 

“The key to sustainable success is removing drama, confusion, and misalignment so the team can focus on delivering value.” – Bill Mills 

I’ve spent the last handful of episodes diving deep into business valuations, M&A jargon, and how buyers think about value. But here’s the thing—most of it doesn’t matter unless you actually have cash left over at the end of the day. 

 Watch on YouTube

That’s why I brought Patrick Donohue back on the show. He and I have been in the trenches, working with owner-operators who are juggling cash flow, making sense of the noise, and trying to figure out how to actually use their business to create wealth. 

In this episode, we strip away the BS and focus on the fundamentals—how to manage and maximize free cash flow so you have real options as an owner. Patrick and I talk about why EBITDA is misleading, how financial jargon is designed to confuse business owners, and how to structure your company’s financials to serve your ownership goals. 

If you want to ensure you’re making financial decisions that actually increase your freedom—not just grow revenue for the sake of it—this episode is a must-listen.

Patrick Donohue is an investor, entrepreneur, and author of Breakout Valuation. As the founder of Hill Capital Corporation, he helps privately held business owners access the capital they need to grow without giving up control. His mission is to simplify financial decision-making so that entrepreneurs can focus on what really matters—building a profitable, cash-flowing business that serves their long-term ownership goals.

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.  

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around. 

Resources:

Website: Hill Capital Corporation 

LinkedIn: Patrick Donohue 

Breakout Valuation: How to Finance Your Future Today 

Entrepreneurs Rally May 2025 

Hill Capital Summit November 2025 

Independence by Design™ Workshop: https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop  

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/ 

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/ 

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8 

Sound Bites: 

"Valuation is a scoreboard. Cash flow is how you actually win the game." – Ryan Tansom 

"I don’t care what your business is ‘worth’ if it doesn’t generate cash for you." – Patrick Donohue 

"If you don’t understand where your money is going, you don’t own a business—you own a liability." – Patrick Donohue 

"Too many entrepreneurs are optimizing for a hypothetical valuation instead of actual cash flow." – Ryan Tansom 

Most business owners go through a pivotal moment—their first real look behind the curtain at how buyers value companies. For Rens Hayes, that moment came when he went through a sale and due diligence process for his father’s structural steel business. What he learned from that experience completely changed how he approached building and scaling his own company, H&O Structural Engineering.

 Watch on YouTube

In this episode of Independence by Design™, Rens and I break down how he engineered his business for value creation, using Ken Sanginario’s Engineer’s Value Opportunity Profile (VOP) as his roadmap. Instead of scaling haphazardly, Rens built his company by systematically improving the eight functional areas that drive business valuation—the same areas buyers care about most.  

Rens and his partner have taken a deliberate approach to aligning cash flow, valuation timelines, and growth goals, ensuring that every dollar reinvested moves them closer to financial independence. Whether you are preparing for an eventual exit or simply want to build a business that works for you instead of the other way around, this conversation is packed with insights that will change the way you think about scaling, hiring executives, and managing risk.

Rens Hayes is a structural engineer and entrepreneur who transformed H&O Structural Engineering by applying enterprise value principles to modernize the traditional engineering industry. After experiencing due diligence firsthand, he shifted from operator to owner mindset, implementing Ken Sanginario's Value Opportunity Profile to align business growth with long-term value creation. Hayes helps real estate developers maximize returns through strategic design and cost-efficient engineering, while sharing insights on scaling, capital allocation, and executive hiring—expertise valuable for business owners seeking to build wealth-generating enterprises rather than just larger companies.

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast. 

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.  

