Episodios

  • 283 - Building Your Business Function Chart with AI: A Guide to Business Function Charts (Part 2)

    283 - Building Your Business Function Chart with AI: A Guide to Business Function Charts (Part 2)
    Nov 27 2025
    Struggling to visualize how your business actually functions? In this practical follow-up episode, Martin and Khalil demonstrate how to create comprehensive business function charts using AI tools like Claude. Learn how to map out your entire sales process, identify sub-functions, define core activities, and transform chaotic operations into clear, manageable systems for your contracting business.What You’ll LearnHow to create visual function charts that clarify business operationsThe difference between functions, sub-functions, and core activitiesTechniques for using AI to map and organize your business processesHow to identify ownership of critical business activitiesPractical steps to transform abstract workflows into actionable systemsTime Stamps00:39 - Episode Intro01:27 - Visualizing the Workflow02:56 - Detailed Workflow Breakdown06:21 - Defining Business Functions18:56 - Understanding Core Activities and Checklists21:16 - Creating a Function Chart23:42 - Exploring Wispr Flow29:02 - Mapping Roles and FunctionsSnippets from the Episode"When you think about SOPs and checklists, you really want to start with checklists at the core activity level. That basic level is where you create your checklists for the things you need to do."- Khalil Benalioulhaj"By having this function chart together, you can really start to map your business. You can map roles, identify who owns each activity, and figure out capacity issues across your team."- Khalil Benalioulhaj"How cool would it be for your business if you were thinking, 'Hey, I'm trying to work on my business. Where do we have the most problems? Which sub-function is causing us the most issues right now?'" - Khalil Benalioulhaj"Unlike an org chart, in a function chart one person can own multiple sub-functions. You're not saying this is your role, you're telling people these are the things you need to do."- Khalil BenalioulhajKey TakeawaysFunction Hierarchy MattersStart With Visual MappingCore Activities Need ChecklistsAI Can Build Your FrameworkAssign Ownership to FunctionsFocus on Problem Sub-FunctionsMap Your Tech Stack to FunctionsResourcesCFC 280 - Mapping Your Workflows with AI: A Guide to Business Function Charts Part 1WisprFlow Referral LinkClaude Artifact - Sales WorkflowClaude Artifact - Sales Function ChartClaude AI PowerPoint/Google Slides HTML Flowchart GeneratorsKanban board systems⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠24 Things⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Construction Business Owners Need to Successfully Hire & Train an Executive Assistant⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a 15-Minute Roadblock CallCheck out⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OpenPhone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Build a Business that Runs without you. Explore our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GrowthKits⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Need Marketing Help? We Recommend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Benali⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need Help with podcast production? We recommend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Demandcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Martin Holland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theprofitproblem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠annealbc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from The Cash Flow ContractorSubscribe to our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow On Social:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X(formerly Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Cashflow Contractor
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    41 m
  • 282 - Are You Losing Money on Every Service Call?

    282 - Are You Losing Money on Every Service Call?
