Owner’s Profit Playbook

On Owner’s Profit Playbook, we break down the strategies, structures, and financial blind spots that separate struggling operators from truly profitable businesses.

Recruiting Is a Marketing Activity: Why Your Hiring Process Is Costing You Commas and Zeros 08/12/2026

Recruiting Is a Marketing Activity: Why Your Hiring Process Is Costing You Commas and Zeros Ryan Englin is the Founder and CEO of Core Matters, a company that helps small and midsize blue-collar businesses build workplaces where great people want to work and stay. A workforce strategist and the creator of the Core Fit Blueprint, he helps owners improve recruiting, hiring, onboarding, leadership, and retention. Ryan is also the best-selling co-author of Hire Better People Faster, host of the Titans of the Trades podcast, and creator of FieldCon, software designed to help field-service companies coach, develop, and retain employees. In this episode… Finding good people is not just a hiring challenge — it is a recruiting and marketing challenge. When business owners wait until they desperately need someone, they often rush the process, lower their standards, and make costly hiring decisions. So how can owners create a hiring process that consistently attracts the right people before a position needs to be filled? Recruiting and workforce strategist Ryan Englin explains that the solution is to treat recruiting like marketing: build a pipeline, know exactly who you want to attract, and keep recruiting even when the team is fully staffed. A stronger hiring strategy includes clear expectations, structured interviews, applicant tracking systems, and a focus on both skills and cultural fit. Ryan stresses the value of active listening and understanding what employees care about, because attracting great people is only part of the equation — keeping them matters just as much. With the right recruiting systems in place, owners can avoid desperate hires, reduce costly turnover, and build teams that support sustainable growth. In this episode of Owner’s Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso hosts Ryan Englin, Founder and CEO of Core Matters, to talk about why recruiting should be treated as a marketing activity. Ryan shares how to avoid desperate hires, build a steady candidate pipeline, and improve hiring and retention. He also discusses cultural fit, active listening, AI-generated resumes, and smarter candidate screening. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/42399285

Same Property, 3X the Cash Flow: The Short-Term Rental Blind Spot Costing Investors a Fortune 08/05/2026

Same Property, 3X the Cash Flow: The Short-Term Rental Blind Spot Costing Investors a Fortune Rich Munroe is the Founder of BNB Investing Group, which helps entrepreneurs build and scale profitable short-term rental businesses. As an Airbnb ambassador, national speaker, and real estate investor, he draws on more than 20 years of experience, over $60 million in transactions, and the hands-on expertise gained from building a 75-property portfolio. Rich specializes in acquisitions, rental arbitrage, property management, regulatory strategy, and AI-powered automation that improves guest communication, operational efficiency, and cash flow. In this episode… Many real estate investors focus on buying more properties instead of improving the performance of the ones they already own. Could a short-term rental strategy turn the same property into significantly greater cash flow? Short-term rental expert Rich Munroe explains that the answer begins with treating the property as a hospitality business rather than a passive rental. Investors should confirm local regulations and HOA restrictions, analyze realistic occupancy and nightly rates, and account for furnishing, utilities, maintenance, landscaping, and other operating costs before committing capital. Rich recommends considering larger homes in markets with strong family or contractor demand, where limited supply can support better performance. With responsive communication, professional cleaning, dynamic pricing, and AI automation, owners can protect five-star reviews while building a more efficient and scalable operation. In this episode of Owner’s Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso hosts Rich Munroe, Founder of BNB Investing Group, about turning an existing property into a stronger cash-flowing asset through short-term rentals. Rich explains how to evaluate regulations, compare revenue potential, and build five-star systems. He also touches on rental arbitrage, larger properties, and AI-powered guest communication. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/42320695

Hidden Profit Leaks That Are Costing Business Owners Thousands 07/29/2026

Business Blind Spots That Cost You Time, Money, and Wealth 07/22/2026

Business Blind Spots That Cost You Time, Money, and Wealth Pat Mancuso is the CEO of Mancuso Consulting Group, a firm that helps business owners increase profitability, recover tax credits, and build stronger organizations through strategic consulting and leadership development. A serial entrepreneur, coach, and speaker with more than 30 years of experience, Pat has launched multiple successful companies and coached thousands of business leaders. Through consulting, speaking, and his proprietary RSTMM® system, he helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses, strengthen leadership teams, and create sustainable long-term growth. In this episode… Many business owners focus on revenue while hidden gaps in taxes, expenses, risk, and planning quietly reduce profitability. These blind spots often persist because key conversations happen too late. What changes when an owner starts viewing the business as one connected financial system? The shift begins with proactive, integrated planning, explains Pat Mancuso, a business profitability and exit-planning expert. Owners can strengthen their position by reviewing financials regularly, asking advisors for forward-looking strategies, addressing insurance and hiring gaps, and defining an exit destination years before they intend to leave. Pat also encourages owners to question assumptions around pricing, expenses, and time constraints before small issues compound into costly problems. Greater awareness, paired with timely action, creates a clearer path to profitability, protection, and long-term wealth. In this episode of Owner’s Profit Playbook, Chad Franzen of Rise25 talks with Pat Mancuso, CEO of Mancuso Consulting Group, about the blind spots that drain profit and weaken long-term wealth. Pat explains how to uncover profit leaks, protect assets, and plan for a stronger exit. He also touches on tax strategy, financial awareness, and the cost of delayed decisions. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/42177535