Resources:

Website: H&O Structural Engineering 

LinkedIn: Rens Hayes 

Podcast: The H&O Podcast 

Independence by Design™ Workshop: https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop  

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/ 

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/ 

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8 

Sound Bites: 

"Scaling a business isn’t just about revenue—it’s about building an asset buyers actually want." – Rens Hayes 

"The biggest mistake founders make? Hiring executives before they know what success looks like." – Ryan Tansom 

"If you don’t know how to allocate capital inside your own business, you’re just hoping for growth—not engineering it." – Rens Hayes 

"There’s a difference between working in the business and working on the business. The sooner you figure that out, the sooner you get your time back." – Ryan Tansom 

In a world full of business jargon and complicated metrics, free cash flow stands out as the foundation of value creation for both owner-operators and investors. kXVm3nQBij8

 Watch on YouTube

Ken Sanginario returns to focus on this core principle, unpacking the noise around financial metrics and zeroing in on sustainable free cash flow—cash available after debt, taxes, and working capital. Together, we demystify the jargon that often confuses owner-operators and show how prioritizing free cash flow is the key to growing value over time.

We explore how Ken’s VOP system helps business owners identify where to place their time and reinvestment to maximize value while freeing themselves from the grind of day-to-day operations. By understanding how to measure and optimize free cash flow, owner-operators can shift from being laborers in their businesses to being true owners of a valuable asset.

This episode builds on everything we’ve discussed in recent episodes—valuations, owner-operator goals, buyer goals, deal structures—and ties it to a core principle: sustainable free cash flow is the outcome of a well-run business that creates value with its time, resources, and strategy. If you’re ready to simplify the noise, focus on what matters, and start building a business that works for you, this episode is your guide.

Ken Sanginario is the founder of Corporate Value Metrics and the creator of the Value Opportunity Profile (VOP), a tool that helps business owners identify where to focus their time and resources to grow sustainable value. Ken specializes in simplifying complex financial and operational concepts, empowering owners to take control of their business’s future.

Chapters: 

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.

Resources:

Website: https://www.corporatevalue.net/

Ken Sanginario LinkedIn
VOP Value Growth Software

Episode 425: “Unlocking Business Value: Practical Tools for Growth and Ownership Goals with Ken Sanginario & John Lawlor”

Episode 426: “Understanding Buyers: How Ownership Structures Shape M&A Goals with Jeff Buettner”

Episode 427: “Navigating Deal Structures: The Hidden Factors That Impact Your Proceeds with Dave Diehl”

Independence by Design™ Workshop: https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop 

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8

Sound Bites

“All the jargon boils down to one thing: free cash flow. It’s what every owner and every investor cares about.” – Ryan Tansom

“Free cash flow isn’t just a metric—it’s the ultimate outcome of a well-run business that uses time and resources effectively.” – Ken Sanginario

“Money is stored time, and time is your most valuable resource. Focus your energy where it creates the highest value.” – Ryan Tansom

Most business owners focus on the offer price when selling their business—but the deal structure is what ultimately determines how much you walk away with, when you get it, and how much risk you take on. 

 Watch on YouTube

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Dave Diehl, CEO of Prairie Capital Advisors, to demystify the complex world of deal structures. Dave walks us through the key components of a transaction—working capital adjustments, earnouts, equity rollovers, seller financing—and how these elements impact the final proceeds for a seller. 

We also explore how deal structures reflect both buyer and seller goals, and why aligning these goals is critical to a successful transaction. If you’ve ever been confused by the fine print in a deal or wondered why buyers push for certain terms, this conversation will give you clarity and confidence to navigate your own transition.  

This episode builds on the foundations from previous episodes, diving into the practical details of how deals are structured and the hidden factors that can significantly impact your outcome. Whether you’re preparing to sell, thinking ahead, or just trying to understand what a good deal looks like, this conversation is packed with insights and actionable advice.  

Dave Diehl is the CEO of Prairie Capital Advisors, specializing in helping business owners navigate the complexities of M&A transactions and ESOPs. With decades of experience in deal structuring, Dave has guided countless owners through successful transitions, ensuring their goals are front and center.

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.  

