The Referable Client Experience with Stacey Brown Randall

Most business owners say they want more referrals. Very few are actually drowning in them. The default strategy is to do good work, hope people notice, and maybe ask for introductions when things get slow. In this episode of Profit Answer Man, I sit down again with referral expert and author Stacey Brown Randall to talk about why that approach does not work and how to build a truly referrable client experience.

Stacey has spent years helping small business owners generate referrals without asking, without incentives, and without feeling manipulative. Her new book, The Referrable Client Experience, dives into how your day to day client journey can become your most powerful referral engine.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Referrals, Introductions, and Word-of-Mouth Are Not the Same Thing. One of the first big shifts Stacey brings is simply defining our terms. A referral happens when a referral source connects you directly to a prospect, clearly identifies a need, and positions you as the solution. An introduction is just a connection. There is no identified need. Word-of-mouth buzz is when someone talks about you or gives out your name, but you are never actually connected. Most business owners lump all three together. The problem is that only one of them consistently leads to new clients. If all you are getting is introductions and vague "I mentioned you to someone" comments, you are not really running a referral strategy.
• Your Small Size Is Your Superpower. When we talk about "client experience," most people picture big company initiatives, software, and dashboards. Stacey defines client experience more simply as how your client feels while they work with you. That is where small business wins. You can: Make clients feel seen and remembered, Adjust quickly when something is off, Add personal, human touches that big companies could never scale, If you want to go from a good client experience to a referrable one, you have to understand the emotions you are creating along the way and be intentional about them.
• The Science Behind Why Referrals Happen. Referrals are not magic. Stacey frames them through three lenses: What happens in the brain of the referral source. When someone makes a great referral, "feel good" chemicals fire in their brain. They get to be the hero who solved a problem for someone they care about. It is about them helping the prospect, not about you. The psychology of trust. Referral sources do not need to know every credential or detail about you. What matters is that they trust you as a person and do not forget you. That trust is nurtured by consistent, human touch points, not by dumping your resume on them. Behavioral economics. Instead of manipulating reciprocity, Stacey focuses on the positive side: using surprise, delight, and variety in your touch points so people remember you and feel connected to you.
• Gifts, Touch Points, and What Actually Lands. Gifts can be powerful but they are often used poorly. Stacey's guidance: A gift should not be tied directly to a single referral, or you train people to expect a payout each time. For each referral source, build a plan of five to seven touch points over the year that happen whether or not referrals come in. Use gifts sparingly, and make them meaningful, humorous, or heartfelt enough to be memorable. If it took you two seconds to choose and send, it probably will not stand out. For actual referrals as they happen, Stacey recommends something simple and powerful: a handwritten thank you note.
• Be Strategic, Not "Spray and Pray". When owners want more referrals, they often default to more networking. More coffee dates, more events, more people. Stacey calls out the problem with this "spray and pray" approach. Instead, she encourages business owners to: Identify their ideal referral sources by asking, "Who regularly sees my ideal client before I do?" Focus on building real relationships with those few instead of trying to convert every person in the room. Accept that it is a numbers game, but a strategic one: you may meet a hundred people and end up with three or four true referral partners.

Key Takeaway:

Referrals are not a mystery reserved for the lucky few. They are the predictable result of a client experience that makes people feel seen, cared for, and confident enough to put their reputation on the line for you. When you understand the science behind referrals and build a simple plan around your best referral sources, you can stop chasing cold leads and start welcoming more ideal clients who already trust you.

Bio:

Stacey Brown Randall is the author of the new book, The Referable Client Experience, and the multiple award-winning book, Generating Business Referrals Without Asking. She is also the host of the Roadmap to Referrals podcast.

Stacey teaches business owners how to generate referrals naturally…without manipulating, incentivizing, or even asking.

She has been featured in national publications like Entrepreneur magazine, Investor Business Daily, Forbes, and more.

She received her Master's in Organizational Communication and is married with three kids.

