Profitability Playbook: The Simple Numbers Podcast

In this episode, our guest Stephanie Harris shares how she tripled the size of her company by embracing smart strategy, the right technology, and a strong team culture. She breaks down how adapting to change fueled sustainable growth and offers practical insights leaders can apply right now.

In this episode, Mike and Brandon unpack the salary cap framework and explain how it helps business owners stay profitable no matter the market. They break down how to calculate your cap, what to do if you're over it, and how to make smart decisions around labor, cash flow, and margin dollars. From identifying A players to navigating shared sacrifice and tightening up your business model, this...

This week, Mike and Brandon break down the biggest tax misunderstandings entrepreneurs face. They explain the real difference between tax deferral and tax savings, when equipment purchases actually make sense, and how retirement plans fit into smart strategy. They also tackle common tax myths and share real examples of decisions that helped or hurt business owners. Tune in for clear, practical gui...

On this weeks episode, Brandon and Mike sit down with Justin Allred to explore how entrepreneurs can truly pour into their teams and make a lasting impact in their communities. Justin shares practical ways he invests in people and creates a culture that lifts everyone around him. Tune in now and catch the insights you can start using today. For more info visit: https://www.simplenumberscri.com/ ht...

This week, we sit down with Tyler Smith as he dives into his book Exit Ready , exploring how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) can help business owners plan and execute a smooth, successful transition. Whether you're preparing for an exit in the near future or simply want to build a stronger, more efficient company, Tyler breaks down actionable strategies to help you get “exit ready” with...

This week, Brandon sits down with Micah Ledbetter to explore the latest on inflation, the labor market, interest rates, the stock market, and the entrepreneurial economy. Gain insights from an expert on the trends shaping today’s financial landscape.

Join us as Caryn Kopp of ⁠Kopp Consulting⁠ takes a deep dive into the fast-changing world of sales. Discover the crucial differences between door openers and closers and learn actionable strategies to monitor, motivate, and maximize your sales team’s performance. Don’t miss these insights that can take your sales game to the next level!

Year-end planning is fast approaching, and many business owners face the same dilemma: should you focus on budgeting or forecasting? In this episode, we break down both strategies, exploring the benefits, challenges, and real-world applications of each. Whether you want more control over your finances, better predict future growth, or make smarter business decisions, understanding the difference b...

In our third installment of the football season series, we’re diving into the special business opportunities that can help you make a game-changing play. From smart financial strategies to timely decisions that give you the edge, this episode is all about helping you stay ahead of the competition and turn your next move into a winning one.

When sales are strong and the pipeline is full, what strategic moves should your business be making to keep the momentum going? In this episode, we explore the plays leaders can run to maximize growth during times of strength.

What steps should a company take when sales are slipping, margins are shrinking, and payroll is lean? Join us as we explore practical strategies to navigate these critical business challenges and keep your company on track.

In this episode, we explore data from our Simple Numbers 100 Company Model to see if the economy is in or moving toward a recession. We discuss what truly defines a recession for entrepreneurs and share strategies you can use to stay prepared and resilient in a challenging economic environment.

In this episode, we explore the essentials every company should consider when setting up a buy-sell agreement. We’ll also break down the types of valuations business owners need to know about to make informed decisions and protect their interests.

In this episode, we tackle some of the most common questions we’re hearing from clients right now. We’ll discuss how often to track direct labor efficiency, smart strategies for shopping insurance, recommendations for podcasts and books worth your time, and investment opportunities to consider beyond your current business.

In this episode, we dive into the hot topics shaping today’s business world - pricing shifts, evolving consumer demand, and the rise of remote work. Hear the Simple Numbers take on what’s really happening, why it matters, and how you can stay ahead.

In this episode, we take lessons learned from a variety of industries and explore how those insights can be applied across the board. From leadership strategies to operational efficiencies, we’ll highlight practical takeaways that can spark new ideas, drive growth, and create value no matter what field you’re in.

Bigger isn’t always better… or is it? In this episode, we put $10M-and-above companies head-to-head with those under $10M using our SN 100 company model. Discover which size is seeing the fastest growth, getting the most from their teams, and turning operating expenses into serious results.

In this episode, we dive into how much you should be spending on operating expenses, and why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Learn the general rules of thumb, how they vary across industries, and what to watch for to keep your business running efficiently and profitably. 🎉 Giveaway Alert! 🎉 We're giving our podcast listeners an exclusive chance to win a FREE 30-minute Simple Start consu...

In this episode, we break down the basics of fixed assets, what they are, why they matter, and how to manage them strategically. From understanding the two main categories fixed assets fall into, to evaluating return on investment (ROI), we cover what business owners and financial decision-makers need to know. We also tackle practical questions like whether to buy new or used equipment, and the pr...

What does it really take to become a thought leader in your industry? In this episode, join us as David Kochanek of Thought Leadership unpacks the key differences between being an expert and being a true thought leader, and why that distinction matters. You’ll hear strategies for shifting your mindset, building credibility, and creating content that positions you as a trusted voice, not just a kno...

In this episode, Mike Coffey with Imperative joins the conversation to reveal what could be missing from your background checks, and why it matters more than you think. He shares exclusive insights on the current economy drawn from his firm's unique data and offers straightforward, actionable advice for entrepreneurs navigating HR challenges. Whether you’re scaling a team or tightening complia...

In this week's episode, Zack Oliva, Co-Owner of  Oliva Gibbs PLLC , shares how he’s grown his business by focusing on the fundamentals—hiring the right people, building solid processes, and making client education a priority. He also talks about the role brand-building has played in that journey, and what it really takes to scale in a sustainable way. It’s an honest look at growth, leadership,...

When margins shrink and price hikes aren’t an option, what’s your next move? In this episode, we break down the Simple Numbers method for calculating gross margin, how to analyze it effectively, and practical strategies for boosting profitability - even in a tight market.

In today’s unpredictable market, businesses need to adapt quickly - especially when it comes to labor. In this episode, we explore practical strategies for scaling your workforce up during peak demand and adjusting it down when things slow, all while staying efficient and resilient.

What should you look for when starting, expanding, or buying a business? In this episode, we share our decision-making filters and explore how entrepreneurs are using AI to gain a competitive edge.