After 109 episodes, we are putting the podcast on "pause" for now.

In today's briefing, Paul discusses:

• The decision to pause the podcast and its reasons
• Resource allocation and opportunity cost in business
• Focusing on existing clients and partnerships
• Measuring return on time and effort
• The importance of making difficult decisions for growth

If you want to reach out directly, email Paul at paul@thebluecollaradvisors.com

Stop relying on EBITDA for business valuation. Learn why this common metric often misleads buyers and sellers during negotiations.

Many business owners rely heavily on EBITDA to justify their company value, but potential buyers often view this number with skepticism. This boardroom briefing breaks down why that discrepancy exists and how focusing solely on this figure can derail a deal. Understanding the limitations of this metric is essential for anyone preparing to sell their company or looking to acquire one.

Paul Maskill explains the reality behind the numbers, providing clarity on why buyers look past standard accounting figures to assess true risk. You will gain a clearer perspective on how to present your financial health accurately without falling into common valuation traps.

In today's briefing, Paul discusses:

• Misconceptions about EBITDA
• Cash flow vs. EBITDA
• Owner dependency and business durability
• Due diligence and market realities
• Long-term value creation and patience

If your business looks successful on the outside—but feels tight, stressful, or unclear underneath—this podcast is for you.
If you want to be interviewed on the podcast email me at paul@thebluecollaradvisors.com

In this episode of the Turnaround Boardroom, host Paul Maskill sits down with Trey McWilliams, third-generation owner of McWilliams Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing and founder of Blue Cardinal Home Services Group .

Trey shares the real, unfiltered story of taking his family's Lufkin, Texas business from just over $1M in revenue in 2010 to $28M by 2018, and now overseeing a platform pushing $140M+ in revenue with 400+ employees across Texas, Arizona, Kansas City, Birmingham, and Augusta. He opens up about the hard conversations with his dad, the massive team turnover that came with changing the culture, betting on marketing dollars he didn't have, and why community involvement built his brand faster than any ad spend.

If you're a home service business owner trying to move from a lifestyle business to a real, scalable company — this episode is packed with lessons on culture, marketing, hiring, and leadership.

In today's briefing, Paul and Trey dig into:

• Why "pain and fear" pushed Trey to take the family business in a new direction
• Building a "brand ambassador" program to scale culture across locations
• Why he turned down early private equity offers to build his own platform instead
• The leadership shift from "doer" to "coach" that unlocked real scale
• His approach to identifying and betting on people before they bet on themselves

If your business looks successful on the outside—but feels tight, stressful, or unclear underneath—this podcast is for you.
If you want to be interviewed on the podcast email me at paul@thebluecollaradvisors.com