The Realities of Running a Creative Business (What No One Tells You)
| The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 72

🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer, CEO of MKB CFO, sits down with Jeff Price, Founder of Communications Advisory Service Ltd., to break down what really happens behind the scenes of a creative service business. From unrealistic client expectations to emotional labor, pricing, boundaries, and the mental load of being a creative entrepreneur — this conversation is honest, relatable, and long overdue.

Jeff shares the journey of building a growing AV and video production company, the mistakes that nearly burned him out, and how setting the right expectations can transform your business. He dives into why creatives struggle with saying no, how to protect your time, and why communication is the most important skill in any service business. 🎥💼

💡 Whether you're a freelancer, agency owner, or service provider trying to scale without losing your sanity, this episode gives you a transparent look at the real challenges creative entrepreneurs face — and what it actually takes to run a business that thrives.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:10 How Communications Advisory Service Ltd. Started: From Side Work to Full-Time Media Business
06:45 The Hidden Emotional Labor of Creative Entrepreneurship
10:22 Why Expectations Are Everything: Setting Clients Up for Success
15:12 The Burnout Problem: When Creatives Try to Do Everything
20:20 Learning to Say No (and Why It Saves Your Business)
26:48 Communication, Boundaries, and the Client Relationship
31:15 The Reality of Scaling a Creative Business
36:50 Photographer vs. Videographer Expectations
40:15 Final Thoughts + How to Connect with Jeff

🌐 Website: https://www.casav.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-price-8776b674

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Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit:
🌎 Website: https://mkbcfo.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo

#CreativeBusiness #Entrepreneurship #ServiceBusiness #ScalingABusiness #ClientManagement #BusinessGrowth #CreativeEntrepreneur #TheFinancialOperator #MKBPodcast #JenFizer #CFOAdvice #WomenInBusiness #SmallBusinessGrowth #CreativeAgencyLife #MKBcfo

🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer, CEO of MKB CFO, sits down with Chloe Peña, Founder of Day of Socials, to reveal what business owners get wrong about social media and what it actually takes to grow with consistent, strategic content.

Chloe breaks down how she built a nationwide content agency, why CEOs should stop doing their own marketing, and the systems her team uses to turn a few hours of filming into a full month of content. She also shares the truth behind B-roll marketing, why delegation is essential for real growth, and how business owners can stay in their zone of genius while still showing up online. 📱✨

💡 Whether you're overwhelmed by content, ready to outsource your marketing, or want to understand how social media management truly works behind the scenes, this episode gives you a transparent look at the strategies that help growing businesses scale sustainably.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:20 How Day of Socials Started in the Event Space
04:15 Why CEOs Should Not Be Doing Their Own Social Media
08:42 B-Roll Content and Building Monthly Systems
13:10 Delegation, Burnout, and Staying in Your Zone of Genius
17:22 What Businesses Think They Need vs. What Actually Works
22:00 Content Days: Turning 2 Hours Into 30 Days of Marketing
26:49 Social Media for Product Businesses (Bakeries, Boutiques & More)
31:12 How to Reuse Content the Right Way
36:02 Event Packages: 2-Hour, 4-Hour, and 8-Hour Options
40:30 Travel, Client Workflows & Nationwide Projects
44:00 How to Connect with Chloe + Why Instagram Comes First
47:10 Final Thoughts: Why Delegating Social Media Helps You Scale

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayofsocials

📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo

Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit:
🌎 Website: https://mkbcfo.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo

#SocialMediaManagement #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ScalingABusiness #ContentCreationTips #DelegationForCEOs #MarketingStrategy #SmallBusinessGrowth #TheFinancialOperator #MKBPodcast #JenFizer #CFOAdvice #WomenInBusiness #ContentAgency #SocialMediaStrategy #MKBcfo

Breaking the $1 Million Barrier: How to Scale Your Service Business | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 70

🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer, CEO of MKB CFO, sits down with Bud Nye, Founder of Nye Technical Services, to talk about what really happens when you grow from a small family business into a multi-million-dollar operation. 🚀

Bud shares his journey from working alongside his dad in the trades to running two successful companies — covering the reality behind scaling fast, building the right team, and managing the cash flow chaos that comes with growth. He opens up about overcoming analysis paralysis, learning to lead, and what it takes to move from owner mindset to scale mindset. 💼

