You never forget the moment massive tax bills hit. For Shaun and Erin Leary, it was a $56,000 shock that nearly wiped out their business and their peace of mind. Like so many home service owners, they were doing the work, bringing in sales, and still running out of money when tax season rolled around. That's when they decided enough was enough. In this episode, we dig into how the Profit First system helped them turn fear into focus, protect every dollar, and finally take control of their finances. Sneaky Leaky used to love hiding in their bank account, but not anymore. The Learys built a plan that evicted him for good.

What You'll Learn…

• How a $56,000 surprise changed the way they handle tax bills

• Why ignoring your numbers gives Sneaky Leaky an open invitation

• How the Profit First system brings peace of mind all the time

• The one mindset shift that helped the Learys stop their financial panic

• What to track weekly so tax bills never blindside your business again

• Simple steps to build cash reserves that protect your profits

🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/

🤝 Connect with Shaun and Erin at https://celticelevator.com/

ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS

💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here: https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/

💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks

You feel like all the customers are going to your competitors. You could pour more money into ads…or you could do something much simpler. Writing a book is one of the easiest ways to strengthen your marketing position and stand out in a crowded market. A book builds trust before a customer even calls, showing them you're the expert who knows your stuff.

In this episode, I'm joined by author and marketing strategist Cathy Minz to share how home service owners CAN use a book to boost credibility, attract loyal customers, and keep Sneaky Leaky from wasting money on ad space that never delivers.

What You'll Learn

• Why writing a book instantly strengthens your marketing position

• How a simple book can outwork expensive ad campaigns

• The mistake that quietly weakens your marketing position without you realizing it

• How to turn your real-world experience into a credibility magnet

• Why a book sells your expertise long after the first print run

• How better storytelling supports your marketing position and brand authority

• The hidden profit leak that happens when you blend in with the crowd

🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/

🤝 Connect with Cathy at https://elowynpress.com/

ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS

💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here: https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/

💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks

You work too hard to let your customers forget you. Every time a past customer calls someone else, Sneaky Leaky wins. That's trust (and potential money) you already earned slipping away. Turning each job into a lifetime customer is one of the simplest ways to grow your profits without spending another dime on ads. I've seen too many businesses pour time and cash into new leads while neglecting the gold mine sitting right in their customer list. In this episode, I'm sharing practical ways to keep your customers connected, loyal, and eager to call you back year after year.

What You'll Learn…

• Why a lifetime customer is worth five times more than a new lead

• How small personal touches can plug the retention profit leak

• The easiest follow-up habit that keeps you top of mind

• Why newsletters and handwritten cards are profit tools, not niceties

• How to build a customer club that creates steady recurring revenue

• The one mistake that turns a satisfied client into a lost sale

• Simple systems that grow loyalty and make every job a lifetime customer opportunity

📋Plus look for the FREE Customer Retention Checklist in the show notes

🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/

🤝 Connect with Diane at https://www.profitcoach4you.com

ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS

💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here: https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/

💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks

You log into your bank to process payroll….and your heart stops. Where did all the money go!!?? Money disappears fast in a home service business when the truck repairs, payroll, and job materials all come calling on your bank account at once. Having a clear business finance plan isn't optional; it's mandatory for survival.

Robb Conlon joins me to share how the Profit First system turned his finances from chaos to calm. Profit First saved his business six times! Together, we dig into the simple steps that can save your business, stop Sneaky Leaky from draining your profits, and finally give you peace of mind with your money.

What You'll Learn…

• Why a business finance plan gives you freedom instead of restrictions

• How Profit First helps you see your money clearly without fancy spreadsheets

• The biggest money mistake home service owners make when they start growing

• What to track weekly so you can stop guessing where the money went

• How to stay calm during slow seasons with a plan that works year-round

• Why separating bank accounts keeps Sneaky Leaky out of your profits

• How a strong business finance plan lets you grow with confidence

🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/

🤝 Connect with Robb at westportstudiosllc.com

ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS

💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here: https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/

💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks

You get a say in how much tax you pay. Did you know that? Overpaying taxes is one of Sneaky Leaky's favorite hiding spots, because most owners don't even realize it's a profit leak they can plug. I've seen HVAC owners, builders, and contractors lose tens of thousands each year by leaving deductions unclaimed or operating with the wrong entity setup. With good tax planning, that money can stay in your business instead of padding the government's pocket. In this episode, I'll show you how to stop tipping the IRS and start keeping more of what you've worked so hard to earn.