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around. \

Resources: 

Dave Diehl LinkedIn 

Prairie Capital Advisors 

Episode 425: "Unlocking Business Value: Practical Tools for Growth and Ownership Goals with Ken Sanginario & John Lawlor" 

Episode 426: "Understanding Buyers: How Ownership Structures Shape M&A Goals with Jeff Buettner" 

Independence by Design™ Workshop: https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop  

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/ 

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/ 

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8 

Sound Bites 

“The deal structure is where the rubber meets the road. It’s not just about the offer price—it’s about what you actually walk away with.” – Dave Diehl 

“Earnouts, equity rollovers, and working capital adjustments can make or break a deal. Understanding them puts you in control.” – Ryan Tansom 

“The right deal structure aligns with both the buyer’s and the seller’s goals—it’s a balancing act.” – Dave Diehl 

Most business owners think a high offer price is the ultimate goal in selling their business—but the truth is, every buyer has their own game plan, and not all offers are created equal. 

Watch on YouTube

In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Jeff Buettner from ButcherJoseph to explore how private equity firms, strategic buyers, and family offices approach acquisitions and structure deals to meet their goals. We break down the nuances of each buyer type, their timelines, and their financial structures so you can better understand what they value and how their goals might align (or conflict) with yours. 

We also discuss how to position your business for the right buyer, evaluate offers beyond the headline number, and ensure the deal you choose fits with your long-term ownership goals. If you’ve ever wondered what drives buyers’ decisions or how their priorities impact your transaction, this conversation will demystify the process. 

Jeff Buettner is a seasoned advisor at ButcherJoseph, specializing in helping business owners navigate the complexities of M&A transactions. With deep experience in private equity, strategic acquisitions, and family office deals, Jeff has guided countless owners through the sale process, aligning transactions with their financial and personal goals.

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.  

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.  

Resources: 

ButcherJoseph & Co.  

Jeff Buettner LinkedIn 

Independence by Design™ Workshop: https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop  

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/ 

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/ 

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8 

Sound Bites 

“Each buyer plays their own game of capitalism, driven by their unique goals and ownership structure. Understanding their playbook helps you align the deal with your goals.” – Ryan Tansom 

“Private equity firms focus on maximizing value within a timeline, while family offices prioritize long-term cash flow. The right fit depends on your goals as a seller.” – Jeff Buettner 

“The deal isn’t just about the offer price—it’s about finding a buyer whose goals align with yours.” – Ryan Tansom 

As a business owner, you’ve likely heard terms like EBITDA, working capital, and Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)—but do they feel relevant to your day-to-day decisions? In this episode, I sit down with Ken Sanginario and John Lawlor to demystify these concepts and show how they directly impact your ability to grow, scale, and transition your business. 

Watch on YouTube

We’ll explore how to measure and grow your business’s value using actionable tools, like Ken’s Value Opportunity Profile (VOP), that connect financial performance to your ownership goals. Whether you’re thinking about selling in the next few years, stepping back from day-to-day operations, or just getting a clearer picture of your business, this conversation will help you build a roadmap for sustainable growth.  

This episode is packed with practical advice and relatable insights that will bridge the gap between high-level financial concepts and the operational realities you face as an owner-operator. Let’s make the numbers work for you, not the other way around. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

Ken Sanginario is the founder of Corporate Value Metrics and the creator of the Value Opportunity Profile (VOP), a system designed to assess and enhance the eight functional areas of a business. With over 30 years of experience as a CPA, business advisor, and valuation expert, Ken has worked with countless owner-operators to help them unlock sustainable growth, increase equity value, and achieve their ownership goals. His practical, results-driven approach ties financial fundamentals to strategic decision-making, making him a trusted partner for business owners looking to maximize their independence.

John Lawlor is a seasoned business advisor, leadership coach, and expert in organizational development. With over two decades of experience helping businesses scale effectively, John specializes in aligning leadership, culture, and operations to create high-performing organizations. A key collaborator in the development and application of the VOP, John brings a deep understanding of how behavior and strategic planning drive business success. His focus on fostering communication and engagement across all levels of a company has made him a sought-after resource for owner-operators aiming to build businesses that work without them.

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast. 

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around. 

