In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem sits down with John Lanier, a veteran business leader and consultant, for an insightful exploration of what it really means to build lasting value across every stage of your career and business. Tim and John discuss John’s unique perspective on approaching life and work in “trimesters,” uncovering how continuous learning, adaptability, and mentorship shape both personal and professional growth. Listeners will gain practical insights on topics like cash flow management, the dangers of leadership bottlenecks, and the critical importance of transitioning knowledge before it walks out the door. John and Tim discuss the pitfalls of assuming what customers value, why culture trumps strategy, and how leaders can future-proof their businesses by actively developing teams and embracing ongoing planning and succession. The episode also offers candid stories about weathering disruption, challenging the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mindset, and proactive problem-solving. This episode is brimming with actionable advice on creating enduring businesses, nurturing the next generation of leaders, and ensuring your legacy outlasts your tenure. If you want to future-proof your organization and learn how to make yourself “irrelevant” in the best possible way, this is an episode you can’t miss. Let's shock your profit! Reach John A. Lanier at Middle Market Methods Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your host Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem welcomes Kristin Mullen, a seasoned expert in supply chain strategy and international trade compliance, for an in-depth look at how tariffs are reshaping global commerce and impacting your bottom line. Together, they break down the complexities of tariffs, from understanding what you’re really importing, to the steps every business should take to stay compliant—and profitable—in a rapidly evolving trade landscape. Kristin shares real-world examples illustrating how companies are discovering hidden costs and even unlocking major refunds through detailed audits. Listeners will learn why actively managing import records, product classifications, and country of origin matters now more than ever. Tim and Kristin dive into strategies for safeguarding your business against costly penalties, building strong partnerships with customs brokers and suppliers, and seizing opportunities like duty drawback programs or alternative sourcing to optimize both short-term savings and long-term resilience. Perfect for business leaders navigating today’s unpredictable trade environment, this conversation is loaded with tips on auditing your import spend, collaborating strategically, and future-proofing your supply chain. If you’re ready to demystify tariffs and turn this complex challenge into a competitive edge, you won’t want to miss this episode. Let's shock your profit! Reach Kristin Mullen at The ProAction Group Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your host Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem sits down with Matt Blue, a business innovation executive, to unpack the vital role of building great products—and great teams—in driving business success. Together, they explore the powerful connection between solving real customer problems and achieving breakthrough profitability. Listeners will discover practical ways to align top talent with top priorities, ensuring that their best people are working on what matters most. Matt shares proven frameworks for identifying operational bottlenecks, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and creating a true culture of continuous improvement. Drawing on his experience across multiple industries, he illustrates how leadership, transparency, and a relentless focus on the customer experience can transform any organization. Matt and Tim guide business leaders through strategies for balancing data-driven decisions with direct customer insights, preparing for uncertainty, and measuring success through actionable metrics. This episode is packed with actionable takeaways for owners and leaders ready to sharpen their focus, empower their teams, and lead their companies to sustained growth. Let's shock your profit! Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your host Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

