Your Business Your Life

Matt Di Francesco
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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Your Business Your Life

Welcome to Your Business, Your Life with Matt DiFrancesco, your personal financial quarterback. Business owners needs are a bit different; aligning your business and family are critical to your success – We help with your unique challenges so you reach your financial goals. Your business – your life, it’s our priority at Di Francesco Virtual Family Office. Let’s get started

  1. NOV 8

    99. How ESG Principles Can Drive Value for Your Collision Repair Shop with Eddie Hightower

    To exit your business on your own terms and fund your ideal post-business life, increasing its value is essential. One powerful way to achieve this is by adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Unfortunately, many collision shop owners are unaware of how ESG practices can significantly impact their business's value, leading to missed opportunities for growth, profitability, and a stronger market position. Join Matt DiFrancesco and Eddie Hightower, Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Social Responsibility at Caliber Collision, as they dive into how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices can drive long-term business growth, enhance business reputation, attract valuable talent, and ultimately boost the overall value of your shop. Matt and Eddie also talk about: (03:44) The three components of sustainability (04:56) Why most shops score poorly on the ESG criteria (09:45) The importance of reputation (11:53) One of the biggest challenges in guiding shop owners in preparing for a third-party sale (15:23) What Caliber Collision looks for when buying a shop (17:03) How Caliber Collision’s Technician Apprentice Program (TAP) works (21:56) Why doing the right thing with ESG lifts the entire collision repair industry (28:28) Why shop owners should embrace sustainability practices and tell their story Connect With Eddie Hightower Website: https://www.caliber.com/services/collision LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddiehightower/ Connect With Matt DiFrancesco: matt@highliftfin.com (814)201-5855 LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancesco LinkedIn: High Lift Financial Facebook: High Lift Financial  Instagram: @high_lift_financial Youtube: @highliftfinancial About the guest: Eddie Hightower, who joined Caliber in 2015, brings a diverse background spanning legal and HR leadership roles across both private and public companies.  An attorney by trade, Eddie earned his BA from the University of Denver and his JD from the University of Miami School of Law, remaining an active member of the Florida and DC bars.  His unique perspective on sustainability and social responsibility aligns with his experience in human resources—an area often overlooked by collision shop owners.  Eddie also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Tampa and, outside of work, enjoys the gym, reading, and volunteering for Operation Kindness, a local pet rescue organization. Disclaimer: All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here. Investment advisory services from High Lift Financial are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    29 min

  2. OCT 4

    98. The Collision Industry’s Hotbed for Buyers: What’s Driving the Boom? with Laura Gay

    The collision repair industry is growing quickly, with more private equity and buyers showing interest. This creates a great opportunity for shop owners to take advantage of the booming market. However, selling a shop can be complicated, and owners who focus on increasing their shop's value and getting professional help will have the best chance to maximize their profits. Join Matt DiFrancesco and Laura Gay, Owner and Consultant at Consolidation Coach, as they discuss the rising demand for consolidation in the collision industry, the importance of professional guidance in sales to maximize returns, and their insights on what the future market may hold. Matt and Laura also talk about: (02:28) What is Collision Classifieds? (04:36) The current state of the consolidation market (07:18) The different tier classifications of buyers (10:40) Why shop owners should seek professional help when selling their shops (15:03) What shop owners need to understand about the tax implications of a sale (17:02) What C-Corporations need to prepare for (20:12) What the collision repair market will look like in 5 years (23:59) Why shops need to increase their free cash flow now (25:38) How a shop’s dependence on its owner affects its value (29:22) Why shop owners should join the Collision Cocktail Hour Connect With Laura Gay Website: https://consolidationcoach.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-gay-b5b576156/ Email:laura@consolidationcoach.com Phone: 301.399.8675 Book a consultation call: https://consolidationcoach.com/contact/ Connect With Matt DiFrancesco: matt@highliftfin.com (814)201-5855 LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancesco LinkedIn: High Lift Financial Facebook: High Lift Financial  Instagram: @high_lift_financial Youtube: @highliftfinancial Tune in to The Collision Cocktail Hour! Join Matt and Laura, along with Micki Woods, Barrett Smith, Clay Hoberecht, and Rick Selover, for the Collision Cocktail Hour, held every third Wednesday of the month at 8 PM Eastern. This open forum offers a valuable opportunity for shop owners to discuss real-world challenges and solutions with their peers, and everyone is welcome to participate! REGISTER HERE → https://collisioncocktailhour.com/ About the guest: Laura Gay, a former small MSO shop owner, was approached by aggressive consolidators to sell her shops in 2014. Feeling lost, she took time to learn about the auto body shop Mergers and Acquisitions process, realizing the importance of getting it right when selling.  In 2015, she successfully sold her shops and retired at 42. After helping friends through the selling process, she was encouraged to start a business, leading to the creation of Consolidation Coach, a leading M&A firm for shop owners today.  Outside of work, Laura enjoys drag racing, NASCAR, and spending time with her dogs, Mopsie, Oscar, Stagger, and Miss Pearl. Disclaimer: All information is obtained from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. No tax or legal advice is given nor intended. Content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed. Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here. Investment advisory services from High Lift Financial are provided through Cornerstone Planning Group, LLC, an independent advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    33 min