Stop Filing, Start Planning: Matthew Pearson on the Proactive Tax Strategy Most Owners Never Use 07/15/2026

Stop Filing, Start Planning: Matthew Pearson on the Proactive Tax Strategy Most Owners Never Use Matthew Pearson is the Founder and CEO of Excel Empire, a strategic tax-planning firm that helps business owners and real estate investors reduce tax exposure, strengthen profitability, and plan for growth or exit. An award-winning business coach and serial entrepreneur, Matt has spent more than two decades building, scaling, and advising companies, including a firm that surpassed $100 million in annual revenue. He specializes in proactive, ethical tax strategies, entity structuring, business transitions, and coordinated financial planning that helps owners keep more of what they earn. In this episode… Many business owners approach taxes as a once-a-year filing task instead of an ongoing part of their financial strategy. That mindset can limit cash flow, delay important decisions, and leave valuable opportunities unexplored. How can owners move from simply reporting the past to actively shaping what comes next? The shift begins with proactive tax planning, and Matthew Pearson, a business growth and tax strategy expert, explains how owners can reduce tax exposure while supporting their broader business goals. Among his recommendations are reviewing entity structure, seeking a second opinion, and balancing potential savings with financing, expansion, and exit plans. Matt emphasizes that tax decisions should reflect the owner’s complete financial picture rather than exist in isolation. With the right coordination and foresight, planning becomes a tool for stronger growth, better transitions, and fewer costly surprises. In this episode of Owner's Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso talks with Matthew Pearson, Founder and CEO of Excel Empire, about why proactive tax planning matters. Matt examines common tax mistakes, entity structure, and the value of a second opinion. He also touches on bookkeeping, fractional CFO support, succession, valuations, and tax-smart business exits. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/42098570

You’re Not in the Right Rooms 07/08/2026

You’re Not in the Right Rooms Dylan Welch is the Founder of The Intelligence Report, a neutral media platform and podcast covering geopolitics, business, finance, technology, and global systems. He also serves as Chief Development Officer for The Roosevelt Alliance and Chief Correspondent at SDG News. Through long-form interviews and strategic media, Dylan draws on experience in media production, operations, consulting, and policy-focused relationship building to help leaders turn access, content, and systems into business opportunities. In this episode… Access often determines which opportunities business owners see before others do. Growth is not only about better execution or stronger systems; it is also about building the right relationships and creating visibility before there is an obvious need. So how can entrepreneurs turn content, connection, and timing into a real business advantage? According to Dylan Welch, a media entrepreneur and consultant with expertise in strategic media, operations, and policy-focused relationship building, the answer starts with shifting from selling to creating value. Podcasting, thoughtful outreach, and consistent content can help leaders build trust with ideal clients before a transaction ever happens. Dylan explains that business owners should stop chasing every new tool and instead use AI, automation, and repeatable systems to save time, focus on higher-value clients, and create room for more meaningful opportunities. Access has the greatest impact when it is supported by clear positioning, consistent visibility, and intentional relationship building. In this episode of Owner’s Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso sits down with Dylan Welch, Founder of The Intelligence Report, to discuss how access creates business opportunities. Dylan shares how podcasting opens doors, why visibility matters for owners, and how systems protect time. He also touches on networking, AI, media trends, and avoiding burnout. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/41987585

Are You Building a Business… or Building Wealth? 07/01/2026

Are You Building a Business… or Building Wealth? Leo Young is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cornell Communities, a real estate investment firm that acquires and operates manufactured housing and RV communities. He leads strategy, acquisitions, capital allocation, operations, and long-term value creation across the firm’s affordable housing portfolio. Drawing on his experience in sales, real estate brokerage, acquisitions, and passive investing, Leo helps investors evaluate deals, manage risk, and build wealth through cash-flowing real estate assets. In this episode… Many business owners eventually reach a point where working harder is no longer the best path to building wealth. The bigger opportunity often lies in understanding how assets create income, how risk is managed, and where hidden assumptions can shape long-term outcomes. So how can entrepreneurs think more strategically about investing beyond their own businesses? The answer starts with learning how to evaluate opportunities instead of simply chasing returns. Leo Young, a real estate investor and expert in manufactured housing and RV communities, explains that strong investing requires understanding the operator, the market, the business plan, and the incentive structure behind each deal. Rather than treating passive investing as a shortcut, Leo encourages investors to ask better questions, verify assumptions, and look closely at how risks are being mitigated. From using AI as a learning tool to spotting red flags in underwriting, he emphasizes a practical, trust-but-verify approach. For investors, sustainable wealth building depends on curiosity, discipline, and the willingness to do the work before committing capital. In this episode of Owner’s Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso talks with Leo Young, Founder and Managing Partner of Cornell Communities, about building wealth through real estate assets. Leo shares how investors can assess deals, why affordable housing remains a strong asset class, and what red flags to watch for. He also touches on cash flow versus appreciation, regulatory risks, scaling a business, and turning insight into informed action. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/41913985