    Nov 20 2025
    Is your service department draining profits instead of generating them? In this practical episode, Martin and Khalil tackle a real contractor dilemma: how to transform service calls from costly overhead into a profitable business segment. Discover why your current pricing model might be leaving thousands on the table and the straightforward systems you need to fix it.What You’ll LearnWhy mixing service and install teams creates hidden profit leaksHow to properly calculate service call pricing (hint: it's much higher than you think)Simple systems to separate service operations for clarity and profitabilityWhy treating service as a "loss leader" is destroying your marginsTime Stamps00:52 - Episode Intro01:02 - The Service Dilemma03:23 - Exploring Solutions and Pricing17:37 - Final Thoughts and TakeawaysSnippets from the Episode"If I can't figure out what something costs me and what I gotta sell it for, then I shouldn't be doing it." - Martin Holland"I think the way that this gets created is you start thinking 'If I can't service these clients, the builder's gonna get upset and not give me new jobs.' So we have it as a loss leader. That's a recipe for disaster."- Khalil Benalioulhaj"Make some estimate and just make sure the estimate is high enough that it's worth it. If we get half of our estimated calls, we still make money."- Martin Holland"You gotta know your costs. That's the takeaway."- Martin HollandKey TakeawaysDouble your service department costs at a minimum when setting pricesSeparate service from installation teams completelyStop treating service as a loss leaderUnderstand the full cost of running a dedicated service departmentBe bold with pricing until you get pushbackService should have its own tracking and profit metricsService work requires specialized skills and dedicated resourcesResources⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠24 Things⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Construction Business Owners Need to Successfully Hire & Train an Executive Assistant⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ a 15-Minute Roadblock CallCheck out⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ OpenPhone⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Build a Business that Runs without you. Explore our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GrowthKits⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Need Marketing Help? We Recommend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Benali⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need Help with podcast production? We recommend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Demandcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Martin Holland⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theprofitproblem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠annealbc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More from The Cash Flow ContractorSubscribe to our⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow On Social:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X(formerly Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Cashflow Contractor
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    20 m
  • 281 - Are You Wasting 20% of Your Business Budget? with Duane Deason

    281 - Are You Wasting 20% of Your Business Budget? with Duane Deason
    Nov 13 2025
    What if you could immediately add 10-20% to your bottom line without changing your sales strategy? In this eye-opening conversation with cost management expert Duane Deason, you'll discover why most businesses unknowingly waste thousands in unnecessary expenses and how implementing a simple cost management system can transform your profitability. Perfect for contractors who feel the cash flow squeeze but don't know where to start cutting costs.What You’ll LearnWhy most companies waste 10-20% of their budget on expenses that don't improve operationsHow to identify hidden cash flow issues without becoming a financial expertSimple strategies to create accountability for company spendingWhy cost cutting should be celebrated, not viewed as failureHow to build a culture that protects your profit marginsTime Stamps00:47 - Episode Intro02:54 - Introducing Duane Deason05:42 - Common Cost Issues in Businesses22:10 - Identifying Cash Flow Issues22:27 - Engaging Owners in Cost Management27:05 - Implementing Cost Management Centers31:04 - Incentivizing and Sustaining Cost Savings39:36 - Signature AuthoritySnippets from the Episode"Most companies I work with have 10 to 20% of their expenses that could be eliminated without changing how they operate, that's low-hanging fruit that goes straight to the bottom line."- Duane Deason"Learn to be comfortable with 'no.' You can't appease everybody. 'No' to things we can't afford yet helps us say 'yes' to what's truly important."- Duane Deason"If you want people to understand what the score is and they're responsible for the score, they need to know how to read the information."- Martin Holland"For every dollar of sales, you may pocket 10 cents. But for every dollar you save in costs, you keep the entire dollar."