Katie Taylor, K.B. Taylor Marketing, Bruce Burkholder, Robins, Eskew, Smith & Jordan CPAs, Peter Faser, The Profitability Coach (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 63)
This episode of ProfitSense, hosted by Bill McDermott, explores crucial elements for business success, featuring insights from Katie Taylor of K.B. Taylor Marketing, Bruce Burkholder from Robins, Eskew, Smith & Jordan CPAs, and Peter Faser with The Profitability Coach. The session delves into marketing strategies for small to medium-sized businesses, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive plans and brand understanding. It also discusses challenges in accounting, including the shortage of accountants, and the significance of a strong CPA relationship. Additionally, key areas for sustainable profitability and preparations for a business sale are outlined, targeting business owners’ financial acumen enhancement. This episode offers a multifaceted perspective on overcoming current business challenges and optimizing future growth.
Bill McDermott concludes the show by explaining the difference between a profitability coach and a part-time CFO.
ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is sponsored and presented by Bill McDermott, The Profitability Coach, and the show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.
Katie Taylor, K.B. Taylor Marketing
Katie provides strategic marketing communications and brand consulting for small to mid-sized service-based businesses and nonprofits, particularly those that do not have the need or budget for a full-time marketing director.
With more than three decades of marketing and communications experience, she helps businesses develop and implement marketing strategies that achieve results.
Katie offers a range of solutions that include marketing planning; branding and messaging; logo and visual identity development; website development and online marketing; sales material development; social media; email marketing; content development; advertising; and public relations.
Bruce Burkholder, Robins, Eskew, Smith & Jordan CPAs
Bruce Burkholder is an audit and client services manager and works in the McDonough and Duluth offices of Robins, Eskew, Smith & Jordan.
Prior to joining Robins, Eskew, Smith & Jordan in 2019, Bruce worked with a big four firm and a large Atlanta firm. His expertise includes audits, reviews, business consulting and financial statement services. He leads the 401(k) audit practice, works closely with nonprofits to provide audits and financial statement preparation, and services for-profit clients in industries that include manufacturing, distribution and construction.
Robins, Eskew, Smith & Jordan is a full-service accounting firm that strives to be a single-source provider of accounting, audit, tax and business advisory services for our clients. They accomplish this goal by first getting to know each client’s unique situation and financial objectives, and then devising sound strategies that you can rely on.
Website | Company LinkedIn | Bruce’s LinkedIn
Peter Faser, The Profitability Coach
Peter Faser has over 25-years of commercial, corporate and investment banking experience. His passion has always been helping his clients get to a better place financially, whether they are a small business or a publicly traded company. He began his career with Trust Company Bank in Atlanta, managing a portfolio of middle-market clients and guiding them in appropriate balance sheet management and income statement efficiencies.
Peter then pivoted to specializing in the banking of other financial institutions, and for the next 17 years, Peter assisted his clients with debt and equity capital solutions to promote growth, along with providing startup capital solutions for de novo institutions. Additionally, Peter and his team ran due diligence on potential acquisition targets in the banking space and assisted in getting his clients ready to sell.
For seven years, Peter worked with Truist Securities, where he originated a new line of business designed to help corporate and investment banking clients recognize human capital efficiencies by increasing productivity, engagement and retention levels. Through this experience of working with over 500 clients across the country, Peter recognized that the level of advisory services offered to smaller clients was not as prevalent as it once was, and he found that most clients were so focused on running their businesses day to day that they were missing the sensitivity analysis required to move their business forward. He has now joined forces with his former teammate, Bill McDermott, to help fill this educational gap. He is excited to be working with The Profitability Coach and getting back to the fundamentals of helping small businesses discover the right path to profitability.
Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:00 Introduction to ProfitSense with Bill McDermott
01:03 Meet the Guests: Katie Taylor, Bruce Burkholder, and Peter Faser
01:27 Katie Taylor on Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
04:53 Common Marketing Mistakes and Solutions
10:38 The Importance of Branding for Small Businesses
12:37 Online Marketing Essentials
16:27 Final Thoughts and Recommendations for Small Business Owners
19:34 Introducing Bruce Burkholder: Accounting Insights
24:27 Building Strong Client Relationships
24:57 Evaluating CPA Services
25:26 Importance of Proactive Solutions
25:51 Team-Based Approach in CPA Firms
26:32 Challenges in Accounting: Staffing Shortages
27:46 Addressing Client Needs Amid Staffing Issues
29:35 Strategies for Future Success
31:53 The People Business: Building Relationships
34:31 Introducing Peter Faser: The Profitability Coach
35:09 Peter Faser’s Journey and Expertise
38:27 Key Areas for Sustainable Profitability
41:37 Preparing to Sell Your Business
46:41 Bill McDermott’s Commentary on Differences Between a Profitability Coach and a Part-Time CFO
48:24 Conclusion and Contact Information
