Best Steve Coughran Podcasts (2025)

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How Fast Can You Grow Your Business Without Going Broke? | Ep 182 12:29

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9h ago12:29

12:29

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Growing fast feels exciting—but grow too quickly without enough cash and you’ll find yourself in big trouble. In this episode, Steve breaks down the simple formula every business owner needs to know: how to figure out the maximum speed your company can grow before you…

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126: How to Know If Your Strategy Is Actually Working 14:37

2d ago14:37

14:37

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Most business owners say they have a strategy. But is it actually creating value? Or is it just a poster on the wall? In this episode, Steve breaks down the 3 types of companies when it comes to strategy—and how most end up stuck in the middle, grinding hard without g…

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How to Read an Income Statement for Business Owners | Ep 181 23:39

2d ago23:39

23:39

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Levers of Profit Calculator: coltivar.com/levers-of-profit-calculator Most business owners look at their income statement but don’t really know what it’s telling them. In this episode, Steve breaks it down so you can see where profit is really made and where it’s slip…

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Financial and Economic News: August 21, 2025 11:32

6d ago11:32

11:32

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Major moves and market momentum in this week’s top financial stories, including: Jobless Claims Signal Cracks in the Labor Market Fed Holds Back on Rate Cuts at Jackson Hole Blackstone Bets on Power Infrastructure Walmart Walks the Tariff Tightrope Housing Market Give…

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What to Look For When Buying or Selling a Business | Ep 180 22:21

7d ago22:21

22:21

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Buying or selling a business can go wrong fast. Pay too much as a buyer and you’ll regret it. Sell too soon and you might leave millions on the table. In this episode, Steve Coughran shares a CFO’s perspective from years of buying, building, and selling companies wort…

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How Much Does a $5M Landscape Company Really Make? | Ep 179 15:57

9d ago15:57

15:57

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth coltivar.com/benchmarks Most people assume a $5 million business must mean big money for the owner. But in this episode, Steve breaks down the real numbers behind a $5M landscaping company, from revenue to actual cash in hand. Spoiler: it’s not what you think. Whether…

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Financial and Economic News: August 14, 2025 22:35

13d ago22:35

22:35

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Major moves and market momentum in this week’s top financial stories, including: Producer Prices Pop to a 3-Year High Bessent’s Bold Push for Big Fed Cuts Fast-Casual Chains Lose Their Sizzle Southwest Ends Open Seating, and a Strategy Amazon Doubles Down on Grocery D…

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Too Old to Be an Entrepreneur? Think Again | Ep 178 19:13

17d ago19:13

19:13

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Most people think entrepreneurship is a young person’s game. But the data says otherwise. In this episode, Steve breaks down why your 30s, 40s, and even 50s might be the best time to launch or buy a business—and how real-world experience gives you a massive edge over …

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125: Scaling a Profitable Construction Business with Jeff Calabro 41:51

21d ago41:51

41:51

The Cash Flow Blueprint every business owner wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Steve sits down with special guest Jeff Calabro, President of SDI Services—a solar and drilling subcontractor recently acquired by Solv Energy. Jeff shares the raw truth about scaling a construction business without losing margin, control, or your mind. From …

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Financial and Economic News: August 6, 2025 19:25

21d ago19:25

19:25

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Major moves and market momentum in this week’s top financial stories, including: Blackstone Drills into Data Apple’s $100 Billion Hedge Margins Are the Meal at McDonald’s The Fed’s September Fork in the Road NFL and ESPN: A Streaming Power Play FinWeekly has the lates…

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The Biggest Lie You Are Told About Building Wealth | Ep 177 17:42

24d ago17:42

17:42

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth We’ve been sold a story: save 10% of your paycheck, invest it in the market, and one day you’ll retire rich. But is that really how wealth is built? In this episode, Steve breaks down the math behind that promise—and explains why the numbers don’t add up like you thin…

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Netflix vs. Spotify - Who's More Profitable? | Ep 176 33:58

27d ago33:58

33:58

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Netflix and Spotify may look similar on the surface—massive platforms, global audiences, subscription models—but dig into the numbers, and the differences are hard to ignore. In this episode, Steve breaks down both companies’ financials in plain English and reveals wh…

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124: The 1 Thing That Transformed My Contracting Business 13:24

