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 Asia Dore, brand strategist and business growth expert, to discuss how entrepreneurs can build brands that stand out in today's crowded marketplace. This conversation is especially valuable for business owners who want to create stronger visibility, attract ideal clients, and grow with intentional messaging.

Together, we explore Asia's five-step branding framework, the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when building a brand, and how to combine strategy with personality to create trust and recognition. Asia shares practical advice on clarifying your message, identifying your ideal audience, and choosing marketing methods that align with your strengths. This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs ready to elevate their brand presence and profits.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The Five-Step Branding Process – How to clearly define what your business does and communicate it effectively.

✅ Know Your Ideal Client – Why understanding your audience's motivations is essential for attracting the right customers.

✅ Differentiate Your Offers – How to position your products and services so buyers understand why you are different.

✅ Purpose Beyond Revenue – Why communicating the deeper impact of your work builds stronger brand loyalty.

✅ Branding Risks to Avoid – The dangers of being too rigid or having no strategy at all.

✅ Strategy + Personality – Why combining consistency with authenticity creates memorable brands.

✅ Market Visibility – How clarity, consistency, and choosing the right platforms help you stand out.

Memorable Quotes:

💡 "Clarity first: define the problem you solve, the solution you offer, and who you serve." – Asia Dore

💡 "Consistency second: repeat the message until the market recognizes you." – Asia Dore

💡 "The best brands combine strategy with personality." – Asia Dore

Resources & Links:

🔹 Asia Dore Website: https://asiadore.com

🔹 Free Masterclass: https://asiadore.com/masterclass

🔹 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asiadore/

🔹 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asiadorebrandstrategist/

🔹 Join my FREE Facebook Group, The Profit First Masterclass, for additional exclusive trainings: https://profit-first-mastermind.mykajabi.com/profit-first

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 helps me bring in other amazing expert interviews to share their best tips on how to powerfully grow your business.

Mariga Group's website: www.marigagroup.com

Contact us at: (713) 280-7975

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 Ash Patel, commercial real estate investor and operator, to discuss why 2026 may present one of the biggest buying opportunities in office real estate. This episode is tailored specifically for Profit First entrepreneurs exploring commercial real estate as a vehicle for wealth building and portfolio diversification.

Together, we explore why office properties—particularly outside major downtown cores—are deeply discounted and positioned for strategic acquisition. Ash shares practical underwriting strategies, how to evaluate deals conservatively, and how to properly vet syndicators and partners before investing. This conversation is packed with tactical insights for seven- and eight-figure entrepreneurs ready to step into commercial real estate with clarity and confidence.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Office: The New Gold Rush – Why office properties are heavily discounted and how suburban office markets may present strong opportunities.
✅ Cash Flow First Investing – Why every deal must cash flow on day one before moving forward.
✅ Conservative Underwriting – Modeling 18-month lease-ups, vacancy assumptions, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and capital expenditures.
✅ Napkin Math Screening – How simple two-column underwriting quickly eliminates weak deals.
✅ Lease Review Discipline – Why reading every lease word-for-word matters, including out clauses and guarantees.
✅ Vetting Syndicators & Operators – Key due diligence questions, including operator capital invested, prior investor references, and background checks.
✅ Mindset & Scaling – Why mindset drives investor success and how raising capital strategically accelerates growth.

Memorable Quotes:
💡 "If the numbers don't work on a napkin, move on to the next deal." – Ash Patel
💡 "Cash flow on day one is non-negotiable." – Ash Patel
💡 "Mindset accounts for the majority of success in commercial real estate investing." – Ash Patel

Resources & Links:
🔹 Ash Patel's two-column underwriting spreadsheet is available upon request.
🔹 Interested investors can request reference lists and conduct due diligence before investing.
🔹 Join my FREE Facebook Group, The Profit First Masterclass, for additional exclusive trainings: https://profit-first-mastermind.mykajabi.com/profit-first

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 helps me bring in other amazing expert interviews to share their best tips on how to powerfully grow your business.

