In this episode of the More Profit Less Stress Podcast, Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema speak with Mic Toews of Premier Portable Buildings in Rimby, Alberta. Mic discusses buildingand shipping pre-built portable structures (sheds, mini barns, cabins) amid high demand. He shares his journey from high stress to greater control by mastering operational numbers (vs. tax numbers), making smarter decisions, hiring key staff, and buying back his time. The episode highlights improved profitability, work-life balance, and the power of an engaged team.

Takeaways

- A third-party, objective perspective isextremely valuable

- Operational numbers ≠ taxation numbers

- Drill down to the micro level — High-levelrevenue or gross numbers can hide major problems.

- Knowing your real numbers is the foundation forbuying back your time

- Stress often comes from financial uncertaintymore than workload

- Engage employees with transparency and thescoreboard

- Small, consistent improvements beat home-runfixes

- Training top performers can be highly leveraged(and surprisingly profitable)

- Separate emotional noise from business reality

- Long-term commitment to reviewing numbers yieldscompounding results

- A business built around the owner working 60+hours is far less valuable

- Hire (and keep) great people by understandingwhat actually motivates each individual

- Start working with help/advice early — not whenyou're already big or in crisis

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Premier Portable Buildings

01:07 Understanding the Product Range

02:22 Customer Customization and Demand

06:35 Diverse Customer Base and Applications

07:36 Mic's Journey into Portable Buildings

08:39 Growth and Challenges in Business

09:36 The Importance of Numbers in Business

11:47 Overcoming Time Management Challenges

14:39 Stabilizing Business Operations

18:06 Employee Engagement and Business Health

20:31 Aha Moments in Business Awareness

22:33 Transforming Financial Insights into Profitability

24:27 Training for Efficiency and Growth

28:13 Life After Financial Clarity

30:30 Building a Culture of Accountability

33:30 Understanding Operational vs. Tax Profitability

43:28 Reflections on Retirement and Business Value

45:34 The Importance of Business Independence

46:43 Commitment to Long-Term Success

48:45 The Value of Ongoing Support

52:24 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Hosts are Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema.

Our guest is Mic Toews, Owner and Operator of Portable Buildings of Rimbey www.shedsofrimbey.com.

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In this conversation, Kelly Paisley discusses the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, emphasizing the growing risks associatedwith AI adoption in businesses. He highlights the importance of proactive security measures, especially for small businesses, and the need for education and awareness around cybersecurity threats. The discussion covers real-world examples of breaches, the evolving landscape of AI threats, and actionable steps businesses can take to protect themselves. Kelly also addresses the role of insurance in cybersecurity and the necessity of implementing basic security protocols like multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Takeaways

- AI adoption is rapidly increasing in thebusiness world.

- Cybersecurity is an ongoing arms race betweenattackers and defenders.

- Small businesses are often more vulnerable tocyber attacks than larger companies.

- Implementing basic security measures is crucialfor all businesses.

- Education and awareness are key in preventingcyber attacks.

- Real-world examples illustrate the consequencesof neglecting cybersecurity.

- AI can facilitate both attacks and defenses incybersecurity.

- Insurance policies may not cover breaches ifproper security measures aren't in place.

- Proactive risk management can save businessesfrom significant losses.

- The future of AI and cybersecurity will requireconstant adaptation and vigilance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connectivity Issues

00:01 Real-Life Consequences of Ignoring Cybersecurity

28:58 The Cost of Cybersecurity Attacks

30:32 The Importance of Proactive Security Measures

32:15 AI's Evolving Threat Landscape

35:16 The Risks of Quantum Computing and AI

42:02 AI vs. AI: The New Arms Race

45:56 Engaging with AI: Arguments and Understanding

46:45 The Benefits of AI: Embracing Change

49:07 AI in Society: Adapting to New Technologies

50:27 Security and Responsibility: The Dual Nature of AI

50:28 Practical Steps for Cybersecurity: Mitigation andAwareness

55:50 Navigating Insurance in the Age of AI

Check if your email address is in data breech: https://haveibeenpwned.com/

Canadian Centre Of Cyber Security: https://www.cyber.gc.ca/en

US Cyber Guidance For Small Businesses: https://www.cisa.gov/cyber-guidance-small-businesses

Hosts are Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema.

