
Hosted by Jen Fizer · EN

How to Create a Positive Company Culture That Lasts | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 69 🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer sits down with LuAnn Buechler, also known as The Little Spark, to talk about what it really takes to build a positive company culture that stands the test of time. ✨ LuAnn shares her journey from hospitality and event management to helping entrepreneurs and teams build cultures rooted in purpose, values, and connection. She reveals how identifying your core values can transform not only how you lead—but how your business attracts the right people and opportunities. 🌱 💡 Whether you’re leading a growing team or building a business from the ground up, this episode will help you define your values, align your people, and create a culture where everyone thrives. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:00 From Hospitality to Coaching and Culture Creation 06:00 Discovering the Power of Core Values 10:45 The Passion Test: Finding Purpose in Business 18:20 Building a Culture That Reflects Who You Are 25:00 Why Core Values Should Guide Every Decision 33:15 How to Choose the Right Networking Community 38:00 Turning Values Into Long-Term Success 41:40 Final Thoughts and Where to Find LuAnn To connect with LuAnn: Website: https://luannb.com/ 📌 Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #CompanyCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #BusinessLeadership #CoreValues #PositiveWorkCulture #TeamBuilding #BusinessCoaching #WomenInBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TheFinancialOperator #MKBPodcast #JenFizer #LuAnnBuechler

The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out Podcast | Episode 68 | Turning Bad Credit Into Financial Freedom 🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer sits down with Kevin Faulkner, founder of 3B Credit Health, to talk about how good credit can transform not just your finances—but your future. 💳💼 Kevin shares how he rebuilt his own credit, created the Credit Success Plan, and now helps others reach that 800 score through realistic, proven steps. From fixing bad credit to understanding what lenders really look for, this episode uncovers the power of credit as a foundation for long-term wealth and peace of mind. He also opens up about the emotional side of money—how credit impacts confidence, business growth, and stability at home. 🌱 💡 Whether you’re an entrepreneur or just starting to rebuild your finances, this episode delivers practical steps and encouragement to help you take control of your credit and create real financial freedom. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:45 How Kevin Rebuilt His Credit and Career 03:20 Credit, Self-Worth, and Financial Freedom 08:10 What’s Inside the “Credit Success Plan” 15:22 The 5 Factors That Build (or Break) Your Score 24:30 Common Credit Myths & Mistakes 33:18 How Credit Impacts Business and Stability 44:05 Why 800 Is the Goal — and How to Get There 50:13 Creating Long-Term Financial Peace 55:10 Final Thoughts and Contact Info To connect with Kevin: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevin-faulkner-b6b928179/ Website: 3BCreditHealth.com 📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and more from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial questions for MKB? Please visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo

The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out Podcast | Episode 67 | Scaling Smart: KPIs, Leadership & Life Balance 🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer sits down with entrepreneur Cory Boehs to talk about building a thriving business without sacrificing your health, marriage, or sanity. Cory shares how grit, personal KPIs, and smart hiring helped him scale multiple ventures — and why balance is just as important as EBITDA. 📈✨ From overcoming rock bottom to creating a clear vision for work and life, Cory breaks down the habits, leadership skills, and systems every business owner needs to grow sustainably. He also reveals how AI tools like ChatGPT are changing the way entrepreneurs delegate, make decisions, and focus on what really matters. 🤖💼 💡 Whether you’re scaling a service-based company, leading a small team, or simply trying to run your business (and life) more intentionally, this episode is packed with actionable tips on mindset, profitability, and building long-term success. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:42 How Rock Bottom Shaped Cory’s Mindset 04:15 Building Personal KPIs for Business & Life 08:50 Scaling Teams and Delegating Effectively 13:22 Avoiding Burnout While Growing a Company 19:45 Using AI & Technology to Boost Productivity 24:31 Marriage, Balance, and Entrepreneurial Success 30:20 Creating a Clear Vision for Your Future 36:18 Leadership Lessons and Grit in Business 41:05 Final Advice for Sustainable Growth 📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and more from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial questions for MKB? Please visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo

The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out Podcast | Episode 66 | How I Scaled a Plumbing Business & Sold It in 5 Years with Mitch Smedley 🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer sits down with plumbing entrepreneur and business coach Mitch Smedley. Mitch shares how he launched his plumbing company in 2020 with just $30,000 from a home equity line of credit—and grew it into a thriving, sellable business within five years. 🚿💼 From financing vans and managing COGS to building a YouTube following that caught the attention of Ford Motor Company, Mitch dives deep into the realities of scaling a service-based business. He also reveals why he turned down a higher offer to sell, how he transitioned into coaching through Trade Winds, and the importance of running your business from a P&L rather than your bank account. 📊 💡 If you’re a business owner in the trades (or thinking about starting one), this episode is packed with hard-won lessons on growth, marketing, and financial strategy. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:34 Starting a Plumbing Company During COVID 02:27 Scaling Quickly and Managing COGS 04:10 Financing the Business with a HELOC 07:04 Buying Vans and Managing Overhead 13:42 Mistakes with Equipment and Lessons Learned 19:23 Building a YouTube Channel and Catching Ford’s Attention 24:42 Launching The Void Podcast and Tradewinds Coaching 29:01 Selling the Plumbing Company After 5 Years 33:44 Retaining Ownership and Planning the Next Chapter 37:22 Which Trades Are Easiest and Most Profitable 41:05 Mitch’s Final Advice: Run Your Business from the P&L To connect with Mitch: https://callsmedley.com/ 📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and more from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial questions for MKB? Please visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #thefinancialoperator #mkb #financialpodcast #fractionalcfo #consistency #businessfinance #businessowner #businesssystems #operations #coo