Links:

Websites:

https://staceybrownrandall.com/

https://referableclientexperience.com/

Social Media:

www.linkedin.com/in/staceybrandall

https://www.instagram.com/staceybrownrandall/

https://www.facebook.com/StaceyBrownRandall

https://www.youtube.com/@referralswithoutasking

Conclusion:

Referrals don't come from luck, pressure, or clever tactics—they come from the way your clients and referral sources feel throughout their experience with you. Stacey's insights remind us that when you create a journey rooted in trust, care, and thoughtful connection, referrals become a natural byproduct—not a struggle. By understanding the science behind why people refer and building a simple, intentional plan around your best referral sources, you can replace unpredictable lead generation with a reliable, relationship-driven system that grows your business sustainably and profitably.

#ProfitAnswerMan #SmallBusinessGrowth #Referrals #ClientExperience #BusinessProfit #CashFlow #TrustedAdvisor #BusinessStrategy

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

Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available!

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.

How to Build a Business You Can Actually Sell with Saul Cohen

Most business owners say the same thing: "I want to grow as big as I can."

But when you press them on what they really want—time freedom, a great income, flexibility with their family—they're actually describing a lifestyle business, not a high-growth scale-up destined for a huge exit.

In this episode of Profit Answer Man, Rocky Lalvani talks with Saul Cohen, an accountant and advisor who helps ambitious entrepreneurs grow through acquisition and prepare for a successful exit. Together, they unpack the difference between chasing revenue and deliberately building assets and wealth inside your business.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Lifestyle Business vs Scale-Up: What Are You Really Building? Saul explains the critical fork in the road most owners never consciously choose. A lifestyle business is built to deliver strong income and flexibility now; a scale-up is built to reinvest profits into assets for a bigger exit later. The decisions, trade-offs, and timelines are totally different.
• Why Hustle Isn't a Strategy—and Maturity Wins. Saul shares the story of his first business, launched in his early twenties, and how a competitor with more experience and maturity quietly built a far more valuable company. The lesson? Execution, focus, and intention beat hustle and blind optimism every time.
• How Wealth Is Really Built: Assets and the Balance Sheet. Rocky reminds us that profit is only part of the story. Real wealth shows up on the balance sheet—in assets, not just income. The problem? Most owners never read their balance sheet as a series and have no idea whether they're actually building wealth or just spinning their wheels.
• Where Acquirers Find Hidden Profit After the Sale. When a "mediocre" business is sold, a new owner often finds profit quickly—not because they're smarter, but because they're less emotionally attached and more objective. Saul explains how strategic add-on acquisitions (like buying a supplier or complementary service) can boost margins, cross-sell opportunities, and overall business value.
• The Investor Mindset: Working On the Business, Not Just In It. Both Rocky and Saul emphasize the need to step out of firefighting mode, take time away from the office, and think like an investor. When you step back and ask, "What are my real opportunities and threats? Where's the biggest payoff for my time and capital?" the path to better cash flow and a stronger exit becomes much clearer.

Key Takeaways:

• Most owners are accidentally building lifestyle businesses while pretending they're building scale-ups.
• Wealth is created by assets, not just hustle or revenue.
• Gross margin and business model clarity matter far more than top-line bragging rights.
• Your second business will often scale faster—if you integrate the lessons from your first.
• Taking time out to think like an investor is one of the highest-ROI activities you can do.

Bio:

Saul Cohen is a chartered accountant and founder of SC Digital Advisory, a boutique firm helping business owners grow through acquisition, optimize profit, and prepare for successful exits. With more than 20 years in finance and entrepreneurship, Saul blends hands-on operational insight with deep financial acumen to help owners turn complex challenges into scalable systems. He's advised seven- and eight-figure founders across sectors on strategy, M&A, and value creation.

Links:

https://www.scdigitaladvisory.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saulcohenuk

Conclusion:

You don't need to copy the tech unicorns or chase a nine-figure exit to win. You just need to be honest about the kind of business—and life—you actually want, then align your decisions with that reality.

For some, that's a highly profitable lifestyle business with strong margins, great clients, and plenty of free time. For others, it's a focused scale-up strategy, reinvesting profits to build assets and position for a major exit.

Either way, the path runs through the same disciplines:

knowing your numbers, understanding your business model, building real assets, and learning to think like an investor, not just an operator.

If you're ready to turn your business into a true wealth-building engine—not just a stressful job with a logo—this episode with Saul Cohen is a powerful place to start.

#ProfitAnswerMan #ProfitFirst #BusinessExit #LifestyleBusiness #ScaleUp #BusinessValuation #CashFlow #WealthBuilding #EntrepreneurMindset #FractionalCFO #FinancialClarity

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

Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available!