Your Clients Want a Deeper Experience 06/24/2026

Your Clients Want a Deeper Experience Shannon Jamail is the Founder of the Mind & Body Complete family of companies, a retreat and training brand that includes Retreat Ranch, a 46-acre retreat center near Austin, Texas. A former mental health therapist turned retreat strategist, Shannon designs transformational wellness experiences and teaches leaders how to create, market, and lead profitable retreats. She is also a best-selling author and podcast host with more than 100 retreats hosted around the world. In this episode… As business owners look for ways to increase revenue, the answer is not always more leads, more ads, or more hours worked. Sometimes the bigger opportunity lies in creating a deeper experience that strengthens trust, connection, and long-term customer value. Could the next profit opportunity come from doing less volume and designing something more meaningful? The answer is found in retreats, and Shannon Jamail, a retreat strategist and therapist-turned-mentor, explains how immersive experiences can become both transformational for attendees and profitable for business owners. Rather than treating retreats as wellness-only events, she illustrates how experts in nearly any field can use them to teach more deeply, build stronger relationships, and create recurring revenue after the experience ends. Shannon emphasizes starting with a clear outcome, testing interest with a warm audience, pricing based on value, and making the guest experience personal from the moment people arrive. Retreats work best when they are not isolated events, but part of a larger business model built on connection, trust, and continued engagement. In this episode of Owner’s Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso chats with Shannon Jamail, Founder of Mind & Body Complete, about using retreats as a profitable business growth strategy. Shannon explains why in-person connection matters, how to test retreat interest, and what makes an experience memorable. She also touches on pricing, ideal group size, luxury versus simplicity, and recurring revenue. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/41782900

Your Business Isn’t Sellable 06/17/2026

Your Business Is Invisible (No One Is Coming) 06/10/2026

Your Business Is Invisible (No One Is Coming) Shawn Walchef is the Founder and CEO of Cali BBQ Media, a digital content and media company that helps restaurants and business leaders grow by teaching them to leverage storytelling, social strategy, and digital tools to connect with audiences. He also owns and operates Cali BBQ, a San Diego restaurant known for its community‑focused hospitality. With over 17 years of experience as a restaurateur and digital storyteller, Shawn hosts multiple podcasts and digital series on leveraging online presence to drive visibility and revenue. In this episode… In today’s business landscape, having a great product or service isn’t enough to guarantee success. Visibility and storytelling often matter more than marketing budgets. How can business owners share their story in a way that attracts real attention and engagement? Shawn Walchef, an expert in digital storytelling and hospitality, explains that capturing and sharing the everyday reality of a business can be more powerful than traditional marketing. Documenting daily operations instead of creating polished content allows audiences to connect with authenticity, while consistent posting builds credibility and reach. Shawn also emphasizes the concept of “being the show, not the commercial,” showing how repetition and real-life storytelling amplify a brand’s presence online. By focusing on these approaches, he reveals practical ways to engage audiences while reinforcing a business’s identity. In this episode of the Owner’s Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso sits down with Shawn Walchef, Founder and CEO of Cali BBQ Media and Owner of Cali BBQ, to discuss why storytelling drives business growth. Shawn shares how to start creating content, the mindset needed to embrace digital storytelling, and strategies for turning everyday activities into engaging narratives. He also touches on leveraging podcasts, social media, and tech partnerships to expand reach. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/41595505

