The Free to Grow CFO Podcast

www.FreeToGrowCFO.com👇 GET ACCESS TO OUR FREE CASH FLOW 101 COURSEhttps://mailchi.mp/freetogrowcfo.com/ftg-cash-flow-course-sign-up👇 GET A FREE CFO ANALYSIShttps://freetogrowcfo.com/free-cfo-analysis📧 JOIN OUR WEEKLY FREE TO GROW CFO NEWSLETTERhttps://freetogrowcfo.com/newsletter🧔‍♂️ WHO IS FREE TO GROW CFOOutsourced CFO and Bookkeeping services for profit-focused DTC brands. Scaling a DTC brand is stressful. With messy books and no CFO on your team you run the risk of… -Hiring too quickly -Buying too much inventory -Scaling ad spend unprofitably -Running out of cash And that leads to stressful, sleepless nights. We don’t want that for you. Free to Grow CFO has given hundreds of DTC brands a plan for scaling alongside healthy profit and cash flow. Our plan will work for you too.📈 WANT TO INCREASE PROFIT AND CASH FLOW AS YOU SCALE?Book a Call Now → https://freetogrowcfo.com/book-a-call🤝 CONNECT WITH JON BLAIR ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/🎥 FOLLOW FREE TO GROW CFO ON YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/@FreetoGrowCFO🎤 EPISODE DESCRIPTIONIn this mini episode of the Free to Grow CFO podcast, Jon Blair discusses the end of the e-commerce gold rush and the shift towards sustainable business practices for DTC brands. He emphasizes the importance of profitability, the role of a great CFO in executing wealth-building strategies, and the need for control over business operations and personal wealth creation. The conversation highlights the transition from a speculative market to one that rewards discipline and effective execution.Key Takeaways:-Profitability is essential for survival in the current market.-Brands must focus on sustainable growth rather than rapid scaling.-The era of easy money has passed, but disciplined wealth creation is possible.Episode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/Free to Grow CFO - https://freetogrowcfo.com/Transcript 00:00 The End of the E-Commerce Gold Rush02:17 Building Sustainable DTC Brands03:58 The Role of a CFO in Modern Business05:45 Strategic Wealth Creation for Founders

www.FreeToGrowCFO.com👇 GET ACCESS TO OUR FREE CASH FLOW 101 COURSEhttps://mailchi.mp/freetogrowcfo.com/ftg-cash-flow-course-sign-up👇 GET A FREE CFO ANALYSIShttps://freetogrowcfo.com/free-cfo-analysis📧 JOIN OUR WEEKLY FREE TO GROW CFO NEWSLETTERhttps://freetogrowcfo.com/newsletter🧔‍♂️ WHO IS FREE TO GROW CFOOutsourced CFO and Bookkeeping services for profit-focused DTC brands. Scaling a DTC brand is stressful. With messy books and no CFO on your team you run the risk of… -Hiring too quickly -Buying too much inventory -Scaling ad spend unprofitably -Running out of cash And that leads to stressful, sleepless nights. We don’t want that for you. Free to Grow CFO has given hundreds of DTC brands a plan for scaling alongside healthy profit and cash flow. Our plan will work for you too.📈 WANT TO INCREASE PROFIT AND CASH FLOW AS YOU SCALE?Book a Call Now → https://freetogrowcfo.com/book-a-call🤝 CONNECT WITH JON BLAIR ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/🎥 FOLLOW FREE TO GROW CFO ON YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/@FreetoGrowCFO🎤 EPISODE DESCRIPTIONMost founders rely on the P&L to run their business. The real risks—and the real truth—live on the balance sheet.In this episode, Jon Blair sits down with AJ Stockwell, founder of Climb CFO, to break down how messy books quietly distort cash flow, margins, and decision-making in growing DTC brands. They unpack the most common red flags they see in cleanup projects—from cash-in-transit and merchant clearing errors to inventory mistakes that make gross margins meaningless.This conversation gives founders a practical framework for knowing when a cleanup is necessary, how to think about the ROI of fixing historical financials, and why accurate balance sheets are non-negotiable once a brand starts scaling or pursuing outside capital.What You'll Learn-The #1 red flag that signals revenue and cash are likely misstated-Why the balance sheet—not the P&L—is the fastest way to spot broken books-Why inventory is the hardest account to clean up (and the most dangerous to ignore)-The difference between light cleanups vs. heavy cleanups—and how to evaluate ROIEpisode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/AJ Stockwell- https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajstockwell/Free to Grow CFO - https://freetogrowcfo.com/Climb CFO - https://climbcfo.com/Transcript ~~~00:00 – Intro: Why Most Founders Miss the Real Financial Problem02:35 – The #1 Red Flag: Why the Balance Sheet Matters More Than the P&L05:50 – Merchant Clearing Accounts & Undeposited Funds Explained07:00 – How Broken Balance Sheets Create Broken P&Ls12:30 – Inventory Mistake #1: Zero Inventory on the Balance Sheet13:45 – Inventory Mistake #2: Same Balance All Year Until December17:45 – How to Rebuild Inventory History When Data Is Incomplete18:45 – Light Cleanup vs. Heavy Cleanup: How to Think About ROI20:15 – Why Lenders Start With the Balance Sheet (Not Your Story)21:35 – What Founders Must Provide for a Successful Cleanup Project22:50 – AR, AP, and the Working Capital Blind Spot24:10 – Why “No AP” Is a Bigger Problem Than You Think25:20 – Final Advice: When It’s Time to Stop Guessing and Clean the Books26:10 – Where to Find AJ & Closing Thoughts