The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out Podcast | Episode 65 | Unleashing Efficiency: Mastering Business Systems with David Forster 🎙️ In this episode of the Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer welcomes fractional coo and operations expert David Forster. David shares his incredible journey from a tree-cutting side gig to successfully running and selling multiple businesses, including landscape companies and a bike shop. He delves into the importance of efficient systems for business operations and personal well-being, highlighting how such structures can save time, reduce stress, and increase profitability. David also discusses his current role in helping business owners optimize operations and find the right second-in-command. 📈 💡 If you're an entrepreneur looking to streamline your operations and free up more personal time, this episode is a must-watch! 🚀 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:04 David Forster's Early Entrepreneurial Ventures 02:10 Building and Selling Landscape Businesses 04:46 The Dream and Decision to Sell 07:39 Navigating Business Sales and Networking 11:06 Post-Sale Ventures and Personal Growth 14:22 The Bike Shop Journey 17:39 Current Role: Optimizing Business Systems 21:11 Template Systems for Business Efficiency 21:49 Implementing Systems in Service-Based Businesses 23:51 Inventory Management and Financial Planning 27:24 The Role of the Second-in-Command 30:40 Balancing Visionary and Integrator Roles 34:42 Onboarding and Implementing Systems 37:23 Expected Returns and Final Advice To connect with David: https://www.systemsoversweat.com/ 📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and more from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial questions for MKB? Please visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #thefinancialoperator #mkb #financialpodcast #fractionalcfo #consistiency #businessfinance #businessowner #businesssystems #operations #coo

The Financial Operator Podcast: Cash In, Chaos Out | Ep. 64 | Selling Businesses With Purpose & Profit Link to video podcast episode: https://youtu.be/2_N758pI-DM Empowering Women in M&A: Rachel Boynton's Inspiring Journey 💼✨ 🎙️ Welcome to the Financial Operator Podcast: Cash In, Chaos Out! Join host Jen Fizer as she talks with Rachel Boynton, a former human services worker turned business broker, about her journey from starting a home care service to building her own M&A firm. Rachel shares insights on how to prepare a business for sale, avoid common pitfalls, and the importance of tracking finances. She also delves into her mission to empower women business owners in an industry dominated by men. Rachel offers invaluable advice for business owners looking to sell, including real-life experiences and challenges faced during the process. Don't miss out on this detailed discussion packed with practical tips and inspiration! #BusinessBroker #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:29 Rachel's Background and Journey into Human Services 01:12 Founding and Growing Life Share 01:38 Selling Life Share and Corporate Experience 02:07 Transition to M&A and Empowering Women Owners 03:24 Challenges and Lessons from Selling a Business 07:08 Importance of Financial Literacy for Business Owners 09:32 Navigating the Sale Process and Valuation 19:13 Preparing for Unexpected Challenges 25:52 Understanding Different Types of Brokers 34:11 Organizing Your Business for Future Sale 34:53 Personal Experience with Home Resale 36:01 Preparing Your Business for Sale 36:57 Financial Records and Business Valuation 37:50 The Importance of Planning Ahead 39:00 Navigating Buyer Expectations 41:04 Understanding Add-Backs and Working Capital 50:38 The Role of a Boutique Firm in Selling Your Business 52:59 Post-Sale Transition and Earnouts 01:01:46 Final Thoughts and Contact Information #mkb #financialpodcast #financialoperator #businessowner #entrepreneurship #businessbroker #womeninbusiness #womeninleadership #womenentrepreneurs

