The Cash Flow CFO Podcast

“Profit is not a dirty word. It’s okay to want your business to make money.”

-Constance Wannamaker

Welcome to a brand new episode of the Cash Flow CFO Podcast. Join me on this episode as I have an insightful conversation with Constance Wannamaker.

Join us to learn the whole story!

“A plan gives you peace of mind. When you know what’s coming, you stop reacting and start leading.”

-Constance Wannamaker

Finding Purpose Through Law

Constance Wanamaker’s path into law stemmed from a passion for social justice and helping underserved communities. While working with migrant farm workers during college, she experienced firsthand the severe conditions they endured. This sparked a realization: while social service work provided temporary relief, legal advocacy could offer lasting systemic change. That insight led her to pursue law school with the intent of becoming a farm worker attorney—a mission she followed through on.

The Critical Role of Due Diligence in Acquisitions

Beyond the financials and legal contracts, it's vital to assess how the business functions on a daily basis and whether the team in place can continue operations without the owner. Often, sellers misrepresent their businesses as “professionally managed” when they are actually heavily dependent on the owner. Understanding the roles of existing staff, identifying leadership gaps, and knowing how work is distributed are essential in ensuring a smooth transition and long-term sustainability post-acquisition.

Acquisitions vs. Organic Growth: The Strategic Advantage

Constance and I highlight the advantages of acquisitions over organic growth. Launching a new office from scratch involves finding space, furnishing it, hiring staff, and building brand awareness—an expensive and time-consuming process. Acquiring an existing firm, on the other hand, provides instant infrastructure, client base, and revenue. She also notes the market opportunity in acquiring law firms led by retiring attorneys, especially those still operating with outdated methods. These businesses can be quickly modernized for greater efficiency and profitability.

Turning Business Expenses into Profit Centers

Rather than continually outsourcing services such as software development or call center support, businesses could consider acquiring companies in those verticals. This approach not only reduces long-term costs but can create new revenue streams. It’s a model that encourages building an ecosystem of interconnected businesses, optimizing customer lifetime value, and increasing operational control—a strategy relevant to entrepreneurs across industries.

“The best time to get control of your money is today—not when you’re bigger, or busier, or making more.”

-Constance Wannamaker

Want to get in touch with Andrea Jenson?

Website: https://thecashflowcfo.com/

Podcast: https://pod.co/the-cash-flow-cfo-podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cash-flow-cfo/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecashflow.cfo/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0kQopRCt9TEbgYjmqA4SMQ

Want to get in touch with Constance Wannamaker?

Website: http://crwannamakerlaw.com/inicio

Facebook: http://facebook.com/crwannamakerlawpllc

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

TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@abogadaconstance

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcEu44jCVDX79foJl02cKQ/videos?view=0&sort=dd&shelf_id=0

"Taxes are just a complex math problem. Two plus two, whether you do it or an MIT doctor does it, is still four."

- Greg Gosman

In this episode of The Cashflow CFO Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Greg Gosman, an experienced tax professional who has spent over 14 years helping businesses thrive. With a background in finance, accounting, and a master's in taxation, Greg’s unique approach goes beyond tax preparation—he’s all about being a strategic partner for his clients. We talked about his journey, his passion for teaching, and how he helps business owners navigate the complex world of taxes while planning for long-term success.

Join us to learn the whole story!

"The biggest mistakes people make are setting up their business wrong from the start and not surrounding themselves with the right professionals."

- Greg Gosman

Why Regular Engagement with Your Tax Professional Matters

Greg shared incredible insights into what sets great tax professionals apart: the ability to educate, connect, and make the process less intimidating for clients. He emphasized the importance of engaging regularly with your tax preparer—quarterly check-ins can prevent surprises and lead to better results. We also discussed how a strong partnership with your tax professional can help you protect and grow your biggest asset—your business—by staying proactive and strategic with financial planning.

The Importance of Smart Business Setup and Professional Guidance

One key takeaway was Greg’s advice for setting up a business properly from the start. He covered essential topics like choosing the right entity structure, selecting the right accounting method, and surrounding yourself with the right professionals. These decisions can make a huge difference in how your business operates and how much tax you end up paying. Greg also explained why being intentional about these choices can save you time, money, and stress down the line.

Building Trust and Confidence in Your Finances

Finally, we dove into the bigger picture of building trust and communication with your financial team. Greg shared how he approaches client relationships with a teaching mindset, helping business owners feel confident about their finances rather than overwhelmed. Whether it’s understanding tax planning, maximizing profit margins, or preparing for the future, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you take your business to the next level. Don’t miss it!