Resources:

Ken Sanginario LinkedIn 

John Lawlor LinkedIn 

Corporate Value Metrics 

Independence by Design™ Workshop: https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop  

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/ 

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/ 

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8 

Sound Bites: 

“Valuation isn’t just a number—it’s a reflection of how well your business can run without you.” – Ken Sanginario 

“Simplifying metrics like WACC and working capital helps you make better decisions about growth and cash flow.” – Ryan Tansom 

“The Value Opportunity Profile turns a messy business reality into a clear roadmap for creating value.” – John Lawlor 

Running a business often feels like juggling flaming torches—especially when cash flow, growth, and operations clash with your personal goals. Today, I sit down with Jimmy Fritz, a good friend and second-generation business owner of The Wedding Shoppe and Kennedy Blue, to unpack his journey from being entrenched in daily operations to becoming a true owner-operator. Jimmy’s experience of taking over his family’s wedding business and e-commerce brand is packed with lessons on managing growth, aligning operations with ownership goals, and achieving financial independence. 

Watch on YouTube

Jimmy’s journey reflects what so many of us face: balancing family business dynamics, operational challenges, and the ultimate question—what's the point of all this? From chasing vanity metrics and enduring financial chaos to implementing EOS and redefining ownership, Jimmy shares the frameworks and lessons that enabled him to align his business operations with his time, cash flow, and wealth goals.  

You’ll hear how he weathered the pandemic, leveraged EOS, and integrated a financial roadmap to simplify decisions and drive sustainable success. Whether you’re struggling with delegation, financial forecasting, or just trying to step out of daily operations, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you design a business—and a life—that works for you. 
 

Jimmy Fritz is a second-generation entrepreneur and owner of a family-run wedding retail business and an e-commerce brand. With a passion for strategic planning and financial clarity, Jimmy has transformed his companies to align with his personal goals of time freedom and wealth creation. Through his journey, he’s mastered the art of balancing operational efficiency and long-term ownership success. 
 

Chapters:  

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals. 

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast. 

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.  

Resources: 
 
Wedding Shoppe Inc. 

Jimmy Fritz LinkedIn 

Jimmy Fritz’s previous appearance on Independence by Design™ 

"How to Create a Strategic Financial Roadmap"  

Independence by Design™ Workshop: https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop  

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching 

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/ 

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/ 

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom 

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom 

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8 

 
Sound Bites 

"If you’re stuck in the day-to-day grind, you’re not truly an owner—you’re an operator." – Jimmy Fritz 

"Growth without profitability is a time bomb, not a success story." – Jimmy Fritz 

"The financial statement doesn’t lie. It’s the ultimate source of truth, and it can either guide you to clarity or chaos." – Jimmy Fritz  

"The ultimate freedom is having your business provide the time and cash flow you need without consuming your life." – Ryan Tansom 

"Ownership independence isn’t just about making money—it’s about making decisions that align with your personal goals." – Ryan Tansom 

Many business owners struggle to connect their financials to actionable insights and ownership goals. In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Tracy Bech—founder of the 60-Minute CFO and creator of a financial forecasting system that simplifies the three-statement model—to break down the 14 Ownership KPIs that every owner-operator needs to master. Together, we explore how understanding these metrics can transform decision-making, align operations with ownership goals, and empower business owners to scale sustainably while maintaining control over their financial destiny.

Watch on YouTube

Tracy explains why free cash flow is the ultimate metric for any business and how tying income, balance sheet, and cash flow statements into a unified model creates a clear roadmap for growth. We dive into real-world examples, practical strategies, and the mindset shifts needed to move from financial confusion to clarity, providing listeners with the tools they need to transition confidently into a true ownership role.

This conversation highlights the importance of tying financial metrics to ownership goals while maintaining simplicity, offering owner-operators a clear path to operational and financial excellence. By focusing on the 14 Ownership KPIs, owners can make informed decisions, delegate effectively, and achieve long-term success.

