Mike Milan—better known as Cash Flow Mike—is a former state trooper turned serial entrepreneur who’s built 14 businesses and helped generate more than $50 million in improved cash flow for clients. His “Home Run Financial System” has been taught to over 25,000 bankers, accountants, and business owners, specializing in unlocking hidden cash, controlling growth, and transforming profitability into real, usable money.

On this episode we talk about:

Early work ethic: Mike’s first jobs included 5+ years as a dishwasher, busboy, waiter, and bartender—roles that forced him out of his comfort zone and developed world-class people skills he credits for much of his later business success.

The people advantage: Why real-world, high-contact service jobs (sales, restaurants, bar tending, etc.) build skills and confidence that pay dividends for a lifetime—arguably more than most college classes.

Career pivots, family, and mindset: Mike became a Texas state trooper after college, enjoying the physical challenge and structure. But with a rapidly growing family (four daughters!), he soon realized that even a "secure" government job—with mapped-out raises and guaranteed pensions—was never going to match their expenses or aspirations.

The leap to entrepreneurship: Despite "golden handcuffs" and the risk of leaving behind a salary, benefits, and security, Mike left his state position at age 29. He candidly discusses the fear, sacrifice, and tradeoffs required—but also the freedom and upside that followed.

How he did it: Mike’s transition to business owner started with a janitorial company (using military and law enforcement skills for discipline and attention to detail). When a client asked him to help recruit reliable workers, he identified a more leveraged model—staffing and placement for hotels—which allowed him to scale without personally doing all the cleaning.

The cash flow difference: Mike explains the practicalities of launching a business as a parent—leaning on savings, maxing out credit cards, and maintaining razor-sharp focus. He underscores how true cash flow (not just accounting profit) lets businesses—and families—survive and thrive.

Actionable advice: It is never "too late" to start over. The stories of Dave Thomas (Wendy’s) and Colonel Sanders are reminders that the entrepreneurial window is always open if you’re willing to take the risk, sacrifice, and learn new skills.

The Home Run Financial System: Mike’s system transforms intimidating financials into step-by-step strategies for real-world business owners—because profit doesn’t pay the bills, cash does.

Family, finances, and risk: For listeners with mouths to feed and bills to pay, Mike unpacks how he navigated saving, borrowing, and mitigating risk—acknowledging that while it’s never easy, the upside is worth it.

Top 3 Takeaways

Soft Skills Unlock Hard Money: Jobs that force you to interact with thousands of people (restaurant, sales, service) prepare you for entrepreneurship better than any textbook.

You Can’t Cut Your Way to Wealth: There’s a limit to how much you can save—at some point you must focus on income expansion, risk, and leveraging opportunity.

There’s No Perfect Moment, Only a Leap: Whether you’re 29 (like Mike), 49, or 59, the decision to leave "security" for self-employment is always hard—but it’s often the right move, even with a family and established life.

Connect with Mike Milan:

https://cashflowmike.com/

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