www.FreeToGrowCFO.com👇 GET ACCESS TO OUR FREE CASH FLOW 101 COURSEhttps://mailchi.mp/freetogrowcfo.com/ftg-cash-flow-course-sign-up👇 GET A FREE CFO ANALYSIShttps://freetogrowcfo.com/free-cfo-analysis📧 JOIN OUR WEEKLY FREE TO GROW CFO NEWSLETTERhttps://freetogrowcfo.com/newsletter🧔‍♂️ WHO IS FREE TO GROW CFOOutsourced CFO and Bookkeeping services for profit-focused DTC brands. Scaling a DTC brand is stressful. With messy books and no CFO on your team you run the risk of… -Hiring too quickly -Buying too much inventory -Scaling ad spend unprofitably -Running out of cash And that leads to stressful, sleepless nights. We don’t want that for you. Free to Grow CFO has given hundreds of DTC brands a plan for scaling alongside healthy profit and cash flow. Our plan will work for you too📈 WANT TO INCREASE PROFIT AND CASH FLOW AS YOU SCALE?Book a Call Now → https://freetogrowcfo.com/book-a-call🤝 CONNECT WITH JON BLAIR ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/🎥 FOLLOW FREE TO GROW CFO ON YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/@FreetoGrowCFO🎤 EPISODE DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Jon Blair interviews Jon-Mark Craddock, the owner and CEO of La Matera, discussing his journey from being the first employee at Chubbies to running his own e-commerce brand. They explore the challenges of scaling businesses, the importance of proactive supply chain management, and the decision-making process behind self-fulfillment versus outsourcing. Jon shares insights on demand planning, financing through SBA loans, and the lessons learned as a business owner. The conversation emphasizes the need for adaptability and strategic thinking in the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce.Key Takeaways-Adaptability is key to surviving as a founder.-Self-fulfillment can save money but requires more time and effort.-The importance of proactive problem-solving in supply chain management.-Building a lean team can lead to operational efficiency.Episode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/Jon-Mark Craddock- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmarkcraddock/Free to Grow CFO - https://www.freetogrowcfo.com/La Matera - https://lamaterashop.com/Transcript ~~~00:00 Introduction to Jon Mark Craddock and His Journey03:14 Scaling Challenges in E-Commerce05:58 Proactive Supply Chain Management09:06 Self-Fulfillment vs. 3PL: Making the Right Choice12:05 Tech Tools for Fulfillment Operations14:53 Demand and Replenishment Planning Insights17:48 The Importance of Flexibility in Business Planning20:42 Reflections on Lamatera and Future Goals23:26 The Drive to Entrepreneurship25:53 Financing the Business Purchase36:52 Transitioning from Operator to Owner42:03 Navigating Challenges as a Founder43:44 Expanding Fulfillment Services

