Many business owners struggle to connect their financials to actionable insights and ownership goals. In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Tracy Bech—founder of the 60-Minute CFO and creator of a financial forecasting system that simplifies the three-statement model—to break down the 14 Ownership KPIs that every owner-operator needs to master. Together, we explore how understanding these metrics can transform decision-making, align operations with ownership goals, and empower business owners to scale sustainably while maintaining control over their financial destiny.
Watch on YouTube

Tracy explains why free cash flow is the ultimate metric for any business and how tying income, balance sheet, and cash flow statements into a unified model creates a clear roadmap for growth. We dive into real-world examples, practical strategies, and the mindset shifts needed to move from financial confusion to clarity, providing listeners with the tools they need to transition confidently into a true ownership role.

This conversation highlights the importance of tying financial metrics to ownership goals while maintaining simplicity, offering owner-operators a clear path to operational and financial excellence. By focusing on the 14 Ownership KPIs, owners can make informed decisions, delegate effectively, and achieve long-term success.

Tracy Bech is the founder of the 60-Minute CFO, a financial expert, and a business owner who has transitioned from services-based entrepreneurship to mastering the complexities of inventory-driven e-commerce. Her experience inspired her to create tools and systems that simplify financial management for owner-operators. Tracy’s approach is rooted in the belief that clarity and simplicity empower business owners to align their financial decisions with their long-term goals. Her methodologies are practical, accessible, and transformative for anyone seeking to connect financial insights to ownership success.

Chapters:

• (00:00) Introduction: simplifying financials for owner-operators
• (06:00) The three-statement model: income, balance sheet, and cash flow
• (12:00) Why free cash flow matters more than revenue, balancing receivables and payables
• (18:30) Breaking down the 14 ownership KPIs
• (25:00) Real-world applications: aligning metrics with decisions
• (28:23) Operational cash flow strategies
• (33:00) Tracy’s framework: the 60-minute CFO process
• (48:30) Key financial metrics to monitor, scaling growth while maintaining financial control, understanding profit margins
• (55:00) Terms, tools and resources for financial clarity
• (1:07:15) Key metrics and KPIs
• (1:18:43) Optimizing cash flow and inventory
• (1:24:10) Navigating entrepreneurial challenges, bankruptcy, understanding KPIs
• (1:31:12) Mastering cash flow management strategies
• (1:50:29) Strategic forecasting and future planning
• Rate, comment, and share with the owner/operators you know!
• Rate, comment and share with the owner/operators you know!

Resources:

60MinuteCFO.com

Tracy Bech LinkedIn

60-Minute CFO Book

Tracy Bech on X

Previous Episode #409: Where Is the Money? From Services to E-Commerce: Tracy Bech’s Playbook for Understanding Cash Flow

Independence by Design™ Workshop: https://ryantansom.com/independence-by-design-workshop

Independence by Design™ Ownership Coaching: Ryan Tansom’s Ownership Accelerator programs and coaching https://ryantansom.com/coaching

Ryan Tansom Website https://ryantansom.com/

Ryan Tansom LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryantansom/

Ryan Tansom Twitter https://twitter.com/RyanTansom

Ryan Tansom YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ryantansom

Ryan Tansom 30-Minute Ownership Strategy Call https://calendar.app.google/tsKk7z6ohugDchWq8

Sound Bites:

“The only thing that matters is free cash flow, and understanding it is the key to making better decisions.” – Ryan Tansom

“The 14 Ownership KPIs are like the dashboard for your business. They’re not just numbers; they’re the compass guiding your strategy.” – Tracy Bech

“If you’re lying on your balance sheet, you’re lying to yourself. Transparency is everything.” – Tracy Bech