Thinking about buying a franchise? Don’t jump in blindly! In Episode 7 of the More Profit, Less Stress Podcast, hosts Dennis and Greg dive deep into the world of franchising. They uncover the hidden risks and potential rewards of becoming a franchisee, from misleading marketing fees to the lack of business training in many systems. Learn why some franchises fail while others thrive, how to spot red flags like negotiable agreements, and what to research before signing on the dotted line. Whether you’re eyeing a food, retail, or service-based franchise, this episode equips you with practical tips to maximize your return and avoid costly mistakes. Tune in to discover if franchising is the right path for your entrepreneurial journey!

Confusing markups with margins might seem minor but it can cost your business big time. In this episode, we unpack the difference between the two and why understanding this distinction is essential for any profitable business. Through real-world examples on pricing mistakes, we explore how poor financial literacy leads to cash flow issues, underpricing, and unsustainable growth. You'll learn why competitive pressure can be deceptive, how to set pricing that actually supports your bottom line, and what it takes to build long-term financial health. If you're a business owner, founder, or entrepreneur looking to strengthen your financial strategy, this episode will give you the clarity you didn’t know you needed.

Profit isn’t just about making sales, it’s about making smart decisions. In this episode, we dive into the strategies behind transforming an underperforming pet store into a profitable business that sold successfully. From mastering gross margins to educating your team on financial fundamentals, this conversation unpacks the real levers that drive profitability. You’ll learn how to avoid margin-killing mistakes, build financial reserves, and choose products that truly move the needle. Plus, we break down why vendor oversight matters, how to blend margins across product categories, and what it takes to position your business for a strong sale. Whether you run a retail shop or a service-based business, these insights will help you rethink how to manage money, margins, and long-term growth.

In this episode, Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema interview Jacqui and Erin from the Pink Wand Cleaning Services. They discuss the journey of transforming a small cleaning business into a successful franchise operation. The conversation covers the importance of business coaching, understanding profit and numbers, breaking out of comfort zones, and the significance of change in business. Jacqui and Erin share insights on franchising, the role of franchisees, and the importance of building a supportive culture. They also provide valuable advice for potential franchisees and business owners looking to improve their operations. Takeaways:

• The Pink Wand Cleaning Services offers both commercial and residential cleaning services.

• Jacqui and Erin emphasize the importance of business coaching for growth.

• Understanding profit and tracking numbers is crucial for business success.

• Breaking out of comfort zones is necessary for growth and change.

• Change is essential for business improvement; complacency can hinder success.

• Franchising can be a successful model if the right support and systems are in place.

• Franchisees should be vetted thoroughly to ensure they align with company values.

• Building a supportive culture among franchisees leads to overall success.

• Tracking leads and understanding financials are key to profitability.

• Business owners must be willing to make changes to improve their situations.

🚀 Unlock the Power of Vendor Relationships with the More Profit Less Stress Podcast! 🚀 Join us for an insightful episode with Joe Forzani, founding member of the Forzani Group, as we dive deep into why your vendor relationships are the backbone of your business success! 💼 Here’s what we’re covering today: ✅ Why Your Vendor is Your #1 Relationship

• Your vendors are more than suppliers—they’re partners in profitability. Learn how building trust and loyalty with them can make or break your business.

✅ Key Considerations for Strong Vendor Relationships

• Get the Best Price: Are you securing the best deals, or are competitors getting better rates?

• Timely Shipments: Ensure products arrive when promised to keep your shelves stocked and customers happy.

• Avoid Substitutions: Stop vendors from swapping products that don’t meet your standards.

• Volume Discounts: Leverage your buying power for better pricing as your business grows.

• Quality Assurance: Confirm the products you receive meet your expectations for customer satisfaction.

✅ The Power of Trust and Timely Payments

• Paying vendors on time builds credibility and unlocks longer payment terms (think 60, 90, or even 120 days!).

• A strong relationship means vendors prioritize you for deals, new products, or exclusive offers.

✅ Real-World Wins from the Forzani Group

• From one store in 1975 to 450+ by 2010, Joe shares how vendor relationships fueled their growth and profitability.

• Build friendships with vendors—shared meals, outings, or common interests can lead to better terms and opportunities!

✅ Avoid Pitfalls and Maximize Profits

• Verify shipments against packing slips to catch short shipments (it happens more than you think!).

• Negotiate ethically for win-win outcomes, and don’t be afraid to walk away from vendors who don’t align with your goals.

• Explore trade shows to spot trends, meet new vendors, and stay ahead of the curve.

💡 Whether you’re in retail, service, or trades, strong vendor relationships = more profit, less stress. Tune in to hear Joe’s stories, like turning neon shorts into a massive profit win, and learn how to transform your vendor partnerships into a competitive edge!

In this episode, Carmen Vetian, a CPA, discusses the importance of proactive tax planning and the value of having a professional team to support business growth. She emphasizes the need for business owners to look beyond just tax compliance and to engage in strategic planning for future success. Carmen shares insights on common mistakes in tax planning, the significance of due diligence in acquisitions, and the role of accountants in ensuring financial health. The conversation highlights the importance of communication among professionals and the need for business owners to understand their financial statements to make informed decisions.

