Keep What You Earn

Today, I'm diving into the pitfalls of complacency in business and how it can quietly hold you back from growth. As a fractional CFO working with a variety of businesses, I've seen firsthand how important it is to track performance metrics—especially revenue by employee—to identify your top performers and the areas that need attention. I'll share practical ways to stay vigilant and intentional in...

Today, I'm speaking with Jim Emerich, founder of Backbone CFO, a fractional CFO practice that specializes in supporting construction firms and manufacturers. Jim and I talk about the role data plays in making strong business decisions, and he walks me through a simplified framework he created to help identify key financial issues and constraints that often hold businesses back. The framework focus...

In this episode, I'm breaking down the idea of industry niches and why I chose a different path for my business. Instead of narrowing my focus to a single industry, I've built success by centering on core values, and it's made all the difference. You'll hear why understanding who you serve on a deeper level (their mindset, values, and behaviors) matters more than what industry they're in.   I'll a...

Today, Shannon shares tactical and actionable advice for entrepreneurs to improve their cash flow without making common mistakes. Learn the key differences between profit and cash flow, discover the importance of timing in managing your money, and understand how certain habits, like paying off credit cards too early or having a lax collection process, can sabotage your cash flow.   Shannon also de...

Shannon sits down with Michele, the founder and CEO of FACE FOUNDRIÉ. Michele shares her entrepreneurial journey from running a successful women's clothing company to tackling her hormonal acne struggles by creating FACE FOUNDRIÉ, offering accessible and high-quality skincare experiences.   Learn how FACE FOUNDRIÉ's focus on customer service, community engagement, and a scalable franchise model ha...

Today, Shannon breaks down the essentials of bonus depreciation and depreciation recapture: two topics every business owner should understand. She explains how these deductions really work, why they're often about tax deferral rather than elimination, and what to watch for when selling assets or a business.   You'll walk away with practical insights to help you manage your assets wisely and make c...

Shannon is joined by Joey Mure, founder of Wealth Without Wall Street. Joey shares his journey of creating financial freedom by focusing on passive income and debunking the traditional notion of trading time for money. The discussion dives into sustainable and customized wealth-building strategies that are not about quick fixes but about understanding and implementing a logical process.   Joey emp...

Today, Shannon dives into the crucial differences between a bookkeeper and a fractional CFO, revealing why scaling businesses should consider the latter. Shannon explains how fractional CFO services provide deeper insights, strategic decision-making, and future-focused projections that surpass what a bookkeeper or an in-house accountant can offer. With compelling arguments and real-world examples,...

Today, Shannon guides entrepreneurs and business owners through the challenges of financial overwhelm and decision fatigue. Shannon shares tactical and actionable advice on identifying the biggest constraints in your business, specifically focusing on cash flow management.   Tune in to learn how to map out your cash flow, prioritize impactful financial issues, and make confident decisions that wil...

Shannon is joined by Ricky Shockley, owner of Med Spa Magic Marketing and a digital marketing professional with over a decade of experience. Ricky shares valuable insights on the importance of using data-driven strategies over gut-based marketing, the challenges of local vs. national marketing, and the critical metrics every business owner should track.   The discussion covers the significance of...

Maintaining high-quality financial records for business owners is critical, especially if you're interested in selling your business. Shannon explains why you should always be prepared for potential buyout offers, shares strategies for keeping your financials in order, and emphasizes the importance of transparency and accuracy in financial reporting. Learn how the quality of your financials influe...

As you scale your business past the $3-5 million revenue mark, there are complexities that arise, including increased overhead, team expansion, and the temptation to offer more products or services.   Shannon emphasizes the importance of simplicity in scaling, advising business owners to standardize their offerings and create streamlined processes. Tune in to learn actionable tips for maintaining...

Shannon chats with Austin Boyd, the founder of Alive Print Shop. Austin shares his incredible journey from starting a custom t-shirt business in his parents' garage to growing it into a multi-million dollar enterprise over the past 17 years. They discuss the importance of humility, continuous learning, and seeking knowledge from those more experienced.   Austin's story highlights the value of focu...