Episode SummaryWelcome to the Ecom Scaling Show, brought to you by Free To Grow CFO and Aplo Group! Join hosts Jon Blair (Founder, Free to Grow CFO) and Dylan Byers (Co-founder, Aplo Group) as we dive into the crucial—yet often missing—link between marketing and finance in DTC e-commerce. In this episode, Jon and Dylan dive into the complexities of measuring Amazon, ad spend performance across different sales channels, and combining all of it with your DTC strategy. They discuss the challenges of attribution, the importance of considering cross-channel effects, and the strategies for optimizing ad spend to maximize overall contribution margin. Key points include the necessity of having separate KPIs for each channel, the potential pitfalls of launching on Amazon, and how to ensure collaboration between different agencies managing various aspects of a brand’s online presence.Key Takeaways-Attribution is always imperfect, but it's essential to analyze it.-Continuous scrutiny of ad spend can reveal wasteful expenditures.-Effective merchandising strategies can help brands maintain a DTC focus while on Amazon.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 0:58 Challenges of Attribution in Multi-Channel Marketing02:04 Importance of Cross-Channel Attribution 03:45 Amazon vs. DTC: Common Scenarios and Strategies04:16 Financial Insights and Unit Economics 06:52 Measuring Performance Across Channels 09:10 Strategies for Amazon and DTC Integration 17:35 Merchandising Strategies for Amazon 22:20 Scaling Without Repeat Purchases 28:20 Collaboration Between Agencies 30:41 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsEpisode LinksFree To Grow CFO: https://freetogrowcfo.com/Aplo Group: https://www.aplogroup.com/Jon Blair on Linkedin: / jonathon-albert-blair Dylan Byers on Linkedin: / dylan-byers-046010149

Welcome to the Ecom Scaling Show, brought to you by Free To Grow CFO and Aplo Group! Join hosts Jon Blair (Founder, Free to Grow CFO) and Dylan Byers (Co-founder, Aplo Group) as we dive into the crucial—yet often missing—link between marketing and finance in DTC e-commerce. In this episode of the Ecom Scaling Show, we’re diving into the biggest mistakes brands make when approaching hiring and fixed costs. We delve into the necessary core competencies within a brand, and knowing when to hire internally or use external agencies. We’ll touch on the importance of having a robust hiring pipeline and managerial strategies to handle increased overhead costs effectively. Key topics include strategies for scaling business operations, prioritizing hires to achieve strategic goals or remove bottlenecks, and the debate over hiring individual contributors versus team leaders; we also explore the pros and cons of using marketing agencies versus in-house teams, particularly in areas like email marketing and ad buying. The conversation covers the critical role of strategic thinking in organizational growth, the trends in managerial roles with the advent of AI, and the need for redundancy to ensure business continuity.Key Takeaways-Hiring should align with strategic goals and bottlenecks.-Leverage agency insights for better business strategies.-The debate between in-house and agency hiring is nuanced.00:00 Core Competencies and Redundancy in Hiring 00:17 Introduction to the E-comm Scaling Show 00:56 Discussing Org Structure and Hiring Strategies 01:24 OPEX and Financial Health of Brands 03:31 Strategic Guidelines for CFOs 07:32 OPEX Percentages and Efficiency 10:37 Scaling and Capacity Decisions 16:40 Leader vs. Individual Contributor Dilemma 21:01 Identifying Core Competencies and Leadership Gaps25:33 The Case for Outsourcing Email Marketing 26:55 Ad Buying: In-House or Agency? 30:02 The Role of a Head of Marketing 39:26 Final Thoughts on Hiring StrategiesEpisode LinksFree To Grow CFO: https://freetogrowcfo.com/Aplo Group: https://www.aplogroup.com/Jon Blair on Linkedin: / jonathon-albert-blair Dylan Byers on Linkedin: / dylan-byers-046010149