Our guest is Kelly Paisley, President and CEO of The I.T. Company www.theitco.ca.

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In this episode, Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema engage withSutej Batth from Autograf Digital to discuss the intersection of technology and small business. They explore the challenges small businesses face in leveraging technology effectively, the importance of understanding financials, and the need for customized solutions. Sutej shares insights on building loyalty programs, the significance of mentorship, and the journey of setting ambitious business goals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clarity in business strategy and the shift from chasing revenue to sustainable growth.

Takeaways

- Autograf Digital helps small businesses bridge the tech gap.

- Many business owners struggle to use technologyeffectively.

- Integrating marketing and technology is crucial for success.

- Loyalty programs are evolving with technology.

- Understanding financials is key to business growth.

- Custom solutions are necessary for unique business needs.

- Mentorship can significantly impact business direction.

- Setting ambitious goals can drive business success.

- Clarity in strategy helps avoid overwhelm.

- Sustainable growth is more important than revenue growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Autograf Digital and Sutej Batth

02:54 Bridging the Tech Gap for Small Businesses

05:18 The Challenge of Software Overwhelm

08:13 Custom Solutions vs. Off-the-Shelf Software

10:32 Integrating Marketing and Technology

12:59 The Evolution of Loyalty Programs

16:09 Defining Business Offerings and Positioning

18:43 Building Blocks for Business Growth

24:34 Building a Sustainable Business Model

26:53 Understanding Customer Journeys

27:48 Gaining Confidence Through Clarity

28:36 The Importance of Financial Awareness

30:39 Focusing on the Right Opportunities

32:08 The Value of Seeking Help Early

34:07 Overcoming Entrepreneurial Hurdles

35:27 Understanding Operational Numbers

37:41 Pricing Strategies and Value Proposition

42:09 Collaboration Over Competition

45:47 Learning from Past Mistakes

49:00 The Journey of Growth

50:05 Building a Strong Foundation

51:29 The Importance of Clarity in Goals

53:46 Documenting Your Business Structure

54:26 Ambition and Confidence in Entrepreneurship

56:23 Working Backwards to Achieve Goals

Hosts are Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema.

Our guest is Sutej Batth, Owner and Creative Director of Autograf Digital www.autograf.ca and www.autoreward.ca

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In this conversation, our client Karsten Goossen from Krazy Shed shares his journey in the shed-building business, discussing the diverse offerings beyond traditional garden sheds, innovative uses for these structures, and the financial challenges he faced. He emphasizes the importance of understanding financial management, adjusting pricing strategies, and the emotional toll of running a business. The discussion also highlights the significance of seeking help, learning from others, and transitioning from reactive to proactive management for sustainable growth.

Takeaways

- Karsten's business, Krazy Shed, offers more thanjust garden sheds.

- Innovative uses for sheds include recreationalspaces and music studios.

- Understanding financial management is crucialfor business success.

- Adjusting pricing can lead to increased salesand profitability.

- Revenue does not always equate to profit;managing expenses is key.

- Seeking help from business coaches can providevaluable insights.

- QuickBooks can be complex; understanding itssetup is essential.

- Employee efficiency can significantly impactoverall productivity.

- Proactive management leads to better financialplanning.

- Learning from others' experiences can guidebetter business decisions.