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.

From Chaos to Cash Flow: How Business Owners Can Scale with Less Stress with David Forster

"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast."

If you're stuck reacting all day, this episode with David Forster hands you the blueprint: clarify roles, codify the 80%, install scorecards that measure what matters, and make Profit First automatic so cash is where you need it—when you need it.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why "boring, repeatable systems" beat heroics—and how to build them for people who crave structure.
• The clarity–consistency–accountability trio: what each really means in day-to-day ops.
• The 90–180 day "adoption dip" and how to push through it.
• Scorecards: tie activity → ratios → results (and stop tracking vanity metrics).
• Onboarding that sets the fence lines (and uses QR'd micro-videos for field teams).
• The "Think Like Me" cheat sheet so crews can make good calls without you.
• Profit First with Relay: reducing "move-the-money" friction to near zero.

Key Takeaways:

• Build for the 80%. Don't rewrite SOPs for one-off edge cases; keep them simple and usable.
• Adoption is a habit curve. Expect drop-off at 90–180 days; consistency wins.
• Scorecards must link effort to outcomes (e.g., calls → close ratio → sales). If it doesn't predict success, drop it.
• "Fence lines" create safety. Reward following process; improve the process when outcomes miss.
• Systemize onboarding. Use bite-size clips + QR codes; new hires set the tone for the rest.
• Cash discipline ≠ harder work. Automate allocations (Relay) so Profit First happens without willpower.

Bio:

David Forster is the founder of Systems Over Sweat and a strategic expert in business operations for home service businesses scaling past $1M - $5M in revenue. With over 20 years of experience building, scaling, and exiting service companies, David helps owners escape the chaos by fixing the processes that are quietly draining their time, profit, and energy. He's not a theorist—he's a tactician. David works with business owners to eliminate inefficiencies, simplify operations, and build scalable systems that allow the business to grow without the owner needing to be involved in every little decision. He's the guy that makes sure your operations actually operate.

Links:

Website: https://www.systemsoversweat.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rdavidforster/

Conclusion:

Scale doesn't come from working harder—it comes from designing clarity, codifying the 80%, and reviewing scorecards with courage. Pair that with automated Profit First allocations and you'll stop firefighting and start compounding profit.

#ProfitFirst #CashFlow #SmallBusiness #Trades #EOS #SOPs #Scorecard #OwnerPay #RelayBanking #Operations #Accountability #CFO

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

Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available!

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.

Profit First with Megan Schwan

Most owners chase revenue and wonder why cash keeps disappearing.

In this episode, Rocky sits down with Megan Schwan—CEO of Sidekick Accounting and a certified Profit First Professional—to unpack the simple systems that turn chaos into cash: clean books, pricing discipline, expense sweeps, and a short list of actionable KPIs. If you want fewer surprises and fatter reserves, start here.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why "good books" are your #1 tax saver—and the foundation for pricing and fraud control.
• How Profit First creates guardrails, gut-checks overspending, and builds real reserves.
• The expense analysis that finds instant profit (and all those "I thought I canceled" subs).
• The handful of KPIs to watch: break-even, month-end bank balance trend, gross & net margins, plus 1–2 lead metrics.
• Why owners must read the balance sheet (AR, debt, cash) to explain the "profit but no cash" mystery.
• S-Corp myths vs reality: costs, payroll, compliance, and when it doesn't save you a dime.
• The mindset gap: let data overrule fear and emotion—especially in weird markets.

Key Takeaways:

• Clean books first; dashboards second. Messy inputs = misleading decisions.
• Profit First is a behavior system that forces lean ops and automatic reserves.
• Trim subscriptions and non-ROI spend quarterly. Every line needs a purpose.
• Track few, not many: break-even, margin, cash trend, and one lead indicator.
• Entity choice is strategy—don't elect S-Corp on hype; do the math.

Bio:

Megan Schwan is the CEO and Founder of Sidekick Accounting Services, a national, virtual accounting firm working to change the statistic that 8 out of 10 small businesses fail. For over a decade, Megan and her team have educated 1000's of owners on their business accounting and taxes in order to create sustainable and successful businesses. Being in the accounting industry for over 2 decades, Megan has seen and experienced plenty of businesses' red flags and triumphs.

