112: The 3 Metrics That Drive Profit in Construction and Service Businesses
Send us a textIs Your Business Beating the Stock Market?In this episode of The Margin Method, Steve shares the three metrics every founder must know if they want to grow profitably and build a business that’s both valuable and optional. Drawing from his experience as a CFO for a billion-dollar construction firm, he breaks down what he calls the "three efficiencies"—and how they reveal whether you're wasting money on sales, underperforming on labor, or sitting on a business that’s barely outperforming an index fund.If you’ve ever wondered how to measure true performance, this one’s for you. Steve walks you through the calculations, benchmarks, and tells you exactly where to look in your financials—without getting lost in jargon. You’ll leave knowing which KPI deserves your attention... and why it might just be time to raise your standards.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.Support the show
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17:35
111: The Financial Model That Helped Me Fix a $1B Construction Business
Send us a textIn this episode of The Margin Method, Steve shares the turning point that changed everything during his time as CFO of a billion-dollar construction company. When margins tightened and chaos crept in, he built a tool that reshaped how he approached strategy and financial decisions. This episode unpacks the powerful intersection of finance and focus, revealing how understanding the right levers can create clarity, drive cash flow, and restore control. If you’re tired of working harder with no increase in profit, this conversation will help you reframe how you lead and scale. Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.Support the show
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10:09
110: What Buyers Look for in a $10M Business
Send us a textIf someone showed up today, ready to buy your business, would you be proud of what they’d find?In this episode of The Margin Method, Steve shares what really separates a company that commands top dollar from one that quietly gets passed over. Whether you plan to sell or not, this one will shift how you think about building lasting value. Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.Support the show
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10:21
109: What Paris Taught Me About Margin
Send us a textMost businesses don’t fail because they lack hustle, they fail because they lack margin.In this heartfelt episode of The Margin Method, Steve shares a powerful realization sparked by a family trip to Paris. Through personal stories and sharp insights, he unpacks why financial margin alone isn’t enough, and how operational and leadership margin are just as critical to your success. If you’re feeling stretched thin, stuck in the grind, or constantly running but never catching up, this episode is your wake-up call.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.Support the show
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12:50
108: The Hidden Value Killers in Your Business Model
Send us a textMore growth doesn’t always mean more profit. In this episode of The Margin Method Steve Coughran uncovers the silent value killers hiding inside your business model and how to fix them. If your revenue is rising but your margins aren't, it's time to take a closer look under the hood. Get ready to rethink profitability and discover the simple shifts that lead to smarter, more scalable success. Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.Support the show
The Margin Method™ Podcast is for founders who want to grow intentionally—creating profit, systems, and freedom at every stage.Hosted by Steve Coughran, a founder and strategic finance expert who’s led billion-dollar turnarounds and worked with construction leaders across the country, this show shares real-world strategies to build financial, operational, and leadership margin—the true foundation of a business that scales, sustains, and sells.Rooted in the realities of running and scaling construction businesses, the podcast brings practical insights for anyone building a company with long-term value in mind. Because margin isn’t just about better numbers. It’s about building a business that gives you profit, freedom, and a life you actually want to live.
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