In this episode of the More Profit Less Stress Podcast, hosts Greg and Dennis interviews Barry Ghiglione, a seasoned entrepreneur who shares his journey from a farm kid in Saskatchewan to a successful business owner who sold his company for a premium. Barry discusses the loneliness of business ownership, the importance of team transparency, and the need for business fundamentals in the face of advancing technology. He emphasizes the value of learning from mistakes, listening to customers and staff, and preparing for a successful business exit. Barry also reflects on retirement planning, the significance of cash flow, and the importance of finding purpose in retirement. The conversation concludes with insights on building a sustainable business and leaving a meaningful legacy.

Our clients Janice’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Once on the brink of closing her struggling childcare business, overwhelmed by long hours, financial strain, and a fading dream of starting her own family, Janice felt trapped and hopeless. Convinced by a friend to seek help from business coach Dennis, she turned her life and business around in just 18 months. In this inspiring episode, Janice shares how she went from depression and near bankruptcy to building a thriving childcare center that runs independently, allowing her to fund IVF treatments and welcome twin boys. Learn how a shift in vision, strategic changes like optional fees and sponsorships, and a focus on building a strong team culture transformed her business into a community cornerstone. Janice also reveals practical tips for hiring the right staff, boosting confidence, and balancing personal dreams with professional success. Tune in to discover how Janice’s mindset shift, paired with actionable business strategies, led to more profit, less stress, and a life she never thought possible. Whether you’re a business owner feeling stuck or someone chasing a dream, this episode offers tools, inspiration, and proof that transformation is achievable.

Robyn Pearson from A Friend Indeed discusses the importance of systems in business. She shares her vision for expansion, the role of systems in reducing stress, and how they contribute to the quality of service provided to families. Robyn emphasizes the need for clear definitions of systems, their components, and the significance of feedback in improving processes. The conversation also touches on hiring practices, employee training, and the balance between systemization and humanization in the workplace.

In this episode, Arianna Carron shares her inspiring journey of taking over her father's trucking business at the young age of 23. She discusses the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry, the importance of understanding financial metrics, and how building a strong team culture has been crucial to her success. Arianna emphasizes the need for continuous learning, effective communication, and the power of purpose in driving business growth. Her story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the impact of family legacy on entrepreneurship.

Win in pro-sports, win in business! In this episode of the More Profit, Less Stress podcast, Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema interview Joe Forzani, a former professional athlete and co-founder of the Forzani Group. They discuss the transition from sports to business, emphasizing the importance of a competitive mindset, learning from mistakes, and the necessity of having a solid plan for success. Joe shares insights on the significance of systems, routines, and the value of coaching in overcoming challenges. The conversation highlights how drive and determination are essential for achieving success in both sports and business.

In this episode, Maverick Lauzon shares his journey from running a seasonal deck building business to successfully launching a barrel sauna company. He went from $0 in sauna business to $1 Million+ in revenue in 18 month. How did he do that? Watch the Episode learn the importance of understanding financial numbers, the difference between margins and markups, and how knowing your numbers can lead to more confident business decisions. Maverick emphasizes the need for transparency in pricing and the significance of choosing the right business coach. He also provides insights on navigating challenges in the trades industry and the importance of customer service. Our guest is Maverick Lauzon with Maverick Decks www.maverickdecks.com and BnB Barrel Saunas www.bnbbarrels.ca.

In this episode, hosts Greg Forzani and Dennis Taekema sit down with Kelly Paisley, a seasoned IT Company owner, to unpack game-changing strategies for small business success. Kelly shares his journey of transforming his business into a profitable, stress-free asset through intentional systems and trust-based relationships. What You’ll Learn: Hire Slow, Win Big: Discover Kelly’s structured hiring process that attracts top talent and builds a culture so strong that employees’ friends beg to join. Culture is King: Learn how prioritizing relationships over profits creates a supportive work environment that boosts staff retention and wows customers. Numbers Matter: Uncover why understanding your financials is non-negotiable, with tips to avoid pricing pitfalls and turn small changes into big profits. Tech as a Growth Driver: See how strategic technology, not just a cost center, can supercharge productivity and protect your business. Choose Wisely: Get Kelly’s advice on picking the right IT partner and business coach to align with your goals and drive sustainable growth. From fostering trust with your team to mastering your margins, this episode is packed with practical insights for business owners—especially in trades and service industries—looking to grow smarter and stress less. Don’t miss Kelly’s story of setting up a business for long-term success! Subscribe for more tips to build a valuable business with less stress. Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments!