Your Podcast Isn’t Generating Leads 06/03/2026

Your Podcast Isn’t Generating Leads Dr. Jeremy Weisz is the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that helps B2B business owners connect with their ideal prospects, referral partners, and strategic partners through a done-for-you podcast service. Jeremy has been involved in podcasting for 15 years and was a senior producer for early business podcasts. He helped put all of their systems in place and helped them add volume, feature, and edify various business leaders. Jeremy has been running his podcast, Inspired Insider, since 2011. He has featured top entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs of companies such as P90X, Atari, Einstein Bagels, Mattel, and the Orlando Magic. He continues to run his chiropractic and massage facility in downtown Chicago and is the founder of a nutritional supplement business. In this episode… Some business relationships seem to unlock opportunities effortlessly, while others stall despite effort. Building connections often feels transactional, but the most successful strategies are rooted in authenticity and value. Could the way you approach relationships be the missing link in growing your business? Dr. Jeremy Weisz, an expert in relationship strategy and business growth, explains that relationships are the foundation for profitable pipelines and sustainable success. He emphasizes the power of offering value first, building trust, and leveraging meaningful conversations instead of relying on cold outreach. Jeremy shares how consistent engagement with industry leaders and thoughtful networking can open doors to clients and partnerships that otherwise remain out of reach. By focusing on connection over immediate gain, businesses can create long-term opportunities and influence. In this episode of Owner’s Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso sits down with Dr. Jeremy Weisz, Co-founder of Rise25, to discuss turning conversations into growth opportunities. Jeremy highlights building deep relationships, leveraging podcasting for networking, and targeting key clients. He also touches on forming credibility in new industries and using conversations as marketing assets. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/41516950

Your Pricing Is Killing Your Business 05/27/2026

Your Numbers Aren’t the Problem 05/20/2026

Your Numbers Aren’t the Problem Rachel Wilson is the Fractional CFO at Satori Business Services, a financial services firm helping small businesses clean up their books, strengthen systems, and create accurate, useful financial statements. With more than 20 years of accounting experience, Rachel specializes in turning messy ledgers, broken processes, and disconnected data into clear financial insight. She helps owners understand what their numbers are really saying, spot profit leaks, manage labor costs, and build systems that support stronger decisions and future exits. In this episode… When a business feels stagnant, it’s easy to blame the numbers: revenue, expenses, cash flow, or profit margins. But those figures are usually the result of deeper issues, from messy systems to inconsistent processes and decisions that never get measured. So what are your numbers really trying to tell you? Your numbers may be pointing to something behind the scenes that needs attention. Rachel Wilson brings expertise in accounting, financial cleanup, and operational efficiency to explain why messy books can hide profit leaks, duplicate work, poor labor decisions, and missed opportunities. Rachel points out that owners should understand key reports like the balance sheet, review financials regularly, and avoid getting stuck scrutinizing small expenses while bigger revenue, culture, and staffing issues go unchecked. Once the books are accurate and timely, business owners can make more educated decisions, measure the impact of new initiatives, and prepare the company for future growth or an exit. In this episode of Owner’s Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso chats with Rachel Wilson, Fractional CFO at Satori Business Services, about why your numbers aren’t the real problem — your systems are. Rachel shares how clean books uncover profit leaks, why owners need exit-ready financials, and how labor and culture affect profitability. She also touches on fraud prevention, financial reports, and asking your accountant better questions. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/41359030

Your CPA Isn’t Saving You Money 05/13/2026

Your CPA Isn’t Saving You Money Ashlee Hall and Mary Lundstedt are Founding Partners at Hall Lundstedt, a boutique tax law firm serving clients nationwide in complex tax controversy, IRS resolution, strategic tax planning, and advanced structuring. As tax attorneys, they work with business owners, investors, high earners, and families to address audits, examinations, appeals, tax-advantaged structures, entity and transaction planning, credits and incentives, and liquidity events. Ashlee brings advanced tax planning and resolution experience, and Mary adds more than 20 years of legal experience in taxation, business matters, and taxpayer advocacy. Together, they help clients navigate complex tax issues with clear, legally grounded strategies designed to reduce risk, protect wealth, and support stronger business and personal outcomes. In this episode… Taxes are one of the most overlooked places where business owners and high earners lose money, not because they are doing something wrong, but because they are often working from incomplete information. Filing a return may satisfy compliance requirements, but it does not automatically mean someone is planning ahead, reducing risk, or taking advantage of the strategies available to them. So what changes when tax planning becomes proactive instead of reactive? The answer begins with understanding that tax filing and tax strategy are not the same thing. Experienced tax attorneys Ashlee Hall and Mary Lundstedt explain how business owners, investors, and high earners can benefit from legal guidance that looks beyond year-end reporting to encompass long-term planning, IRS readiness, and defensible tax mitigation. Ashlee emphasizes the importance of starting early, documenting decisions in real time, and being cautious with strategies that sound too good to be true. Mary points out that many costly tax problems begin when people wait until there is already an IRS issue, an exit event, or a missed opportunity before seeking help. Together, their insights encourage listeners to ask better questions, involve the right professionals earlier, and treat tax planning as an ongoing part of wealth protection. In this episode of Owner’s Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso talks with Ashlee Hall and Mary Lundstedt, Founding Partners at Hall Lundstedt, about why a CPA alone may not be enough to save business owners and high earners money. Ashlee and Mary discuss how proactive planning creates stronger outcomes, why legal tax guidance matters before problems arise, and examine audit readiness, risky strategies, IRS disputes, and exit planning. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/41273720

