In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with Robert Blanding, an experienced finance and operations leader in the ag-tech sector. Robert shares insights on building high-performing FP&A teams, partnering effectively with accounting, developing financial acumen, and applying strategic finance to drive operational impact in global businesses.

Robert Blanding is the Chief Financial Officer at Fall Creek, a global leader in the Ag-Tech sector. He brings extensive experience in finance and operations from 18 years at Intel and leadership roles across industrial manufacturing, technology, and ag-tech companies. Robert combines strategic financial leadership with a focus on innovation, long-term business growth, and developing high-performing teams.

Expect to Learn:

• What great FP&A looks like and the importance of business acumen
• How to develop strong partnerships between FP&A and accounting
• Strategies for building high-performing, empowered finance teams
• Navigating systems, processes, and technology challenges in FP&A

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "It starts with being connected to the business, having strong acumen, and being consulted by stakeholders." – Robert Blanding
• "Investing in relationships outside of crisis is critical to getting support from accounting and operations." – Robert Blanding

Robert shares practical insights for FP&A professionals and aspiring CFOs, emphasizing the importance of business acumen, strong partnerships with accounting, creative problem-solving, and developing high-performing teams.

Follow Robert:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfb19/

Company Website: https://www.fallcreeknursery.com/

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[00:00] – Trailer

[03:55] – Defining Great FP&A

[07:39] – Career Path & First CFO Role

[17:49] – Fall Creek & Ag-Tech Overview

[21:18] – Importance of FP&A & Accounting Partnership

[32:23] – Creative Problem Solving & Process Improvement

[38:59] – Challenges in Building High-Performing Teams

[45:32] – Advice for Aspiring CFOs

[49:11] – Top Technical Skill for FP&A Professionals

[52:50] – Personal Interests & Basketball

[56:12] – How to Connect with Robert

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst sits down with David Dors to explore how artificial intelligence, particularly Claude, is transforming the future of FP&A. David shares his journey from banking and FP&A into finance transformation, where he now helps finance teams implement AI-powered workflows, automate repetitive processes, and rethink how work gets done in the Office of the CFO.

David Dors is a finance transformation consultant and AI educator specializing in helping finance teams adopt Claude, AI agents, and workflow automation. After beginning his career in banking and FP&A, David shifted his focus to helping finance professionals use AI to improve reporting, analysis, forecasting, and decision-making. Through workshops, training programs, and content creation, he teaches finance teams how to build AI-powered systems that save time and allow analysts to focus on higher-value strategic work.

Expect to Learn:

• How AI is changing the future of FP&A
• Practical ways to automate reporting and recurring finance tasks
• The difference between Claude Chat, Claude Code, and AI agents
• Why finance professionals should think of AI as a digital teammate
• Key skills FP&A professionals need in an AI-driven world

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• "Every forecast, variance analysis, or deck you build should help somebody make a different decision." – David Dors
• "If nothing changed from the analysis you're providing, there's not much value in what you're doing every day." – David Dors

David explains how finance teams can use AI to eliminate repetitive work, improve efficiency, and spend more time supporting business decisions. He also shares his perspective on the future of FP&A, where professionals will increasingly manage AI agents that handle routine tasks and reporting. non-traditional organizations.

Follow Dave:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddors/

Website: https://vantagepointconsulting.com/

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In this episode of FP&A Unlocked, Paul Barnhurst and Glenn Snyder sit down with Dr. Tim Naddy, CFO of the Savannah Bananas, to discuss the unique world of finance in a sports and entertainment organization. Tim shares how he manages FP&A for a fast-growing, multi-team baseball league, balancing operational efficiency with fan engagement, budgeting for multiple teams, and ensuring the internal finance function supports the entire organization’s growth.

Tim is the CFO of the Savannah Bananas, a wildly innovative and entertaining baseball organization. With experience in public accounting, higher education, and consulting, Tim brings a unique perspective on financial management, teaching, and operational strategy. He has also authored a book for creatives and non-finance professionals on strategic financial management, helping others understand how to transform ideas into sustainable business ventures.

Expect to Learn:

• How FP&A functions in an unconventional sports and entertainment organization
• Budgeting and financial planning across multiple teams and events
• Managing risk, contracts, and operational logistics for traveling events
• Lessons on aligning finance with organizational growth and fan engagement
• How innovative business models and creativity intersect with FP&A

Here are a few relevant quotes from the episode:

• “Finance isn’t a stumbling block, it’s a support function that ensures internal teams can succeed.” – Dr. Tim Naddy
• “You don’t need to be from an area to support a team, you just need to feel the vibe.” – Dr. Tim Naddy

Dr. Tim Naddy provides a behind-the-scenes look at managing FP&A for the Savannah Bananas, balancing operational efficiency with creative fan engagement. He highlights how finance supports growth across multiple teams and events, ensuring budgets, logistics, and resources are aligned. Listeners gain insights into innovative financial management, practical FP&A strategies, and the importance of adaptability in dynamic, non-traditional organizations.

Follow Tim:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtimnaddy221b/

Website: https://www.houndtalint.com/

Earn Your CPE Credit

For CPE credit, please go to earmarkcpe.com, listen to the episode, download the app, answer a few questions, and earn your CPE certification. To earn education credits for the FPAC Certificate, take the quiz on earmark and contact Paul Barnhurst for further details.

In Today’s Episode

[00:00] – Trailer

[05:07] – Bananas Brand Story

[08:12] – Teaching & Book

[11:14] – CFO Misconceptions

[13:14] – FP&A Process & League

[18:12] – Revenue & Ticketing

[26:00] – Logistics & Operations

[32:28] – Team Management

[46:51] – Banana Ball Rules

[54:42] – FP&A Advice & Closing