- Duane DeasonKey TakeawaysStart with Your Disbursement Journal, Not P&LCreate a Cost Management CenterMake Cost Savings Visible and CelebratedImplement Clear Signature Authority RulesRestrict Who Can Sign ContractsAudit Utilization of All ResourcesReframe Cost Cutting as Opportunity FindingResources⁠⁠⁠⁠24 Things⁠⁠⁠⁠ Construction Business Owners Need to Successfully Hire & Train an Executive Assistant⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule⁠⁠⁠⁠ a 15-Minute Roadblock CallCheck out⁠⁠⁠⁠ OpenPhone⁠⁠⁠⁠Build a Business that Runs without you. Explore our⁠⁠⁠⁠ GrowthKits⁠⁠⁠⁠ Need Marketing Help? We Recommend⁠⁠⁠⁠ Benali⁠⁠⁠⁠Need Help with podcast production? We recommend⁠⁠⁠⁠ Demandcast⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Duane DeasonEfficacy Group websiteDuane Deason on LinkedInOperationally Svelte: Manage Costs to Increase Profit and Enhance PerformanceWatch out for the Cost Management Center Podcast More from Martin Holland⁠⁠⁠⁠theprofitproblem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠annealbc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠More from The Cash Flow ContractorSubscribe to our⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow On Social:⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X(formerly Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Cashflow Contractor
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    49 m
  • 280 - Mapping Your Workflows with AI: A Guide to Business Function Charts

    280 - Mapping Your Workflows with AI: A Guide to Business Function Charts
    Nov 6 2025
    Khalil and Martin kick off a new series on building business function charts—starting with the foundational step: mapping your workflows. Using a real-world example from Martin’s sprinkler company, they walk through how to visualize your business processes, identify bottlenecks, and turn chaos into clarity. By learning to map how work actually flows through your operations, contractors and small business owners can improve communication, streamline execution, and lay the groundwork for scalable systems.What You’ll LearnThe difference between org charts and function charts—and why both matterHow to map workflows that clearly show how work moves through your businessWhy visualizing processes helps you manage better and reduce confusionHow tools like Kanban boards and AI can simplify workflow designPractical steps to turn mapped workflows into functional business systemsTime Stamps00:54 - Episode Intro02:20 -Understanding Business Function Charts03:12 -Real-World Workflow Example: Sprinkler Company17:54 -Job Scheduling and Preparation19:49 -Execution and Completion23:08 -Creating Workflows with AISnippets from the Episode“Everyone has workflows. Work is flowing through your business if you’re in business. But just like you said, the visual is so helpful for understanding where things actually are.” — Khalil“When we had the sprinkler company, we literally had a Kanban table before software existed. Every job was a packet that moved from one step to the next. You could walk in and see exactly where everything was.” — Martin“You can spend an hour with AI and map out your entire workflow—then clearly see what your business actually does.” — Khalil“You should be using AI in this capacity. It’s a thought partner—it helps you think through your processes, not just write emails.” — KhalilKey TakeawaysMap Before You Manage – You can’t improve what you can’t see.Visualize Workflows – Kanban systems make progress visible and predictable.Leverage AI – Use tools like Claude or ChatGPT to build, test, and refine workflows.Clarify Functions – Define what your business actually does, not just who does it.Lay the Foundation – Workflow clarity is the first step to scalable systems and future function charts.Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠24 Things⁠⁠⁠⁠ Construction Business Owners Need to Successfully Hire & Train an Executive Assistant⁠⁠⁠⁠Schedule⁠⁠⁠⁠ a 15-Minute Roadblock CallCheck out⁠⁠⁠⁠ OpenPhone⁠⁠⁠⁠Build a Business that Runs without you. Explore our⁠⁠⁠⁠ GrowthKits⁠⁠⁠⁠ Need Marketing Help? We Recommend⁠⁠⁠⁠ Benali⁠⁠⁠⁠Need Help with podcast production? We recommend⁠⁠⁠⁠ Demandcast⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Martin Holland⁠⁠⁠⁠theprofitproblem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠annealbc.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠More from Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠More from The Cash Flow ContractorSubscribe to our⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow On Social:⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X(formerly Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Cashflow Contractor
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    37 m
  • 279 - Buying the Business You Work For: Turning Experience into Ownership with Shaun Sykes

    279 - Buying the Business You Work For: Turning Experience into Ownership with Shaun Sykes
    Oct 30 2025
