Episode 8: A Client Story of Growth, Readiness, and Real Decisions, with Guest Aaron
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Shownotes
Episode Overview
In Episode 8 of R Readiness Lens, Sheri Radler is joined by Aaron, a long time client who has worked with Sheri for nearly a decade. This episode is a candid look at what business readiness looks like in real life over many years, not just in theory.
Aaron shares how his journey began in 2015 with a box of financial documents and a need for help, and how the relationship evolved into building multiple entities, navigating major growth moments, planning exits, and ultimately scaling a complex, highly regulated national business. The conversation covers building the right advisory bench, shifting from running a company to running a corporation, and the importance of slowing down and planning growth so it is manageable and sustainable.
If you have ever wondered what readiness looks like over time, this episode gives a real example of what it takes to build with intention and adapt through every chapter.
Key Takeaways
Readiness is built over years, not weeks. The most meaningful progress comes from consistent decisions and a long term perspective.
Surrounding yourself with the right advisors changes everything. Accounting, legal, insurance, HR, IT, and banking relationships become critical as you scale.
Running a company is different than running a corporation. Growth requires defined responsibilities, support staff, and operational structure.
Cash flow and funding become constraints during growth. Payroll scale, receivables, and lines of credit create real limits if not planned proactively.
Job profitability must be protected with process. Simple tools like a color coded margin check can prevent costly underpriced contracts.
Waterfalls happen during growth. The goal is not to avoid every problem, but to spot risk early and respond strategically.
You can do something and still should not do it. Focus, service trimming, and core offerings can strengthen long term outcomes.
A valuation or evaluation is a reality check. Knowing where you stand helps determine whether to hold, partner, merge, or pursue another growth path.
Healthy growth includes time management and personal sustainability. Readiness includes mental and emotional ROI, not just financial performance.
Timestamps
00:00 — Welcome to the podcast and episode framing
00:43 — Introducing Aaron and the decade long journey
01:40 — Starting in 2015 with a transition and a need for help
02:59 — The mirror moment and recognizing limitations
04:15 — Building an advisory bench and why it matters
05:27 — Growth intention and doing things the right way
07:52 — Preparing an exit from one company to focus on the next
09:30 — Retirement and shifting focus fully into the next business chapter
10:13 — The Tuesday rhythm and building structure through weekly planning
12:30 — Running a company versus running a corporation
14:45 — Compliance, national deployment, and adding key hires
17:04 — Cash constraints as payroll and scale increase
18:00 — Margin control, quoting process, and job tracking
19:19 — The Excel tool that is still in use today
20:10 — The waterfall moment and reassessing profitability and ROI
21:37 — Allocating costs accurately and controlling labor drivers
25:39 — Hidden pricing issues like overtime and holiday rates
27:00 — Capital acquisition planning and fleet growth
30:22 — Budgeting, quarterly reevaluations, and growth planning
32:45 — Another growth milestone and the need to revisit pricing and coverage
35:07 — Valuation as a gut check and strategic pivot
37:32 — Narrowing focus, trimming offerings, and preparing for partnership
39:56 — The role of Sheri’s team and the importance of responsiveness
42:19 — The risk side of entrepreneurship and putting it all on the line
44:42 — Industry overview and why operations are complex
49:24 — Diversification, client mix, and sustainable growth
51:35 — Final lesson: time manage growth and build realistic projections
53:48 — Closing thoughts and preview of KPIs and dashboards in the next episode
Mentioned Resources
R Accounting Group — Advisory support, resources, and systems for business owners ready to scale with intention.
Podcast: Subscribe to R Readiness Lens
Connect with Sheri on LinkedIn
What is next
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow business owner or client who’s ready to turn structure into strategy. And don’t forget to follow R Readiness Lens for more conversations on business readiness, clarity, and growth.