Links:

Website: www.sidekick-accounting.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meganmschwan/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mompreneurof4/

Conclusion:

Revenue is loud. Cash is quiet. Use Profit First to build guardrails, clean up the books so pricing and KPIs tell the truth, and revisit entity and expenses with a strategic eye. A 20-minute weekly review beats a 20-hour crisis. Start small; stay disciplined; let the numbers lead.

#ProfitFirst #CashFlow #Bookkeeping #SmallBusiness #KPIs #PricingStrategy #Entrepreneurship #CFO #TaxPlanning #BusinessSystems

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

Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available!

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.

Simple Numbers, Big Profits with Greg Crabtree: How to Scale Without Debt or Chaos

Most business owners chase revenue—and lose sight of profit. In this episode of Profit Answer Man, Rocky Lalvani sits down with Greg Crabtree, author of Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits, to cut through the noise and talk about what really drives a successful business. A self-described "recovering accountant," Greg shares how data—not opinions—can transform how entrepreneurs see their numbers, make decisions, and grow sustainably.

If you've ever felt like your financial reports are confusing or your growth isn't showing up in profit, this conversation will show you exactly where to look and what to fix.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why accounting data is often misleading—and how to use "simple numbers" instead.
• How to measure labor efficiency so your team drives profit, not just revenue.
• The power of gross margin as the real top line of your business.
• Why debt-free growth is possible with strong cash discipline.
• What Greg's 100-company study reveals about the real state of today's economy.

Key Takeaways:

• Gross Margin is King – Stop paying attention to revenue. Profit lives in the margin.
• Know Your Labor Efficiency Ratio – Every $1 in labor should create $2 in gross margin.
• Cash is a Strategy – Keep two months of operating expenses in the bank—your safety net for growth.
• The Economy is Shifting – Growth won't come from the market; it'll come from taking share from weaker competitors.
• Simplify Your Dashboard – If a number doesn't drive a decision, take it off the report.

Bio:

Greg Crabtree, speaker, author, entrepreneur and financial expert. Greg founded his own firm Crabtree, Rowe and Berger to focus on helping entrepreneurs build their economic engine. After being named to the INC 5000 list for 2019, Greg's firm merged with Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPA's and Advisors, a top 20 U.S. Accounting firm to help broaden their impact on the entrepreneur community. Greg serves as the Partner in Charge of the Simple Numbers Consulting unit.

In 2011, Greg's first book "Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits" shares his core principles of how to turn your business into a wealth building engine. In 2014, Greg contributed a chapter to Verne Harnish's book, "Scaling Up" on how to improve profits though labor efficiency. In 2020, Greg released his newest book, "Simple Numbers 2.0: Rules for Smart Scaling". Greg is a frequent speaker to groups like EO, Scaling Up (Gazelles), Metronomics, Bloom Growth, Vistage, ACETECH and many Mastermind groups and has presented in over 15 countries.

Greg also chairs the EO@Wharton Executive Education program for the last 7 years and serves as an EO Accelerator trainer since inception of the Accelerator program.

Both books are available on Amazon, Kindle and Audible.

Links:

Simple Numbers - https://www.simplenumberscri.com/

Greg Speaking - https://gregcrabtree.net/

Conclusion:

Greg Crabtree reminds us that business success isn't about how much you sell—it's about how efficiently you turn effort into profit. The future belongs to entrepreneurs who understand their numbers, make decisions from data, and lead with discipline. As Greg says, "You don't need more data—you need the right data."

Whether you're running a $1M or $10M business, this episode will help you stop guessing, start measuring, and finally take control of your profits.

#ProfitFirst #SimpleNumbers #GregCrabtree #BusinessProfitability #CashFlow #Entrepreneurship #FinancialClarity #FractionalCFO #ProfitAnswerMan #SmallBusinessFinance #GrossMargin #BusinessGrowth #CashManagement #LaborEfficiency #ProfitabilityMatters

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

Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available!

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.

How to 4X your Revenue in 4 Years with Alexis Sikorsky

Most business owners dream about growth, but few know how to scale without chaos.

In this episode of Profit Answer Man, Rocky Lalvani talks with Alexis Sikorsky, a strategic advisor who helps founders scale fast and exit strong. Alexis doesn't speak from theory—he built and sold his own Switzerland-based software company, New Access, in a $100M+ private equity deal.