"It's about understanding the bigger picture of your business and how taxes fit into that. It's not just about what you owe, but about planning for what’s ahead."

- Greg Gosman

Want to get in touch with Greg Gosman?

Email: [email protected]

Want to get in touch with Andrea Jenson?

Website: https://thecashflowcfo.com/

Podcast: https://pod.co/the-cash-flow-cfo-podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cash-flow-cfo/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0kQopRCt9TEbgYjmqA4SMQ

“With any business startup, if you're in the entrepreneurial space already, you need to be saying next 3 to 5 years, where could I be if I'm doing something now that no one else is willing to do?”

- Neil Twa

Welcome to a brand new episode of the Cash Flow CFO Podcast. Join me for a savvy conversation about e-commerce with Neil Twa, CEO and co-founder of Voltage Holdings. Neil benefits from more than 17 years of experience in online and offline business development, and focuses on maximizing e-commerce platforms like Amazon FBA. He’s successfully launched multiple brands, generating eight-figure revenues, and helped thousands of entrepreneurs build profitable businesses. Neil and I revisit his journey, from the corporate setting of IBM, to entrepreneurship, to consulting.

Join us to learn the whole story!

“There's really four things we focus on: the time, energy, attention, and money aspects of building these businesses correctly because they are assets. It is like building a house and you wouldn't go out and just skimp on the cheapest lumber for your house and expect it to live for 40 years.”

- Neil Twa

Fail Forward

Neil shares how pivoting through failures and embracing his entrepreneurial spirit led him to the world of e-commerce. From selling services to building physical product brands, Neil reveals the strategies he’s honed for success in a rapidly evolving marketplace. He discusses the importance of combining digital and physical product ecosystems, adapting to industry changes, and the mindset shifts necessary to thrive as a brand builder.

Staying Nimble

We also explore the state of e-commerce today, from Amazon's evolving landscape, to navigating supply chain challenges, to newer players like TikTok Shop and Tmall. Neil emphasizes the importance of focusing on profitability, creating value-driven brands, and targeting the right customer segments to differentiate from low-cost competitors.

“Lambo Hopes and Dreams”

Neil leaves us with invaluable advice: think long-term, build your business as an asset, and focus on purpose plus value to achieve sustainable profits. He tells us this remains true, whether you’re just starting out, or deep into scaling your business. Neil says purely profit-seeking entrepreneurs, who are indifferent toward their products, and don’t care about relationship building, fail “99% percent of the time.”

“…profits should not beget purpose and value. And I think a lot of people forget that aspect when they start businesses because they're solely bent on the idea of how much money it can make.”

- Neil Twa

Claim a free copy of Neil’s book by following this link https://www.voltagedm.com/freebook and entering the discount code CASHFLOW.

It’s also available on Amazon.

Want to get in touch with Neil Twa?

Website: https://www.voltagedm.com

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

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

Want to get in touch with Andrea Jenson?

Website: https://thecashflowcfo.com

Podcast: https://pod.co/the-cash-flow-cfo-podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cash-flow-cfo

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecashflow.cfo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0kQopRCt9TEbgYjmqA4SMQ

"Selling your business without a broker is like signing a complex legal document without consulting an attorney—it’s not worth the risk."

- Geoff Bruskin

Hi, it’s Andrea Jenson here, and welcome to The Cashflow CFO Podcast! In this episode, I had an eye-opening conversation with Geoff Bruskin, a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) specialist who works with CPA and accounting firms—and businesses across industries—to help them successfully sell or transition ownership. Geoff shared fascinating insights into how M&A trends are shaping the financial landscape, especially in service-based industries. If you’re a business owner thinking about the future of your company, this one’s for you.

Join us to learn the whole story!

"The demand for businesses right now is unprecedented; whether you’re a half-million-dollar firm or a $50 million company, there’s opportunity waiting."

- Geoff Bruskin

The Importance of Clean Financials

Geoff dove into the critical role of having clean, proactive financials when preparing for a sale. It’s not just about having accurate books; it’s about knowing your cash flow, identifying profit drivers, and presenting your business as a polished, valuable asset. We also discussed why having a professional team on your side—whether it’s a fractional CFO like me or a dedicated broker—is essential for reducing risks and maximizing the value of your business.

The Second Bite of the Apple

A big highlight of our chat was Geoff’s advice on the second bite of the apple. Selling your business doesn’t always mean walking away entirely. In fact, staying involved post-sale can open up opportunities for even bigger financial gains down the road. We talked about how partnerships and strategic mergers can allow owners to leverage resources they wouldn’t have on their own, making their companies—and their returns—grow exponentially.