  3. SEP 20

    97. Automation in Action: Boosting Efficiency and Reducing Backlogs in the Collision Industry with Phillip Brown

    Many collision shop owners struggle with managing project backlogs and inefficiencies due to outdated or disjointed software systems, leading to delays, increased manual workloads, and difficulty in tracking key tasks.  These issues not only slow down operations but also prevent shops from maximizing their productivity and retaining top talent.  Join Matt DiFrancesco and Phillip Brown, Principal Consultant / President at Blu Pitt Inc., as they discuss the importance of streamlining processes and the benefits of automation in the collision industry. Matt and Phillip also talk about: (02:12) What led Phillip to help businesses streamline project management processes (04:25) How can collision shops gain better control over their workflows (04:51) What strategies can shop owners implement to save time on OEM research and ensure accurate repairs (14:43) How Blu Pitt helps businesses operate more efficiently. (18:15) What benefits do automation and streamlined processes provide for retaining top talent (21:22) How Blu Pitt helped Harley-Davidson streamline their processes (26:23) Why collision shop owners should never underestimate the power of streamlining and automating processes Connect With Phillip Brown Website: https://www.blupitt.com/home LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillipjbrown/ Connect With Matt DiFrancesco: matt@highliftfin.com (814)201-5855 LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancesco LinkedIn: High Lift Financial Facebook: High Lift Financial  Instagram: @high_lift_financial Youtube: @highliftfinancial About the guest: Phillip is an experienced software engineer who has spent years working with computers and programming.  His journey began when he learned about project management software, which revealed to him that many companies relied on Excel spreadsheets and disconnected tools to manage their projects.  Recognizing the potential for improvement, he utilized his programming skills to create integrated systems that automated processes and provided a comprehensive view of project management for owners and CEOs.  This experience motivated him to start his own business, where he assists companies in refining their processes through software integration, consolidation, and sometimes transitioning to more advanced solutions. Phillip is on a mission to help 10,000 businesses perfect their project management to give them more organization, better ROI, and retain their high performers by 2033. Disclaimer: DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC, d/b/a High Lift Financial, is a Pennsylvania-registered investment advisor and may conduct investment advisory services in states where it is registered, exempt, or excluded from registration. The content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed.  Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here.

    31 min

  4. SEP 6

    96. Building the Future: Talent, Technology, and Training in the Automotive Industry with Diane Benting

    Finding skilled talent in the collision repair industry has become increasingly difficult due to a shortage of experienced technicians and a lack of new entrants into the field.  As the industry evolves with advancements in technology and repair techniques, shops struggle to attract candidates who possess both the technical skills and adaptability needed for modern repairs.  Join Matt DiFrancesco and Diane Benting, President at BodyShopJobs, as they discuss the challenges and solutions for the collision repair industry, particularly in finding and retaining talent.  Matt and Diane also talk about: (01:55) How BodyShopJobs started (02:53) The biggest mistake shop owners make when acquiring talent (04:51) The mindset shift that needs to happen in the industry (06:49) Why shop owners should look to the untapped talent of women in the industry (10:17) Hiring for culture over skillset in collision repair (14:16) The value of continuous training (16:53) What shop owners can do to empower the next generation of talents Connect With Diane Benting Website: https://bodyshopjobs.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmbenting/ Connect With Matt DiFrancesco: matt@highliftfin.com (814)201-5855 LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancesco LinkedIn: High Lift Financial Facebook: High Lift Financial  Instagram: @high_lift_financial Youtube: @highliftfinancial About the guest: Diane Benting is the president and founder of BodyShopJobs, a dedicated job board for the collision repair industry.  With 16 years of experience in the industry, Diane has deep knowledge of the sector, having worked in various marketing roles at a prominent regional paint jobber before launching her own venture.  She is highly involved in the collision repair community, leveraging her extensive industry expertise to connect businesses with qualified talent. Disclaimer: DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC, d/b/a High Lift Financial, is a Pennsylvania-registered investment advisor and may conduct investment advisory services in states where it is registered, exempt, or excluded from registration. The content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed.  Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here.