He learned firsthand what it takes to go from exhaustion to exponential growth—and how the right strategy, mindset, and systems can help you 4X your revenue in just four years.

Key Lessons from the Conversation:

• Buy, Don't Just Build: Most founders try to grow by grinding harder. Alexis shows why M&A can be a faster, smarter route when done strategically—with the right due diligence and cultural alignment.
• Don't Confuse Urgent with Important: Entrepreneurs often get stuck fighting fires instead of building vision. The CEO's real job is direction and value creation—not firefighting.
• Know What You Don't Know: Private equity buyers make money because they see what founders can't. Your blind spots could be worth millions, so get help from people who've done it before.
• Fire Yourself from the Day-to-Day: If your business can't run without you, it's not scalable—or sellable. Alexis teaches founders to identify the tasks only they can do and delegate the rest.
• Build a War Chest: Business cycles are inevitable. You need 9–12 months of cash reserves to weather storms and seize opportunities instead of scrambling to survive.

Key Takeaway:

What you don't know about your business could be costing you millions.

Clarity, cash reserves, and courage to think bigger are what separate sustainable success from burnout.

About Alexis Sikorsky:

Alexis Sikorsky is a strategic advisor to founders who are serious about scaling fast and exiting strong. With a nine-figure private equity exit under his belt, Alexis isn't speaking from theory—he's lived the entrepreneurial highs and lows across decades of company building, boardroom negotiation, and international leadership. His flagship book Cashing Out lays out the APEX methodology, a four-part framework (Assess, Plan, Execute, Exit) that demystifies the journey to private equity for founders feeling stuck or overwhelmed by growth and decision fatigue.

Alexis founded, scaled, and sold New Access, a Switzerland-based software company, ultimately closing a $100M+ exit and transitioning into a new chapter as a Special Advisor to ambitious CEOs. Today, through Sikorsky Consulting and KnightScale Partners, he works with growth-stage businesses, typically doing $5M+ in annual revenue, who want to engineer their next chapter or PE exit.

Links:

Website: https://www.asikorsky.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-sikorsky-consulting/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexissikorsky/

Conclusion:

Growth without strategy is just motion.

As Alexis shared, success comes when you think like an investor—anticipate risk, build systems, and plan your exit long before you need it.

So, how many seven-figure mistakes are you willing to make?

Even six-figure owners can make million-dollar errors without financial clarity.

That's why Profit Answer Man exists—to help you keep more of what you earn and build a business that truly serves your life.

#ProfitAnswerMan #BusinessGrowth #PrivateEquity #ScaleYourBusiness #EntrepreneurMindset #MergersAndAcquisitions #CashFlow #ProfitFirst #FinancialFreedom #BusinessStrategy #Leadership

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

Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available!

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.

Scale Smarter: Use EOS to Add Another Zero with Rick Benton

When business growth starts to feel like chaos, it's time to add structure. EOS (the Entrepreneurial Operating System) gives you a clear roadmap to align people, processes, and profit — but when you combine it with the right financial systems, that's when the real transformation happens.

In this episode, Rick Benton, EOS Implementer and former multi-state business owner, joins Rocky Lalvani to unpack how EOS helps entrepreneurs simplify, scale, and create freedom. Together, they explore how visionaries can step back from the whirlwind, let go of control, and finally build a business that runs on systems — not stress.

5 Key Lessons from the Conversation:

• Let Go of the Vine. Growth starts when you release control. EOS helps visionaries trust their team, delegate effectively, and stay focused on the high-value activities that drive impact.
• Weekly Scorecards > Monthly Panic. Measure what predicts the future, not what reports the past. Weekly scorecards with 5–15 KPIs give you 52 chances a year to course-correct instead of 12.
• Finance Is the Missing Gear. EOS brings clarity, but without a financial dashboard tied to gross profit and cash flow, you can hit your goals on paper and still miss in the bank account. When EOS and Profit First systems work together, growth becomes predictable and profitable.
• From Rock Bottom to Rock Foundation. The lessons you've learned — and the systems you've built — become the foundation you can always stand on. You're not starting over; you're building from strength.
• Stop Hustling, Start Delegating. Hustle culture leads to burnout. Smart owners out-delegate, not out-work. Systems and scorecards let you scale without grinding yourself or your team down.