Chapters

00:00 Introducing Krazy Shed

01:25 Business Operations and Offerings

03:41 Building on Site vs. Pre-Built Sheds

05:59 Customer Use Cases for Sheds

07:53 Transitioning to Business Coaching

09:51 Recognizing Financial Warning Signs

12:00 Understanding QuickBooks and Financial Management

12:48 Identifying Pricing Issues and Profitability

14:53 The Importance of Adjusting Margins

17:10 Revenue vs. Profit: A Common Misconception

19:23 Negotiating Costs and Managing Expenses

21:35 Streamlining Operations and Staff Efficiency

25:14 The Emotional Impact of Financial Decisions

27:36 Learning to Read Numbers for Better Decisions

30:24 Evaluating Business Efficiency and Productivity

31:02 Life After Changes: Stress Reduction and Clarity

32:04 The Journey to Business Success

33:21 Financial Stability and Proactive Decision Making

35:05 Wrapping Up: Insights and Reflections

Hosts are Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema.

Our guest is Karsten Goossen, Owner of Krazy Shed Co Ltd www.shedsofmerlin.com

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Visit our websitewww.forzanibusinesseducation.com to learn more about our tools and programs designed for More Profit and Less Stress in your business so you can turn it into a Valuable Asset.

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In this episode hosts Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema speakswith our client Kari Lines, a franchise owner of Budget Blinds, about his journey from engineering to entrepreneurship. They discuss the challenges and rewards of owning a franchise, the importance of financial planning, and the role of personal goals in business success. Kari shares insights on making difficult business decisions, the value of external coaching, and the significance of understanding business metrics. The conversation emphasizes the connection between personal and business life, and the need for effective marketing strategies. In this conversation, Kari Lines discusses the importance ofunderstanding profit margins, employee engagement, and the implementation of effective systems in business. He emphasizes the need for transparency with staff, the significance of building a strong team, and the value of businesscoaching in navigating challenges. #FranchiseBusiness #BusinessCoaching

Takeaways

- Kari transitioned from engineering to owning aBudget Blinds franchise.

- The importance of having a financial safety netwhen starting a business.

- Understanding your business numbers is essentialfor success.

- External coaching can provide valuable insightsand accountability.

- Personal goals should align with businessobjectives for greater motivation.

- Difficult business decisions often require afocus on numbers and metrics.

- Educating staff about business finances fostersa better understanding of operations.

- Maintaining a balance between personal and business life is key to overall happiness. Profit growth is linked to controlling expenses.

- Transparency fosters trust and unity amongstaff.

- Effective systems streamline operations andtraining.

- Sales processes should be tailored to differentpersonalities.

- Business coaching provides clarity and direction.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Budget Blinds Airdrie

03:17 Transition from Engineering to Entrepreneurship

05:46 Navigating the Franchise Landscape

08:20 The Importance of Business Support and Training

11:01 The Roller Coaster of Business Ownership

13:40 Understanding Financials and Numbers

15:55 Seeking External Help for Business Growth

18:26 The Role of Marketing in Business Success

21:13 Learning from Competition and Industry Peers

28:37 Navigating Challenges and Analyzing Numbers

29:33 The Importance of Forecasting and Budgeting

31:07 Annual Owner Meetings for Goal Alignment

32:42 Connecting Business and Personal Goals

34:38 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in BusinessDecisions

36:31 Facing Difficult Decisions with Data

38:47 Educating Staff on Business Numbers

42:32 Creating a Bonus System for Team Motivation

43:45 The Value of a Business Coach

44:05 The Power of Systems in Business

48:12 Building Systems Early for Efficiency

49:24 Improving Sales Processes for Better Conversion Rates

52:16 The Importance of Team Engagement and Trust

54:15 Facing Reality and Making Tough Decisions

56:51 Turning Challenges into Opportunities

58:19 The Importance of Financial Clarity

01:01:59 The Role of a Business Coach

01:02:27 Gaining Confidence Through Numbers

01:03:52 Choosing Quality in Products

01:05:43 Connecting with Budget Blinds

Hosts are Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema.

