Many business owners struggle to connect their financials to actionable insights and ownership goals. In this episode of Independence by Design™, I sit down with Tracy Bech—founder of the 60-Minute CFO and creator of a financial forecasting system that simplifies the three-statement model—to break down the 14 Ownership KPIs that every owner-operator needs to master. Together, we explore how understanding these metrics can transform decision-making, align operations with ownership goals, and empower business owners to scale sustainably while maintaining control over their financial destiny.
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Tracy explains why free cash flow is the ultimate metric for any business and how tying income, balance sheet, and cash flow statements into a unified model creates a clear roadmap for growth. We dive into real-world examples, practical strategies, and the mindset shifts needed to move from financial confusion to clarity, providing listeners with the tools they need to transition confidently into a true ownership role.
This conversation highlights the importance of tying financial metrics to ownership goals while maintaining simplicity, offering owner-operators a clear path to operational and financial excellence. By focusing on the 14 Ownership KPIs, owners can make informed decisions, delegate effectively, and achieve long-term success.
Tracy Bech is the founder of the 60-Minute CFO, a financial expert, and a business owner who has transitioned from services-based entrepreneurship to mastering the complexities of inventory-driven e-commerce. Her experience inspired her to create tools and systems that simplify financial management for owner-operators. Tracy’s approach is rooted in the belief that clarity and simplicity empower business owners to align their financial decisions with their long-term goals. Her methodologies are practical, accessible, and transformative for anyone seeking to connect financial insights to ownership success.
Chapters:
- (00:00) Introduction: simplifying financials for owner-operators
- (06:00) The three-statement model: income, balance sheet, and cash flow
- (12:00) Why free cash flow matters more than revenue, balancing receivables and payables
- (18:30) Breaking down the 14 ownership KPIs
- (25:00) Real-world applications: aligning metrics with decisions
- (28:23) Operational cash flow strategies
- (33:00) Tracy’s framework: the 60-minute CFO process
- (48:30) Key financial metrics to monitor, scaling growth while maintaining financial control, understanding profit margins
- (55:00) Terms, tools and resources for financial clarity
- (1:07:15) Key metrics and KPIs
- (1:18:43) Optimizing cash flow and inventory
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