Best Steve Coughran Podcasts (2025)

1
173: Why I’d Never Want to Be a Partner at an Accounting Firm 15:58

Play Pause

4h ago15:58

15:58

The Cash Flow Blueprint every business owner wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow 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 …

1
172: The Truth About Buying Boring Businesses (What the Gurus Aren’t Telling You) 14:15

2d ago14:15

14:15

The Cash Flow Blueprint every business owner wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow 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 ex…

1
121: Profit Is Lying to You (Why Cash Flow Tells the Real Story) 10:36

6d 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…

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

8d ago20:30

20:30

The Cash Flow Blueprint every business owner wishes they had sooner: coltivar.com/cashflow 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 re…

1
170: Why 99% of People Stay Broke and How You Can Escape the Trap 23:33

14d ago23:33

23:33

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 remain stuck in the time-for-money trap, how financial illiteracy keeps us from weal…

1
#141: Unlocking the Power of Self-Directed IRAs with Adam Bergman 36:36

14d 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 …

1
169: How to Buy a Business Even if You’re Broke 31:06

17d ago31:06

31:06

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 episode, Steve reveals how you can buy a business—even if you don’t have a lot of money…

1
120: Why Your Job Costing Is Always Off (and How to Fix It) 9:19

21d 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…

1
119: Your Financial Blind Spots Are Killing Your Business 12:35

24d 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…

1
168: 4 Simple Profit Levers Every Business Owner Needs to Know (+ Free Calculator) 12:47

24d ago12:47

12:47

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 these, you’ll be equipped to make smarter decisions that drive real results. In thi…

1
118: The Financial Metric That Separates Winning Contractors From Broke Ones 9:35

27d 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 …

1
117: Most Contractors Confuse Strategy with Planning - Here’s Why That’s Costing You 11:17

29d 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…

1
167: If I Had to Learn Finance All Over Again, Here’s What I’d Do 26:58

1M ago26:58

26:58

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 the story behind the numbers so you can take action. Steve shares his journey of …

1
116: When Do You Actually Earn Revenue? (The 5 Rules You Must Know) 11:26

1M 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,…

1
115: How to Fix Your Profit Without Working More Hours 10:28

1M 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…

1
166: Why I’m Back—and What I Hope It Means for You 13:11

1M ago13:11

13:11

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 insights and a new tool to help you level up your financial game. In this episode,…

1
114: The Real Reason Contractors Don’t Make Money (And What to Do About It) 24:04

1M ago24:04

24:04

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…

1
#140: The Role of a CFO with James Vanreusel 33:07

1M 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. …

1
113: The Hidden Cost of Growth (Fix This Before Scaling) 16:40

2M 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,…

1
112: The 3 Metrics That Drive Profit in Construction and Service Businesses 16:25

2M 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, …

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

2M 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…

1
110: What Buyers Look for in a $10M Business 9:15

2M 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…

1
#139: Navigating the Complex World of Student Loans with Lauryn Williams, CFP® 39:26

2M 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…

1
109: What Paris Taught Me About Margin 11:49

2M 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…

1
108: The Hidden Value Killers in Your Business Model 11:10

3M 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…

1
107: Is Your Business Actually Sellable? 12:34

3M 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…

1
106:The 5 Metrics Every Founder Must Know Cold 17:04

3M 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…

1
105: Scale with Systems, Not Just Headcount 11:48

3M 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…

1
104: You’re Making Money- So Why Is There No Cash? 15:41

3M 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 …

1
103: Why I'm Doubling Down on Construction and What That Means for You 5:52

3M 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…

1
165: What Is a Good Profit Margin for a Small Business? 13:22

3M 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…

1
164: How to Increase Profit in a Business? 21:31

3M ago21:31

21:31

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 building a truly profitable business. Whether you lead a growing company or are stuck w…

1
163: Why is My Business Not Making a Profit? 24:47

3M ago24:47

24:47

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 …

1
162: How Smart CEOs Think About Money – What They Focus on (And What They Ignore) 16:03

4M ago16:03

16:03

Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ Steve reveals the five things financially savvy CEOs focus on (and the common traps they avoid) to build cash-rich, high-growth companies. If you’re ready to shift from operator to strategic thinker, this one’s for you. Di…

1
161: Should You Work for a Wage or Own the Business Understanding Your True Earning Potential 16:07

4M ago16:07

16:07

Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ Steve answers a listener's heartfelt question: should you work for a wage or build your own business? Through a raw and personal backstory from blizzards at Dairy Queen to building a multimillion-dollar company Steve share…

1
160: Strategic Finance Explained: What It Is & How to Use It for Business Growth 13:41

4M ago13:41

13:41

Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ Most companies get stuck in operating finance, but the real power lies in strategic finance where financial insights drive big decisions and long-term growth. In this episode, Steve breaks down the key differences and why …