Tracy Bech is the founder of the 60-Minute CFO, a financial expert, and a business owner who has transitioned from services-based entrepreneurship to mastering the complexities of inventory-driven e-commerce. Her experience inspired her to create tools and systems that simplify financial management for owner-operators. Tracy’s approach is rooted in the belief that clarity and simplicity empower business owners to align their financial decisions with their long-term goals. Her methodologies are practical, accessible, and transformative for anyone seeking to connect financial insights to ownership success.

Chapters:

Resources:

60MinuteCFO.com

Tracy Bech LinkedIn

60-Minute CFO Book 

Tracy Bech on X  

Previous Episode #409: Where Is the Money? From Services to E-Commerce: Tracy Bech’s Playbook for Understanding Cash Flow

Independence by Design™ Workshop: https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop 

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8

Sound Bites:

“The only thing that matters is free cash flow, and understanding it is the key to making better decisions.” – Ryan Tansom

“The 14 Ownership KPIs are like the dashboard for your business. They’re not just numbers; they’re the compass guiding your strategy.” – Tracy Bech

“If you’re lying on your balance sheet, you’re lying to yourself. Transparency is everything.” – Tracy Bech

Many business owners wrestle with understanding the CEO’s role and its connection to ownership. In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Joel Trammell—a seasoned entrepreneur who has grown and sold two companies to nine-figure exits—to break down what a CEO truly does, how the role aligns with ownership, and how owners can transition out of day-to-day operations. We explore the strategies and frameworks that enable owner-operators to scale their businesses, delegate effectively, and step fully into their ownership role by managing a CEO with confidence.

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Joel explains how most businesses grow to the point where almost every decision flows upward to them (the CEO), creating bottlenecks and inefficiency. He shares how to flip this dynamic by pushing decision-making downward through clear ownership goals and operational alignment.

This conversation highlights how critical it is for owner-operators to shift into an ownership role where they can effectively manage the CEO and delegate responsibilities. By clarifying the CEO’s job and implementing a framework for accountability, owners can step out of operations without their business falling apart, reducing anxiety while setting up their organization for sustainable growth.

Joel Trammell is a seasoned CEO, entrepreneur, and educator with a passion for helping business leaders master the art and science of the CEO role. Having built two companies to nine-figure exits, Joel now dedicates his time to coaching, writing, and teaching through his CEO Bootcamp and his platform, Managing the Future. His approach combines practical systems with first-principle thinking, empowering leaders to align their teams, set strategic objectives, and achieve long-term success. Joel’s work is a must for any owner looking to step back or scale their business sustainably.

Chapters: 

Ryan Tansom is a seasoned entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Independence by Design™, a transformative ownership framework for growth-oriented business owners. After turning around and selling his family business in an eight-figure exit, Ryan spent over a decade dissecting the lessons learned from his journey. His mission is to help other business owners avoid the pitfalls he encountered by providing them with the tools and knowledge to align their business operations with their personal and financial goals.

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by owner-operators, Ryan developed Independence by Design™ to empower owner-operators to create sustainable cash flow, grow their company’s equity value, and achieve true independence. He has shared his insights on hundreds of stages, including Vistage, EO, and industry associations, and has reached over 500,000 listeners through his podcast.

Ryan is passionate about helping business owners get unstuck from the day-to-day grind and design a business that serves their life, not the other way around.

Resources:

Website: Managing the Future
Joel Trammell LinkedIn
Twitter: @TheAmericanCEO
Ep. #251 - What Does it Take to Be a Good CEO? with Joel Trammell
Chief Executive Operating System by Joel Trammell
The CEO Tightrope by Joel Trammell
Independence by Design™ Workshop: https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop 
Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching
Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/
Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/
Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom
Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom
Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8

Sound Bites:

“The CEO’s job is not to know everything—it’s to manage the future.” – Joel Trammell

“At scale, the CEO’s role shifts from being the expert to empowering others to make decisions that align with your vision and values.” – Ryan Tansom

“If you’re not clear on your ownership goals, how can you expect your CEO or leadership team to be?” – Ryan Tansom