What You'll Learn:

• Why overpaying taxes is one of the sneakiest profit leaks in your business

• How clean books make the difference between saving and losing thousands

• The one mindset shift that helps owners stop leaving the IRS a tip

• About the HVAC owner who saved $45,000 in one year through planning

• How the right entity choice keeps you from overpaying taxes unnecessarily

• Why timing expenses matters more than buying equipment at year end

• The one system that turns tax season stress into "no big deal"

🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/

🤝 Connect with Diane at https://www.profitcoach4you.com

ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS

💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here: https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/

💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks

Busy days do not always equal healthy profits, and most owners feel chained to their business from morning until night. That is why this episode focuses on creating businesses that run themselves, giving you time back without losing money.

My guest, Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, shares how a family crisis forced her to shrink her practice hours in half, yet her systems carried the workload and revenue stayed strong. That lesson showed her that freedom comes from building clear processes, strong communication, and high performing teams. We also expose the profit leaks that Sneaky Leaky loves to hide in, like wasted time and rework, and share practical fixes to stop him in his tracks.

What You'll Learn…

• Why businesses that run themselves begin with robust operating systems

• How the customer journey system saves time and increases profits

• The one mindset shift that moves you from bottleneck to coach

• Why turning core values into behaviors makes training easier

• How built-in communication removes friction without adding more meetings

• Why businesses that run themselves depend on high performing teams

• The leadership move that gets your crew to own their work

🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/

🤝 Connect with Ruth at https://www.ShorelineStrategies.com

ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS

💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here: https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/

💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks

Running a business shouldn't feel like you're just fighting fires every day. When it comes to small business finances, too many owners think the answer is to just work harder and sell more. That's exactly where Sneaky Leaky slips in, draining your profits through hidden leaks you don't even see.

In this episode, I share Jake's story of an HVAC company owner who looked successful on the outside but was drowning on the inside — and how a simple shift helped him breathe again. We'll talk about what the Profit First system really looks like in your business and why it's the key to paying yourself first, running stress-free payroll, and finally keeping more of the money you're already earning.

What You'll Learn…

• Why "work harder and sell more" won't fix your small business finances

• The one mindset shift that makes paying yourself possible every month

• How to spot Sneaky Leaky draining profits from your team, pricing, or systems

• The practical way to use multiple bank accounts for cash flow clarity
  Why your company might look healthy outside but be struggling inside

• How Profit First turns financial stress into small business finances you can trust

• What a 90-day profit plan can do for your confidence as an owner

🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/

🤝 Connect with Diane at https://profitcoach4you.com/

ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS

💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here: https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/

💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks

Stress and cash flow headaches don't have to be part of running your business. In this episode, I'm joined by Brad Herda from Vision Forward Business Solutions to talk about real-world profit strategies that keep money in your pocket and build a sustainable business. Brad and I swapped stories about growing up stretching every nickel and how those same principles apply when you're running a company today.

We even dug into surprising leaks, like misclassified worker's comp policies that quietly drain thousands — the exact kind of spot where Sneaky Leaky loves to hide. You'll also hear how fresh ideas from younger employees can drive smarter systems and real savings. Tune in for practical takeaways you can use right away to strengthen your business and your paycheck.

What You'll Learn…

• Why the envelope system still works for business cash flow today

• The one simple change that can save thousands on workman's comp

• How profit strategies protect you when the unexpected happens

• Why paying yourself first is key to a sustainable business

• How to practice payroll before you hire a new team member

• The surprising cost of a mis-hire and how to avoid it

• Leveraging youth and technology to build a stronger profit strategy

🎧 Listen to all episodes at https://profitablehomeservices.com/

🤝 Connect with Brad at www.vfbsolutions.com

ACCESS SOME FREE RESOURCES TO BOOST YOUR PROFITS

💵 Want to know just how much profit you have each month? Get my Free 'Break Even Breakthrough' Worksheet here: https://taxcoach4you.com/monthlynut/

💸 There are many "hidden" ways your profits could be leaking out, and I've compiled 15 common leaks into this FREE report for you. Download this Free report & checklist here https://profitcoach4you.com/profitleaks