    19 min

  5. AUG 23

    95. WreckWeek Session Part 3: Key Strategies to Help Build Your Business Value

    Collision shop owners, are you truly maximizing the value of your business?  Matt Di Francesco dives deep into this question. He shares eye-opening anecdotes on how simple actions, like answering the phone with empathy or regularly updating customers, can make a significant impact.  Whether it’s improving communication, enhancing digital marketing efforts, or planning for employee retention, Matt provides actionable insights to help shop owners build a thriving business. In this episode, we're wrapping up a special three-part series recorded live at the Wreck Week conference last June. Join Matt as he concludes this insightful journey, diving into the key strategies for building value in your collision shop. Matt also talks about: (01:00) How can shop owners enhance customer service (04:40) Why digital marketing is a must for collision shops (07:11) The importance of educating customers on their rights (09:24) The different types of incentives to offer your employees (11:18) Why shops must always have a performance matrix (15:32) The value of having a good tax planning attorney (15:43) Why having properly structured retirement plans is crucial (18:56) The advantages of having a CRM for your business (20:10) The best investment you can make (21:48) Why Employment Agreements are crucial for your key employees (23:51) The people involved in guiding owners through the exit process (24:52) Matt’s value proposition Connect with Matt DiFrancesco: matt@highliftfin.com (814)201-5855 LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancesco LinkedIn: High Lift Financial Facebook: High Lift Financial  Instagram: @high_lift_financial Youtube: @highliftfinancial Disclaimer: DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC, d/b/a High Lift Financial, is a Pennsylvania-registered investment advisor and may conduct investment advisory services in states where it is registered, exempt, or excluded from registration. The content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed.  Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here.

    32 min

  6. AUG 9

    94. WreckWeek Session Part 2: The 3-Step Process to Build Value in Your Business

    Have you ever wondered how to truly build and enhance the value of your collision shop? Building your business's value can be a complex process due to various factors. It involves understanding and adapting to market dynamics, managing finances effectively, streamlining operations, maintaining customer satisfaction and so much more.  Fortunately, with the right strategies and tools, you can simplify these complexities and maximize your business's value, paving the way for a successful exit. At the Wreck Week Conference last June, Matt DiFrancesco broke down this complex process into a three-step journey for collision shop owners.  Join Matt in the second installment of his three-part series, where he explores the concept of using a GPS approach to build business value and explains why having a business continuity plan is crucial for all entrepreneurs. Matt also talks about: (00:30) The first step in building value in your business (03:11) What Matt loves about the collision industry (03:53) How to assess your starting point (04:38) Two ways to close your value gap (05:48) What is business continuity? (06:56) Four areas to consider when putting together a business continuity plan (08:57) The importance of having a Buy-Sell Agreement (11:02) The problem with “cookie-cutter” valuations (12:18) How often should agreement and other documents be reviewed? (17:07) Why stay bonus plans are great for key employee retention  (22:28) The benefits of choosing a C-Corp structure Connect with Matt DiFrancesco: matt@highliftfin.com (814)201-5855 LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancesco LinkedIn: High Lift Financial Facebook: High Lift Financial  Instagram: @high_lift_financial Youtube: @highliftfinancial Disclaimer: DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC, d/b/a High Lift Financial, is a Pennsylvania-registered investment advisor and may conduct investment advisory services in states where it is registered, exempt, or excluded from registration. The content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed.  Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here.