You Don’t Need More Downloads — You Need This 05/06/2026

You Don’t Need More Downloads — You Need This John Corcoran is the Co-founder and CEO of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. He helps clients generate ROI through its done-for-you podcast service. Since 2012, John has hosted the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, interviewing hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. He is also a recovering attorney, an author, a former White House writer, and a speechwriter for the Governor of California. Over his career, John worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. In this episode… Many business owners launch podcasts hoping to build an audience, gain visibility, or create a steady stream of content. But the real opportunity often comes from something less obvious — using the podcast as a structured way to build meaningful business relationships. What’s the result when the goal is not more downloads, but better conversations? The answer is that podcasting becomes a business development tool built around access, trust, and intentional connection. Strategic podcasting expert John Corcoran explains that the strongest podcasts are not driven by downloads or celebrity guests, but by conversations with clients, referral partners, strategic partners, and people worth knowing. Rather than obsessing over vanity metrics, owners should identify the right people to invite and leverage each episode to deepen relationships while creating valuable content. John also points out that consistency, thoughtful follow-up, and getting support with production systems can keep owners focused on the conversations that actually move the business forward. In this episode of Owner’s Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso chats with John Corcoran, Co-founder and CEO of Rise25, about why owners need stronger relationships, not more downloads. John explains how to choose the right guests, use outreach strategically, and turn conversations into long-term business value. He also touches on the Dream 200 approach and how AI can support thought leadership and repurposed content without losing the human connection. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/41171060

Your Exit Plan is a Lie 04/29/2026

Your Exit Plan is a Lie Vince D’Addona is a founding member of Valent Wealth, an independent wealth management and financial planning firm specializing in estate, exit, and investment strategies for business owners and high-net-worth families. As a wealth management advisor, Vince designs strategies across estate, exit, retirement, and investment planning to help clients reduce risk and seize opportunities. With over four decades of experience, he is an Estate Planning Hall of Fame inductee and widely regarded as an expert’s expert known for his educational approach. In this episode… Many business owners assume they have a solid plan in place — until it’s tested. Small oversights, unchallenged assumptions, and fragmented advice can start to erode value and create risk. The real issue isn’t effort, but a misunderstanding of what true planning requires. So how can owners identify these blind spots before they become costly mistakes? The answer lies in shifting from reactive thinking to proactive, strategic planning. Vince D’Addona, an expert in estate and exit planning, explains that most owners confuse documents with strategy and delay action until options are limited. A lack of coordination among advisors, combined with unchecked biases, often leads to gaps that weaken both business value and long-term outcomes. Vince also points to risks like client concentration and poor tax planning as major threats, underscoring that early alignment and clarity are key to protecting both wealth and legacy. In this episode of the Owner’s Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso sits down with Vince D’Addona, founding member of Valent Wealth, to discuss why estate and exit planning are often misunderstood and how to avoid costly mistakes. Vince breaks down common blind spots, explains how uncoordinated advisors create risk, and shares strategies to protect business value. He also touches on tax implications, valuation gaps, and planning for life after exit. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/41056865

The Flexmethod, Retirement, and the Fear No One Talks About 04/22/2026

The Flexmethod, Retirement, and the Fear No One Talks About Kirk Stafford is the CEO and President at Desert Rose Capital Management, a boutique investment advisory firm specializing in options-based portfolio management and risk-managed investment strategies. He founded the firm in 2010 and brings decades of experience in derivatives and wealth management, helping clients participate in market growth while managing downside risk. Kirk also develops innovative strategies that integrate insurance, tax, and investment planning to enhance long-term financial security for business owners and investors. In this episode… Many business owners focus on building income but spend less time planning how it will support their future. The real challenge isn’t just market performance — it’s predictability and control. When everything is tied to one business or volatile assets, sustainability becomes the concern. So how do you reduce uncertainty without sacrificing opportunity? The answer lies in rethinking how capital is used, not just how it’s earned. Kirk Stafford, a seasoned investor and wealth strategist, explains how aligning conservative financial tools with growth strategies can create both stability and an upside. He emphasizes repositioning idle capital — like cash reserves — into vehicles that remain accessible but generate meaningful returns. Kirk also highlights the importance of integrating tax planning, insurance, and investment strategies rather than treating them as separate silos. The result is a more coordinated approach that supports long-term wealth while reducing exposure to unnecessary risk. In this episode of the Owner’s Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso talks with Kirk Stafford, CEO and President at Desert Rose Capital Management, about building predictable wealth strategies for business owners. Kirk breaks down how to reposition idle cash, why traditional retirement planning often falls short, and how integrated financial strategies can improve outcomes. He also shares insights on tax efficiency, risk management, and the power of compounding over time. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/40971170