Booming M&A Demand

Finally, we explored the booming demand in the M&A space. Geoff shared how today’s buyers aren’t just private equity firms—they’re also strategic players looking to expand into complementary industries. If you’ve ever considered selling or merging your business, now might be the perfect time to explore the possibilities.

"Clean books aren’t just a requirement for selling your business—they’re the foundation for telling the story of your success."

- Geoff Bruskin

Want to get in touch with Geoff Bruskin?

Website:: www.whitetigerconnections.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-bruskin-14184865/

Want to get in touch with Andrea Jenson?

Website: https://thecashflowcfo.com

Podcast: https://pod.co/the-cash-flow-cfo-podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cash-flow-cfo

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecashflow.cfo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0kQopRCt9TEbgYjmqA4SMQ

“If you have a business model that is profitable and you have identified, why am I in a cash flow problem? Do not go throwing good money at a bad problem because it's only going to get worse and that hole is just going to keep getting deeper and deeper for you.”

- Andrea Jenson

Welcome to a brand new episode of the Cash Flow CFO Podcast. Join me for this presentation I gave on cash flow management for scaling businesses. We dive into ten actionable strategies that will help you anticipate and manage cash inflows and outflows effectively. From professional services to retail and coaching, I discuss challenges like late supplier payments, maxed-out credit lines, and missing growth opportunities due to cash shortages. If you’ve been feeling the squeeze, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are solutions!

Join us to learn the whole story!

“If you feel like you need to hire more team because you can't deliver on what you're selling, then that tells me you've got a pricing issue because you should have plenty of money if the sales are humming along.”

- Andrea Jenson

Looking Forward Not Backward

I highlight the importance of having a cash flow forecast to fill the void between your profit and bank balance. This tool helps you anticipate shortfalls by tracking all cash activities, including debt servicing and equity draws, and is essential for managing seasonality in your business. We also discuss ways to enhance cash inflows by invoicing promptly, improving collections, and offering incentives to encourage early payments.

Keep Your Cash

We explore strategies to slow down outflows, such as negotiating with vendors, prioritizing expenses, and conducting regular reviews of subscriptions and services. For businesses with inventory, adopting a just-in-time model can free up cash tied to unused stock. I also share how to boost profit margins by optimizing pricing, negotiating supplier rates, and finding efficiencies in delivering your products or services.

Bridge the Gap

We talk about personnel management during cash flow crunches, such as delaying hiring and optimizing existing team utilization. I touch on financing options, like lines of credit, but only when your business model is profitable and you’ve identified the root cause of cash flow issues. Remember, with the right tools and strategies, you can confidently navigate cash flow challenges and position your business for sustainable growth.

“…you either need to increase your prices or you need to find a cheaper way to deliver on what it is you're selling.”

- Andrea Jenson

Want to get in touch with Andrea Jenson?

Website: https://thecashflowcfo.com

Podcast: https://pod.co/the-cash-flow-cfo-podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cash-flow-cfo

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecashflow.cfo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0kQopRCt9TEbgYjmqA4SMQ

“Look, if you don't have an organic wow factor, then you have to come up with one.”

- John Dwyer

Welcome to a brand new episode of the Cash Flow CFO Podcast. Join me for this interview with John Dwyer, who’s built quite a global reputation for his extraordinary marketing strategies. Founder of the Institute of Wow, John is a direct response marketing expert known for his outside-the-box thinking. He made waves when he brought Jerry Seinfeld out of retirement to promote an Australian bank with a record-breaking free vacation campaign. This brilliant approach turned heads in the banking industry and set new standards for incentive-based marketing.

Join us to learn the whole story!

“My advice to small or medium sized businesses is stop price discounting. Use a Happy Meal toy philosophy to actually distinguish your products or services from the competitors, and you just watch what happens.”

- John Dwyer

What’s My Reward?

In our conversation, John shares his philosophy: businesses must “wow” their customers to stand out. From small businesses to corporate giants like Disney and KFC, John has crafted incentive-driven campaigns that drive measurable results. He explains how businesses can use platforms like Facebook and Instagram to run creative, targeted campaigns—turning contests and giveaways into lead-generation gold. He highlights that most businesses miss opportunities to incentivize customers, often defaulting to price cuts instead of using compelling rewards to boost engagement.