www.FreeToGrowCFO.com👇 GET ACCESS TO OUR FREE CASH FLOW 101 COURSEhttps://mailchi.mp/freetogrowcfo.com/ftg-cash-flow-course-sign-up👇 GET A FREE CFO ANALYSIShttps://freetogrowcfo.com/free-cfo-analysis📧 JOIN OUR WEEKLY FREE TO GROW CFO NEWSLETTERhttps://freetogrowcfo.com/newsletter🧔‍♂️ WHO IS FREE TO GROW CFOOutsourced CFO and Bookkeeping services for profit-focused DTC brands. Scaling a DTC brand is stressful. With messy books and no CFO on your team you run the risk of… -Hiring too quickly -Buying too much inventory -Scaling ad spend unprofitably -Running out of cash And that leads to stressful, sleepless nights. We don’t want that for you. Free to Grow CFO has given hundreds of DTC brands a plan for scaling alongside healthy profit and cash flow. Our plan will work for you too📈 WANT TO INCREASE PROFIT AND CASH FLOW AS YOU SCALE?Book a Call Now → https://freetogrowcfo.com/book-a-call🤝 CONNECT WITH JON BLAIR ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/🎥 FOLLOW FREE TO GROW CFO ON YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/@FreetoGrowCFO🎤 EPISODE DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Jon Blair interviews Alex Schinasi, co-founder of Hulken, discussing her journey from software startups to scaling a bootstrapped e-commerce brand. They explore the unique challenges and strategies involved in building a consumer product, the importance of product development, and the decision-making process in a bootstrapped environment. Alex shares insights on marketing strategies, the significance of community engagement, and the balance between work and personal life as a business owner.Key Takeaways-Product development should be prioritized before branding.-Listening to customer feedback is key to product improvement.-Defensibility in product design is essential for long-term success.-Building a strong team with outsourced experts can drive growth.Episode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/Alex Schinasi- https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-schinasi-16b6abb/Free to Grow CFO - https://www.freetogrowcfo.com/Transcript ~~~00:00 Introduction to Alex Skenazi and Holken03:04 The Journey from Software to E-commerce06:04 The Unique Appeal of the Hulkin09:08 Bootstrapping vs. VC Funding11:57 Growth Marketing Strategies for Holken14:52 Product Development and Defensibility17:55 Decision-Making in a Bootstrapped Environment21:01 Building a Team for Growth23:45 Advice for Aspiring Brand Founders26:47 Conclusion and Personal Insights

www.FreeToGrowCFO.com👇 GET ACCESS TO OUR FREE CASH FLOW 101 COURSEhttps://mailchi.mp/freetogrowcfo.com/ftg-cash-flow-course-sign-up👇 GET A FREE CFO ANALYSIShttps://freetogrowcfo.com/free-cfo-analysis📧 JOIN OUR WEEKLY FREE TO GROW CFO NEWSLETTERhttps://freetogrowcfo.com/newsletter🧔‍♂️ WHO IS FREE TO GROW CFOOutsourced CFO and Bookkeeping services for profit-focused DTC brands. Scaling a DTC brand is stressful. With messy books and no CFO on your team you run the risk of… -Hiring too quickly -Buying too much inventory -Scaling ad spend unprofitably -Running out of cash And that leads to stressful, sleepless nights. We don’t want that for you. Free to Grow CFO has given hundreds of DTC brands a plan for scaling alongside healthy profit and cash flow. Our plan will work for you too📈 WANT TO INCREASE PROFIT AND CASH FLOW AS YOU SCALE?Book a Call Now → https://freetogrowcfo.com/book-a-call🤝 CONNECT WITH JON BLAIR ON LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/🎥 FOLLOW FREE TO GROW CFO ON YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/@FreetoGrowCFO🎤 EPISODE DESCRIPTIONIn this episode of The Free to Grow CFO Podcast, Jon Blair interviews Randall Thompson, co-founder of Dugout Mugs, who shares his journey from professional baseball to building a successful e-commerce brand. They discuss the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of understanding marketing and inventory management, and the role of faith in entrepreneurship. Randall reflects on the lessons learned during his journey, including the significance of hiring, risk management, and the emotional aspects of exiting a business.Key Takeaways-Why over-ordering inventory is far more dangerous than stocking out-The real impact of long lead times and overseas manufacturing on cash flow-How to think about risk-adjusted bets instead of emotional growth decisions-Why most marketers struggle without understanding unit economics and financial relationshipsEpisode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/Randall Thompson- https://www.linkedin.com/in/randall-thompson-rt-03466a6b/Free to Grow CFO - https://www.freetogrowcfo.com/Transcript ~~~00:00 The Journey of Dugout Mugs03:06 From Idea to Execution05:52 Navigating the Challenges of E-commerce08:50 Marketing Strategies and Evolution11:46 Understanding Numbers and Inventory Management14:46 The Dilemma of Inventory Management22:34 Navigating Risk in Business Growth28:16 The Importance of Financial Awareness33:45 The Role of Faith in Entrepreneurship36:45 Surprises in the Exit Process