28d ago13:24

13:24

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Your brand, pricing, and portfolio are either setting you apart or silently sabotaging your business. Steve shares the gut-punch moment that exposed a painful truth about his sales process, and how that single experience forced a complete reinvention of his contr…

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How to Find a Good Mentor (Red Flags to Watch Out For) | Ep 175 23:52

30d ago23:52

23:52

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Mentors can change your life—or waste your time. In this episode, Steve shares what he’s learned about finding the right kind of mentor, why most people get it wrong, and a story he’s never told before that will make you rethink who you take advice from. He also break…

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123: Making $10M? Here’s Why You Still Might Be Broke 9:42

1M ago9:42

9:42

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow You can do $10M, $50M, or even $100M in revenue and still be broke. That’s the brutal truth behind many construction companies today. In this episode, Steve breaks down the critical difference between profit and cash flow—and why net profit on your income stateme…

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Why Most Entrepreneurs Fail on Shark Tank... And In Real Life | Ep 174 14:06

1M ago14:06

14:06

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Shark Tank is entertaining—but it’s also one of the best crash courses in real-world finance. This episode breaks down the biggest money mistakes founders make on the show (and in real life), what investors actually care about, and why revenue is not the same as wealt…

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122: Why a 30% Markup Won’t Get You a 30% Margin 12:15

1M ago12:15

12:15

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Most contractors think a 30% markup means a 30% margin. It doesn’t, and that mistake could be costing you tens of thousands of dollars every year. In this episode, Steve shares the simple pricing math most builders and trades miss and how it wrecks your margins w…

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Why I’d Never Want to Be a Partner at an Accounting Firm | Ep 173 15:58

1M ago15:58

15:58

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth In this episode, Steve shares the real reason he left Ernst & Young and why he’d never want to be a partner at an accounting firm. It all started with a conversation that made him question everything, and the lessons he’s learned since might surprise you. If you’re co…

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The Truth About Buying Boring Businesses (What the Gurus Aren’t Telling You) | Ep 172 14:15

1M ago14:15

14:15

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Steve pulls back the curtain on the whole "buying boring businesses" trend that’s being pushed by influencers. While the idea of grabbing a laundromat or a small trade business might sound like an easy path to profit, there’s a lot more to the story. Steve explains wh…

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121: Profit Is Lying to You (Why Cash Flow Tells the Real Story) 10:36

2M ago10:36

10:36

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Your profit looks great. So why does your bank account feel like it’s bleeding? In this episode, Steve breaks down the hidden financial gap that’s quietly wrecking good businesses. If you’ve ever wondered how you can show a healthy margin on paper but still strug…

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Starbucks is Quietly Winning — Here’s the $1B Lesson Hidden in Their Financials | Ep 171 20:30

2M ago20:30

20:30

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Levers of Profit Calculator: coltivar.com/levers-of-profit-calculator Ever wondered what makes Starbucks so profitable? In this episode, we take a deep dive into Starbucks' business model and financials. Learn how the company generates billions, what their revenue per…

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Why 99% of People Stay Broke and How You Can Escape the Trap | Ep 170 23:33

2M ago23:33

23:33

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Try out our free tools and calculators: coltivar.com/tools Most people stay broke because they’re playing the wrong game. The typical formula of getting a job, saving, and hoping for the best simply doesn’t work. In this episode, Steve breaks down why 99% of people re…

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#141: Unlocking the Power of Self-Directed IRAs with Adam Bergman 36:36

2M ago36:36

36:36

In this conversation, T.J. van Gerven and Adam discuss the concept of self-directed IRAs, exploring their differences from traditional IRAs, the potential for investing in alternative assets, and the role of custodians. Adam shares insights on the benefits and risks associated with self-directed IRAs, including compliance issues and the importance …

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How to Buy a Business Even if You’re Broke | Ep 169 32:13

2M ago32:13

32:13

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Try out our free tools and calculators: coltivar.com/tools Sign up for the Financial Pro course: byfiq.com/financial-pro Starting a business from scratch can be risky and costly. But what if you could skip the grind and buy a profitable business instead? In this episo…

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120: Why Your Job Costing Is Always Off (and How to Fix It) 9:19