Everyone Should Get a Toy

John breaks down his Happy Meal-inspired strategy: providing low-cost, high-value incentives like vacations that customers perceive as valuable. Whether you’re running a plumbing business or selling braces, these incentive-driven campaigns attract highly interested leads who are ready to buy. John also explains the practicality of these techniques, which keep promotional expenses well in check, despite outwardly seeming big giveaways.

Red Hot Leads

If you’re looking to supercharge your marketing and outshine competitors, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Tune in to hear how simple tweaks in your marketing approach can deliver exceptional results and keep your business thriving.

“…if you give someone something like a vacation…three, four, or five nights to Vegas or Orlando or New York…and it's worth $1,000 but it only cost you $50, that's when you've got the winner.”

- John Dwyer

Want to get in touch with John Dwyer? 

Website: https://getmorejd.com

Website: https://theinstituteofwow.com

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/instituteofwow

Want to get in touch with Andrea Jenson?

Website: https://thecashflowcfo.com

Podcast: https://pod.co/the-cash-flow-cfo-podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cash-flow-cfo

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecashflow.cfo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0kQopRCt9TEbgYjmqA4SMQ

“If you can take your business from an owner-operated one to a professionally managed one, you might double your multiple—and that doesn’t come overnight.”

- Chris Williams

Welcome back to a new episode of the Cash Flow CFO Podcast! Today’s episode is all about growing your business, especially through acquisitions. I’m joined by Chris Williams, CEO of System Six, a fully-remote outsourced accounting firm serving over 200 customers and 40 team members nationwide. Chris acquired the firm in 2021 and is thrilled to spend his time growing the firm organically and through strategic acquisitions while importantly protecting its mission to become the best place to work in remote accounting. Oh, and exciting news—Chris is about to become a dad!

Join us to learn the whole story!

“I either want to start a business or go buy a business, decided I was better to sort of take something that was existing, buy it, and then try to grow it.”

- Chris Williams

The Power of Acquisitions

Chris dives into what it takes to grow through acquisitions. He explains how buying a business can speed up growth but comes with risks, like managing new clients and team members all at once. We also talk about making businesses “professionally managed” instead of relying on the owner for everything. Chris shares how this change can double the value of a business!

Staying Focused and Efficient

We discuss why focus and efficiency matter. Chris shares examples of businesses that thrived by sticking to their strengths and others that struggled when they chased trendy ideas. Plus, we chat about how technology and AI can help save time and money. Little changes can add up to big savings and give you more resources to grow.

Scaling Your Business Smarter

This episode provides a roadmap for business owners looking to scale, whether through acquisitions or by optimizing their current operations. From the importance of building a solid management team to leveraging technology for better margins, Chris and I cover actionable steps to make your business more efficient and profitable. You’ll learn how focusing on core strengths, cutting unnecessary expenses, and planning for the long term can set your company up for sustainable growth and success.

“It’s riskier, but it moves the needle faster... We can move the needle faster towards our goals. It just means a little more risk. And I was willing to take that risk on.”

- Chris Williams

Want to get in touch with Chris Williams?

Website: www.systemsix.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-williams-68057029/

Want to get in touch with Andrea Jenson?

Website: https://thecashflowcfo.com/

Podcast: https://pod.co/the-cash-flow-cfo-podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cash-flow-cfo/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0kQopRCt9TEbgYjmqA4SMQ

“If you could only look at six numbers, here's the most important ones for you to keep an eye on. They're going to help you understand the health of your business and how things are going in relation to where you are and the activities that your business is undergoing to get you to that end result of what it is that you are trying to achieve with the business."

- Andrea Jenson

Welcome back to a new episode of the Cash Flow CFO Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into the six key numbers every business owner should focus on at the end of each month. These metrics are crucial for understanding the health of your business, and I want to make sure you know exactly what to look for. We’ll break down each number so that you can confidently review your financial reports and make informed decisions.

Join us to learn the whole story!

“There are some crazy statistics out there that nearly 30% of the businesses that go under do so because of cash flow problems, and the number one source of cash flow problems generally leads back to a bad business model and too high of a percentage of cost of goods sold."

- Andrea Jenson

By focusing on these six metrics, you'll have a comprehensive view of your business's financial health. They’ll help you make informed decisions, adjust strategies as needed, and ultimately steer your business toward success. So, take some time each month to review these numbers, and you'll be well on your way to running a thriving business.

Want to get in touch with Andrea Jenson?

Website: https://thecashflowcfo.com

Podcast: https://pod.co/the-cash-flow-cfo-podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cash-flow-cfo

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecashflow.cfo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0kQopRCt9TEbgYjmqA4SMQ

"Having a healthy accounts receivable is really going to keep the business self-sustained, relying on their own cash flow that's being generated from sales and delivery without having to go out to outside resources."