💡 Whether you're breaking your first million or looking to push beyond it, this episode gives a transparent look at the challenges and mindset shifts every business owner needs to grow sustainably.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:00 From Family Business to Building His Own Legacy
08:00 Taking Fast Action and Learning Through Execution
14:00 Growing Pains: Breaking Past the $1M Plateau
18:00 Cash Flow Challenges and Progress Payments
24:00 The Reality of Collections and Revenue Timing
27:00 Mental Health, Coaching, and Leadership Growth
31:00 Building a Legacy: Training and Giving Back
34:00 Lessons on Scaling, Leadership, and Finding Balance
39:00 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Bud

To connect with Bud:
🌐 Website: https://nyetechnicalservices.com/

📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo
Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit:
🌎 Website: https://mkbcfo.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo

#BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ScalingABusiness #CashFlowManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #SmallBusinessGrowth #TheFinancialOperator #MKBPodcast #JenFizer #BudNye #CFOAdvice #ServiceBusiness #BusinessPodcast #BusinessMindset #WomenInBusiness #FinancialPlanning #MKBcfo

How to Create a Positive Company Culture That Lasts | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 69

🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer sits down with LuAnn Buechler, also known as The Little Spark, to talk about what it really takes to build a positive company culture that stands the test of time. ✨

LuAnn shares her journey from hospitality and event management to helping entrepreneurs and teams build cultures rooted in purpose, values, and connection. She reveals how identifying your core values can transform not only how you lead—but how your business attracts the right people and opportunities. 🌱

💡 Whether you're leading a growing team or building a business from the ground up, this episode will help you define your values, align your people, and create a culture where everyone thrives.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:00 From Hospitality to Coaching and Culture Creation
06:00 Discovering the Power of Core Values
10:45 The Passion Test: Finding Purpose in Business
18:20 Building a Culture That Reflects Who You Are
25:00 Why Core Values Should Guide Every Decision
33:15 How to Choose the Right Networking Community
38:00 Turning Values Into Long-Term Success
41:40 Final Thoughts and Where to Find LuAnn

To connect with LuAnn:
Website: https://luannb.com/

📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo
Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit:
Website: https://mkbcfo.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo

#CompanyCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #BusinessLeadership #CoreValues #PositiveWorkCulture #TeamBuilding #BusinessCoaching #WomenInBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TheFinancialOperator #MKBPodcast #JenFizer #LuAnnBuechler

The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out Podcast | Episode 68 | Turning Bad Credit Into Financial Freedom

🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer sits down with Kevin Faulkner, founder of 3B Credit Health, to talk about how good credit can transform not just your finances—but your future. 💳💼

Kevin shares how he rebuilt his own credit, created the Credit Success Plan, and now helps others reach that 800 score through realistic, proven steps. From fixing bad credit to understanding what lenders really look for, this episode uncovers the power of credit as a foundation for long-term wealth and peace of mind.

He also opens up about the emotional side of money—how credit impacts confidence, business growth, and stability at home. 🌱

💡 Whether you're an entrepreneur or just starting to rebuild your finances, this episode delivers practical steps and encouragement to help you take control of your credit and create real financial freedom.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:45 How Kevin Rebuilt His Credit and Career
03:20 Credit, Self-Worth, and Financial Freedom
08:10 What's Inside the "Credit Success Plan"
15:22 The 5 Factors That Build (or Break) Your Score
24:30 Common Credit Myths & Mistakes
33:18 How Credit Impacts Business and Stability
44:05 Why 800 Is the Goal — and How to Get There
50:13 Creating Long-Term Financial Peace
55:10 Final Thoughts and Contact Info

To connect with Kevin:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevin-faulkner-b6b928179/

Website: 3BCreditHealth.com

📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and more from @mkbcfo

Do you have your own financial questions for MKB? Please visit:

Website: https://mkbcfo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo

The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out Podcast | Episode 67 | Scaling Smart: KPIs, Leadership & Life Balance

🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer sits down with entrepreneur Cory Boehs to talk about building a thriving business without sacrificing your health, marriage, or sanity. Cory shares how grit, personal KPIs, and smart hiring helped him scale multiple ventures — and why balance is just as important as EBITDA. 📈✨

From overcoming rock bottom to creating a clear vision for work and life, Cory breaks down the habits, leadership skills, and systems every business owner needs to grow sustainably. He also reveals how AI tools like ChatGPT are changing the way entrepreneurs delegate, make decisions, and focus on what really matters. 🤖💼

💡 Whether you're scaling a service-based company, leading a small team, or simply trying to run your business (and life) more intentionally, this episode is packed with actionable tips on mindset, profitability, and building long-term success.

⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:42 How Rock Bottom Shaped Cory's Mindset
04:15 Building Personal KPIs for Business & Life
08:50 Scaling Teams and Delegating Effectively
13:22 Avoiding Burnout While Growing a Company
19:45 Using AI & Technology to Boost Productivity
24:31 Marriage, Balance, and Entrepreneurial Success
30:20 Creating a Clear Vision for Your Future
36:18 Leadership Lessons and Grit in Business
41:05 Final Advice for Sustainable Growth

📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and more from @mkbcfo

Do you have your own financial questions for MKB? Please visit:

Website: https://mkbcfo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo

The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out Podcast | Episode 66 | How I Scaled a Plumbing Business & Sold It in 5 Years with Mitch Smedley

🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer sits down with plumbing entrepreneur and business coach Mitch Smedley. Mitch shares how he launched his plumbing company in 2020 with just $30,000 from a home equity line of credit—and grew it into a thriving, sellable business within five years. 🚿💼 From financing vans and managing COGS to building a YouTube following that caught the attention of Ford Motor Company, Mitch dives deep into the realities of scaling a service-based business. He also reveals why he turned down a higher offer to sell, how he transitioned into coaching through Trade Winds, and the importance of running your business from a P&L rather than your bank account. 📊

💡 If you're a business owner in the trades (or thinking about starting one), this episode is packed with hard-won lessons on growth, marketing, and financial strategy.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:34 Starting a Plumbing Company During COVID
02:27 Scaling Quickly and Managing COGS
04:10 Financing the Business with a HELOC
07:04 Buying Vans and Managing Overhead
13:42 Mistakes with Equipment and Lessons Learned
19:23 Building a YouTube Channel and Catching Ford's Attention
24:42 Launching The Void Podcast and Tradewinds Coaching
29:01 Selling the Plumbing Company After 5 Years
33:44 Retaining Ownership and Planning the Next Chapter
37:22 Which Trades Are Easiest and Most Profitable
41:05 Mitch's Final Advice: Run Your Business from the P&L

To connect with Mitch:
https://callsmedley.com/

📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and more from @mkbcfo

Do you have your own financial questions for MKB? Please visit:
Website: https://mkbcfo.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo

#thefinancialoperator #mkb #financialpodcast #fractionalcfo #consistency #businessfinance #businessowner #businesssystems #operations #coo

The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out Podcast | Episode 65 | Unleashing Efficiency: Mastering Business Systems with David Forster

🎙️ In this episode of the Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer welcomes fractional coo and operations expert David Forster. David shares his incredible journey from a tree-cutting side gig to successfully running and selling multiple businesses, including landscape companies and a bike shop. He delves into the importance of efficient systems for business operations and personal well-being, highlighting how such structures can save time, reduce stress, and increase profitability. David also discusses his current role in helping business owners optimize operations and find the right second-in-command. 📈

💡 If you're an entrepreneur looking to streamline your operations and free up more personal time, this episode is a must-watch! 🚀

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:04 David Forster's Early Entrepreneurial Ventures
02:10 Building and Selling Landscape Businesses
04:46 The Dream and Decision to Sell
07:39 Navigating Business Sales and Networking
11:06 Post-Sale Ventures and Personal Growth
14:22 The Bike Shop Journey
17:39 Current Role: Optimizing Business Systems
21:11 Template Systems for Business Efficiency
21:49 Implementing Systems in Service-Based Businesses
23:51 Inventory Management and Financial Planning
27:24 The Role of the Second-in-Command
30:40 Balancing Visionary and Integrator Roles
34:42 Onboarding and Implementing Systems
37:23 Expected Returns and Final Advice

To connect with David:
https://www.systemsoversweat.com/

📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and more from @mkbcfo

Do you have your own financial questions for MKB? Please visit:
Website: https://mkbcfo.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo

#thefinancialoperator #mkb #financialpodcast #fractionalcfo #consistiency #businessfinance #businessowner #businesssystems #operations #coo