Why Most Business Owners Struggle with Cash Flow and How Profit First Fixes It

In this episode of the Wealth Wisdom Financial Podcast, we’re joined by Jason Petro, a Certified Profit First Professional and seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience as a small business owner.

 

Jason is one of the founding owners of the Profit First App, developed in partnership with Mike Michalowicz, author of Profit First. Having implemented the system in his own businesses, Jason now helps other entrepreneurs do the same—turning profit into a consistent, repeatable habit rather than an afterthought.

 

Together, we explore why traditional accounting often leaves business owners frustrated, how Profit First shifts both behavior and mindset around money, and why building intentional systems is the key to sustainable profitability.

 

This conversation goes beyond spreadsheets and software. It’s about creating clarity, confidence, and a business that truly supports the owner—not just the expenses.

 

⭐ Key Quote

“Profit isn’t what’s left over after expenses—profit is a habit, and when you build it intentionally, everything else falls into place.”

About Jason Petro

Jason Petro is a Certified Profit First Professional Coach and seasoned entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience owning and operating small businesses. As one of the founding owners of the Profit First App, created in partnership with Mike Michalowicz, Jason has been deeply involved in bringing the Profit First methodology to life through technology.

 

Having implemented Profit First in his own ventures, Jason now works with small business owners to help them build lasting profitability, improve cash flow, and make confident financial decisions. His passion lies in helping entrepreneurs make profit a consistent habit, not a once-in-a-while win.

 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Jason Petro’s role in the creation of the Profit First App
• How Profit First works in real-world businesses
• Why profit must be intentional to be sustainable
• The behavioral side of money management
• Common cash-flow challenges business owners face
• How systems—not willpower—create financial success
• Why profitability should come before growth

 

Who This Episode Is For:

• Small business owners and entrepreneurs
• Service-based businesses
• Anyone using or considering Profit First
• Business owners who want clarity, consistency, and control over their finances

 

If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but profit still feels unpredictable, this episode will help you see how building the right system can change everything.

 

More on Profit First: https://wealthwisdomfp.com/profit

More on Jason Petro: https://www.profitprocoach.com/

Get the Profit First App here: https://profitfirstapp.com/?via=wwfp 

 

00:00 Welcome to Wealth Wisdom Financial Podcast

00:16 Introducing Live Counter Flow and Wealth Wisdom

01:06 Meet Our Guest: Profit First Coach Jason

02:52 Jason's Journey from Engineering to Profit First Coaching

04:28 Implementing Profit First: Challenges and Successes

06:05 Transitioning from Engineering to Coaching

07:59 The Importance of Profit First for Small Business Owners

10:28 Addressing Debt and Financial Challenges

14:26 Setting Goals and Making Financial Adjustments

17:28 Using Technology and Software for Financial Management

21:14 Client's SaaS Expenses Shock

22:29 Building the Profit First Software

24:36 Profit First App Features and Benefits

29:24 Navigating the Profit First App

39:20 Upcoming Features and Conclusion

 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CHsYzS9oFhQ