Run the Numbers

Saying the quiet part out loud


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This one’s for anyone who’s ever mistaken SaaS metrics for gospel. I sit down (ok, dine out) with two CFOs—one from a dating app, the other from an HVAC parts company—and come away questioning the whole tech-is-king narrative.

Turns out, the guy replacing dirty rugs in Georgia public schools pulled in $22 million last year. And no, he doesn’t have a Substack.

In this episode:

* A billion-dollar business that makes… bolts

* SaaS dreams vs. rug-cleaning realities

* The myth of “build it once, sell it forever”

* Why R&D is just COGS in a costume

* A gentle roast of hustle culture and spreadsheet empires

This is a reminder that while tech has its perks, the world is full of quiet, profitable businesses that don’t require churn curves or pitch decks. Sometimes, the best margins come with dirt under the fingernails.

Run the Numbers is brought to you by Zenskar.

Zenskar is an AI-powered order-to-cash platform that automates billing, revenue recognition, and SaaS reporting — no spreadsheets, no engineering required. Built for modern B2B companies, Zenskar supports any pricing model: subscriptions, usage-based, or complex custom contracts.

Step into the future of finance today. Visit zenskar.com/rtn and book a demo!



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Run the NumbersBy CJ Gustafson

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