    Discover how 29-year-old Shaun Sykes transformed from a labor worker dragging brush to the proud owner of Arbor Image, a thriving tree care company. In this revealing conversation, Shaun shares the exact systems that allowed him to cut $47,000 in monthly overhead, increase gross profit margins from 40% to over 60%, and structure a successful ownership transition—all while making both clients and team members happier.What You’ll LearnHow to identify and cut unnecessary overhead that's killing your profitsPractical strategies to increase your gross margins by 20%+ within monthsWhy your pricing fears are holding you back (and how to overcome them)How to implement pay-for-performance systems that make your team more efficientWays to leverage global talent to multiply your business capabilitiesTime Stamps01:16 - The Glass Wall Incident03:30 -Tree Talk: Assessing the Yard04:37 -Meet Shaun Sykes: From Laborer to Arborist08:35 -The Business of Tree Care17:36 -Taking Ownership: The Journey to Becoming a Business Owner34:16 -Legal Aspects of the Deal37:56 -Cutting Overhead Costs43:46 -Leveraging Virtual Assistants for EfficiencySnippets from the Episode"My unique skill isn't being an arborist, it's aligning incentives. That is my number one skill. I love writing up incentive plans and working with the team on bonus programs." - Shaun Sykes, Owner of Arbor Image"We were paying out less money per job on labor than we ever had, and they are making more money than they've ever had." - Shaun Sykes on the pay-for-performance results"We made a 20% price increase, didn't see a drop in close rate. So we took another 20-30% increase, and then finally saw a small drop to about 50% close rate." - Shaun Sykes on pricing courage"The biggest thing that started the confidence to make changes was getting our marketing in order and having way more than enough leads." - Shaun Sykes on transformation catalyst"Nearly every change we were scared to make ended up getting us more customers because we came across as more professional."- Shaun Sykes on implementing systemsKey TakeawaysStart with your bookkeepingTrack every lead source religiouslyRaise prices until you see resistanceAlign incentives across your entire teamCut overhead ruthlessly ($47,000 monthly)Require deposits and payment methods on fileLeverage global talent for critical admin rolesResources⁠⁠⁠24 Things⁠⁠⁠ Construction Business Owners Need to Successfully Hire & Train an Executive Assistant⁠⁠⁠Schedule⁠⁠⁠ a 15-Minute Roadblock CallCheck out⁠⁠⁠ OpenPhone⁠⁠⁠Build a Business that Runs without you. Explore our⁠⁠⁠ GrowthKits⁠⁠⁠ Need Marketing Help? We Recommend⁠⁠⁠ Benali⁠⁠⁠Need Help with podcast production? We recommend⁠⁠⁠ Demandcast⁠⁠⁠More from Shaun SykesShaun Sykes - Owner, Arbor ImageArbor Image websiteMore from Martin Holland⁠⁠⁠theprofitproblem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠annealbc.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Email Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠More from Khalil⁠⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠More from The Cash Flow ContractorSubscribe to our⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠⁠Follow On Social:⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠X(formerly Twitter)⁠⁠⁠Visit our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠⁠ The Cashflow Contractor
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    1 h y 3 m
  • 278 - Maximize Your Contractor Business Sale: How Private Equity Values What You've Built with Christian Olson

    278 - Maximize Your Contractor Business Sale: How Private Equity Values What You've Built with Christian Olson
    Oct 23 2025
    Wondering if your contractor business is ready to sell for top dollar? In this eye-opening conversation with investment banker Christian Olson from Footprint Capital, we uncover why 7 out of 10 business owners accept offers without knowing their true value - potentially leaving millions on the table. Learn exactly how to position your business for maximum value with a private equity buyer.What You’ll LearnWhy standardizing systems creates higher valuations (not lower ones)How to become a "platform company" and secure a second bite of the appleThe critical difference between business brokers and investment bankersWhy culture is the hidden value multiplier buyers scrutinize mostWhen (and who) to tell about your plans to sellTime Stamps00:14 - Discussing Business Deals01:18 - Impact of Interest Rates on Business Buying & Selling03:36 - Role of Investment Bankers06:54 - Understanding Private Equity10:59 - Steps to Getting Acquired14:14 - Importance of Company Structure17:13 - Standardization and Value Creation22:33 - Culture and Management in Business Deals28:06 - Understanding Business Valuation Multiples28:39 - Importance of Due Diligence30:49 - Case Study: Electrical and Plumbing Business32:52 - Becoming a Platform Company34:06 - Rollover Equity and Second Bite of the Apple35:45 - Preparing for a Sale to Private Equity38:41 - Common Mistakes in Business Sales41:59 - The Role of Culture in Business Success49:44 - Working with Footprint Capital54:25 - Episode OutroSnippets from the Episode"Seven to eight deals out of ten are sourced proprietarily, meaning no banker, no advisor. It's basically making