The Financial Operator Podcast: Cash In, Chaos Out | Ep. 63 | Unlocking Potential With Virtual Staffing Solutions Link to video podcast episode: https://youtu.be/D5E8-nEBYio 🚀 Join us as we kick off our newly branded podcast, 'The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out', with our inaugural guest, Scott Rammage from Hire VP! In this episode, Scott dives into his entrepreneurial journey, sharing insights on overcoming work-life balance challenges, leveraging virtual professionals, and the importance of believing in oneself. From starting multiple businesses to mastering the art of delegation, Scott reveals his secret to shifting chaos into cash. Tune in and discover how he successfully transformed the way he manages his business and life, and learn how you can do the same! 💼💡 To connect with Scott: https://hirevp.us/ Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube for the latest podcast episodes and more from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial questions for MKB? Please visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:52 Scott's Personal and Professional Background 01:26 The Evolution of Hire VP 03:31 Challenges and Lessons in Entrepreneurship 07:17 The Turning Point: Leveraging Virtual Assistants 11:47 Success Stories and Client Experiences 16:01 The Importance of Soft Skills in Hiring 17:47 When to Hire and the ROI of Time 23:14 Understanding Your Energy Limits 23:38 Hiring the Right Salesperson 24:54 Effective Onboarding Strategies 27:12 Creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) 29:08 Promoting from Within 31:58 Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs 34:41 The Importance of Hiring and Delegation 39:43 Leadership Challenges and Growth 41:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts #millsknowsbills #mkb #financialpodcast #fractionalcfo #resilience #consistiency #businessfinance #businessowner #virtualstaffing #virtualassistant

Inside the Deal: Journeys in Business Acquisition | The MKB Podcast | Episode 62 Link to video podcast episode: 🎙️ In this insightful episode, host Jen Fizer and her guests, Micah and Drew Clukey, dive deep into the nuances of buying and selling businesses. 💼 The discussion highlights the importance of leveraging personal networks and the unique value brokers can bring in specific situations. It also covers crucial considerations when partnering in business, such as assessing compatibility and understanding the financial implications. Real-life experiences and lessons are shared, including the significance of thorough due diligence and surrounding yourself with a solid advisory team. Perfect for aspiring business owners, this episode is packed with practical advice and firsthand stories! 👥📊 00:00 Introduction: The Fun Side of Business Ownership 00:16 The Power of Networking in Business Deals 01:08 The Role of Brokers in Unique Business Transactions 02:40 Drew's Journey: Buying into a Family Business 03:58 Structuring Business Partnerships and Roles 07:21 The Importance of Due Diligence in Business Partnerships 11:51 Final Advice on Buying and Selling a Business 15:17 Conclusion and Farewell 🙌📈 To connect with our guests, please visit: https://www.clukeyandtebault.com/ Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and more from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial questions for MKB? Please visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #millsknowsbills #mkb #financialpodcast #fractionalcfo #businessfinance #businessowner #businesssales #businessacquisition #businesspartnership

Behind the Buy: Business Acquisition Insights | The MKB Podcast Episode 61 Link to video podcast episode: https://youtu.be/YFDm_fKlNhQ 👉Join host Jen Fizer for her debut episode on the MKB podcast! Jen, now also the new CEO of MKB, welcomes Micah and Drew Clukey of Clukey and Tebault to discuss the intricacies of business acquisitions. 🎙️ The conversation covers essential steps in the due diligence process, the importance of having a solid foundation for financial management 📊, and the challenges and opportunities in selling to private equity firms or individual buyers. Drawing from their own experiences and client interactions, the guests provide valuable advice for ensuring a smooth and successful business acquisition. Whether you're buying or selling, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the complexities of the acquisition process! 🌟 📌Tune in next week for part 2! 00:00 Introduction and Host's First Episode 00:12 Meet the Guests: Micah and Drew Clukey 00:35 Business Acquisitions: Key Insights 01:07 The Importance of Due Diligence 02:33 Foundations for Business Success 08:10 Private Equity and Business Sales 08:41 Steps to Prepare for Selling Your Business 12:35 Challenges of Selling to Private Equity 13:50 Selling to Individual Buyers 16:38 Real-Life Business Sale Examples 21:06 Connecting Buyers and Sellers To connect with our guests, please visit: https://www.clukeyandtebault.com/ Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and more from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial questions for MKB? Please visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #millsknowsbills #mkb #financialpodcast #fractionalcfo #resilience #consistiency #businessfinance #businessowner #businessacquisition

Profit Pitfalls: Overcoming Financial Missteps | The MKB Podcast Episode 60, Season 7 Welcome back to another episode of The MKB podcast! In this episode, host and current CEO of MKB, Mills Bender, is joined again by entrepreneur Trevor Cowley. Together, they dive into the critical aspects of business finance, accounting, and bookkeeping. Trevor shares his extensive experience across various industries, emphasizing the importance of detailed financial oversight. They discuss common issues like business owners not keeping track of finances, the challenges at different levels of business growth, and the essential need for accurate bookkeeping. This episode is packed with real-life insights and horror stories about financial mismanagement, aiming to help you avoid costly mistakes. Join us and learn how proactive financial management can save you money and stress! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:29 Trevor's Business Background 01:36 Challenges in Business Finances 04:38 Importance of Accurate Bookkeeping 06:01 Common Bookkeeping Mistakes 12:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts To connect with Trevor: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realbusinessowners/ Website: https://joinrbo.com/ Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and more from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial questions for MKB? Please visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #millsknowsbills #mkb #financialpodcast #fractionalcfo #resilience #consistiency #businessfinance #businessowner