    26 min

  7. JUL 26

    93. Strengthening Family Businesses Through Leadership with Pete Walsh

    Are you a business owner struggling to balance the demands of family dynamics with achieving business success? The majority of businesses are family-owned or operated. Often, multiple family members are involved in running these businesses, leading to unique and interesting dynamics. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for business owners to strengthen the business, rebuild leadership, and boost productivity within their companies. Join Matt DiFrancesco and Pete Walsh, Family Business Advisor & Master Coach, as they discuss the challenges that family businesses face and share personal stories of navigating conflicts, setting expectations, and developing leadership within the family business.  Matt and Pete talk about: (02:32) Why the concept of leadership today is trickier than ever (06:36) Why family businesses must understand that a business has a lifecycle  (07:27) The common factor among the fastest-growing shops (08:09) What are some of the biggest challenges that family businesses face? (10:34) How to create a unified family vision when dealing with diverse personalities (10:50) The advantage of having objective feedback from outside the family business (12:23) Why conflicts are completely normal (14:14) Strategies for parents to help deal with entitlement among their children (21:11) How the Family Business Coaching System works (28:19) Pete’s value proposition (29:30) The one mistake most business owners make (32:22) The benefits of having the children work someplace else before  they go into their family business Connect With Pete Walsh Website: https://familybusinessperformance.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-walsh/ Get access to Tools and Proven Strategies that will help your family business thrive and succeed - for FREE! Visit https://familybusinessperformance.com/ Connect With Matt DiFrancesco: matt@highliftfin.com (814)201-5855 LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancesco LinkedIn: High Lift Financial Facebook: High Lift Financial  Instagram: @high_lift_financial Youtube: @highliftfinancial About the guest: Pete Walsh is a seasoned family business consultant with over 16 years of hands-on experience in his own family business.  In 1997, he founded the Peak Workout Business Coaching System, and in 2013, he established the Family Business Performance Center.  His goal is to support family businesses by offering his proven practices online for free, helping them strengthen and grow. Pete also provides personal coaching to select clients.  He has been happily married for 35 years and is the proud father of two successful adult children. Disclaimer: DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC, d/b/a High Lift Financial, is a Pennsylvania-registered investment advisor and may conduct investment advisory services in states where it is registered, exempt, or excluded from registration. The content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed.  Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here.

    39 min

  8. JUL 12

    92. WreckWeek Session Part 1: Building Value In Your Shop

    Last June, WreckWeek 2024 brought together professionals from road clearance, collision repair, and auto repair for a comprehensive expo where attendees could network, participate in workshops, and explore the latest advancements and technologies in accident management and vehicle repair. Matt DiFrancesco was invited to host an educational session at this event. In it, he emphasizes the importance of strategic planning for collision shop owners to enhance their business value and ensure a smooth and profitable exit when the time comes. Join Matt in the first of this three-part series, where he talks about the importance of building value in collision shops and businesses, planning for the end game, identifying exit plans, and considering factors beyond revenue and profitability. Matt also talks about: (03:15) The 5-year revolving plan (04:06) Preparing your business for the lifestyle you desire (06:10) Why a business’s value does not have a fixed formula (07:21) The difference between an essential owner and an incidental owner (10:19) The benefits of becoming an incidental owner (11:52) Why is it important to build value in your shop? (15:11) An underutilized talent in the collision industry (17:10) The value of preserving the legacy and reputation of your business Connect with Matt DiFrancesco: matt@highliftfin.com (814)201-5855 LinkedIn: Matt DiFrancesco LinkedIn: High Lift Financial Facebook: High Lift Financial  Instagram: @high_lift_financial Youtube: @highliftfinancial Disclaimer: DiFrancesco Financial Concierge, LLC, d/b/a High Lift Financial, is a Pennsylvania-registered investment advisor and may conduct investment advisory services in states where it is registered, exempt, or excluded from registration. The content provided herein or on our website should not be construed as an offer for investment advice or for securities, insurance, or other investment products. Investments involve the risk of loss and are not guaranteed.  Consult a qualified legal, tax, accounting, or financial professional before implementing any investments or strategy discussed here.

    23 min
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About

Welcome to Your Business, Your Life with Matt DiFrancesco, your personal financial quarterback. Business owners needs are a bit different; aligning your business and family are critical to your success – We help with your unique challenges so you reach your financial goals. Your business – your life, it’s our priority at Di Francesco Virtual Family Office. Let’s get started

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Di Francesco
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matt Di Francesco
  • Show Website
    Your Business Your Life

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