Our guest is Kari Lines, Owner of Budget Blinds Airdrie, Chestermere & Area. www.budgetblinds.com/airdrie

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In this conversation, Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema explore the critical aspects of company culture, emphasizing the importance of hiring for cultural fit, recognizing signs of a bad culture, and the impact of staff turnover on business success. They discuss how a strong culture can lead to lower turnover rates, higher employee engagement, and ultimately, betterbusiness performance. The conversation also highlights the significance of purpose and passion in the workplace, as well as the need for team dynamics and relationships beyond work.

Takeaways

- A great culture is essential for employee retention.

- Hiring for cultural fit is as important as skills.

- Signs of a bad culture include high turnover and disengagedstaff.

- Staff well-being should be prioritized over customer satisfaction.

- Team dynamics play a crucial role in workplace culture.

- Employees are more likely to stay if they believe in thecompany's purpose.

- Building relationships among staff can enhance workplaceculture.

- Addressing bad apples is necessary for a healthy teamenvironment.

- A strong culture can lead to better business performance.

- Engaged employees will take ownership and accountability intheir roles.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Company Culture

02:05 Signs of a Bad Culture

04:41 The Importance of Employee Pride and Passion

06:56 Hiring for Culture Fit

09:24 The Role of Purpose in Business

12:05 Identifying and Managing Bad Apples

14:25 Building a Supportive Team Environment

16:45 The Impact of Culture on Employee Retention

19:05 Creating a Positive Work Environment

21:35 The Power of Team Dynamics

24:02 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Hosts are Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema.

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Visit our website www.forzanibusinesseducation.com to learn more about our tools and programs designed for More Profit and Less Stress in your business so you can turn it into a Valuable Asset.

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www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/FS

Disclaimer: The More Profit Less Stresspodcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of More Profit Less Stress podcast, its producers, or affiliates. The information shared is not intendedas professional financial, legal, tax, or business advice and should not be relied upon for making business decisions. Listeners should consult qualified professionals, such as financial advisors, accountants, or attorneys, for advice tailored to their specific circumstances. More Profit Less Stress Podcast, its hosts, guests, and producers assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the content of this podcast. All content is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding its accuracy, completeness, or applicability. Any reliance on the information provided is at the listener’s own risk.

In this conversation, Sutej Batth from Autograf Digital discusses the importance of custom tech solutions for small to medium-sized businesses. He emphasizes how understanding technology stacks can help business owners navigate the overwhelming software landscape. The discussion highlightsthe transformative role of AI in making custom solutions more accessible and efficient, allowing small businesses to compete with larger corporations. Sutej shares insights on the future of software development, the challenges and opportunities for small businesses, and the specific solutions being developedfor industries like barbershops. The conversation concludes with a focus on the decreasing costs of custom software and the potential for small businesses to thrive in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Takeaways

- Autograf Digital focuses on helping small tomedium-sized businesses with custom tech solutions.

- Understanding tech stacks is crucial forbusiness owners to navigate software options.

- Custom solutions can significantly enhancebusiness operations and efficiency.

- AI is transforming how small businesses operate,making custom solutions more accessible.

- The future of software development is leaningtowards custom solutions for small businesses.

- Small businesses can leverage AI to compete withlarger corporations.

- The cost of custom software solutions isdecreasing, making them more accessible.

- AI can help streamline operations and improvecustomer engagement.

- Building custom solutions can address uniquebusiness challenges effectively.

- The shift towards custom software is a naturalevolution in the tech landscape.

Chapters

00:00 The Role of Custom Solutions in Business

02:06 Navigating the Software Landscape for Small Businesses

04:06 Building Custom Tech Solutions for Unique BusinessNeeds

06:21 The Importance of Integration in Business Software

08:45 The Shift Towards Custom Software Solutions

10:51 Leveraging AI for Small Business Efficiency

13:26 The Future of Custom Software in Business

20:21 The Rise of Open Source and AI

25:11 Transforming Business Operations with Technology

28:35 The Future of Work and Entrepreneurship

32:30 Building Solutions for Barbershops

42:05 AI: Opportunities and Fears

53:28 Navigating AI Dependency in Business

53:52 Learning Through Experience

54:31 The Challenge of Completion

55:50 AI as a Brainstorming Partner

57:03 The Importance of Education

58:54 Navigating AI's Limitations

01:00:01 AI's Impact on Small Business

01:02:05 The Future of Corporations and Small Business

01:04:06 The Evolution of Corporate Power

01:04:32 Custom Solutions for Small Businesses

01:09:04 Affordable Customization in Today's Market

Hosts are Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema.

