family owned business

Cash flow is the single most important financial factor in determining whether a business thrives or struggles. Yet, many business owners focus only on revenue and profit, overlooking the critical role cash flow plays in daily operations. A company can be profitable on paper but still face financial distress if it lacks the cash needed to cover expenses when they arise.

Understanding cash flow—and how to manage it effectively—allows businesses to stay ahead of challenges, seize opportunit…

Cash flow is the foundation of any business’s financial health. It determines whether a company can pay its bills, invest in growth, and navigate unexpected challenges. Many businesses struggle not because they lack revenue, but because they don’t have enough cash on hand at the right time. Without a clear picture of where money is coming from and where it’s going, business owners risk making decisions that could put their company in financial jeopardy.

A 13-week cash flow forecast provid…

Debt can be a powerful tool for growth—when managed correctly. For small and family-owned businesses, optimizing debt management is essential to maintaining stability, supporting expansion, and ensuring long-term success. But without a solid strategy, debt can quickly become overwhelming and hinder progress.

In this newsletter, I want to share actionable tips on how to optimize debt management to empower businesses to thrive without unnecessary financial stress.

Key Strategies to Manage …

Succession planning is a critical step for any business, especially family-owned and privately held companies. Whether you're passing the business to the next generation, selling to an external buyer, or transitioning to employee ownership, having a solid financial strategy is essential. One powerful but often overlooked tool in succession planning is debt financing. When used strategically, debt can facilitate a smooth transition, ensuring business continuity and long-term success.

How D…

For many business owners, the idea of taking on debt feels risky and counterintuitive. Operating with a cash-only strategy seems like the safest way to avoid financial trouble, maintain control, and ensure long-term sustainability. However, while avoiding debt may provide short-term peace of mind, it can also hold businesses back from growth opportunities, operational efficiency, and financial flexibility.

In this article, we’ll explore the hidden costs of avoiding debt and how strategic …

When it comes to borrowing, many business owners instinctively shy away from debt, viewing it as something to avoid at all costs. However, not all debt is created equal. In fact, understanding the difference between good debt and bad debt can be a game-changer for your business’s growth.

What Is Good Debt?

Good debt is borrowing that creates value or enhances your business’s future performance. Examples include:

• Investing in Growth Opportunities: Expanding your operations, upgrading e…

In today’s dynamic business environment, financial expertise is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Many small to mid-sized businesses find themselves at a crossroads: they need high-level financial guidance but don’t yet have the scale to justify a full-time CFO. Enter the fractional CFO, a flexible solution offering executive-level financial support without the cost of a full-time hire.

I recently had the privilege of discussing this topic on the demystifying FRANCHISE OWNERSHIP with Kr…

As a fractional CFO specializing in family-owned businesses, I’ve witnessed firsthand how lack of preparation can devastate even the most successful companies. 

I recently discussed these principles on the Journeys of Not So Ordinary People Podcast with Dr. Joe Hamlett and Dr. Dave Peltz. We explored the emotional and financial challenges of succession planning, along with practical strategies to prepare for the future. The conversation highlighted why so many businesses fail to plan adeq…