Mariga Group's website: www.marigagroup.com
Contact us at: (713) 280-7975

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 Rachel McMichael, a growth strategist specializing in scaling online businesses through refined messaging, consistent traffic, and authentic collaborations. Rachel helps entrepreneurs break through growth barriers, improve conversion, and build sustainable marketing systems that earn trust and deliver measurable results.

Together, we tackle a critical topic—how to refine your offer presentation, generate consistent traffic, and implement data-driven strategies to scale profitably. This conversation is packed with actionable advice for founders seeking authentic growth and marketing accountability.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Growth Barriers – How offer presentation ("wrapping paper") and attracting enough traffic ("eyeballs") impact scaling.
✅ Market Sophistication – Why authentic messaging is essential to regain customer trust in today's skeptical marketplace.
✅ Buyer Behavior Insights – Customers need to hear an offer 20–40 times and expect 7–10 follow-ups before purchasing.
✅ Traffic and Lead Generation – Key channels include paid ads, organic social media, SEO, and strategic collaborations.
✅ Collaboration Strategy – Focus on serving mutual audiences generously to build trust, authority, and long-term partnerships.
✅ Accountability in Marketing – Founders must understand metrics, own results, and supervise marketing execution for effectiveness.

Memorable Quotes:
💡 "The key to scaling isn't perfect messaging—it's consistent exposure and refined offer presentation." – Rachel McMichael
💡 "Generosity and stewardship in collaborations always return value multiple times over." – Rachel McMichael
💡 "Founders who take personal ownership of marketing results drive sustainable business growth." – Rachel McMichael

Resources & Links:
🔹 Connect with Rachel McMichael: Instagram @RachelRmcmichael
🔹 Listen to the Business with Impact podcast for growth strategies and entrepreneurial insights.
🔹 Join the free Profit First Masterclass via the private Facebook group hosted by Suzanne Moriga.
🔹 Visit my FREE Facebook Group, The Profit First Masterclass, for additional trainings: https://profit-first-mastermind.mykajabi.com/profit-first

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 helps me bring in other amazing expert interviews to share their best tips on how to powerfully grow your business.

Mariga Group's website: www.marigagroup.com | Contact us at: (713) 280-7975

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 Laravetta Lofton, founder of L3 Agency and a master of mission-driven marketing and brand storytelling. Laravetta has built a career helping businesses—from seven-figure startups to nine-figure enterprises—create authentic, impactful brand stories that connect with audiences and drive measurable results.

Together, we tackle a critical topic—how to evolve your marketing strategy, build strong infrastructure, and leverage authentic storytelling to grow your business and make meaningful impact. This conversation is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs and marketing leaders looking to scale profitably while staying mission-driven.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Career Evolution – How Laravetta shifted from journalism to marketing and launched her entrepreneurial journey in March 2000.
✅ Mission-Driven Brand Strategy – How L3 Agency focuses on brands that address human needs, including energy efficiency education reaching marginalized communities.
✅ Marketing Infrastructure Essentials – Why seven to nine figure businesses need professional bios, websites with data capture, newsletters, and consistent content systems before scaling.
✅ Agency as a Partner – How L3 Agency supports long-term client success through strategy sessions, media management, and continuous optimization.
✅ Leadership Philosophy – Defining personal success, persistence, making quick decisions, and "firing fast" to drive sustainable growth.
✅ Engagement Channels – How multi-channel communication, including newsletters, social media, and the podcast Black Businesses Matter, builds authentic connections.

Memorable Quotes:
💡 "Authentic storytelling connects emotionally and builds community—it's more than marketing; it's impact." – Laravetta Lofton
💡 "Seven to nine figure businesses need strong infrastructure before you tell your story." – Laravetta Lofton
💡 "Define your own success, enjoy the journey, and persist—those are your superpowers." – Laravetta Lofton

Resources & Links:
🔹 Connect with Laravetta Lofton and L3 Agency: theL3agency.com
🔹 Subscribe to the newsletter The Unfolding Effect to receive ongoing marketing insights.
🔹 Listen to the podcast Black Businesses Matter for inspiring entrepreneur stories.
🔹 Phone: 312-268-5207 (calls or texts welcome for real human connection)
🔹 Join the Community: Visit my FREE Facebook Group, The Profit First Masterclass, where I'll be sharing additional exclusive trainings: https://profit-first-mastermind.mykajabi.com/profit-first

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 helps me bring in other amazing expert interviews to share their best tips on how to powerfully grow your business.