- Andrea Jenson

Welcome to a brand new episode of the Cash Flow CFO Podcast. Join me for a conversation about an issue that's been cropping up a lot lately... slowdowns with accounts receivable. If you're noticing a delay in your receivables, it's crucial to address it before it impacts your cash flow and ability to meet financial obligations. I discuss some actionable strategies you can implement right now to help get your cash flow back on track and keep your business self-sustaining.

Join me to learn the whole story!

"When you have a prolonged accounts receivable problem, it's going to catch up with you and eventually it could potentially damage your credit ratings and increase the cost of borrowing money down the road."

- Andrea Jenson

Identifying Root Causes and Prioritizing Receivables

Both external factors, like economic downturns, and internal inefficiencies can cause delays in getting paid. I share the importance of identifying the root causes of these delays and how to prioritize your receivables to collect on high-value invoices first. Additionally, I highlight the significance of maintaining open and personal communication with your clients, which can help facilitate faster payments and strengthen your working relationships.

Optimizing Internal Processes

Once you've addressed immediate receivables issues, it's essential to optimize your internal processes to prevent future delays. From improving invoicing timelines to implementing automated systems, I cover practical steps you can take to tighten up your accounts receivable management. And beyond that, I emphasize the importance of clear contract terms and creditworthiness checks to ensure you're extending credit to reliable clients.

Proactive Communication

I also encourage you to be proactive in reaching out to clients with outstanding invoices. Most delays aren't due to malice but simple issues that can be resolved with a quick conversation. By staying on top of your receivables and fostering transparent communication, you can avoid cash flow problems and keep your business running smoothly. If you need more specific advice or templates, feel free to reach out—I'm here to help!

"If your team is doing that confirmation check-in to make sure that the client received the invoice, they can also be saying, 'We also want to make sure that there's accuracy and we're clear on the terms.'"

- Andrea Jenson

Want to get in touch with Andrea Jenson?

Website: https://thecashflowcfo.com

Podcast: https://pod.co/the-cash-flow-cfo-podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cash-flow-cfo

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecashflow.cfo

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0kQopRCt9TEbgYjmqA4SMQ

“Having a plan in place is what removes the stress and the worry and the weight of managing your finances because otherwise we’re kind of just throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks."

- Andrea Jenson

Welcome back to a brand new episode of the Cash Flow CFO Podcast! In today’s solo episode, I’m excited to talk about a discovery call I had with a potential client that reignited my passion for what we do at The Cashflow CFO. During our conversation, I had a light bulb moment about the common frustrations business owners face when it comes to making financial decisions. Despite having a CPA and a bookkeeper, many still feel like they’re in the dark, unsure how to use their financial data to guide their business.

Join us to learn the whole story!

“Everybody in your finance division has a role to play... and most business owners, they have the bookkeeper, they have the tax preparer, the CPA, and they’re still saying, ‘I’m missing something.’"

- Andrea Jenson

The Importance of Forward-Looking Planning Tools

The key issue we discussed was the difference between historical financial reports and forward-looking planning tools. Many business owners rely on their profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, but these documents are backward-looking and don’t help much in planning future moves. What’s missing is a strategic plan that includes forecasting, sales projections, and a clear understanding of where you want your business to be in the next one, three, or five years.

Planning Ahead for Business Growth

We also talked about the importance of knowing your sales pipeline and understanding your sales conversion rate. By planning ahead, you can ensure that you have the right team and resources in place to handle future business. This kind of strategic planning removes the stress and guesswork from managing your finances, helping you to make informed decisions about hiring, investing, and scaling your business.

Allocating Revenue for Success

Finally, I walked him through how to allocate revenue into different budget categories, like cost of goods sold, marketing, general and administrative expenses, and profit. This approach helps ensure that you’re a good steward of your business’s money while still achieving your financial goals. It was a great conversation, and I hope it helps you too! If you have any questions or want to chat more, feel free to reach out to me at TheCashflowCFO.com.

“You have to create the plan. The plan has to align with your big picture vision, right? Because you have the vision and you're backing it up with strategy and that strategy comes at a cost."

- Andrea Jenson

Want to get in touch with Andrea Jenson?

Website: https://thecashflowcfo.com/

Podcast: https://pod.co/the-cash-flow-cfo-podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-cash-flow-cfo/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0kQopRCt9TEbgYjmqA4SMQ