How Business Owners Can Turn Roth Accounts Into Tax-Free Wealth 04/15/2026

The Tax Game Most Business Owners and High Earners Are Losing (And Don’t Even Know It) 04/08/2026

The Tax Game Most Business Owners and High Earners Are Losing (And Don’t Even Know It) Ed Lyon is a tax attorney, the Chief Tax Strategist and Director at Financial Gravity, and the Chief Tax Planner at Excel Empire. Financial Gravity is a multifamily office integrating tax strategy, wealth management, and financial planning to help clients optimize and preserve wealth. At Excel Empire, Ed leads advanced tax planning and advisor strategies for business owners. With nearly three decades of experience simplifying complex strategies and uncovering overlooked opportunities, he primarily specializes in helping high-income earners legally reduce taxes through proactive planning. In this episode… Most business owners and high earners assume taxes are simply the cost of making more money. They rely on their CPA, file each year, and move on without questioning the outcome. The big question isn’t how much you earn, but how much you unknowingly give away. Is the tax system far more flexible than it seems? Ed Lyon explains that the real problem isn’t taxes themselves, but how people approach them. As a tax attorney with decades of experience, he highlights the gap between reactive tax preparation and proactive tax planning. Ed emphasizes that most professionals focus on reporting, not reducing, and that missed strategies often come down to a lack of awareness. From understanding audit realities to leveraging overlooked deductions and restructuring income, he outlines how individuals can take control, ask better questions, and align tax strategy with long-term wealth-building goals. In this episode of Owner’s Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso sits down with Ed Lyon, Chief Tax Strategist and Director at Financial Gravity and Chief Tax Planner at Excel Empire, to discuss how business owners and high earners are losing the tax game without realizing it. Ed breaks down proactive versus reactive tax strategies, common misconceptions about audits, and how to uncover missed opportunities. He also shares how mindset shifts and better questions can lead to meaningful tax savings. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/40770065

Business Valuation Secrets: How To Increase Your Company’s Worth 04/01/2026

How To Lower Employee Health Benefits Costs Without Losing Coverage 03/25/2026

How To Lower Employee Health Benefits Costs Without Losing Coverage Anthony McMahon is a Sales Manager and Business Benefits Consultant at ClaimLinx, a benefits consulting firm, insurance agency, and MERP administrator that helps businesses lower healthcare costs with customized solutions. He works with business owners to rethink traditional insurance models and implement strategies that reduce costs while improving coverage. Anthony has helped companies cut healthcare expenses by 30-50% or more — often saving hundreds of thousands annually without sacrificing quality of care. In this episode… Rising healthcare benefit costs often get accepted as part of doing business, especially when they grow consistently year after year. However, one of your largest expenses may not be as fixed as it seems and could be quietly draining more profit than necessary. How much opportunity is being missed simply because no one is questioning the status quo? The answer lies in rethinking how healthcare is structured. Anthony McMahon, a business benefits consultant, explains that most companies operate within a model where incentives are misaligned, leading to higher costs and little or no innovation. By shifting to a performance-based approach, businesses can lower fixed premiums, maintain coverage, and strategically manage risk through hybrid models. He emphasizes evaluating costs like any other major expense and exploring alternatives beyond traditional brokers to unlock meaningful savings. In this episode of Owner’s Profit Playbook, Pat Mancuso talks with Anthony McMahon, Sales Manager and Business Benefits Consultant at ClaimLinx, to discuss reducing business healthcare costs. Anthony breaks down misaligned incentives in traditional insurance, strategies to cut costs by 30-40% without losing coverage, and how to turn savings into growth. He also touches on employee benefits, tax advantages, and long-term wealth strategies. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/40615250

The Hidden Profit Leaks Costing Business Owners Millions (And How To Fix Them) 03/18/2026

The Hidden Profit Leaks Costing Business Owners Millions (And How To Fix Them) Pat Mancuso is the CEO of Mancuso Consulting Group, a firm that helps business owners increase profitability, recover tax credits, and build stronger organizations through strategic consulting and leadership development. A serial entrepreneur, coach, and speaker with more than 30 years of experience, Pat has launched multiple successful companies and coached thousands of business leaders. Through consulting, speaking, and his proprietary RSTMM® system, he helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses, strengthen leadership teams, and create sustainable long-term growth. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs believe their biggest challenge is increasing revenue. Yet beneath the surface, many profitable companies still struggle to build substantial wealth because of overlooked financial blind spots. When so much effort goes into running and growing a business, how do owners know if they’re unintentionally leaving money on the table? Pat Mancuso, a strategic tax and business advisor and longtime entrepreneur, explains that the issue often comes down to what business owners don’t know. Many rely on advisors who focus primarily on tax compliance rather than strategy, which can cause missed opportunities in tax credits, business structure improvements, and financial planning. Pat suggests business owners regularly seek second opinions, ask better questions about their financial strategy, and explore proactive planning that aligns tax mitigation with long-term wealth creation. By treating financial strategy as an ongoing process rather than a once-a-year exercise, entrepreneurs can uncover opportunities that significantly improve profitability. Welcome to the debut of Owner’s Profit Playbook with Pat Mancuso, the CEO of Mancuso Consulting Group, as he’s interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 to discuss hidden financial blind spots that cost entrepreneurs money. Pat explains why many business owners overpay taxes, how strategic tax planning differs from compliance, and the recurring patterns behind profit loss across companies. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/40527895

