October 3, 2024

Purchasing Hacks for SMBs

In this episode of The Gross Profit Podcast, entitled “Purchasing Hacks for SMBs “, host James Kennedy speaks with Ben de la Cretaz. As a Partner and CFO at TechCXO, Ben works with founding teams and growth-stage companies in all aspects of finance, fundraising, and operations. We hear about how Ben helps entrepreneurs fresh from the bubble of academia realize their business dreams. Ben also shares how his dream of owning a restaurant changed to teaching clients how the cash in their business works.
The Gross Profit Podcast
The Gross Profit Podcast
Purchasing Hacks for SMBs
Loading
/

Show Notes

In this episode James Kennedy sits down with Ben de la Cretaz, Partner and CFO at TechCXO. Ben brings a wealth of experience working with startups and growth-stage companies, particularly in the tech and biotech industries. As a fractional CFO and COO, Ben helps businesses set up the systems they need to scale successfully, all while focusing on finance, fundraising, and operations.

In this episode, James and Ben explore the challenges small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face when it comes to purchasing and finance management. Ben shares invaluable hacks and strategies to help entrepreneurs make smarter purchasing decisions, optimize cash flow, and avoid common financial pitfalls.

Episode Highlights:

  • From Academia to Entrepreneurship: Ben shares how he helps entrepreneurs fresh out of academia transition into the business world and turn their dreams into reality.
  • Cash Flow Mastery: Ben talks about the importance of understanding how cash moves through a business, and how teaching this concept became his passion after stepping away from his dream of owning a restaurant.
  • Strategic Purchasing for SMBs: Learn about the purchasing hacks Ben recommends for SMBs to save money and manage their cash flow more effectively.
  • Fundraising and Growth: Ben discusses his role in guiding startups through fundraising and equity rounds, and the systems he puts in place to support rapid growth.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Optimizing Purchasing for SMBs: Ben’s top tips for small businesses to manage purchasing, reduce costs, and boost profitability.
  • Understanding Cash Flow: How SMBs can get a better handle on their cash flow and avoid running out of funds during crucial growth stages.
  • Setting Up for Success: The systems and processes Ben helps startups implement to ensure long-term financial and operational success.
  • Fundraising and Scaling: Insights into how Ben helps startups navigate fundraising rounds, equity deals, and strategic planning for growth.

Ben’s diverse experience allows him to share practical, industry-specific advice for business owners in these fields, covering everything from platform implementation and business intelligence to M&A and international operations.

This podcast is tagged under:

The Gross Profit Podcast

More Episodes

Merushka Chetty

Jamie Odegaard – The Dark Truth about Buying Businesses

This week James sits down with Jamie Odegaard, founder of Aardvark, to unpack what he calls an “inflationary war story” – from swinging a shovel in high-end construction to launching a thriving fractional CFO firm.
They explore Jamie’s unconventional journey, how he navigated a failed acquisition, the harsh realities of private equity partnerships, and how his firm helps small creative and service businesses build real financial health.
Jamie also shares his thoughts on popular business influencers, the value of gross margin clarity, and why invoicing on time might be the most underrated financial lever of all.

Listen Now »
Merushka Chetty

Salvatore Tirabassi – How to Make Your Sales Team 10X More Effective

Today, James sits down with private equity expert Salvatore Tirabassi.
They explore what makes a founder investable, how private equity firms assess opportunities, and the key elements that drive value creation post-investment. Salvatore reflects on his career in investment banking and private equity, and what it really takes to scale a business with confidence.
Packed with wisdom from years of working with founders, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering taking on outside investment – or preparing to pitch.

Listen Now »
Merushka Chetty

Sarah Philabaum – Why Most Coffee Shops Fail – (And How to Beat the Odds)

Today, James sits down with Sarah Philabaum from BuildYourBooks.com.
They dive into the financial ins and outs of running a successful coffee shop, from managing cash flow to navigating tricky budgeting decisions. Sarah shares her journey in supporting small business owners through bookkeeping and CFO services, and offers practical advice backed by real-world experience.
Don’t miss Sarah’s exclusive cash flow spreadsheet – created just for podcast listeners – and her game-changing insights for coffee shop owners looking to thrive in a competitive market!

Listen Now »