Insights
Notes from the finance seat.
Practical writing on cash, margins, procurement, capital and the decisions that move enterprise value.
Browse by topic 40
- Corporate Finance 52
- Tactical Finance 27
- Leadership 24
- Manufacturing 24
- Efficiency 23
- Profitability 18
- Cost Optimization 14
- Supply Chain 14
- Procurement 12
- Inventory 9
- Supply and Demand 9
- Communication 8
- Growth 8
- Notes for CEOs 8
- Vendor Management 8
- Framework 4
- Negotiation 4
- Biotech 3
- Budget 3
- Clinical Trials 3
- Diagnostics 3
- Life Sciences 3
- CAC 2
- Contract Management 2
- Economy 2
- Hospitality 2
- LTV 2
- R&D 2
- SaaS 2
- Scope of Service 2
- Strategy 2
- Accounts Receivable 1
- Assets 1
- Fixed Assets 1
- Inventory Management 1
- Investment 1
- Margins 1
- Milestones 1
- Pricing 1
- Tales 1
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How the Right Legal Entity Protects CEOs and Owners While Increasing Returns Discover how choosing the right legal entity can strengthen profitability, reduce tax exposure, and safeguard CEOs and owners. Learn how LLCs, S Corps, and C Corps create financial advantages and long term protection. Read article -
Optimizing Professional Services for Manufacturing Companies: A Smarter Path to Lower Costs Discover how manufacturing companies can reduce professional service costs through smarter scoping, vendor consolidation, invoice audits, performance scorecards, and strategic pricing agreements. Learn seven proven strategies to strengthen profitability and increase operational efficiency. Read article -
Why Your Business Needs “Financial Infrastructure” to Grow Discover why every business needs a solid financial infrastructure. Learn how financial models, reporting systems, structured processes, and automation protect cash flow, improve decision-making, and accelerate growth. Read article -
Smart Hiring for Growing Manufacturers: How to Build the Right Team at the Right Pace Growing manufacturing companies often rush into hiring full-time employees, creating long-term costs and operational rigidity. Learn the smartest hiring sequence: contractors first, selective outsourcing, and pacing hiring even during hyper growth to avoid misreading external demand shocks. Read article -
How a $500K Equipment Lease Can Unlock Growth Capital and Boost ROI (With Real 2025 Rates) A $500,000 capital lease can free up cash to invest in growth—while keeping predictable payments. Here’s how manufacturers can use today’s 8% lease rates to generate higher returns from their capital. Read article -
The Hidden Gold in Your Overlooked Contracts: How Re-Scoping Non-Core Services Can Instantly Boost Manufacturing Profitability Most manufacturers overspend on routine services that add little value. Learn how re-scoping contracts for cleaning, security, landscaping, waste removal, and IT support can unlock hidden cash without layoffs or lost productivity. Read article -
The Hidden Fortune in Your Vendor List: How Manufacturers Uncover 6-Figure Savings Without Cutting a Single Job Most manufacturers are leaving hundreds of thousands on the table through weak vendor management. Learn how to identify hidden savings opportunities, from missed discounts to smarter contracts and better suppliers. Read article -
What To Do With SLOB Inventory: 7 Smart Strategies to Turn Dead Stock Into Cash Slow and obsolete inventory doesn’t have to be a loss. Discover seven ways manufacturers can turn SLOB inventory into cash, goodwill, or tax advantages. Read article -
How Manufacturing Companies Can Reduce Costs Without Reducing Quality Learn how manufacturing companies can cut operational costs without compromising product quality through smarter procurement, process control, and data-driven financial management. Read article -
The Hidden Profits in Hospitality: How Smarter Vendor Strategy Unlocks Sustainable Margins Hospitality companies can recover millions in hidden profits by renegotiating vendor contracts, centralizing purchasing, and managing cash flow with discipline. Here’s how. Read article -
The Untold Truth About Growth: Why Your Next Big Win Is Already Inside Your Business Most companies chase expansion projects to grow revenue, but the biggest gains often come from cash flow improvements within existing operations. Discover why internal projects outperform expansion and how to unlock hidden profit inside your business. Read article -
The 10 Most Common Cash Leaks for SaaS Companies (and How to Stop Them) SaaS companies often bleed cash in hidden ways that stall growth and profitability. Learn the 10 most common cash leaks for SaaS firms and how to plug them before they drain your margins. Read article -
Building a Strong BATNA: How Manufacturing Companies Can Negotiate from Strength Manufacturing companies can strengthen their negotiation position by building a strong BATNA. Learn the step-by-step process to prepare effectively and secure better outcomes. Read article -
How to Run an ABC Inventory Analysis: A Step-by-Step Guide (📕 Downloadable Materials) Learn how to perform ABC analysis for inventory with this step-by-step guide. Understand how to classify items into A, B, and C categories to optimize working capital, reduce costs, and improve supply chain efficiency. Read article -
7 Quick Wins: Expenses that Manufacturing Companies Can Tackle in One Day Discover seven quick, high-impact expense reductions that manufacturing companies can implement in less than a day. These small but powerful changes can protect margins, free up cash flow, and create immediate operational efficiency. Read article -