Your SMB’s Hidden Cash: Unlock R&D Tax Credits 10/08/2025

Taking Your Business to the Next Level: A Compilation of Insights 01/15/2025

Taking Your Business to the Next Level: A Compilation of Insights Pat Mancuso is the CEO of Mancuso Consulting Group and a highly recognized thought leader dedicated to helping CEOs, business owners, and entrepreneurs maximize their potential through coaching and consulting. Having spent over 30 years working with company owners, leaders, and sales teams, Pat has over 25,000 hours of coaching and consulting experience. As a serial entrepreneur who has launched multiple successful companies, Pat understands how to sustainably scale a business. He helps businesses improve their leadership and performance through a proprietary system, RSTMM® — Recruit, Select, Train, Manage, and Motivate, which enables companies to select, train, manage, and motivate the right people in the right positions. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs launch their businesses with the end goal of creating wealth and gaining financial freedom. Generating wealth from your business requires strategic planning and calculated operational management. What strategies can you leverage to propel yourself and your business to freedom? Five business builders in various disciplines have created proprietary methods for scaling your company to the next level. B2B podcaster Dr. Jeremy Weisz maintains that by creating a comprehensive referral partner list, reaching out to them, and producing a podcast and other content with them, you can generate substantial ROI. When requesting capital or a business loan, Marc Cove suggests building prior relationships with bankers so you can remain top of mind, while Ryan Deiss highlights setting aside funds to pay taxes and other expenses to maintain long-term sustainability. Business consultant Pat Mancuso emphasizes the importance of conducting due diligence on your future business partners, ensuring skill compatibility and goal alignment. Real estate professional Chris Prefontaine says that the real estate market is ripe for investing, so he recommends developing strategies that can adapt to a changing market. In this special episode of Destination Business Freedom, Pat Mancuso reflects on his most notable podcast episodes. Featuring memorable guests like Ryan Deiss and Chris Prefontaine, these professionals delve into cash flow management, navigating relationships with bankers and business partners, and preparing your business for market fluctuations. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/34862360

Keeping Your Business Out of Jail: An Attorney’s Guide to CTA Compliance 12/04/2024

Keeping Your Business Out of Jail: An Attorney’s Guide to CTA Compliance Grant Teeple is the Founder and Senior Partner of Teeple Hall, LLP, a full-service commercial law firm. He oversees the firm’s Litigation Group and participates in the Corporate & Transactional Group’s Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Area. Before founding Teeple Hall in 1992, Grant worked as a civil litigation defense attorney and has litigated complex, multi-jurisdictional matters in business litigation, intellectual property disputes, fraud cases, real property disputes, and entitlement matters. He has also handled numerous acquisitions and company sales in sell-side and buy-side transactions exceeding $100 million. In this episode… As business owners engage in M&A transactions, a crucial piece of legislation threatens steep fines and — in extreme cases — jail time for those who fail to comply. What new federal regulations must businesses navigate during the M&A process? After the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), requiring businesses to disclose information about their owners and controllers to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The law applies to any LLC or corporation and includes operators like CPAs, lawyers, and bankers. If you fail to comply or provide FinCEN with inaccurate or outdated information, you may be charged $500 for each day of non-compliance. Corporate M&A and compliance expert Grant Teeple recommends hiring an attorney to help you update ownership information regularly, maintaining compliance while ensuring privacy through attorney-client privilege. In this episode of Destination Business Freedom, Pat Mancuso welcomes Grant Teeple, the Founder and Senior Partner of Teeple Hall, LLP, to discuss compliance regulations for M&A transactions. Grant also talks about common mistakes buyers and sellers make during the M&A process, how to involve an attorney in business sales, and how to navigate due diligence. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/34278015

