The journey from “a banker laid off in the Great Recession” turned “Profitability Coach for 15 years” has been filled with challenges, growth, and remarkable stories of transformation. Every business owner wants to improve cash flow and profitability. But many don’t know where to start or what to do. I identify the hurdles getting in the way and deliver profitability they never thought possible.
The Genesis of a Vision
I started my entrepreneurial journey with a simple yet powerful vision: to help small business owners master financial management. With a background in banking and finance, I noticed a significant gap in financial literacy among the entrepreneurs I banked. Many business owners were passionate about their products or services, but struggled to manage their finances effectively. This inspired me to embark on the mission of empowering business owners with the knowledge and tools they needed to succeed financially.
Building the Foundation
As a solopreneur, I faced the typical challenges of wearing multiple hats. I was not only the coach but also the marketer, administrator, and customer service representative. My days were long, and the workload was immense. However, with the help of 2 marketing and operations managers (my 2 daughters), I was quickly able to delegate many of those duties to them, creating more capacity to serve clients.
I started by offering finding financing for clients and monthly business reviews, which grew into profitability coaching and exit planning. My approach was unique in that I simplified complex financial concepts, making them accessible and relatable to business owners of all backgrounds. Word of mouth spread quickly, and soon, I had a steady stream of clients seeking profitability.
The Tipping Point
As the word got out, the client base grew. The demand for these services began to outpace my ability to deliver. I realized that to maintain the quality of these offerings and continue growing, I needed to expand the team. This is a pivotal moment in my journey – the transition from “me” to “we.”
Recognizing that there were so many clients seeking profitability coaching and exit planning, I decided to bring on two key team members:
Peter Faser has spent over 30 years assisting commercial, corporate, and investment banking clients successfully achieve their strategic goals by offering sound financial guidance and solutions.
Combine a CPA’s in-depth accounting background, the outgoing personality of a business development professional, and an unwavering drive to help small business owners command their businesses to achieve growth or exit goals and you have Marika E. Ponton.
With Peter’s background in banking and financing and Marika’s knack for making accounting concepts simple, we’re creating a well-rounded team capable of taking The Profitability Coach to the next level.
Expanding the Vision
The team began to develop more comprehensive services, including business exit planning, business financial health checkups, and personalized profitability coaching. Business owners who once struggled with cash flow, budgeting, and financial forecasting now had the confidence and skills to make informed financial decisions. We’re excited about the future impact with the ability to serve more clients.
Our transition from “me” to “we” will not only transform the business but will also amplify the impact on the business community. This journey underscores the importance of vision, teamwork, and a commitment to helping others succeed. I hope this story serves as an inspiring roadmap for turning individual passion into collective success.