Securing Better Vendor Pricing with Volume Guarantees: Why Long-Term Commitments Create Win-Win Partnerships Discover how guaranteeing purchase volumes over 12, 24, or 36 months can help your company lock in better prices, secure supply, and build stronger vendor relationships while improving financial forecasting. Read article -
Competitive Bidding: A Powerful Tool to Cut Costs in Manufacturing Companies Learn how manufacturing companies can use competitive bidding to reduce service costs significantly. Discover which services to target, the double savings effect, and how to run a flawless bidding process with our free plug-and-play template. Read article -
5 Proven Ways to Improve Margins Through Pricing and Cost Discipline Improving margins starts with pricing power and cost control. This article outlines five best practices companies can adopt today to strengthen profitability. Read article -
Maximizing ROI from Fixed Assets: When to Own vs. When to Lease Discover how manufacturing companies can optimize capital by deciding which fixed assets to own and which to lease, using a strategic framework to boost cash flow, reduce risk, and improve financial flexibility. Read article -
10 Powerful Ways Manufacturing Companies Can Collect Money Earlier from Customers Discover 10 proven strategies manufacturing companies can use to collect money earlier from customers, boost cash flow, and strengthen financial health. Tactics include pricing incentives, contract changes, and operational improvements. Read article -
Growth is Hiding in Plain Sight Accelerate growth by widening margins before chasing top-line sales. Discover how cost efficiency and zero-CAC gains fund scalable, resilient expansion. Read article -
7 Ways to Reduce Fixed Costs in Manufacturing Discover seven proven strategies manufacturers can use today to trim fixed costs, protect margins, and unlock cash for growth without compromising quality or output. Read article -
Inventory Is Cash Hiding in Plain Sight Stop letting working capital collect dust on warehouse shelves. Learn five fast, proven inventory-optimization moves that cut costs and free cash for manufacturers. Read article -
Budgeting for an R&D-Heavy Period Discover the budget blueprint that doubles growth through milestone budgeting, dynamic forecasting, and integrated planning. Read article -
Rethink the Lease: How Renting and Sub-Contracting Lab Space Can Extend Your Runway Leasing lab space too early can drain your startup's resources. Discover why renting and sub-contracting space is a smarter financial move for early-stage life sciences companies. Read article -
Don’t Let Compliance Kill Your Burn Rate: 7 Smart Ways to Plan for Regulatory Expenses in Life Sciences Early-stage life sciences companies often underestimate the cost and complexity of regulatory compliance. Learn seven critical considerations to avoid budget blowouts and delays in this essential startup guide. Read article -
Clinical Trial Budget Management: Protect Your Runway and Accelerate Results Discover data-driven tactics and the CFOS framework that help life-sciences CFOs keep clinical trials on budget; control costs; and protect runway. Read article -
Manufacturing R&D on a Budget: 5 Essential Strategies to Stay Afloat Companies embarking on R&D investments face tight budgets and high stakes. Discover five actionable strategies to manage costs, avoid shortfalls, and ensure your R&D’s success. Read article -
Manufacturing Companies: Keep your Cash for a Longer Time Discover three ways growing manufacturing companies can effectively reduce initial costs, optimize financial planning, and enhance compliance. All of which help you extend your cash flow. Read article -
5 Critical Updates on US Tariffs (2025) Stay current on U.S. tariff policy. Here are the five most important changes every manufacturing CFO and Supply‑Chain leader must know as of May 2025. Read article -
The Hidden Power of Purchase Control Evaluate Revenue, Team Size, Systems, Budget, and Spend‑Control Mindset to confirm your firm’s readiness to centralize purchasing and unlock rapid cash‑flow gains. Read article -
Reporting With Purpose, Not Paperwork Discover why goal-driven reporting is a competitive edge: three reasons aligned metrics accelerate clarity, accountability, and agile growth. Read article -
Why Every Business Must Be Cash-Centric: 3 Powerful Reasons Liquidity Leads to Lasting Success Discover why a cash-centric strategy safeguards continuity, fuels strategic agility, and lifts valuation—no matter your company’s size. Three reasons to focus on liquidity. Read article -
“Best Practices”: Why They’re Not Always the Best for You Discover why popular “best practices” can waste cash, stifle growth, and cut flexibility. Learn 3 red-flag scenarios and smarter alternatives for your business. Read article -
Why Goal Setting Matters: How Clear Direction Drives Real Progress Discover why setting clear goals is essential for real progress in business and life. Learn how direction beats speed, and how clarity drives better decisions, alignment, and results. Read article -
Navigating Tariffs: How U.S. Manufacturers Can Mitigate the Impact of Tariffs Explore how U.S. manufacturers can reduce the impact of recent U.S.-China tariffs. Discover five strategic ways to mitigate cost increases and optimize your supply chain—with expert consulting support. Read article -