Our guest is Sutej Batth, Owner and Creative Director Autograf Digital.

www.autograf.ca

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Visit our website www.forzanibusinesseducation.com to learn more about our tools and programs designed for More Profit and Less Stress in your business so you can turn it into a Valuable Asset.

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In this engaging conversation, Vashti Walker shares her journey as a dog trainer and business owner, discussing the importance of customized dog training, the benefits of virtual training, and the challenges of running a business.

She emphasizes the need for personal investment in learning and growth, the significance of understanding numbers in business, and the emotional aspects of pricing.

Vashti also highlights the importance of community and personal responsibility in achieving success, making this a valuable discussion for aspiring entrepreneurs and dog owners alike.

Takeaways

- Vashti Walker emphasizes the importance of customized dogtraining options.

- Virtual training can empower dog owners to learn and growwith their pets.

- Investing in business coaching can lead to significantgrowth and less stress.

- Lifelong learning is crucial for success in any field.

- Repetition in training leads to better results for both dogsand owners.

- Managing expectations is key to successful dog ownership.

- Understanding numbers and financials is essential forbusiness success.

- Pricing strategies should reflect the value of expertise andtime.

- Trusting the process is vital for personal and professionalgrowth.

- Community and personal responsibility play a significantrole in success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fetch K9 Coaching

00:55 The Benefits of Virtual Dog Training

07:56 Transitioning to Business Ownership

11:31 Investing in Business Coaching

16:42 The Importance of Lifelong Learning

21:10 The Four Rs of Dog Training

24:48 Managing Expectations in Dog Training

28:11 Understanding the Importance of Numbers

38:01 Valuing Yourself and Pricing Strategies

44:54 Transformative Journey: From Fear to Confidence

49:54 Building a Vision for the Future

55:41 Building Successful Foundations

56:16 Transforming Relationships Through Growth

58:18 Navigating Financial Conversations in Relationships

58:18 The Importance of Personal Responsibility

01:00:51 Connecting with Fetch K9 Coaching

01:02:16 Lighthearted Reflections on Dog Breeds

Hosts are Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema.

Our guest is Vashti Walker, Founder and Head Coach of FETCH K9 Coaching.

www.fetchk9coaching.com

877-32-FETCH

vashti@fetchk9coaching.com

Subscribe for more business growth tips!

Don’t forget to like and share with fellow entrepreneurs!

Visit our website www.forzanibusinesseducation.com to learn more about our tools and programs designed for More Profit and Less Stress in your business so you can turn it into a Valuable Asset.

— Follow Us —

Instagram: / forzanibusinesseducation

Facebook: / forzanibusinesseducation

Twitter: https://x.com/GregForzani

— Business Training Programs —

www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/programs

— Apply for a FREE Business Strategy Session —

www.forzanibusinesseducation.com/FS

Disclaimer: The More Profit Less Stress podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content, opinions, and views expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of More Profit Less Stress podcast, its producers, or affiliates. The information shared is not intended as professional financial, legal, tax, or business advice and should not be relied upon for making business decisions. Listeners should consult qualifiedprofessionals, such as financial advisors, accountants, or attorneys, for advice tailored to their specific circumstances. More Profit Less Stress Podcast, its hosts, guests, and producers assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the content of this podcast. All content is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, regardingits accuracy, completeness, or applicability. Any reliance on the information provided is at the listener’s own risk.