Mariga Group's website: www.marigagroup.com | Contact us at: (713) 280-7975

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 Alec Armbrecht, a specialist in uncovering hidden business savings across a wide range of industries. Alec helps businesses reduce overhead costs, renegotiate contracts, and identify cash leaks—all on a contingency basis, meaning clients pay only from realized savings. From merchant fees to utilities and insurance, Alec shares practical strategies to preserve profits and keep vendor relationships strong.

Together, we tackle a critical topic—how to identify hidden savings in your business, prevent fee creep, and maintain strong vendor relationships. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for any business owner looking to optimize their expenses and increase profitability.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to identify hidden savings in your business overhead without switching vendors.
✅ Common cash leak patterns, including auto-renewals, complex credit card fees, and contract overpayments.
✅ The engagement process for uncovering and realizing savings, including audits and ongoing monitoring.
✅ Practical recommendations for businesses to track contracts, monitor fees, and recover unclaimed funds.
✅ The timeline and payment model for cost-saving engagements—no savings, no fee.

Memorable Quotes:
💡 "We focus on keeping your existing vendors while improving terms and pricing—no unnecessary changes." – Alec Armbrecht
💡 "Running periodic audits prevents fee creep and protects your profits." – Alec Armbrecht
💡 "Even small clauses and compliance fees can add up to thousands in lost revenue—stay vigilant." – Susanne Mariga

Resources & Links:
🔹 Connect with Alec Armbrecht: www.armbrechtbc.com
🔹 Call Alec: 251-880-SAVE / 251-880-7283

Join the Conversation:
Visit the Profit First Masterclass Facebook group for additional exclusive trainings: https://profit-first-mastermind.mykajabi.com/profit-first

Contact:
Mariga Group – www.marigagroup.com | (713) 280-7975

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 Shea Wheat, a world-class event producer and strategist. Shea is a powerhouse who helps entrepreneurs scale their businesses through high-impact events, from intimate masterclasses to massive conferences.

Together, we tackle a critical topic—how to use events as a powerful tool to rapidly grow business revenue and deepen audience connection. Whether you are a multiple six-figure earner looking to scale or an established leader, this conversation is packed with practical strategies on one-to-many selling, event logistics, and maximizing your lifetime customer value.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The Power of One-to-Many Selling – How replacing slow one-on-one calls with live group enrollment can boost efficiency and close high-ticket offers from $10k to $30k from the stage.
✅ Strategic Event Planning – Why you need at least three months of preparation and a clear purpose to align your event format with your business goals.
✅ Maximizing Revenue Through Follow-Up – Why sales rarely close during the event itself and how a structured post-event system can drive millions in additional revenue.
✅ Navigating Venue Logistics – How professional negotiation can save you thousands (up to $15,000) by identifying hidden fees like $150-per-gallon coffee and removing costly contract clauses.
✅ Virtual vs. In-Person Dynamics – Understanding the unmatched emotional connection of face-to-face networking versus the cost-effective but engagement-heavy nature of virtual events.
✅ The Importance of Team Support – How a proactive team manages timing, technical needs, and logistics so the speaker can stay in their "zone of genius."

Memorable Quotes:
💡 "Events drive fast trust and profit growth through emotional, experiential bonds." – Shea Wheat
💡 "Events work as appetizers, sharing key program pieces to open the gap for enrollment." – Shea Wheat
💡 "Business gets to be easy." – Susanne Mariga & Shea Wheat

Resources & Links:
🔹 Connect with Shea Wheat: Visit eventfreegift.com to access the Initial Event Planning Playbook for entrepreneurs.
🔹 Join the Community: Visit my FREE Facebook Group, The Profit First Masterclass, where I'll be sharing additional exclusive trainings. Join here: https://profit-first-mastermind.mykajabi.com/profit-first

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 helps me bring in other amazing expert interviews to share their best tips on how to powerfully grow your business.

