Show Information

Episode Number: 56

Date: October 14, 2024

Duration: 26:36

Host Information

Host: Justin Deese

Website: JustinDeese.com

Contact: Justin@JustinDeese.com

Episode Guest Info

Guest: Kristen Deese

Guest Company:Virtual CFO for the Trades

Guest Contact: Kristen@KristenDeese.com

Guest Website: www.KristenDeese.com

Summary

In this episode of the Freedom Blueprint podcast, Justin Deese and his co-host Kristen discuss the role of a Virtual CFO in small businesses. They explore the importance of financial management, the common challenges faced by business owners, and how a Virtual CFO can help identify operational and sales issues through financial analysis. The conversation also delves into pricing strategies, budgeting for profit, and the significance of awareness in managing finances effectively. Kristen shares insights on how to improve gross profit margins and manage overhead expenses, emphasizing the need for business owners to understand their numbers to drive profitability.

Takeaways

● A Virtual CFO provides high-level financial strategic management without the cost of a full-time CFO.

● Many business owners lack accounting training, which can hinder their financial management.

● Understanding key financial concepts early can significantly impact business growth and profitability.

● Business owners often rely on bank balances, which provides a limited view of their financial health.

● Identifying gross profit margins can reveal areas for improvement in operations and sales.

● Pricing strategies are crucial; many businesses underprice their services, affecting profitability.

● Budgeting for expected profit can shift the mindset of business owners towards better financial management.

● Controlling overhead expenses is essential for maintaining profitability.

● Awareness of financial metrics helps business owners make informed decisions.

● It's important to prepare financials for tax time well in advance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Virtual CFO Services

04:10 The Importance of Financial Management for Small Businesses

07:44 Identifying Operational and Sales Issues through Financial Analysis

12:57 Pricing Strategies and Gross Profit Margins

16:22 Budgeting for Profit and Managing Overhead Expenses

20:23 The Role of Awareness in Financial Management

Keywords

Virtual CFO, financial management, small business, accounting, budgeting, profit margins, operational issues, sales strategies, pricing strategies, overhead expenses, Kristen Deese, Justin Deese, When Your Business Partner Is Your Spouse, Virtual CFO for the Trades

Show Title:

Building a Bench: Strategies for Proactive Recruiting in Home Services with Ryan Englin from Core Matters

Episode Number: 55

Date: October 7, 2024

Duration: 29:05

Host: Justin Deese

Website: JustinDeese.com

Contact: Justin@JustinDeese.com

Guest: Ryan Englin

Guest Company: Core Matters

Company Website: corematters.com

Podcast Host: Podcast Host- Titans of the Trades

Author of: Hire Better People Faster

Guest Special Offer: Copy of the book https://corematters.com/freebook/

Summary

In this episode of the Freedom Blueprint podcast, host Justin Deese speaks with Ryan Englin, author of 'Hire Better People Faster' and founder of Core Matters. They discuss the critical issues of hiring, recruiting, and retention in the home service industry. Ryan shares his journey from marketing to recruiting, emphasizing the importance of proactive recruiting, building an employer brand, and creating a supportive work environment. The conversation also highlights the significance of authenticity in recruitment and the need for businesses to engage their existing employees in the hiring process.

Takeaways

Hiring and recruiting are critical challenges in the trades.

Recruiting should be viewed as a marketing activity.

Proactive recruiting is essential; top talent is often not actively looking for jobs.

Building a strong employer brand can attract passive job seekers.

Authenticity in social media is crucial for establishing trust with potential hires.

Creating friendships at work can significantly improve employee engagement and retention.

Onboarding should focus on building relationships, not just training.

Core Matters helps businesses by stopping the bleeding in their hiring processes.

Teaching businesses to fish means implementing sustainable hiring practices.

Leverage your existing team for referrals and insights into the hiring process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Importance of Hiring and Recruiting in the Home Service Industry

03:04 Proactive Recruiting and Building a Bench of Passive Job Seekers

07:43 Creating an Authentic Employer Brand

14:17 The Importance of Onboarding and Relationship Building

21:23 Stop the Bleeding: Filling Immediate Staffing Needs

23:46 Teaching Businesses to Fish: Implementing Systems and Processes

26:33 Leveraging Existing Employees for Referrals and Insights

Keywords

hiring, recruiting, retention, employer brand, onboarding, employee engagement, trades, business growth, Core Matters, Ryan Englin, Plumbing, HVAC, Air Conditioning, Electrical, Contractor, Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese, Kristen Deese, When Your Business Partner is Your Spouse

Episode Number: 54

Date: September 30, 2024

Duration: 32:21

Host: Justin Deese

Website: JustinDeese.com

Contact: Justin@JustinDeese.com

Guest: Chris Gist

Guest Company: Paradise Home Services

Guest Contact: Chris.Gist@ParadiseHomeServices.com

Guest Website: www.ParadiseHomeServices.com

Summary

In this episode, we dive deep into the essential elements of creating and maintaining a positive company culture. We discuss the importance of flexibility, celebrating team milestones, and setting core values that align with your company's mission. From breaking bread with team members to supporting a healthy work-life balance, you’ll hear firsthand experiences and actionable tips on keeping the camaraderie and positive environment alive while achieving rapid growth.

Takeaways

Flexibility and Core Values: How creating a flexible work environment supported by strong core values can lead to a thriving company culture.

Celebration and Camaraderie: The impact of team gatherings and breaking bread on building bonds and enhancing team spirit.

Visual Reminders of Core Values: Using visual aids to consistently reinforce the company’s mission and values.

Empowering Team Members: Inspiring stories of team members who have grown within the company by embracing its culture.

Maintaining Work-Life Balance: The importance of supporting a healthy work-life balance for overall team satisfaction and retention.

Chapters

[00:01] - Introduction and Welcome

[00:35] - Discussing Company Culture

[02:06] - Core Values and Team Dynamics

[04:01] - The Importance of Flexibility

[10:07] - Outside-of-Work Activities and Celebrations

[13:53] - The Role of Brand in Culture

[18:29] - Work-Life Balance in a Growing Company

[21:36] - Empowering and Rewarding Team Members

[24:51] - Inspiring Team Member Story

[26:19] - Recreational Activities and Team Building

[27:13] - Closing Remarks and Key Learnings

Keywords

Plumbing, HVAC, Air Conditioning, Electrical, Contractor, Freedom Blueprint Podcast, Justin Deese, Kristen Deese, When Your Business Partner is Your Spouse, Company Culture, Core Values, Flexibility, Team Building, Work-Life Balance, Leadership in HVAC, Scaling a Business, Positive Work Environment, Employee Engagement, Chris Gist, Paradise Home Services.