Building Margin

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran breaks down one of the most important metrics for scaling profitably: the LTV to CAC ratio. He explains how to calculate it, why aiming for at least 3:1 matters, and how it can attract investors and fuel sustainable growth. Drawing from real-world experience turning around and scalin...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran shares his personal journey of turning adversity into opportunity. He opens up about the mindset shift that took him from feeling stuck to building a multimillion-dollar business. Along the way, he offers practical strategies and motivating insights to help you overcome challenges, r...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve delves into the critical aspects of vision and valuation for business owners, featuring our distinguished guest, Patrick Donohue. Join us as we explore how having a clear vision and understanding the true value of your company can drive strategic decisions, enhance growth potential, and prepa...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran unpacks the critical role business strategy plays in driving long-term success. He explores how strategic planning fuels innovation, sharpens competitive advantage, and positions companies for sustainable growth. Steve also highlights what’s at stake when businesses fail to adapt—mis...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran dives into why developing strategic acumen is essential for thriving in today’s fast-moving business world. He breaks down how mastering strategic thinking can lead to better decisions, sustainable growth, and a lasting competitive edge. Steve shares practical tips on identifying you...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran explores one of the most underrated drivers of entrepreneurial success: passion. Drawing from his own journey as a founder and CFO, Steve shares why passion isn’t fluff—it’s fuel. It drives creativity, resilience, and purpose, turning a business into a mission and teams into believer...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran sits down with entrepreneur Raph McGowan to talk about the grit, resilience, and mindset it takes to build a business from the ground up. Raph shares the highs and lows of his journey—how he turned obstacles into opportunities, made strategic pivots, and stayed motivated when things...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran is joined by pricing expert Mark Stiving for a deep dive into the strategies behind smart pricing. Together, they explore practical ways to optimize pricing, tap into buyer psychology, and unlock hidden revenue. From subtle shifts to bold moves, this conversation is packed with real-...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran breaks down the three core financial statements every business leader should understand: the income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows. Drawing on his experience as a CFO, Steve explains how these tools reveal the true health of a business—and how they connect to s...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran walks through his proven 10-step strategy blueprint for building a winning business. From defining your purpose and pinpointing your core problem to researching the market and choosing the right strategic path, Steve shares a practical approach to creating clarity and momentum. It’s...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran shares five powerful principles every founder should follow. He talks about the importance of truly knowing your customers, testing fast and learning faster, staying lean until your systems are solid, playing the long game, and prioritizing personal health. Because at the end of the...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve breaks down how to really understand your customer—like really understand them. He shares a simple framework to help you uncover what your ideal customer wants, what’s getting in their way, and what would make them say, “This is exactly what I need.” It’s about empathy, not guesswork. If you...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   Today, we're diving deep into a critical decision for entrepreneurs: choosing between an LLC and an S-Corp. This episode is packed with insights to help you navigate this crucial choice. Steve breaks down the pros and cons of each entity, from liability protection and tax implications to administrative require...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In today's episode, we delve into the art of storytelling with Akeem Shannon, the CEO and Founder of Flipstik. Akeem shares three simple yet powerful stories that have been instrumental in scaling his business from its startup phase to rapid growth. Drawing from his experiences, including his appearance on the...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this insightful episode, host Steve Coughran is joined by Alex Prasad from Aegis Law Firm. Together, they delve into the essential process of vetting a business attorney, pinpointing what entrepreneurs should look for to ensure a fruitful collaboration. The conversation also covers strategic exits and how legal...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this thought-provoking discussion, Steve explores the concept of good, better, and best, emphasizing the importance of prioritization when executing your strategy. By focusing on activities with the greatest potential upside, you can prevent yourself from being spread too thin and ensure that your efforts create...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve Coughran unpacks his signature framework: Diagnose, Design, Execute, and Empower. Drawing from years of experience, Steve shares a holistic approach to strategy that blends data, finance, and leadership. He explains how to uncover root issues through benchmarking, build a strategic blueprint,...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, Steve breaks down why so many business strategies fall flat. He shares why traditional budgeting—rigid, fear-driven, and often disconnected from reality—sets teams up to fail. Instead, he champions forecasting: a more flexible, forward-looking way to plan. You'll learn the two big mistakes com...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this week's episode, host Steve Coughran dives deep into the transformative idea that, in the coming decade, nearly every company will essentially become a tech company. This sweeping change isn't limited to sectors traditionally associated with technology; it spans across industries like plumbing, ele...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this thought-provoking episode, host Steve Coughran sits down with Jackie Bebenroth, the visionary founder of Muse, to explore the timely question: "Is It Time to Change Your Brand?" Together, they delve into the essence of what a brand truly represents beyond logos and taglines, unraveling its signifi...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   The best founders follow five key principles for success: Know your customers deeply by asking tough, meaningful questions. Move quickly—test ideas and adjust fast. Stay lean until your systems are solid. Commit to the long game and be patient. And don’t forget self-care; a healthy founder is essential for lasting...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   Are strategy and strategic planning the same? Many think so, but they're not. Planning focuses on allocating resources and outlining activities, while strategy is about making bold, tough choices to position a company for success. Too often, leaders confuse budgets with strategy, missing the chance to differen...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In this episode, host Steve Coughran dives into the crucial topic of achieving better results in business. He emphasizes the significance of having everyone in the organization on the same page and strategically aligned to drive success. Steve underscores the importance of putting the customer at the center of the...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   In today's episode, we tackle the pervasive myths surrounding strategy in the business world. With years of experience navigating the intricacies of strategic planning, Coughran dispels the notion that strategy is about predicting the future. Instead, he advocates for a more pragmatic approach, emphasizing the...

Want to grow your business? Download your free roadmap today: coltivar.com/growth   Today, we'll be delving into why Sam's Club's significant investment in technology, particularly its app, is a game-changer and why you should be following suit. Sam's Club has recognized the importance of streamlining the checkout process and elevating the customer experience through innovative...