1
159: 3 Must Have Metrics for Business Owners 13:38

4M ago13:38

13:38

Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ Running a business is like spinning plates—but how do you know if it's truly efficient? In this episode of Boosting Your Financial IQ, Steve reveals three key metrics every business must measure to drive growth and profita…

1
158: Cash Flow for Business Owners: How to Forecast, Manage, and Get More of It 15:26

4M ago15:26

15:26

Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ Where’s your cash going? Even thriving businesses can feel stuck when money flows in and out without clarity. In this episode, Steve Coughran reveals why cash flow confusion isn’t your fault — and how to fix it. Learn the …

1
102: Strategy Trivia You Must Know 13:36

5M ago13:36

13:36

Think you know strategy? In this interactive episode, Steve puts your business knowledge to the test with a round of strategy trivia. From the key difference between strategy and strategic planning to how to measure if your company’s strategy is actually working, this episode challenges common misconceptions and reveals the essential frameworks top…

1
157: Let's Play Cash Flow Trivia 8:19

5M ago8:19

8:19

Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ Think you understand cash flow? Steve puts your financial knowledge to the test in this interactive trivia-style episode. From the difference between profit and cash flow to why profitable companies still go bankrupt, this…

1
156: If You’re Looking for a Job, Listen to This 9:49

5M ago9:49

9:49

Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ Steve has hired countless employees, and the hiring process never fails to shock him. From no-shows to unpolished resumes, he’s seen it all. In this episode, he shares the brutal truths job seekers need to hear—why some ca…

1
101: A Resource to Help You with Strategy and Cash Flow 7:09

5M ago7:09

7:09

Most entrepreneurs chase growth, but what if scaling too fast is the very thing that takes your business down? In this episode, Steve unpacks the fundamental flaw that causes even promising companies to fail—and it has nothing to do with bad ideas, weak teams, or lack of vision. It all comes down to one essential financial principle that separates …

1
155: The One Truth I'll Never Stop Sharing About Finance 10:05

5M ago10:05

10:05

Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ Most professionals know financial literacy is crucial, yet few follow through. In this episode, Steve Coughran uncovers why so many start strong but fail to finish—and what it takes to break the cycle. Through real-world i…

1
100: When It Comes to Strategy, Make Sure You Have These 5 Things 8:35

5M ago8:35

8:35

Is your business set up for success in 2025, or will you look back wishing you'd done things differently? Steve Coughran breaks down the five essential components every company must have in place—from a clear strategy to financial forecasting and KPIs. Without these, you're flying blind. Learn how to set your business up to drive growth, cash flow,…

1
154: 3 Things I Learned as CFO of a Billion Dollar Company 12:54

5M ago12:54

12:54

Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ What does it really take to lead the financial strategy of a billion-dollar company? Steve Coughran reveals the three biggest lessons he learned as CFO—insights that every business leader needs to know. From simplifying fi…

1
99: How Do You Know If Your Strategy Is Working? 8:12

5M ago8:12

8:12

Most businesses focus on growth, culture, and innovation—but what if you're missing the one thing that truly keeps a company alive? In this episode, Steve reveals the brutal truth about why so many businesses fail, the hidden trap leaders fall into, and how to tell for sure if your strategy is actually working. If you're waiting on the numbers befo…

1
153: Don't Let Numbers Be an Excuse for Inaction 8:10

5M ago8:10

8:10

Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ Too many leaders hide behind financial data, delaying action until every number is perfectly in place. But in reality, execution drives results—not spreadsheets. In this episode, Steve challenges the mindset that waiting f…

1
#138: Understanding Money Trauma and Cultivating Healthy Financial Habits with Shannah Game 32:34

5M ago32:34

32:34

On this episode of 'Do More With Your Money,' T.J. van Gerven chats with Certified Financial Planner and money expert Shannah Game. Shannah, who hosts the successful podcast 'Everyone's Talking Money' and authored 'Unraveling Your Relationship With Money,' shares insights from her career on financial planning and education. The discussion delves in…

1
98: What Is ROIC and Its Impact on Your Strategy? 15:34

5M ago15:34

15:34

Are you building a business that truly creates value, or just chasing growth? In this episode, Steve breaks down the powerful connection between strategy and finance—and why Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) is the key to long-term success. Discover why profitability alone isn’t enough, how 70% of bankrupt companies were still making a profit, and …

1
152: If You Want to Be a Profitable Entrepreneur, Listen to This 6:53

5M ago6:53

6:53

Master business finance for free with 100+ video lessons—no gimmicks, no hooks, just valuable knowledge: https://www.byfiq.com/ Got a brilliant business idea? Great! But can you explain your unit economics, break-even point, or burn rate? Most people can’t—and that’s why they fail. In this episode of Boosting Your Financial IQ, discover why financi…