Profit and Purpose

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Brian Thompson. 

Brian is the Founder and Financial Planner of Brian Thompson Financial LLC, where he helps LGBTQ+ and mission-driven entrepreneurs build profitable businesses that reflect who they are and support the impact they want to make.

As a financial advisor, business strategist, and host of the Mission Driven Business podcast, Brian works with service-based founders who are building more than just a business. They’re building movements, communities, and legacies. He helps them bring clarity and structure to their finances so they can grow with confidence and stay rooted in their purpose.

Before launching his firm, Brian spent nearly a decade as a tax attorney. That background, paired with his own entrepreneurial experience, informs a planning approach that’s inclusive, strategic, and grounded in real life.

As a Black, queer financial advisor, Brian is especially passionate about creating space for diverse voices in business and finance—and showing that profit and purpose don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Watch on YouTube

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Links mentioned in this episode:

• btfinancial.com
• Brian on LinkedIn
• Mission Driven Business Podcast
• Brian on IG

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Key Takeaways for quick navigation:

• [03:04] Brian explains why entrepreneurs often think they must choose between purpose and profit, and how both can exist together.
• [04:28] Discussion on creating different tiers of services to balance accessibility with sustainability while maintaining impact.
• [06:47] Brian’s advice on pricing: charge what you think you’re worth and then increase it by 25% to counter undervaluing yourself.
• [09:47] Introduction of the Profit First method to manage cash flow by allocating income into profit, owner’s pay, taxes, and expenses.
• [12:08] Key lessons from Brian’s tax attorney background: understanding how taxes differ for entrepreneurs is crucial to avoid costly mistakes.
• [13:32] How entrepreneurs can prevent burnout by designing a business model that supports personal well-being and sustainability.
• [14:47] The importance of long-term financial planning, balancing immediate needs with future goals, and ensuring the “ladder is against the right wall.”

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