Hosted by Dennis and Greg, this episode dives deep into the five most common misunderstandings that are silently destroying your business profitability. From pricing blunders to bad leases, over-reliance on accountants, mislaid financials, and sky-high operating expenses, we uncover the hidden traps that keep business owners stressed and broke. In this video: Pricing Pitfalls: Why copying competitors without understanding markup vs. margin can sink you (e.g., a 30% markup isn’t 30% profit!). Bad Leases: Real stories of businesses ruined by $22,000/month lease disasters. Accountant Traps: Why delegating finances blindly risks theft and misaligned decisions. Financial Confusion: How lumped P&Ls and cash accounting distort your margins. Expense Overload: Tackling wages, rent, marketing, and franchise fees that eat your profit.

Hosted by Dennis and Greg, this episode dives deep into the five most common misunderstandings that are silently destroying your business profitability. From pricing blunders to bad leases, over-reliance on accountants, mislaid financials, and sky-high operating expenses, we uncover the hidden traps that keep business owners stressed and broke. In this video: Pricing Pitfalls: Why copying competitors without understanding markup vs. margin can sink you (e.g., a 30% markup isn’t 30% profit!). Bad Leases: Real stories of businesses ruined by $22,000/month lease disasters. Accountant Traps: Why delegating finances blindly risks theft and misaligned decisions. Financial Confusion: How lumped P&Ls and cash accounting distort your margins. Expense Overload: Tackling wages, rent, marketing, and franchise fees that eat your profit.

Are you in the trades business? Did you know you can set up your business for a comfortable retirement? Listen to the inspiring real-life story of our client Joel, who shares how he built his landscaping business from scratch and plans to retire comfortably within the next 24 months. In this episode, Joel discusses his 20-year journey of growing a successful landscaping and drainage company.

You'll learn:

• How he overcame revenue plateaus

• The power of having the right mentors

• How he leveraged smart acquisitions to grow faster

• The art of "knowing your numbers" to maximize profits

• The impact of investing in heavy equipment

• How to implement effective team training systems

• Actionable strategies for turning a trades business into a valuable asset

• How a positive attitude and mental strength can help you retire sooner

Whether you're a business owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on business growth, cash flow management, and planning for a profitable exit.

Thinking about buying a franchise? Don’t jump in blindly! In Episode 7 of the More Profit, Less Stress Podcast, hosts Dennis and Greg dive deep into the world of franchising. They uncover the hidden risks and potential rewards of becoming a franchisee, from misleading marketing fees to the lack of business training in many systems. Learn why some franchises fail while others thrive, how to spot red flags like negotiable agreements, and what to research before signing on the dotted line. Whether you’re eyeing a food, retail, or service-based franchise, this episode equips you with practical tips to maximize your return and avoid costly mistakes. Tune in to discover if franchising is the right path for your entrepreneurial journey!

Confusing markups with margins might seem minor but it can cost your business big time. In this episode, we unpack the difference between the two and why understanding this distinction is essential for any profitable business. Through real-world examples on pricing mistakes, we explore how poor financial literacy leads to cash flow issues, underpricing, and unsustainable growth. You'll learn why competitive pressure can be deceptive, how to set pricing that actually supports your bottom line, and what it takes to build long-term financial health. If you're a business owner, founder, or entrepreneur looking to strengthen your financial strategy, this episode will give you the clarity you didn’t know you needed.

Profit isn’t just about making sales, it’s about making smart decisions. In this episode, we dive into the strategies behind transforming an underperforming pet store into a profitable business that sold successfully. From mastering gross margins to educating your team on financial fundamentals, this conversation unpacks the real levers that drive profitability. You’ll learn how to avoid margin-killing mistakes, build financial reserves, and choose products that truly move the needle. Plus, we break down why vendor oversight matters, how to blend margins across product categories, and what it takes to position your business for a strong sale. Whether you run a retail shop or a service-based business, these insights will help you rethink how to manage money, margins, and long-term growth.

Marketing doesn’t have to feel like a gamble. In this episode, we explore how data-backed strategies can make your marketing efforts more predictable and more profitable. We unpack common myths around marketing spend, dive into the importance of knowing your customer acquisition cost (CAC), and explain how to measure what’s actually working. You’ll also hear practical insights on seasonal marketing tactics and how to make smarter, more strategic decisions that drive real growth. Whether you're a founder or a marketing manager, this episode will shift the way you think about your marketing ROI.

Most new entrepreneurs jump into business ownership completely blind to the financial realities - and that's exactly why they fail within the first few years. This episode breaks down what it actually takes to start or buy a business successfully, from understanding profit margins that matter to avoiding the deadly trap of high-interest lending that kills dreams faster than anything else.

If you're a male business owner who feels pressured to "tough it out" while your mental health takes a beating, you're not alone - and you're probably making it worse by staying silent. Dennis Taekema and Greg Forzani bring together Joe Forzani, Chad Hewlett and Adam Jones to share the real stressors they've faced as business owners and the practical strategies that saved their sanity (and their businesses).

If you're a male business owner who feels pressured to "tough it out" while your mental health takes a beating, you're not alone - and you're probably making it worse by staying silent. Dennis Taekema and Greg Forzani bring together Joe Forzani, David Hisel and Richard Klassen to share the real stressors they've faced as business owners and the practical strategies that saved their sanity (and their businesses).