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Free to Grow CFO podcast, host Jon Blair speaks with Rolando and Raul Lopez of CFO Associates about the intersection of tax strategy and wealth building for e-commerce brand founders. They discuss the importance of proactive tax planning, the benefits of real estate investment, and the nuances of various retirement accounts. The conversation also covers entity structuring and key tax strategies that can help DTC brands maximize their profits and minimize their tax liabilities.Key Takeaways-Real estate can be a powerful tool for building wealth and reducing tax liabilities.-Qualified real estate professionals can offset active income with losses from real estate.-Proactive tax planning is essential for maximizing wealth.Episode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/Rolando Lopez- https://www.linkedin.com/in/rolandolopezcpaRaul Lopez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/raul-lopez-764026a5/Free to Grow CFO - https://www.freetogrowcfo.com/Transcript ~~~00:00 Introduction to CFO Associates and Their Mission04:19 Wealth Building and Tax Strategy for E-commerce12:50 Understanding Depreciation and Its Tax Advantages19:33 Retirement Accounts and Their Benefits26:25 Entity Structure Strategy: S-Corp vs. Sole Proprietor30:21 Understanding Tax Strategies for LLCs34:47 Entity Structuring and Its Importance35:23 Maximizing Tax Benefits for E-commerce Brands39:54 Navigating Cash vs. Accrual Accounting40:12 The Dynamics of Family Business Partnerships

Welcome to the Ecom Scaling Show, brought to you by Free To Grow CFO and Aplo Group! Join hosts Jon Blair (Founder, Free to Grow CFO) and Dylan Byers (Co-founder, Aplo Group) as we dive into the crucial—yet often missing—link between marketing and finance in DTC e-commerce. In this episode, Jon and Dylan delve into the intricacies of growth planning over a multi-year timeframe, emphasizing the importance of strategy, capacity planning, and financial liquidity. We discuss the challenges of scaling, the significance of product development, and the considerations for channel expansion, including Amazon and international markets. The conversation also highlights the need for careful financial management, particularly regarding retained earnings and distributions, to support sustainable growth.Key Takeaways-Strategic decisions today impact future growth potential.-Financing growth involves balancing retained earnings and distributions.-Product development should focus on risk-adjusted returns.00:00 Strategic Foundations for Growth Planning03:43 Capacity Planning and Financial Considerations06:45 Navigating Diminishing Returns and Scaling Strategies 10:03 Product Development and Risk Management 12:51 Channel Expansion: Amazon and Retail Strategies 16:05 International Market Opportunities 18:57 Financing Growth: Retained Earnings vs. Distributions21:56 Final Thoughts on Multi-Year PlanningEpisode LinksFree To Grow CFO: https://freetogrowcfo.com/Aplo Group: https://www.aplogroup.com/Jon Blair on Linkedin: / jonathon-albert-blair Dylan Byers on Linkedin: / dylan-byers-046010149

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Free to Grow CFO Podcast, Jon Blair and Roxann Burns delve into the intricacies of SBA loans, exploring their benefits, criteria, and common misconceptions. Roxann shares her extensive experience in SBA lending, emphasizing the importance of understanding cash flow and structuring debt appropriately for business growth. They discuss the nuances of using SBA loans for various purposes, including partner buyouts and business acquisitions, while also addressing the significance of finding the right lender. The episode concludes with practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the SBA lending landscape effectively.Key Takeaways- It's important to have a solid financial foundation before applying for an SBA loan.- Permanent working capital needs should be financed with long-term debt.- SBA loans can be beneficial during growth spurts for businesses.Episode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/Roxann Burns - https://www.linkedin.com/in/roxannburns/Free to Grow CFO - https://www.freetogrowcfo.com/Transcript ~~~00:00 Introduction to SBA Lending and Roxanne's Background03:04 Understanding SBA Loans: Basics and Criteria05:45 The Role of SBA Loans in Business Growth08:57 Permanent Working Capital vs. Revolving Capital12:01 Strategic Debt Structures for E-commerce Brands15:07 Common Misconceptions About SBA Loans32:56 Understanding SBA Loan Processing Times35:36 Negotiating Terms on SBA Loans36:45 SBA Loan Limits and New Programs38:54 Challenges in Manufacturing Financing40:18 Financing Raw Materials and Work in Process41:53 Importance of Cash Flow in Loan Approval43:40 Building Relationships with Lenders46:31 Refinancing SBA Loans47:27 Business Change of Ownership and Partner Buyouts