that one-to-one handshake with the business owner." - Christian Olson"Being on ServiceTitan and being integrated across the board drives value because now you're trading expertise to the buyer. They're picking up something they may not have tried on their own." - Christian Olson"When you think you're unique, they're getting it from the guy next door. So you're standardizing that, but then it really boils down to execution. The software is just a tool." - Christian Olson"We've had several examples where the second bite of the apple is actually worth more than the first transaction." - Christian OlsonKey TakeawaysStart preparing for sale years in advance, not monthsStandardization beats customization for maximum valuationFinancial systems and proper accounting drive buyer confidenceCulture and employee empowerment are critical value driversBecoming a platform company creates exponentially more wealthManagement team preparedness directly impacts final valuationHaving an advisor typically pays for itself many times overResources⁠⁠24 Things⁠⁠ Construction Business Owners Need to Successfully Hire & Train an Executive Assistant⁠⁠Schedule⁠⁠ a 15-Minute Roadblock CallCheck out⁠⁠ OpenPhone⁠⁠Build a Business that Runs without you. Explore our⁠⁠ GrowthKits⁠⁠ Need Marketing Help? We Recommend⁠⁠ Benali⁠⁠Need Help with podcast production? We recommend⁠⁠ Demandcast⁠⁠More from Christian OlsonLinked InFootprint Capital WebsiteMore from Martin Holland⁠⁠theprofitproblem.com⁠⁠⁠⁠annealbc.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Email Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Martin⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠More from Khalil⁠⁠benali.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠More from The Cash Flow ContractorSubscribe to our⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠Subscribe to our ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠Follow On Social:⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠,⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠,⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠X(formerly Twitter)⁠⁠Visit our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠Email⁠⁠ The Cashflow Contractor
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    58 m
  • 277 - Planning Your Exit: Building a Business That Doesn’t Need You with Aaron Mills

    277 - Planning Your Exit: Building a Business That Doesn’t Need You with Aaron Mills
    Oct 16 2025
    Want to build a construction business that runs without you? In this episode, Aaron Mills shares how accurate financials and strategic systems can transform your company from owner-dependent to highly valuable and sellable. Learn how one electrical contractor grew from $30M to $90M in four years while the owner reduced his involvement from 60 hours to just a few hours per week.What You’ll LearnHow to transform messy financials into strategic tools for growthThe importance of WIP schedules and how they reveal hidden profit opportunitiesWhy pricing increases often meet less resistance than you expectHow to strategically remove yourself from day-to-day operationsThe exact systems needed to triple net profits while working lessTime Stamps00:55 - Episode Intro02:32 - Financial Resource Optimization04:15 - Challenges in Construction Financials05:29 - Case Study: Electrical Contractor06:48 - Growing Broke: Understanding Revenue Pillars14:21 - Controller vs CFO: Roles and Responsibilities22:25 - Exiting the Business and Personal Success Stories28:51 - Understanding the WIP Schedule31:41 - Dissecting the WIP Schedule36:03 - Training Project Managers44:28 - Challenges in Implementing WIP46:03 - The Importance of Systems49:16 - Daaxit’s Free Strategy Session50:30 - Core Values and Asking for Help50:55 - The Story Behind Daaxit51:47 - Episode OutroSnippets from the Episode"If your financials are on a roller coaster month to month—if you're making a whole bunch of money one month and losing a whole bunch the next—then your financials are inaccurate and you need some help."— Aaron Mills"When you're going to sell your business, it's so much more attractive if you're not in the business running it every day. You want a business that operates by itself."— Aaron Mills"A controller's reporting the history; the CFO bridges the history to the future with the business owner and the vision."— Aaron Mills"I just took my first two weeks off. I didn't answer my phone. This spring, this summer, I've been going to my kids' sporting events for the first time ever, and I have the best relationship with my wife ever."