Key Takeaway:

EOS gives you the structure; Profit First systems make sure the structure actually pays.

Together, they align your people, vision, and numbers so your business grows with ease — and adds another zero without adding more chaos.

About Rick Benton:

Rick's entrepreneurial journey started in high school when he and a friend started an event company. Dedicated to a vision of creating the most exciting and energetic experiences, the business quickly found successes that extended far beyond the local Detroit market. Fast forward a few decades and this multi-state, award winning company provided event planning, coordination, entertainment, and AV production services for national corporate, social and educational clients.

After a successful sale and exit of the business in 2018, Rick has been a teacher, a coach, and a business consultant. His superpower is his energy and passion for business, learning and growth, always challenging the existing status quo to find better solutions. He personally understands and experienced the power of EOS and how it offers freedom for entrepreneurs to break through their ceiling, clarify and achieve their vision, while improving the lives of leadership teams, employees and their families.

Rick is excited to share that EOS power with you to achieve your VISION, gain TRACTION, and build a HEALTHY, cohesive, and fun-loving leadership team.

Links:

EOS: https://www.eosworldwide.com/rick-benton

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickbenton/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rick.benton/

Conclusion:

Scaling isn't about doing more — it's about doing the right things in the right order, backed by clear numbers. EOS brings operational discipline. Profit First adds financial confidence. When those two worlds meet, your business becomes scalable, self-managing, and sustainably profitable.

If you're ready to connect your EOS scorecard to real profit and cash flow, schedule a Profit Assessment Call with Rocky and start turning structure into wealth.

#ProfitFirst #EOS #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #CashFlow #FractionalCFO #Scorecard #Visionary #Integrator #Delegation #Systems #FinancialFreedom #SmallBusiness #ProfitAnswerMan

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

Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available!

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.

From Bankruptcy to 60 Million: The Systems Behind a Successful Exit with Jason Sisneros

Most business owners think success means more sales and more hustle.

But Jason Sisneros discovered the opposite — freedom comes from systems, not speed.

After crashing three businesses and digging himself millions into debt, Jason rebuilt from scratch. Over time, he created, scaled, and sold 26 companies with 6,800 employees for more than $60 million — all without investors or partners.

Today, through his company Built to Exit, he helps business owners do what he finally mastered: design a business that creates wealth and freedom instead of chaos and burnout.

5 Key Lessons from the Conversation:

• Every Business Exits — It's Your Choice How. You'll leave your business one way or another. Build for a custom exit, not an involuntary one.
• Assess Honestly Before You Act. A turnaround begins with clarity — know your numbers, your relationships, and what truly drives value.
• Reignite Your "Why." Many entrepreneurs lose their original purpose. Rediscovering it reignites motivation and smart decision-making.
• Profit and Cash Flow Are Different Beasts. Jason uses the Profit First envelope system to separate profit, operating cash, and free cash flow — protecting the money that builds freedom.
• Systems Create Sellable Companies. Businesses that run on process, not personality, scale faster, stress less, and are worth more when it's time to exit.

Key Takeaway:

Revenue looks impressive — but free cash flow buys freedom. Structure your money so it serves your life, not the other way around.

About Jason Sisneros:

Jason Sisneros is a battle-tested Chairman obsessed with the game of business. His focus is consistently and predictably building 5% companies and 1% business owners. Renowned as one of the brightest minds in business and innovation, Jason has worked with Fortune 500 companies like Nike, Comcast, and Microsoft. His passion, however, is for the over 100 small—to mid-cap companies he has helped optimize for maximum cash flow or wealth-harvesting exits.

Jason is sought after by business owners worldwide as a trusted resource for creating competitive advantages for their companies. His proprietary systems are called "Built To Exit" or B2X. He currently owns multiple businesses, has personally exited more than two dozen companies, and has spoken for hundreds of thousands of business owners on stages and podcasts around the world.

Jason's commitment extends beyond business. He volunteers as an undercover operative and helps fund a child sex trafficking rescue unit called SERT Ministries. Actively involved in anti-domestic violence and food insecurity initiatives, Jason believes ethical capitalism improves the world.