Shannon discusses the importance of understanding key financial metrics, such as offer profit and operating profit, and their impact on overall business health. She introduces her five-step 'Profitable Scaling Playbook' and shares practical tips for managing cash flow and optimizing customer value.   Whether you're a small business owner or running a larger enterprise, this episode provides action...

Shannon addresses common misconceptions about financial management, emphasizing the importance of focusing on macro-level decisions rather than micro-level cost-cutting. Shannon advocates for prioritizing impactful activities that drive significant business growth and encourages entrepreneurs to delegate tasks to maintain a CEO mindset. Tune in to learn how to allocate your time and resources effe...

Asset protection is invaluable, especially for business owners. Shannon is joined by Blake Harris, an expert attorney specializing in offshore trusts. Dive deep into the intricacies of asset protection trusts, understand the benefits of offshore trusts in places like the Cook Islands, and why this strategy is not just for the ultra-wealthy.   Discover how proper asset protection can safeguard your...

The most expensive habit for business owners is distraction. Shannon explains how distraction not only wastes valuable time but also has a compounding negative effect on your business's growth. From shiny object syndrome to direct distractions like social media, learn how to identify and manage distractions, maintain focus on your core profit engines, and strategically align your actions with your...

Shannon discusses the multifaceted role of business owners as resource allocators. She introduces a quadrant framework that helps identify where businesses stand in terms of capital and information, offering actionable advice for each scenario—whether you're capital-constrained, data-constrained, or simply overwhelmed with resources.   Tune in for practical insights on how to better manage your fi...

Dive deep into the intersections of finance and marketing with guest Amber from AF Marketing. They explore the importance of data-driven decisions in marketing, understanding customer acquisition costs, and the lifetime value of customers. Shannon and Amber discuss the significance of consistent branding, effective use of referral programs, and the unprecedented value of training and empowering te...

Today, we will address a critical pain point for businesses hitting the $5 million revenue mark: knowing when to bring your finance function in-house. Shannon discusses the drawbacks of relying solely on outsourced bookkeepers and CPAs and delves into the benefits of hiring a fractional CFO. From understanding how to lead a finance team effectively to knowing the technical skills required, this ep...

In this episode, Shannon dives into the transformative potential of profit sharing with expert guest Rob Gallagher. Rob, a successful business owner, shares his journey from the grueling early days of entrepreneurship to a thriving, profitable enterprise powered by a well-crafted profit sharing program. Learn the ten critical rules to structuring a successful profit sharing scheme, from making it...

Join Shannon, as she introduces the newest team member, Erica Barrow, to 'Keep What You Earn Co'. With a unique background in forensic accounting and military experience, Erica brings a fresh perspective to boosting client success. Discover their collaborative approach to solving financial puzzles and empowering business owners to make smarter decisions. Tune in for insights on how this dynamic te...

Ready to unlock a life of luxury travel without breaking the bank? In this episode, Shannon sits down with Eli Facenda, the "Eli Travel Guy," to reveal how business owners can experience bucket-list adventures, maximize credit card points, and design a business that funds your dream lifestyle.   What You'll Hear: [2:00] The 3 big myths stopping entrepreneurs from traveling [8:10] The "Experiential...

In this episode, Shannon sits down with Pam Jordan, an experienced CFO and founder of Pivot Business Group. Together, they demystify the role of a CFO, discuss the differences between CFOs, CPAs, and bookkeepers, and share actionable advice for business owners looking to scale and build enterprise value.   What You'll Hear: [5:00] What is a fractional CFO? [10:00] The difference between CFOs, CPAs...

In this episode, Shannon breaks down the essential steps to building enterprise value in your business. Whether you're planning to scale, sell, or simply want to create a more resilient and valuable company, Shannon shares practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you get there. Tune in to focus on intentional budgeting and aligning expenses with your growth goals.   What you'll hear in this...