Welcome to The Profit Talk! In this show, we're going to help you explore strategies to help you maximize profits in your business while scaling and creating the lifestyle that you want as an entrepreneur. I am your host, Susanne Mariga! I’m a CPA, a Fractional CFO, and a Certified Profit First Professional Mastery Level providing tax strategies to 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs. Let's dive into strategies to maximize profits in your business!

In today’s solo episode, Susanne Mariga challenges a long-standing myth in entrepreneurship: that kindness is weakness. In reality, kindness—when paired with boundaries and clarity—is one of the most powerful tools a business owner can use to build a thriving, sustainable company.

Susanne dives deep into how kindness shows up in your client retention, team leadership, and brand reputation—and how lack of kindness can cost you dearly. She shares real-world case studies, including how one boutique dental practice used empathy and personal connection to not just survive, but thrive during the pandemic.

If you’re ready to learn how to lead with both grace and grit, this episode is your playbook.

📝 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why kindness is not a soft skill—it’s a power strategy
• The ROI of kindness in client retention, referrals, and employee loyalty
• How entrepreneurs often go wrong with kindness (and what to do instead)
• How to lead with empathy without sacrificing profit or power
• Practical ways to build a culture of strength and compassion in your business

📌 Key Takeaways:

• People buy from businesses that make them feel something—kindness builds trust.
• Kindness with boundaries creates clarity, not confusion.
• Leading with fear may produce short-term results, but long-term success is built on respect and connection.
• You don’t have to choose between being kind and being profitable—you can (and should) be both.

Visit my FREE Facebook Group, The Profit First Masterclass, where I'll be sharing additional exclusive trainings to members of the community.

If you're excited about what's next for your business and upcoming episodes, please head to our itunes page and give us a review! Your support will help me to bring in other amazing expert interviews to share their best tips on how to powerfully grow in your business!

DISCLAIMER: The information contained within these videos is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute, an accountant-client relationship. While we use reasonable efforts to furnish accurate and up-to-date information, we assume no liability or responsibility for any errors, omissions, or regulatory updates in the content of this video. Any U.S. federal tax advice contained within is not intended to be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties under U.S. federal tax law.

Welcome to The Profit Talk! In this show, we're going to help you explore strategies to help you maximize profits in your business while scaling and creating the lifestyle that you want as an entrepreneur. I am your host, Susanne Mariga! I’m a CPA, a Fractional CFO, and a Certified Profit First Professional Mastery Level providing tax strategies to 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs. Let's dive into strategies to maximize profits in your business!

In this episode of The Profit Talk Podcast, host Susanne Mariga sits down with Matt Verderamo, VP of Pre-Construction and Sales at Well Built Consulting, to discuss one of the most pressing topics in the construction industry—job profitability. With rising tariffs, supply chain volatility, and increasing labor costs, many construction firms struggle to maintain profitability in uncertain economic conditions.

Matt shares expert insights on how contractors can navigate pricing challenges, improve bidding strategies, and optimize operations to protect their bottom line. He also discusses strategies for managing cash flow when facing slow payments, as well as key contract negotiation techniques to mitigate risk in a fluctuating market.

Whether you're in construction or any other industry dealing with volatile pricing, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on pricing, negotiation, and profitability strategies.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The biggest profitability challenges facing construction firms today
✅ How tariffs and material cost fluctuations impact job profitability
✅ The importance of differentiating your business beyond price competition
✅ Strategies for negotiating contracts to protect against pricing volatility
✅ How contractors can improve cash flow management during slow payment cycles
✅ The power of positioning and value-based pricing to avoid competing on low bids
✅ Why a strong financial foundation is key to navigating uncertain markets

Guest Bio:

Matt Verderamo is a seasoned leader in the construction industry and the VP of Pre-Construction and Sales at Well Built Construction Consulting. With a Master’s in Construction Management, he specializes in helping construction firms run better businesses, improve profitability, and build long-term financial resilience. Matt is also a thought leader on LinkedIn, where he shares industry insights and strategies for business success in the construction sector.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

📌 Connect with Matt Verderamo on LinkedIn: Matt Verderamo
📌 Learn more about Well Built Consulting: www.wellbuiltconsulting.com

Visit my FREE Facebook Group, The Profit First Masterclass, where I'll be sharing additional exclusive trainings to members of the community.

If you're excited about what's next for your business and upcoming episodes, please head to our itunes page and give us a review! Your support will help me to bring in other amazing expert interviews to share their best tips on how to powerfully grow in your business!