Episode SummaryIn this mini episode of the Free to Grow CFO Podcast, Jon Blair discusses the critical importance of effective business planning, emphasizing that planning should not be an exercise in prediction but rather in understanding the cause and effect relationships between inputs and outputs. He highlights the risks associated with aligning business inputs around predicted outputs and advocates for a more flexible approach that allows for scenario planning and adaptability in the face of changing business conditions.Key Takeaways:-The biggest failure in business planning is not anticipating failures.-Planning should focus on cause and effect, not just predictions.-Aligning inputs around a predicted output is risky.Episode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/Free to Grow CFO - https://freetogrowcfo.com/Transcript 00:00 The Importance of Planning in Business03:37 Understanding Inputs and Outputs in Planning

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Jon Blair interviews Justin Mitchell, a seasoned content creator and entrepreneur, discussing the transformative impact of AI on e-commerce and content creation. They explore misconceptions about AI, practical applications for e-commerce brands, and the importance of data in understanding customer behavior. Justin shares insights on content strategies, the long-term value of content, and the shift in marketing strategies due to AI advancements. The conversation also touches on the future of AI, the significance of recording conversations for insights, and rapid-fire questions that reveal Justin's thoughts on various tools and trends in the industry.Key Takeaways- AI can help brands understand customer behavior better than ever before. - The future of marketing will heavily rely on content-driven strategies.- AI is not just a tool; it's a transformative force in e-commerce.- E-commerce brands should focus on building processes before automating.Episode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/Justin Mitchel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmitchel/Free to Grow CFO - https://www.freetogrowcfo.com/Coding For Entrepreneurs - https://codingforentrepreneurs.com/Udemy - https://www.udemy.com/user/justinmitchel/Transcript ~~~00:00 Introduction to Justin Mitchel and His Journey05:01 Understanding AI Misconceptions09:54 Leveraging AI in E-commerce14:48 The Role of Content in AI and E-commerce19:53 The Future of AI and Unstructured Data24:56 The Impact of AI on Consumer Behavior29:51 Opportunities for Brands in the AI Era35:35 The Power of Meaningful Connections38:09 Long-Tail Returns on Content40:01 The Joy of Helping Others41:46 Automation and Systems in Business43:00 Underexplored AI Use Cases in E-Commerce45:34 The Fun Side of Domain Names48:32 Where to Find Justin and His Work50:14 Future Opportunities in Content Creation

Welcome to the Ecom Scaling Show, brought to you by Free To Grow CFO and Aplo Group! Join hosts Jon Blair (Founder, Free to Grow CFO) and Dylan Byers (Co-founder, Aplo Group) as we dive into the crucial—yet often missing—link between marketing and finance in DTC e-commerce. In this episode, Jon and Dylan delve into the intricate relationship between marketing metrics and debt in the context of DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) brands. They discuss how debt can be viewed as a form of capital and the unique risks associated with customer acquisition strategies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the stability of revenue streams, particularly in relation to first-time customer dominance versus return customer revenue. The hosts also explore the significance of accurate forecasting and the need for strategic growth planning, especially when it comes to inventory management and leveraging debt. They highlight the necessity of involving marketing teams in financial decisions to ensure a cohesive approach to growth and risk management.Key Takeaways-Seasonality significantly impacts revenue and debt repayment.-First-time customer dominant brands are often riskier for debt.-Risk adjusted returns should guide debt financing decisions.00:00 Introduction to Marketing Metrics and Debt 04:05 Understanding Debt as Capital in DTC Brands 07:06 The Impact of Customer Acquisition on Debt 10:07 Navigating Seasonality and Inventory Management 13:06 Risk Assessment in Debt Financing 16:14 The Importance of Marketing Metrics in Debt Decisions 19:15 Strategic Planning for Growth and Debt 22:19 The Dangers of Percentage Growth vs. Dollar Growth 25:16 Forecasting and Collaboration in Marketing 27:58 Post-Debt Decision Metrics and Adjustments 31:15 Splitting the Risk Difference in Inventory Purchases 34:06 Final Thoughts on Marginality and Risk ManagementEpisode LinksFree To Grow CFO: https://freetogrowcfo.com/Aplo Group: https://www.aplogroup.com/Jon Blair on Linkedin: / jonathon-albert-blair Dylan Byers on Linkedin: / dylan-byers-046010149