He champions that successful business owners are among the most generous, driving positive change globally. He considers a well-trained, robust small and mid-sized enterprise environment, where we all do business with each other, one of the most potent engines of freedom.

Links:

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BuiltToExit

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jason.sisneros.1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejasonsisneros

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-sisneros/

X: https://twitter.com/thejsisneros?lang=en

B2x Website: https://builttoexit.biz/about/

Conclusion:

Jason's journey proves that even failure can become fuel when you apply the right systems.

Whether you plan to sell someday or simply want a business that runs without you, start now: know your numbers, separate your accounts, and define your end game.

Because at the end of the day, every business exits — the smart ones are built to.

Richer Soul Ep. 459 From Drug Runner to 60 Million Exit: Jason Sisneros' Redemption Story: https://richersoul.com/ep-459-from-drug-runner-to-60m-exit-jason-sisneros-redemption-story/

#ProfitFirst #BusinessExit #CashFlow #EntrepreneurMindset #FinancialFreedom #BuiltToExit #ProfitAnswerMan #SmallBusinessGrowth #BusinessStrategy #WealthBuilding

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

Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available!

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.

Maximizing Business Value: Lessons from 800+ Deals with Matt Uhler

The Cash Discipline That Saves—or Sells—Your Business

Most companies don't go under because they lack revenue.

They go under because they run out of cash.

And the worst part? It doesn't happen overnight. It happens slowly… then suddenly.

One month, you're profitable.

The next, you're panicking over payroll and wondering what went wrong.

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Uhler—a business broker and owner who's evaluated over 2,500 companies, completed 800+ transactions, and personally owned more than 35 businesses. Matt has seen it all: the slow leaks, the bad habits, and the simple financial blind spots that quietly destroy good companies.

He's also seen what fixes them—disciplined cash management, clear financial dashboards, and owners who treat their business like an asset, not an ATM.

Key Lessons from the Conversation with Matt Uhler:

• Cash Is the Real Failure Point. Most businesses don't collapse because of competition or bad strategy — they fail when they run out of cash. Profit on paper doesn't equal money in the bank. Lesson: Cash flow is oxygen. Without reserves, one slow quarter can suffocate your business.
• Protect Your Operating Capital Floor. Matt's formula: Accounts Receivable (avg. days outstanding) + 1 Month of Fixed Expenses = Your Minimum Reserve. Lesson: Treat this number like sacred ground. No owner draws or distributions until you're above that floor.
• Watch the Percentages, Not Just the Dollars. Only about 10% of business owners track financials by percentages — yet that's where the truth hides. Lesson: A 2% increase in labor, 1% rise in COGS, and a few missed invoices can quietly erase your entire profit margin.
• "Creep" Will Kill Your Profit. Profit erosion happens quietly — small leaks across pricing, payroll, or waste. Lesson: Five small 2% inefficiencies equal a 10% hit to profit. Track it monthly and fix leaks early before they become habits.
• Run Sale-Ready, Even If You're Not Selling. Buyers pay a premium for companies with systems, diversified revenue, and consistent cash flow — but those same traits make your business easier and safer to run today. Lesson: Operate like you'll sell in three years. You'll earn more now and later.

Key Takeaway:

Cash discipline isn't boring—it's freedom.

When your reserves are full, you sleep better, make smarter decisions, and stop chasing bad business just to survive.

A profitable business is one that's calm, clear, and ready for whatever comes next.

Bio:

Matt Uhler is far from a typical business broker and acquisition strategist. Over the course of his 27-year career, he has evaluated more than 2,500 businesses, completed over 800 transactions, and successfully owned and operated more than 35 businesses across multiple industries.

Matt's journey was not without its challenges. In fact, he attributes much of his expertise to the early setbacks he faced, where he learned firsthand the pitfalls that derail many entrepreneurs. What set him apart, however, was his ability to turn those experiences into powerful lessons. This mindset, combined with his focus on strategic partnerships and creative deal structures, has allowed him to help countless clients build wealth through small business acquisitions.

Matt is founder of Amped Success, a company dedicated to educating and empowering entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors with the tools they need to confidently navigate acquisitions. He is also the creator of the Buyer's Acquisition Formula, a proven framework that is designed to reduce risk and maximize opportunities for long-term success.