A Structured Vendor Selection Criteria for Procurement Teams Discover how to choose the right vendor after a bidding contest using a structured, cross-functional evaluation process. Learn how to define criteria, assign weights, and make smarter procurement decisions. Read article -
How to Set Up a Bidding Contest for your Key Purchases Learn how to set up a bidding contest for large purchases to save time, improve vendor performance, and drive better procurement outcomes through a structured, competitive process. Read article -
How to Negotiate Better Vendor Terms Without High Volume: 10 Levers Beyond Price and Quantity Learn how to negotiate better vendor terms without relying on high volume. Discover 10 powerful levers beyond price and quantity to improve supplier agreements and strengthen procurement strategy. Read article -
Vendor Negotiations: Some Frameworks Discover ten proven vendor renegotiation strategies using a structured framework based on criticality, recurrence, and volume. Improve procurement outcomes and reduce costs across your supplier base. Read article -
How Manufacturing Companies Can Improve Their Working Capital Discover 7 proven strategies manufacturers can use to improve working capital, boost cash flow, and increase financial resilience and profitability. Read article -
Maximizing Business Stability with Take-or-Pay Contracts Take-or-pay agreements, commonly used in industries such as energy, manufacturing, and raw materials, ensure a guaranteed revenue stream for suppliers while providing buyers with stable pricing and supply security. Read article -
Centralizing Purchases: How You Can Cut Costs and Improve Efficiency If your business is still relying on a decentralized purchasing model, you’re likely leaving money on the table. A centralized procurement function empowers you with better control, improved efficiency, and significant cost savings. Read article -
Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory Management: A Strategic Advantage for Businesses Today supply chain is one of the strongest sources of competitive advantage for manufacturing companies. Efficiency and cost management are critical for success. One of the most effective strategies for optimizing inventory and improving financial performance is Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory manageme Read article -
We Help Companies Create Value via Vendor Management. Here’s how (part II). Small, intentional changes in procurement and vendor management can have a significant impact on the bottom line. Read article -
We Help Companies Create Value via Vendor Management. Here’s how (part I). Vendor management is one of the most overlooked ways to reduce costs and improve cash flow. Many companies focus on revenue growth but fail to optimize their procurement strategies. With a structured approach to vendor relationships, we have helped businesses achieve significant savings. Read article -
How to Value an Ecommerce Store Using Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) A key method to determine the value of an ecommerce store is the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) methodology, which assesses the present value of future cash flows. Read article -
Acquiring a Business with an SBA Loan: What To Know Acquiring a business is one of the fastest ways to become an entrepreneur or expand an existing company in the United States. Read article -
Financing with Debt: The Next Best Thing? Debt can be a powerful tool that allows founders to retain ownership while accessing the funds they need. After all it is a way of funding that is non-dilutive, allowing the founders to keep their equity. However, not all debt is created equal. Read article -
The Different Stages of Capital Raising Investors at different stages of funding have distinct expectations, and understanding these nuances can make the difference between securing an investment and walking away empty-handed. Read article -
Growth through Finance: A Strategic Guide to Capital Raising Securing capital is an essential part of most companies in order to achieve expansion, innovation, and sustainability. Read article -
Effective Presentations and How to Create Impact Whether you’re addressing a boardroom, a conference, or a team meeting, the power of a well-delivered presentation relies in the impact it can create in the audience Read article -
9 Ways Consultants Could Add Value to Your Venture Capital Firm There’s value that some VC’s might be leaving on the table. Read article -
7 Key Steps Companies Can Take to Strengthen Their Fundraising Strategy With preparation and strategy, you can turn your fundraising efforts into a powerful catalyst for growth. Read article -
10 Financial Tasks Every Business Should Complete Before Year-End Just as much as it is at a personal level, the end-of-year period is a time for reflecting, planning, and preparing your business for the new year. Read article -
How to read the Department of Labor’s NonFarm Payrolls (NFP) Report on December 2024 How to read and interpret the upcoming Nonfarm Payroll (NFP) Report. Read article -
9 Ways The New Macroeconomic Environment Will Affect Businesses We anticipate nine critical factors businesses should watch as they strategize for the years ahead. Read article -