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Free to Grow CFO podcast, Jon Blair and KC Holiday discuss the current trends in e-commerce, emphasizing the importance of product quality, effective offer testing, and understanding customer needs. They explore the dynamics between first-order dominant brands and those with high lifetime value (LTV), as well as the significance of leadership and company culture in e-commerce. The discussion also touches on financing methods for e-commerce brands, highlighting the risks associated with certain loan types and the need for strategic financial planning.Key Takeaways-Product is always number one in e-commerce.-Company culture impacts brand perception and customer loyalty.-LTV brands require different strategies than first-order dominant brands.-Data-driven decision-making is essential for e-commerce growth.Episode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/KC Holiday - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kcholiday/Free to Grow CFO - https://www.freetogrowcfo.com/KC Holiday - https://www.kcholiday.com/Transcript ~~~00:00 Introduction to E-commerce Trends01:05 The Importance of Product in E-commerce03:24 Offer Testing and Brand Perception08:17 Understanding Free Shipping and Offers12:29 The Money Game in E-commerce15:12 LTV vs. First Order Dominance21:12 Creative Strategies for Customer Acquisition22:53 The Evolution of Marketing in the Age of AI24:57 Navigating Leadership Challenges in E-commerce26:45 Building a Strong Company Culture33:23 Understanding Financing Options for E-commerce Brands

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Free to Grow CFO podcast, Jon Blair interviews Anna Brakefield, founder of Red Land Cotton, discussing the challenges and triumphs of scaling a direct-to-consumer brand while managing manufacturing in the U.S. They explore the importance of storytelling in marketing, the complexities of supply chain management, and the balance between family life and entrepreneurship. Anna shares her journey from a creative background to leading a successful business, emphasizing the impact of community and purpose-driven outcomes. Key Takeaways-Manufacturing in the U.S. presents both challenges and opportunities.-Purpose-driven outcomes can lead to sustainable success.-Transparency in the supply chain builds customer trust.Episode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/Anna Brakefield - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-brakefield-94389734/Free to Grow CFO - https://www.freetogrowcfo.com/Red Land Cotton - www.redlandcotton.comTranscript ~~~00:00 Introduction to Scaling DTC Brands01:55 Anna's Journey to Founding Redland Cotton06:06 The Vision Behind Redland Cotton08:48 Importance of American Manufacturing10:13 The Journey of Guardian Bike13:07 Challenges of Manufacturing and Supply Chain15:52 Building a Team for Growth18:50 Balancing Business and Family Life21:46 Finding Purpose in Business25:01 Community Impact and Responsibility28:12 Future Challenges and Leadership30:49 Conclusion and Resources

Episode SummaryIn this mini episode of the Free to Grow CFO Podcast, Jon Blair discusses the essential functions of a finance team for DTC brands, emphasizing the importance of providing value in the scaling journey. He outlines the key monthly processes that finance teams should implement, including a 15-day close, monthly financial reviews, and strategic meetings with the CFO to ensure informed decision-making and risk management.Key Takeaways:-Your finance team should be providing value and helping you make confident, quality decisions.-Scaling is a series of risk-adjusted bets.-You should have a monthly financial strategy meeting with your CFO.Episode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/Free to Grow CFO - https://freetogrowcfo.com/Transcript 00:00 The Role of Finance in DTC Brands01:53 Monthly Financial Processes for Success05:42 Strategic Financial Meetings and Decision Making

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Free to Grow CFO podcast, Jon Blair and Tony Runyan discuss the current challenges in the logistics and e-commerce sectors, focusing on tariffs, mid-year carrier rate changes, and strategies for managing cash flow and inventory. They explore the implications of bonded warehousing and the importance of understanding the total cost of fulfillment. The discussion highlights the need for brands to adapt to ongoing uncertainties and optimize their operations to maintain profitability.Key Takeaways-Mid-year rate increases are occurring despite lower package volumes.-Bonded warehousing can defer tariff payments but has complexities.-Uncertainty in tariffs is affecting budgeting for brands.Episode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/Tony Runyan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyrunyan/Free to Grow CFO - https://www.freetogrowcfo.com/Transcript ~~~00:00 Introduction and Overview of Current Challenges03:00 Navigating Tariffs and Uncertainty05:59 Strategies for Cash Flow Management09:01 Understanding Bonded Warehousing12:03 Mid-Year Carrier Rate Changes16:58 Impact of COVID on Shipping Dynamics20:10 Adapting to Rate Changes20:45 Optimizing Inventory Load Balancing28:08 Conclusion and Future Considerations