27 Years Experience

Over 35 Businesses Owned

Over 800 Deals Closed

Over 2,500 Deals Evaluated

$250+ Million Transactions Funded

Links:

Website: http://www.ampedsuccess.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557299191227&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=uV765w5z0S5PYnmb&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F19x2KTYQCb%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-uhler-a9896612?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ampedsuccess?igsh=MWRrOTA1MWthOThlcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ampedsuccess?_t=ZP-8tXABIpBHxu&_r=1

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

Conclusion:

Most businesses don't fail from lack of opportunity — they fail from lack of cash discipline.

It's not the big mistake that kills them, it's the small 1–2% leaks that add up over time.

Matt reminded us that every owner needs a cash reserve floor — your operating capital formula of accounts receivable plus one month of fixed expenses. That's your safety net. Never draw below it.

He also showed how tracking percentages instead of just totals helps you catch problems early — before the slow slide becomes a sudden crash.

And finally, the mindset shift: run your business as if you'll sell it someday. Whether you do or not, that discipline makes your company stronger, more profitable, and less stressful to run.

So take a moment after this episode — look at your numbers.

Where has "creep" slipped in?

How much runway would you have if revenue stopped for 60 days?

And do you have the systems and reserves that let you sleep well at night?

#ProfitFirst #CashFlow #OperatingCapital #BusinessFinance #OwnerPay #SmallBusinessProfit #Profitability

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

Sign up to be notified when the next cohort of the Profit First Experience Course is available!

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.

Build a Business That Serves Your Life (Not the Other Way Around) with John Nieuwenburg

Small business owners are great technicians—but often underpowered CEOs.

Coach John Nieuwenburg breaks down why most owners feel squeezed by time, team, and money—and how to fix it. We cover building a simple, real-time dashboard (so you stop driving by the rear-view mirror), the "three-legged stool" of systems-people-leadership, recruiting a bench before you're desperate, plus hiring for culture over skills. The goal: a business that funds—and fits—your life.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why most small business owners struggle with time, team, and money—and how to regain control.
• How to build a dashboard with 3–5 KPIs that actually predict success, instead of relying on lagging P&Ls.
• The three-legged stool of systems, people, and leadership—and why systems must run the business.
• The 85/15 rule: systematize the routine, humanize the exceptions.
• How to shift from avoidance to mastery in crucial conversations with your team.
• Why recruiting should be ongoing—build a bench before you need it.
• The truth about culture: you don't get the one you want, you get the one you deserve.
• Why you must hire for culture and train for skills, not the other way around.
• The real purpose of a small business: to fund the life of its owner.

Key Takeaways:

• Dashboards beat rear-view P&Ls: pick 3–5 KPIs owners can act on weekly.
• The 3-legged stool: systems run the business; people run systems; you lead people.
• Systematize 85% (routine), humanize 15% (exceptions). Seek system fixes, not people fixes.
• Recruit before you need it—build a bench so you can enforce standards without fear.
• Hire for culture, train for skill; most terminations are culture, not skill.
• Crucial conversations are a core leadership skill; avoidance is expensive.
• Purpose check: Your small business should serve your life. If not, change it.

Guest Bio:

John Nieuwenburg is a business coach (since 2004) who's helped 320+ small-business owners increase profits, remove chaos, and reclaim their lives. Formerly President of BC Liquor Stores (>$3B revenue; 4,000 employees), he was named MacKay CEO Forums' "Canada's CEO Trusted Advisor—Small Business" in 2019. He leads W5 Coaching, applying a Socratic approach to help owners think clearly and act decisively.

Links:

https://w5coaching.com/

https://www.facebook.com/john.nieuwenburg/

https://ca.linkedin.com/in/business-coach-canada

Conclusion:

At the end of the day, your business should exist to serve you—not consume you. As John Nieuwenburg reminds us, small businesses thrive when owners stop running by the "rear-view mirror," build dashboards that give them clarity, systematize their operations, and lead with courage in conversations and culture. The reward? A business that creates both profit and peace of mind. If your company isn't giving you the freedom and financial security you started it for, it's time to make the shifts that put your life back at the center.

#ProfitFirst #SmallBusiness #CashFlow #BusinessCoach #KPIs #Dashboards #Systems #Leadership #Hiring #CompanyCulture