2M ago9:19

9:19

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Watch the estimating series now: youtube.com/@building-margin Tired of guessing where the money went after every job? In this episode of Building Margin, learn why most contractors’ job costing reports are always off and how to fix it. You'll learn how poor labor…

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119: Your Financial Blind Spots Are Killing Your Business 12:35

2M ago12:35

12:35

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow See where you stand in our industry benchmarks: coltivar.com/benchmarks Most contractors think they’re making money until the bank account says otherwise. In this episode, Steve breaks down the dangerous gap between revenue, profit, and actual cash flow. He revea…

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4 Simple Profit Levers Every Business Owner Needs to Know (+ Free Calculator) | Ep 168 12:47

2M ago12:47

12:47

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Levers of Profit Calculator: coltivar.com/levers-of-profit-calculator Want to know how to boost your business’s profitability? There are just four key levers that make all the difference: price, volume, cost of goods sold, and operating expenses. Once you understand t…

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118: The Financial Metric That Separates Winning Contractors From Broke Ones 9:35

2M ago9:35

9:35

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Check out our tools & calculators: coltivar.com/tools Free training for construction owners: coltivar.com/construction-series You can be profitable on every job, and still run out of cash. The difference between contractors who thrive and those who go bust often …

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117: Most Contractors Confuse Strategy with Planning - Here’s Why That’s Costing You 11:17

2M ago11:17

11:17

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Too many contractors think they have a strategy when all they really have is a to-do list. In this episode of Building Margin, Steve explains the critical difference between strategy and planning and why getting it wrong can keep your business stuck, or worse, le…

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116: When Do You Actually Earn Revenue? (The 5 Rules You Must Know) 11:26

2M ago11:26

11:26

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow In this episode, Steve dives into one of the most misunderstood topics in construction finance: revenue recognition. Just because the money hits your bank account doesn’t mean you’ve earned it, and messing this up could lead to chaotic books, cash flow surprises,…

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If I Had to Learn Finance All Over Again, Here’s What I’d Do | Ep 167 28:05

2M ago28:05

28:05

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Why do so many businesses struggle with cash flow—and how can you avoid the same fate? In this episode, Steve reveals one of the biggest hurdles he sees business leaders face: a lack of financial literacy. But it’s not about complex accounting—it’s about understanding…

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115: How to Fix Your Profit Without Working More Hours 10:28

3M ago10:28

10:28

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Levers of Profit Calculator: www.coltivar.com/levers-of-profit-calculator Construction industry benchmarks: www.coltivar.com/benchmarks Steve tackles one of the biggest myths in construction: that the only way to boost profit is to work more and sell more. He bre…

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Why I’m Back—and What I Hope It Means for You | Ep 166 13:11

3M ago13:11

13:11

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ Steve is back! After taking a break to focus on his business, Coltivar, he's returning to the Boosting Your Financial IQ podcast with fresh …

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114: The Real Reason Contractors Don’t Make Money (And What to Do About It) 25:11

3M ago25:11

25:11

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Construction industry benchmarks: www.coltivar.com/benchmarks Check out our free calculators: www.coltivar.com/tools In this episode, Steve breaks down the not-so-obvious reasons why most construction businesses are working hard… but barely breaking even. He shar…

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#140: The Role of a CFO with James Vanreusel 33:07

3M ago33:07

33:07

Connect with James: https://vanreuselventures.com/ Connect with TJ: https://mementofinancialplanning.com/links In this conversation, T.J. van Gerven interviews James Vanreusel, founder and CEO of Vanreusel Ventures, about the multifaceted role of a CFO, the importance of financial strategy in business growth, and the behavioral aspects of finance. …

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113: The Hidden Cost of Growth (Fix This Before Scaling) 16:40

3M ago16:40

16:40

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow In this episode, Steve unpacks one of the biggest traps business owners fall into: growing revenue while losing margin. Through real-world stories and hard-won insights, he explains why more work doesn't always mean more profit—and how pursuing the wrong clients,…

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112: The 3 Metrics That Drive Profit in Construction and Service Businesses 16:25

3M ago16:25

16:25

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Is your business beating the stock market? Steve shares the three metrics every founder must know if they want to grow profitably and build a business that’s both valuable and optional. Drawing from his experience as a CFO for a billion-dollar construction firm, …

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111: The Financial Model That Helped Me Fix a $1B Construction Business 9:08