Welcome to the Ecom Scaling Show, brought to you by Free To Grow CFO and Aplo Group! Join hosts Jon Blair (Founder, Free to Grow CFO) and Dylan Byers (Co-founder, Aplo Group) as we dive into the crucial—yet often missing—link between marketing and finance in DTC e-commerce. In this episode of the Ecom Scaling Show, Jon and Dylan discuss how much money business owners should pull out of their e-commerce business, focusing on the distinction between salary and distributions, the evaluation of investment returns, risk assessment, liquidity, and the strategic use of debt. They emphasize the importance of understanding personal risk tolerance and creating a structured approach to financial distributions to ensure business growth and sustainability.Key Takeaways-Paying yourself a market salary from day one helps in budgeting and financial planning.-Not all distributions are equal; consider the purpose behind each withdrawal.-Debt can enhance returns but must be managed carefully to avoid increased risk.00:00 Introduction to Ecom Scaling Show00:23 Understanding Profit Distribution06:07 Balancing Internal vs External Investment12:16 Risk Assessment in Business Investments18:43 Liquidity and Reversibility in Financial Decisions24:06 Return on Ad Spend and Business Growth28:04 The Role of Debt in Enhancing ReturnsEpisode LinksFree To Grow CFO: https://freetogrowcfo.com/Aplo Group: https://www.aplogroup.com/Jon Blair on Linkedin: / jonathon-albert-blair Dylan Byers on Linkedin: / dylan-byers-046010149

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Free to Grow CFO podcast, Jon Blair and Dusty Holcomb discuss the critical role of leadership in scaling businesses profitably. They explore the chaos that often accompanies growth and the importance of clarity and purpose in navigating this chaos. Dusty shares insights on self-leadership, the significance of delegating outcomes rather than tasks, and the necessity of creating space for strategic thinking. The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to adjust their routines according to life’s seasons and highlights the power of gratitude in leadership. Dusty also introduces Arcqus Group and its mission to empower leaders.Key Takeaways-Leadership is crucial for profitability in scaling businesses.-Delegating outcomes allows for greater team empowerment.-Adjusting routines to fit life’s seasons is important for maintaining effectiveness.-Understanding the difference between growth and scale organizations is key.Episode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/Dusty Holcomb - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustyholcombFree to Grow CFO - https://www.freetogrowcfo.com/Arcqus Group - https://www.arcqusgroup.comLeadership Unlocked Podcast - https://www.leadershipunlockedpodcast.comTranscript ~~~00:00 Navigating the Chaos of Scaling02:43 The Importance of Leadership in Profitability06:01 Chaos vs. Clarity: Finding Your Focus08:42 The Power of Purpose and Vision11:26 Self-Leadership: The Foundation of Effective Leadership14:50 Delegating Outcomes vs. Tasks17:37 Creating Space for Strategic Thinking20:46 Adjusting Routines for Life's Seasons23:48 The Role of Gratitude in Leadership26:43 Impacting Lives Through Leadership29:35 Arcus Group: Empowering Leaders

Episode SummaryIn this mini episode of the Free to Grow CFO Podcast, Jon Blair challenges the dogma surrounding 13-week cash forecasts for DTC brands. While most fractional CFOs swear by them, Jon argues that they’re often unnecessary and waste valuable time. Instead, he shares a more efficient, decision-driven approach to cash forecasting that prioritizes practicality over tradition.Whether you're leading a scaling DTC brand or managing finance ops, this episode will help you rethink how much cash flow visibility you really need—and when.Key Takeaways:-Just because 13-week cash forecasts are common doesn’t mean they’re right for your business.-Weekly cash models should only be activated if monthly projections raise red flags.-Most brands only need 2–6 weeks of weekly visibility to make accounts payable decisions effectively.Episode LinksJon Blair - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathon-albert-blair/Free to Grow CFO - https://freetogrowcfo.com/Transcript 00:00 Rethinking the 13-Week Cash Forecast04:03 Building Cash Forecasts for Decision-Making