Are you ready to discover what separates companies that merely survive from those that truly thrive? In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem welcomes turnaround veteran Dave Kreilein, CEO of Sunnen Products Company, to share his hard-earned wisdom from three decades of revitalizing struggling businesses. Together, they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to stabilize a company, build it into a platform for growth, and transform a stagnant organization into a thriving one. Throughout their lively conversation, Tim and Dave reveal the importance of proactive leadership, transparency, and empowering employees at every level. Dave dives into tangible strategies for assessing pain points, prioritizing action, and cultivating a motivated team ready to embrace necessary transformation. He offers real-world examples of guiding companies away from complacency and toward scalable, sustainable success. With actionable insights and memorable lessons drawn from real cases, this episode equips business owners and leaders with the tools to not just react to challenges, but to anticipate and shape the future of their organizations. Perfect for anyone seeking to lead their company confidently through uncertainty and onto greater profitability. Let's shock your profit! Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, Tim Van Mieghem is joined by employee engagement expert Jim Connolly to explore the transformative power of connecting with your team. The two delve into the nuances of employee engagement, revealing how it plays a crucial role in boosting productivity and profitability. Listeners will gain insight into recognizing the signs of disengagement and converting passive employees into active contributors. Jim shares his experience and research-based strategies, emphasizing how aligning roles with natural talents can spark motivation and increase performance. He explains how small adjustments, like allowing team members to explore different roles, can lead to big results. Packed with practical advice and compelling stories, this episode teaches business leaders how to harness the power of human behavior science to improve workplace culture. Tim and Jim challenge executives to look beyond the surface, urging them to assess their engagement levels and unlock their employees' full potential. This conversation is essential for anyone striving to build a more engaged, high-performing team that drives business success. Let's shock your profit! Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, Tim Van Mieghem wraps up the growth series by focusing on leveraging operations to meet increasing demands. Tim delves into the intricacies of understanding and calculating company capacity, emphasizing how businesses often overlook unutilized potential. He highlights the importance of precise capacity calculations, whether in manufacturing or service industries, to identify areas ripe for expansion. Listeners will learn strategies for scaling operations, such as improving order velocity with existing resources before making heavy investments. Tim examines real-world examples of companies doubling sales and the hurdles they faced. He advises businesses on making data-driven decisions to optimize plant operations and avoid costly expansions during slower periods. Packed with actionable tips and real-life scenarios, Tim encourages business leaders to rethink their growth strategies and capitalize on untapped capacity for enhanced profitability. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to align operations with growth goals while minimizing risks and investments. Shocking Profit EBITDA Improvement Model Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, Eric Mattson joins Tim Van Mieghem as they dive into the world of mergers and acquisitions. Their discussion focuses on when and how business leaders should consider buying growth through acquisitive strategies. With over 37 years of experience in M&A, Eric shares his unique insights from both sides of the transaction—highlighting the critical aspects of buying and integrating businesses to foster growth. Eric and Tim explore the fundamentals of M&A, using relatable analogies to demystify the process. They discuss the motivations for acquisitive growth and emphasize that businesses of any size can navigate these waters with the right approach and preparation. Drawing on Eric’s extensive experience, they dive deep into the potential pitfalls that can emerge during deals. Listeners are guided through the role of leadership in ensuring successful M&A endeavors and the significance of advisors. Packed with real-life anecdotes and actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for any business leader considering navigating mergers and acquisitions for strategic growth and shocking profit. Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, Tim Van Mieghem and Eric Matson continue their insightful discussion with Maura Kautsky, President of Sales Acceleration, in their growth series. They delve into the critical components of effective sales transformation, exploring the impact of having the right people in the right roles and the importance of accountability in driving sales success. Maura shares compelling examples of how companies can achieve significant growth—averaging 32% within the first year of implementing strategic changes. The conversation highlights the necessity of understanding customer pain points and the art of listening in sales interactions. Maura emphasizes the need for businesses to adopt a proactive approach to sales leadership, encouraging them to seek help before issues escalate. With practical tips on defining roles within sales teams and utilizing assessment tools, this episode is packed with valuable insights for business owners looking to enhance their sales performance. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to shock your profit and drive sustainable growth in your organization! Listen to Transforming Sales for Growth with Maura Kautsky Part 1 Learn more about Sales Xceleration Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, Timothy Van Mieghem and Eric Mattson are joined by Maura Kautsky, President of Sales Xceleration. They discuss the importance of effective sales leadership, and the methodologies used to enhance sales processes within organizations. Maura shares insights into her experience growing sales for clients, the challenges faced by companies, and the strategies implemented to drive growth and improve sales performance. In this conversation, Maura discusses the transformative impact of effective sales strategies, emphasizing the importance of accountability, understanding customer needs, and the right team structure. She highlights the potential for significant growth in sales when companies commit to the right processes and tools, and she provides insights on identifying roles within sales teams, forecasting sales, and addressing challenges proactively. The discussion underscores the necessity for businesses to be proactive in their sales approach to avoid stagnation and ensure continuous growth. Listen to Transforming Sales for Growth Part 2 Learn more about Sales Xceleration Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, Mark McCleary joins Tim Van Meighem for part three of the growth mini series. Mark shares valuable insights about choosing marketing channels, developing effective messaging, and monitoring marketing success. The discussion explores how to select appropriate marketing channels based on target customers and sales process complexity, from social media for mass-market products to direct marketing for sophisticated sales processes. Mark emphasizes the importance of center of influence marketing and building strategic partnerships for lead generation. He explains how developing clear value propositions serves as the foundation for all marketing communications. The conversation also covers practical aspects of marketing budgets, highlighting the benefits of starting small and testing strategies before scaling, particularly with digital marketing tools. Tune in to the full episode for more insights on how to shock your profit through marketing! Connect with Mark McCleary Contact for Consulting: mjmccleary1@gmail.com Contact for SCORE: mark.mccleary@scorevolunteer.org Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem sits down with special guest Mark McCleary, Chief Marketing Officer of MGM Growth, to discuss how to effectively execute marketing strategies for your business. The wisdom he offers comes from years of experience working with household names like SC Johnson and Nabisco. Mark shares his 4-step process for strategic marketing planning that he uses with clients of all sizes. He emphasizes the importance of gaining clarity on your target market, value proposition, and key messaging before diving into marketing tactics and creative. This episode will teach you how to apply the very same marketing principles used by successful corporations to your entrepreneurial business. Let’s shock your profit! Connect with Mark McCleary Contact for Consulting: mjmccleary1@gmail.com Contact for SCORE: mark.mccleary@scorevolunteer.org Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