The Impact of Lower Interest Rates on Venture Capital Firms and Their Portfolios The low-interest-rate environment will undoubtedly reshape the venture capital landscape. Read article -
7 Financial Mistakes of 7-Figure Companies It’s easy to forget, but high revenue doesn’t mean success. Read article -
The Best Practice that Works in Every Industry, Every Time Treat your team like you treat your clients. Read article -
How Finance Supercharges Your Business It's the strategic use of finance that can truly differentiate a business and drive profitability. Read article -
Hiring a Finance Consultant Finance consultants -they say- do not have a crystal ball. But they do have the next best thing: financial projections, financial goals, and tools to report both. Read article -
How can businesses use a fractional CFO? Finance is a key player in a company’s growth, direction, and success. Read article -
Fractional CFOs: a Secret Weapon Fractional CFOs: a secret weapon Read article -
9 Invisible Forces: How Finance Keeps the Lights On Finance is the quiet warrior everyone should know about. Read article -
Finance as a Foundation: Why having a Finance Department Early On is Crucial The greatest challenge of a startup is uncertainty. Read article -
The Automation Imperative of Finance Departments Finance is at the top of the helm when evaluating automation. Read article -
The Value of a Fractional CFO: 3 Key Reasons to Consider Hiring One Today’s business need a strong financial foundation more than ever. However, not all businesses have the resources or need for a full-time Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Read article -
A Strong Financial Foundation A solid financial infrastructure is a necessity and not a luxury. Read article -
Finance: The Key to Startup Success While innovation is the catalyst for startup growth, financial discipline is its enduring engine. Read article -
The Power of a Strong Financial Tech Stack Discover how a streamlined financial tech stack can boost your startup's growth and profitability. Read article -
Break Even or Break Free: Cracking the Startup Code The break-even point is the # 1 financial metric of a startup Read article -
Startups’ pursuit of happiness (a.k.a. productivity) Startup happiness does not come from free meals, ping pong tables, or unlimited PTO. Read article -
Do it with models; financial models If you want to make good decisions, get yourself a model. Read article -
Stewart, the steward no one knows about What’s your superpower? Read article -
Joe: the employee that behaves like the CEO Why are some employees more committed than others? They are grateful for the job. Read article -
Getting “unstuck” Up to 75% of people feel stuck in their job. Read article -
Employee terminations: they never get easier Employee terminations: they never get easier Read article -
Founders Beware: Confirmation bias The financial costs are twofold: the cost of the bad decision plus the cost to undo it. Read article -
A reasonable runway A reasonable runway Read article -
Slow is smooth, smooth is fast Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Read article -
Finance is like the brakes of a car The reason is not very intuitive. Read article -
The very healthy balance between planning and executing “A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week”. Read article -
Chef Henry: a tale about menus and commitment Chef means “boss” in French. Read article - Leaders: be mindful of Parkinson’s law “Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion” . Read article
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Kayla’s simple decision process You will never regret doing the right thing. Read article -
Discipline will follow Enjoy the ride Read article -
The power of ‘no’ Knowing what to reject is as important as knowing what to accept. Read article - CEOs and Founders: understand what motivates your team Just imagine Read article
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Dear Founders: your message has to be clear Empathy is at the core of every successful message. Read article -
What your finance department should make you feel Interactions with finance can be soothing, dreadful, or anything in between. Read article -
You can be profitable and not cash flow positive Being cash flow positive -like many things in life- is all about timing. Read article -
So you want to be a successful founder, executive, or investor? This one is short and sweet Read article -
Why cash crunches are hard to see Cash is the lifeblood of every organization Read article -
What 'financially-sustainable growth' looks like The era of 'growth at all costs' is gone. Read article -
Founders: Beware of Unchecked Optimism "... the soothing light at the end of your tunnel was just a freight train coming your way". Read article -
Cash Flow Management 101 82% of small businesses (including startups) fail due to poor cash flow management Read article -
Treasury Management 101 Cash forecast Read article -
Operating Leases: Keep Money in your Pocket Keep money in your pocket. Read article -
The Case for the Business Plan 71% of growing companies have a strategic plan in place. Read article -
Financial Models 101 Financial Modes 101 Read article -
Effective Finance Presentations Effective Finance Presentations Read article -
Working Capital 101 Some thoughts on working capital Read article
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