Mariga Group's website: www.marigagroup.com | Contact us at: (713) 280-7975

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 Monica Froese, digital product strategist and founder of her namesake brand. Monica helps entrepreneurs package their expertise into scalable digital products that increase profit margins and create diversified income streams.

Together, we explore how seven and eight figure business owners can monetize their intellectual property, leverage AI to accelerate content creation, and reduce reliance on physical product sales in an environment of rising costs and tariffs. Monica breaks down how digital products can serve as high margin revenue streams and why networking and partnerships are often more powerful than passive sales channels when launching new offers.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights for business owners who want to stay ahead of market shifts and build more resilient, profitable companies.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Turning Expertise into Revenue – How to package your knowledge into guides, courses, templates, and scalable digital offers.

✅ Why Digital Products Increase Profit Margins – How rising costs and tariff pressures make digital revenue streams more attractive than physical goods.

✅ Leveraging AI Strategically – How to use tools like ChatGPT to structure and accelerate product creation while keeping your human expertise at the center.

✅ The Power of Partnerships – Why masterminds, communities, and networking drive stronger digital product launches than passive selling alone.

✅ Solving Real Pain Points – How your most profitable digital products often come from answering the questions your audience already asks.

Memorable Quotes:

💡 "Your knowledge is an asset. When packaged correctly, it becomes a scalable revenue stream." – Monica Froese

💡 "High margin revenue gives you breathing room to protect profit." – Susanne Mariga

💡 "AI can accelerate your process, but trust is still built through human connection." – Monica Froese

Resources & Links:

🔹 Connect with Monica Froese: https://monicafroese.com
🔹 Explore Monica's Digital Product Shop and Resources: https://monicafroese.com

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

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ProfitFirstMasterClass/

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!

Mariga CPA PLLC's website is www.marigacpa.com .

We can be contacted at (713) 280 7975.

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 Diane Strand,
founder of JDS Productions and JDS Studio Live. Diane is a producer, entrepreneur, and
creative visionary who helps established businesses leverage video and the arts to
increase market share, elevate brand visibility, and scale with confidence.
Together, we dive into how seven, eight, and nine figure businesses can strategically use
video for marketing, internal communications, and brand authority. Diane shares her four
pillar framework for authority growth and breaks down how business owners can
overcome fear, clarify their message, and build the right team to execute high impact video
content.
This conversation is filled with practical strategies for leaders who want to move beyond
basic talking head videos and use storytelling, creativity, and structured planning to stand
out in competitive markets.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Using Video to Increase Market Share – How established businesses can leverage
video to strengthen brand visibility and client trust.
Overcoming Fear of Being on Camera – Practical ways to build confidence, focus on
impact over perfection, and stay consistent.
The Four Pillars of Authority Growth – Aligning passion and purpose, positioning for
authority, promoting with purpose, and building a profitable plan.
Building the Right Video Team – When to DIY, when to hire VAs, and when to invest in
professional production support.
Leveraging AI and Strategy – How tools like ChatGPT, clear scripting, and structured
messaging can elevate your content quality and consistency.
Memorable Quotes:

"Visibility creates opportunity. When people see you consistently, they begin to trust
you." – Diane Strand
"Clarity in your message is what transforms video from content into connection." –
Susanne Mariga
"Creativity is not optional in business leadership. It is a competitive advantage." –
Diane Strand
Resources & Links:
Connect with Diane Strand: https://jdsstudiolive.com
Learn More About JDS Productions and Creative Leadership Training:
https://jdsstudiolive.com
Visit my FREE Facebook Group, The Profit First Masterclass, where I'll be sharing additional
exclusive trainings to members of the community.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ProfitFirstMasterClass/
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!
Mariga CPA PLLC's website is www.susannemariga.com
We can be contacted at (713) 280 7975.
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.