Do the countless options on the table for growth have your head spinning? This episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast tackles the topic of growth through commercial strategies. Your hosts Tim Van Mieghem and Eric Mattson, guide listeners through their powerful four-part methodology for commercial strategy that leads to sustained growth. Tim and Eric discuss how a commercial strategy gives business leaders a clear understanding of what, where, and how they can grow. You’ll also learn effective brainstorming techniques, why you should prioritize leveraging your existing infrastructure, and what it takes to carry out your comprehensive plan. Listen in to gain confidence in developing a commercial strategy that results in shocking profit! Download our 80/20 Analysis Tool Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

Curious about how growth impacts profitability? This episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast is the first installment of our power-packed miniseries on growth. Your hosts Tim Van Mieghem and Eric Mattson cover the integral role of growth in profitability with real-life industry experiences and tangible advice. Tim and Eric discuss why thoughtful growth strategies are at the center of a flourishing business no matter your end goal. They also dive into growth’s impact on profitability, risk management, and market position. Tune in for expert insights and tools to help you apply growth strategies to your own business! Put our EBITDA Improvement Model to use. Grab your copy here ! Let's shock your profit! Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

Are you leaving money on the table by not addressing the hidden risks in your business? In this episode of Shocking Profit, hosts Tim Van Mieghem and Eric Mattson examine the critical topic of risk management. Throughout the episode, they highlight the importance of being prepared for internal and external risks, provide examples of commonly overlooked operational risks, and walk business leaders through how to tackle them. Stay tuned for true wisdom on how to address and mitigate risks in your own business to form a rock-solid defense! Let's shock your profit! Learn more about Jill's company and work to support veterans on their website, Coastal Authority Care Foundation , or contact her at jillcrist@cacarefoundation.org Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode, visit the show notes at https://shockingprofit.com/7-the-best-defense-is-a-good-offense/ Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

This episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast is the final episode of the four-part series on value levers. Your hosts Tim Van Mieghem and Eric Mattson identified the top-ten most productive value levers that every business leader should prioritize to drive their business forward, and in this conversation you’ll learn how to leverage three more of these areas. Tim and Eric discuss why risk, process and balance sheet management are instrumental to a strong business. Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, they highlight the significance of managing both controllable and uncontrollable risks, the impact of documented processes, and balance sheet management on company health and profitability. Tune in as they share valuable insights that can help leaders navigate external risks and enhance their business value. Let's shock your profit! Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode, visit the show notes at https://shockingprofit.com/6-key-value-levers-part-4/ Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

This episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast is Part 3 of the four-part series on value levers. Your hosts Tim Van Mieghem and Eric Mattson used their experience supporting business owners and leaders to rank the top 10 ways to actually increase the value of your company, and today you’ll learn about two more of these powerful strategies. Tim and Eric discuss topics of velocity, efficiency, and organizational design. They discuss how increasing the speed and efficiency of your processes can have a significant impact on the value of your company. From reducing costs to increasing output, they explore various ways to optimize your operations. Additionally, they examine the importance of evaluating and restructuring your organizational design to align with your strategic goals and ensure optimal performance. Let's shock your profit! Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode, visit the show notes at https://shockingprofit.com/5-key-value-levers-part-three/ Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

Attention business owners and leaders! Get ready to unleash the shocking secrets behind maximizing your company's profitability. This episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast is Part 2 of the four-part series on value levers. Your hosts Tim Van Mieghem and Eric Mattson delve into three of the top 10 value levers that have a real-lasting impact on companies’ value. Tim and Eric discuss why understanding and optimizing your capacity is crucial for both service and asset-based businesses. They also walk listeners through how to use procurement as a value driver both in terms of cost and leveraging suppliers, and share why pricing strategies and controls are likely the single most powerful value lever of all. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss! Tim and Eric pair these three value levers with their experiences working with companies that benefited them the same way they can benefit you. Tune in to learn how to harness these three value drivers to generate greater profitability and valuation within your company. Let's shock your profit! Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode, visit the show notes at https://shockingprofit.com/4-key-value-levers-part-two/ Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

If you’re tired of playing a game of whack-a-mole while attempting to drive profit and increase value, you’ve come to the right place. This episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast is the first of a four-part mini series on the top ten value levers. Your hosts Tim Van Mieghem and Eric Mattson focus on the most relevant ways they see business owners truly increase the value of their companies. Tim and Eric discuss the distinction between profit and value, highlighting the various factors that impact value beyond just profit. Plus, they provide practical suggestions for increasing profit while maintaining a focus on value. Your hosts also introduce two of the top-ten value levers, predictability and segmentation. Get ready for an inspirational boost as Tim and Eric cover how you can tap into predictability and segmentation to increase your company’s value. Tune in to this episode of Shocking Profit, and join the exploration of value levers and how they can transform your business. Let's shock your profit! Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode, visit the show notes at https://shockingprofit.com/3-key-value-levers-part-one/ Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

Do you truly understand the value of your company? This episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast covers business valuation. Your hosts Tim Van Mieghem and Eric Mattson dive deep into the importance and intricacies of business valuation. With their wealth of experience and real-world examples, they shed light on how understanding the value of your business can lead to shockingly profitable outcomes. Tim and Eric discuss what the value is that business owners and leaders should look to increase, and why valuation is essential for a business’s long-term success. You’ll learn the basic formula to value your business and what levers increase the value of a business. Get ready for an engaging and eye-opening discussion as Tim and Eric arm you with the knowledge to unlock the full potential of your business. Tune in to this episode of Shocking Profit, and join them on the journey to valuation success. Let's shock your profit! Ready to put our Valuation Tool to use? Grab it here . Thanks for listening! For more information on today's episode, visit the show notes at https://shockingprofit.com/episode-2/ Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…

If you're looking to create value in your business and the opportunity to build wealth, this is a show you don’t want to miss! This episode will introduce your hosts, Tim Van Meghiem and Eric Mattson, and what value creation means for any business. You’ll hear from Tim and Eric on why they designed this show to share their strategies for entrepreneurs to unlock profit that’s hiding beneath the surface. They share what value creation is and how to claim and create value in your company. Eric shares his life hack that is bound to change any glasses-wearer’s life, and Tim shares his business hack for understanding customer profitability that you can apply today! Thanks for listening! For more information on today's episode, visit the show notes at https://shockingprofit.com/episode-1/ Connect with your hosts Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a questions at elwood@shockingprofit.com…