DISCLAIMER: The information contained within these videos is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute, an accountant-client relationship. While we use reasonable efforts to furnish accurate and up-to-date information, we assume no liability or responsibility for any errors, omissions, or regulatory updates in the content of this video. Any U.S. federal tax advice contained within is not intended to be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties under U.S. federal tax law.

Welcome to The Profit Talk! In this show, we're going to help you explore strategies to help you maximize profits in your business while scaling and creating the lifestyle that you want as an entrepreneur. I am your host, Susanne Mariga! I’m a CPA, a Fractional CFO, and a Certified Profit First Professional Mastery Level providing tax strategies to 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs. Let's dive into strategies to maximize profits in your business!

In this solo episode of The Profit Talk Podcast, Susanne Mariga dives into a crucial topic—how to prepare your business for the worst-case scenario. While there’s no need to panic, every entrepreneur should be proactive in ensuring their company can withstand economic downturns, unexpected client losses, or other financial disruptions.

Susanne shares practical steps to safeguard your business, including:
✅ Building Retained Earnings – Learn how to create a financial buffer using Profit First principles.
✅ Maximizing Efficiency – Eliminate redundancies, optimize operations, and ensure every dollar spent generates ROI.
✅ Doubling Down on Sales Efforts – Stay agile, adapt to market shifts, and ensure your offers remain relevant.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll position your business for long-term success—no matter what challenges come your way.

Key Takeaways:

• No business should operate paycheck to paycheck—profit allocation is key.
• Retained earnings act as a safety net, and setting up a Profit Vault Account is a game changer.
• Operational efficiency and eliminating wasteful expenses can increase profitability.
• Economic downturns require agility—tailor your services and messaging to meet evolving customer needs.
• Sales persistence is crucial in tighter markets—adapt, adjust, and keep pushing forward.

Visit my FREE Facebook Group, The Profit First Masterclass, where I'll be sharing additional exclusive trainings to members of the community.

If you're excited about what's next for your business and upcoming episodes, please head to our itunes page and give us a review! Your support will help me to bring in other amazing expert interviews to share their best tips on how to powerfully grow in your business!

DISCLAIMER: The information contained within these videos is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute, an accountant-client relationship. While we use reasonable efforts to furnish accurate and up-to-date information, we assume no liability or responsibility for any errors, omissions, or regulatory updates in the content of this video. Any U.S. federal tax advice contained within is not intended to be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties under U.S. federal tax law.

Welcome to The Profit Talk! In this show, we're going to help you explore strategies to help you maximize profits in your business while scaling and creating the lifestyle that you want as an entrepreneur. I am your host, Susanne Mariga! I’m a CPA, a Fractional CFO, and a Certified Profit First Professional Mastery Level providing tax strategies to 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs. Let's dive into strategies to maximize profits in your business!

Are you wondering where to put your money in today’s changing economic landscape? With political shifts, new market trends, and evolving real estate opportunities, many investors are unsure of their next move. In this episode of The Profit Talk Podcast, host Susanne Mariga sits down with Sayam Ibrahim, a powerhouse real estate investor who has transacted over $250 million in deals and manages 600 rental doors, 40 acres of land, and a 71-room hotel in the Dominican Republic.

Sayam shares his insights on navigating today’s real estate market, transitioning to commercial and hotel investments, and leveraging smart financing strategies—so you don’t have to go all-in with your own capital.

🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The latest real estate trends and where the big opportunities are right now
✅ Why hotel and commercial real estate are gaining traction
✅ How to find off-market properties and negotiate the best deals
✅ Creative financing strategies (including seller financing and syndications)
✅ The biggest risks in real estate investing—and how to protect yourself
✅ How to manage investor relationships and structure profitable deals

🎙️ Guest Spotlight: Sayam Ibrahim

Sayam Ibrahim is a transformative real estate investor, mentor, and visionary speaker with a remarkable track record in the industry. A Georgetown University alum and former Wall Street professional, Sam has built an empire in real estate, acquiring and managing thousands of properties across multiple states. As the founder of Hero Homes U LLC, he helps aspiring investors break barriers and build their own profitable portfolios.

🔗 Resources & Links:
👉 Join the Wealth Wednesdays Real Estate Club: WealthWednesdaysRealEstateClub.com
👉 Sign up for the 5-Day Real Estate Challenge: https://wealthwednesdaysrealestateclub.com/sign-up

Visit my FREE Facebook Group, The Profit First Masterclass, where I'll be sharing additional exclusive trainings to members of the community.

If you're excited about what's next for your business and upcoming episodes, please head to our itunes page and give us a review! Your support will help me to bring in other amazing expert interviews to share their best tips on how to powerfully grow in your business!