— Construction Business Owner (Client Success Story)Key TakeawaysYour financials should be strategic tools, not just tax documentsWIP schedules reveal hidden profit opportunities when properly analyzedRaising prices on unprofitable clients is often easier than you thinkBuilding a business that runs without you increases its value dramaticallyDifferent revenue levels ($5M, $10M, $20M+) require completely different systemsProject managers need monthly financial reviews to maintain profitabilityA business that runs without you provides both financial and personal freedomResources⁠24 Things⁠ Construction Business Owners Need to Successfully Hire & Train an Executive Assistant⁠Schedule⁠ a 15-Minute Roadblock CallCheck out⁠ OpenPhone⁠Build a Business that Runs without you. Explore our⁠ GrowthKits⁠ Need Marketing Help? We Recommend⁠ Benali⁠Need Help with podcast production? We recommend⁠ Demandcast⁠More from Aaron MillsAaron Mills - Founder/ CEO DaaxitDaaxit WebsiteAaron Mills on LinkedInMore from Martin Holland⁠theprofitproblem.com⁠⁠annealbc.com⁠ ⁠Email Martin⁠⁠Meet With Martin⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠More from Khalil⁠benali.com ⁠⁠Email Khalil⁠⁠Meet With Khalil⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠Instagram⁠More from The Cash Flow ContractorSubscribe to our⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠Subscribe to our ⁠Newsletter⁠Follow On Social:⁠ LinkedIn⁠,⁠ Facebook⁠,⁠ Instagram⁠, ⁠X(formerly Twitter)⁠Visit our ⁠website⁠⁠Email⁠ The Cashflow Contractor
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    55 m
  • 276 - The #1 Mistake Contractors Make When Hiring (and How to Build a Team That Stays) with Ryan Englin

    276 - The #1 Mistake Contractors Make When Hiring (and How to Build a Team That Stays) with Ryan Englin
    Oct 9 2025
    Discover why your hiring struggles might be a marketing problem, not an HR issue. Ryan Englin of Core Matters shares how treating recruitment as a marketing activity transforms your ability to attract and retain quality talent. Learn practical strategies to build a team that stays without constantly fighting the revolving door of employees that plagues many contractors.What You’ll LearnWhy recruitment is a marketing activity, not an HR functionHow to build a "bench" of quality candidates before you need themThe true cost of a bad hire beyond just wagesWhy measuring behaviors instead of just hours leads to better team performanceHow to create systems that deliver on the promises you make to potential employeesTime Stamps01:00 - Episode & Guest Intro02:26 - Core Matters: Marketing for Recruitment04:20 - Building a Recruitment Funnel06:59 - Retention and Training Challenges11:27 - Creating a Positive Work Environment14:24 - The Importance of Growth and Reputation24:27 - Measuring Behaviors, Not Hours26:59 - Defining and Tracking Core Behaviors28:04 - Behavioral Core Values28:43 - Tracking Punctuality and Learning30:55 - One-on-One Meetings and AI Assistance33:10 - Immediate Feedback and Tough Conversations38:23 - The Cost of a Bad Hire42:08 - Profit Per Employee43:33 - Owner's Role and Return on Investment45:34 - Communicating Profitability to Employees47:49 - Using Analogies for Better Understanding49:32 - Establishing Daily or Weekly HuddlesSnippets from the Episode"Recruiting is not an HR activity. When you're looking to recruit people, you need to think of it as a marketing activity. It's putting your opportunity to work in front of the right people when they're ready to make a decision about who they want to work for."— Ryan Englin, Core Matters"Construction has five times the national average suicide rate. Why? Because they get beat up at home. They get beat up on the job site. Nobody values them. Nobody appreciates them. They have no one to turn to."— Ryan Englin, Core Matters"We do not have a labor shortage in the trades. What we have is a retention problem and a lack of training problem."— Ryan Englin, Core Matters"Why is it we always have time to do it over, but we never have the time to do it right?"— Ryan Englin, Core Matters"People should never be surprised at what you think of their performance. Ever."— Ryan Englin, Core MattersKey TakeawaysTreat recruiting as marketing, not HRBuild an email list of prospective candidatesFocus on retention before recruitmentCreate systems that deliver on your employment promisesMeasure and reinforce key behaviors, not just hours workedProvide immediate feedback instead of waiting for reviewsEstablish daily or weekly team huddlesResources24 Things Construction Business Owners Need to Successfully Hire & Train an Executive AssistantSchedule a 15-Minute Roadblock CallCheck out OpenPhoneBuild a Business that Runs without you. Explore our GrowthKits Need Marketing Help? We Recommend BenaliNeed Help with podcast production? We recommend DemandcastMore from Ryan EnglinCore Matters websiteTitans of the Trades podcastRyan Englin on LinkedInMore from Martin Hollandtheprofitproblem.comannealbc.com Email MartinMeet With MartinLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from Khalilbenali.com Email KhalilMeet With KhalilLinkedInFacebookInstagramMore from The Cash Flow ContractorSubscribe to our YouTube channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow On Social: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X(formerly Twitter)Visit our websiteEmail The Cashflow ContractorConnect With UsSubscribe to The Cashflow Contractor podcast for more insights on building a profitable contractor business. Leave a review if this episode helped you rethink your hiring approach. Visit cashflowcontractor.com for more resources and past episodes.
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