Breaking Barriers and Bridging Gaps 10/09/2024

Building Empires: The Art of Acquiring and Scaling Businesses 10/03/2024

When and How To Sell Your Business: Expert Insights 09/25/2024

When and How To Sell Your Business: Expert Insights Adam Webb is the Owner and Managing Partner of Quazar, a boutique investment banking firm specializing in M&A services. In his role, he helps privately held businesses in the lower-middle market sell or grow through acquisitions. Adam has led deal teams and negotiated favorable outcomes for clients in dozens of transactions with an aggregate value of hundreds of millions of dollars. Before Quazar, he was the Senior Associate of Risk Management at RSM, where he specialized in helping clients perform internal audits and implement internal controls to maintain compliance. In this episode… Most entrepreneurs generating $10-20 million in yearly revenue are so involved in the daily grind of their business that they haven’t even considered an exit. When it’s time to retire, they often discover their company’s value is lower than their targeted range. How can you prepare for an exit while ensuring an ideal sale valuation? With experience securing M&A deals for lower-middle market companies, Adam Webb often has to break the harsh news that most business owners won’t walk away with $20 million from their transactions. You must consider transaction expenses and deal structures like escrows, equity rolls, where you retain some ownership in the business, and SBA finance deals, where the seller finances the buyer. These structures take time and understanding, so it’s crucial to begin planning your exit at least five years in advance and disclose any outstanding company information to avoid value decreases or deal collapses during due diligence. Tune in to the latest episode of Destination Business Freedom as Pat Mancuso hosts Adam Webb, the Owner and Managing Partner of Quazar, to talk about optimizing your business for an exit. Adam shares how he determines business value during a transaction, the worst transaction he has ever witnessed, and how to reduce M&A taxes. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/33198422

Don't Drop the Glass Ball: Insights for Business Resilience 09/18/2024

Don't Drop the Glass Ball: Insights for Business Resilience Pat Mancuso is the CEO of Mancuso Consulting Group and a highly recognized thought leader dedicated to helping CEOs, business owners, and entrepreneurs maximize their potential through coaching and consulting. After over 30 years of working with company owners, leaders, and sales teams, Pat has over 25,000 hours of coaching and consulting experience. As a serial entrepreneur who has launched multiple successful companies, Pat understands how to sustainably scale a business. He helps businesses improve their leadership and performance through a proprietary system, RSTMM® — Recruit, Select, Train, Manage, and Motivate, which enables companies to select, train, manage, and motivate the right people in the right positions. In this episode… As the end of the year approaches, many businesses find themselves in financial ruin from decisions made without proper consideration. How can you anticipate and prevent losses and make informed decisions for the future? With decades of experience transforming business sales processes, Pat Mancuso emphasizes refining your sales system to incorporate a results-oriented approach and reach your end-of-year goals. Rather than selling your products and services to potential clients, consider assessing how their needs align with your offer and adjust your proposal based on their drive and urgency levels. Additionally, with the deadlines for business tax returns approaching quickly, businesses must obtain ongoing visibility into their finances, including their P&L statements, to develop a future-proof strategy that bases decision-making on cash flow. Welcome back to Destination Business Freedom with Pat Mancuso, as he’s interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 about savvy business forecasting strategies. Pat talks about the importance of reassessing your business priorities during the fourth quarter, how to close the gap between company sales processes and professional expertise, and why proactivity is crucial to anticipate rising taxes. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/33105747

From Crisis to Cash Out: How To Turn Burnout Into an Eight-Figure Business Sale 08/07/2024

From Crisis to Cash Out: How To Turn Burnout Into an Eight-Figure Business Sale Ivan Polic is the Co-founder of Jumpstart Your Exit, which partners with million-dollar brands to help them grow, scale, and exit their businesses. As a strategic growth specialist, he has acquired, restructured, scaled, and exited small-to-midsize businesses to maximize returns. Having founded his business with his wife Mariana, they have served as advisors to small- and medium-sized businesses and on over 300 board of directors meetings in various industries and economic sectors. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs don’t even consider the possibility of a business exit during the launch and growth stage. However, when operations suddenly go awry, and they become too overwhelmed to continue, they realize their company isn’t primed to sell. How can you integrate an exit strategy into your business from the start, ensuring you can pivot during tough times? After losing 95% of his revenue and risking bankruptcy, business exit strategist Ivan Polic realized he had to restructure his entire enterprise to prepare for an exit. He began by developing a report that allowed him to visualize and predict his current and future cash flow based on the company’s financial and operational conditions. Through this deliberate and conservative approach, Ivan kept the business alive to evaluate buyers before staging a profitable exit. If you’re facing turmoil in your business and want to exit fast, you must identify each possible risk to present buyers with an accurate representation of your business, ensuring a smooth and timely exit. In this week’s episode of Destination Business Freedom, Pat Mancuso joins Ivan Polic, the Co-founder of Jumpstart Your Exit, to talk about how he developed an exit strategy to navigate a business crisis. Ivan shares how he rebuilt his business with a supportive team, the importance of disclosing risks to maximize business value, and the turning point for his eventual exit. /episode/index/show/4eb90817-1b34-4d8b-be5e-18ffe283b2ce/id/32466922

Owner’s Profit Playbook

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