3M ago9:08

9:08

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow In this episode, Steve shares the turning point that changed everything during his time as CFO of a billion-dollar construction company. When margins tightened and chaos crept in, he built a tool that reshaped how he approached strategy and financial decisions. T…

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110: What Buyers Look for in a $10M Business 9:15

4M ago9:15

9:15

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow If someone showed up today, ready to buy your business, would you be proud of what they’d find? Today, Steve shares what really separates a company that commands top dollar from one that quietly gets passed over. Whether you plan to sell or not, this one will shi…

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#139: Navigating the Complex World of Student Loans with Lauryn Williams, CFP® 39:26

4M ago39:26

39:26

Connect with Lauryn: https://www.lauryn-williams.com/ Student Loan Planner: https://www.studentloanplanner.com/ In this episode, T.J. van Gerven and Lauryn Williams discuss the complexities of managing student loan debt, including public service loan forgiveness, income-driven repayment plans, and the implications of recent policy changes. Lauryn s…

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109: What Paris Taught Me About Margin 11:49

4M ago11:49

11:49

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow Most businesses don’t fail because they lack hustle, they fail because they lack margin. In this heartfelt episode, Steve shares a powerful realization sparked by a family trip to Paris. Through personal stories and sharp insights, he unpacks why financial margin…

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108: The Hidden Value Killers in Your Business Model 11:10

4M ago11:10

11:10

The Cash Flow Blueprint every contractor wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow More growth doesn’t always mean more profit. Steve uncovers the silent value killers hiding inside your business model and how to fix them. If your revenue is rising but your margins aren't, it's time to take a closer look under the hood. Get ready to rethink pro…

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107: Is Your Business Actually Sellable? 12:34

4M ago12:34

12:34

What makes a business truly sellable and why should it matter even if you never plan to sell? In this epsiode, Steve challenges founders to think differently about value, risk, and how to future-proof their companies. Whether you're years from exiting or never intend to, this conversation will reshape how you build and lead. Disclaimer: The views e…

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106:The 5 Metrics Every Founder Must Know Cold 17:04

4M ago17:04

17:04

Most founders track revenue but what about the metrics that really matter? Steve reveals the five financial indicators every founder must know cold to grow profitably, lead with clarity, and build a sellable business. These aren't numbers for your accountant—these are the signals that guide smart strategy, cash flow, and value creation. Whether you…

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105: Scale with Systems, Not Just Headcount 11:48

4M ago11:48

11:48

Think you’re scaling? You might just be multiplying chaos. In this episode, Steve breaks down the dangerous myth that growth means adding more people and reveals why true scale is built through systems, not headcount. With stories, red flags, and a powerful 3-pillar framework, he shows you how to escape the growth spiral and build a business that r…

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104: You’re Making Money- So Why Is There No Cash? 15:41

4M ago15:41

15:41

Your income statement says you're winning, so why does it feel like you're broke? Steve unpacks one of the most common (and costly) issues business owners face: the disconnect between profit and cash. Through relatable stories and a simple four-step framework, he explains why profit is just the story and cash is the truth. If you've ever skipped a …

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103: Why I'm Doubling Down on Construction and What That Means for You 5:52

4M ago5:52

5:52

After 100+ episodes on strategy and finance, Steve is shifting gears—and getting laser-focused. In this special re-release, he shares why he’s rebranding the podcast to Building Profit and doubling down on the construction industry. Steve opens up about his background as a CFO in construction, the lessons he’s learned helping companies scale profit…

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What Is a Good Profit Margin for a Small Business? | Ep 165 13:22

5M ago13:22

13:22

Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ What is a good profit margin for a small business? In this episode of Boosting Your Financial IQ, Steve unpacks the truth behind profit margins—what they really mean, why they vary across industries, and how to know if you…

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How to Increase Profit in a Business? | Ep 164 21:31

5M ago21:31

21:31

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ Profit isn’t a reward, it’s a system. In this episode of Boosting Your Financial IQ, Steve breaks down the essential strategies behind build…

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Why is My Business Not Making a Profit? | Ep 163 25:53

5M ago25:53

25:53

Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ Your company is generating real revenue, but where’s the profit? In this episode of Boosting Your Financial IQ, Steve unpacks the most common (and often hidden) reasons businesses struggle to turn revenue into bottom-line …