DISCLAIMER: The information contained within these videos is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute, an accountant-client relationship. While we use reasonable efforts to furnish accurate and up-to-date information, we assume no liability or responsibility for any errors, omissions, or regulatory updates in the content of this video. Any U.S. federal tax advice contained within is not intended to be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties under U.S. federal tax law.

Welcome to The Profit Talk! In this show, we're going to help you explore strategies to help you maximize profits in your business while scaling and creating the lifestyle that you want as an entrepreneur. I am your host, Susanne Mariga! I’m a CPA, a Fractional CFO, and a Certified Profit First Professional Mastery Level providing tax strategies to 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs. Let's dive into strategies to maximize profits in your business!

In this episode of The Profit Talk Show, host Susanne Mariga welcomes the incredible Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon, award-winning CEO of Incredible One Enterprises and a two-time Inc. 5000 entrepreneur. Dr. Harmon is a powerhouse business strategist who helps entrepreneurs create multimillion-dollar enterprises.

Together, we tackle a critical topic—how to pivot and thrive in uncertain economic and political climates. With changes in administration, policy shifts, and corporate restructuring of DEI initiatives, many small business owners are facing uncertainty. This conversation is packed with practical strategies to help you stay profitable, redefine your value, and position your business for long-term success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How to Maintain a Strong Business Mindset – Why your success is not tied to who’s in office, but rather to how you position your brand and services.
✅ Pivoting in a Changing Economy – How to shift your business model and revenue streams in response to policy and funding changes.
✅ The Power of Results-Driven Marketing – Why businesses should focus on their impact and past performance rather than relying solely on certifications.
✅ Diversification & Financial Preparedness – The importance of not relying on one income stream (government contracts, corporate initiatives, etc.) and how to strengthen cash reserves.
✅ Economic Influence Through Wealth – Why scaling your business to seven, eight, or even nine figures is key to having a voice and making an impact.

Memorable Quotes:

💡 “Your destiny has never been tied to who sits in the White House.” – Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon
💡 “Lead with your results—your proof, your testimonials, your case studies. That’s what creates trust in this economy.” – Susanne Mariga
💡 “You can’t be the change if you don’t have any change.” – Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon

Resources & Links:

🔹 Connect with Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon: MoveToMillions.com
🔹 Follow Dr. Harmon’s Podcast: Move to Millions
🔹 Grab the Book: Move to Millions: The Proven Framework to Become a Million-Dollar CEO

Visit my FREE Facebook Group, The Profit First Masterclass, where I'll be sharing additional exclusive trainings to members of the community.

If you're excited about what's next for your business and upcoming episodes, please head to our itunes page and give us a review! Your support will help me to bring in other amazing expert interviews to share their best tips on how to powerfully grow in your business!

DISCLAIMER: The information contained within these videos is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute, an accountant-client relationship. While we use reasonable efforts to furnish accurate and up-to-date information, we assume no liability or responsibility for any errors, omissions, or regulatory updates in the content of this video. Any U.S. federal tax advice contained within is not intended to be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties under U.S. federal tax law.

Welcome to The Profit Talk! In this show, we're going to help you explore strategies to help you maximize profits in your business while scaling and creating the lifestyle that you want as an entrepreneur. I am your host, Susanne Mariga! I’m a CPA, a Fractional CFO, and a Certified Profit First Professional Mastery Level providing tax strategies to 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs. Let's dive into strategies to maximize profits in your business!

In this episode I interview Spencer Howard. Spencer is a credit card loyalty program and travel rewards expert. He’s also the founder of Straight To The Points - the go-to resource for individuals looking to demystify credit card points so they can experience traveling in luxury for business or pleasure (and occasionally, both!). In this fun episode we discuss how business owners can maximize their business travel and reward points to create joyful new travel experiences.

Spencer has worked in the travel writing industry for nearly a decade, he thrives as a contributing writer with multiple travel media outlets such as Upgraded Points, One Mile At A Time, God Save The Points and The Points Guy. For four years, he excelled as editor in chief at 10xtravel[dot]com where he managed a team of writers and editors to produce the highest quality (not to mention hottest news) in the travel industry.

Visit my FREE Facebook Group, The Profit First Masterclass, where I'll be sharing additional exclusive trainings to members of the community.

If you're excited about what's next for your business and upcoming episodes, please head to our itunes page and give us a review! Your support will help me to bring in other amazing expert interviews to share their best tips on how to powerfully grow in your business!

DISCLAIMER: The information contained within these videos is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute, an accountant-client relationship. While we use reasonable efforts to furnish accurate and up-to-date information, we assume no liability or responsibility for any errors, omissions, or regulatory updates in the content of this video. Any U.S. federal tax advice contained within is not intended to be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties under U.S. federal tax law.