Through the Storm

Kurtis Hanni
  • 5.0 (27)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Each Tuesday, Kurtis talks to a business owner who has gone "through the storm" in their business. In short, our goal is to have real conversations with business owners navigating their hardest financial moments. From cash pressure and margin strain to growth decisions and capital tradeoffs, each episode explores what actually happened when the path forward wasn’t obvious. Hosted by Kurtis Hanni, fractional CFO and founder of Bison CFO, the show focuses on real conversations: what options leaders considered, how decisions were made with imperfect information, and the result that followed. These conversations are designed to help business owners see they’re not alone and ultimately, make better financial decisions by learning from others. Show notes and resources at smbfinanceos.com.

  1. Surviving a $400K to $1.2M Nightmare & 25% Revenue Drop At The Same Time ⎥ Nahuel Hilal

    6H AGO

    Surviving a $400K to $1.2M Nightmare & 25% Revenue Drop At The Same Time ⎥ Nahuel Hilal

    Nahuel Hilal built Iris Tattoo from a $7,000 side hustle in Buenos Aires to a multi-million dollar operation across three countries without ever doing a tattoo himself. Then a $400,000 buildout turned into a $1.2 million nightmare, revenue dropped 25%, and he nearly lost everything. This is the story of how he and his wife fought back, firing the architects mid-project, managing permits themselves, and opening a second U.S. location while Miami burned. No business degree. No construction experience. Just urgency, grit, and a refusal to turn back.

    58 min
  2. How to Survive a Pandemic and Oil Collapse at the Same Time ⎥ Ryan Ray

    APR 14

    How to Survive a Pandemic and Oil Collapse at the Same Time ⎥ Ryan Ray

    Ryan Ray joins Kurtis Hanni to share his journey through one of the worst storms a business can face: selling a family oil and gas surveying company during the catastrophic March 2020 price collapse and COVID-19 shutdown. Ryan walked into March 2020 with international deals lined up, a diversified strategy in place, and a business that finally didn't require him day-to-day. Within two weeks, every lever he'd built was gone—China deals canceled, oil prices cratering to sub-$10, and projects being pulled left and right. What followed was a masterclass in clarity under pressure: knowing when to shut down, how to use PPP strategically, and ultimately how to exit to his own team. Ryan breaks down the emotional weight of laying off employees, the practicality of owner dependency as the ultimate business lever, and why understanding "the game you're playing" is more valuable than any 10-year plan.

    48 min
  3. Transform your business by understanding your strategy (Business Model Canvas) ⎥Travis Wood

    APR 7

    Transform your business by understanding your strategy (Business Model Canvas) ⎥Travis Wood

    In this conversation, Kurtis Hanni and Travis Woods discuss the Business Model Canvas, a strategic tool used to understand and optimize business operations. They explore the roles of a fractional CFO, the importance of identifying customer segments, crafting a unique value proposition, and the various channels for reaching customers. The discussion also covers building strong customer relationships, monetizing value through revenue streams, and the significance of key resources, activities, and partnerships. Finally, they emphasize the need to understand cost structures and the overall integration of the Business Model Canvas for business success.

    1h 1m
  4. Chargeback Scams Cost Us $30K: Hard Lessons Running Ads ⎥feat. Brad Smith

    MAR 31

    Chargeback Scams Cost Us $30K: Hard Lessons Running Ads ⎥feat. Brad Smith

    In this conversation, Kurtis Hanni and Brad Smith discuss the evolution of Brad's business, Automation Links, focusing on marketing automation and the challenges faced during a significant transition from freelancers to an in-house team. They delve into the financial struggles caused by chargebacks from clients in high-risk industries, the lessons learned from these experiences, and the importance of vetting clients and having solid contracts. The discussion also covers the future of marketing with innovations like ChatGPT ads and the strategies for overcoming adversity in business.

    41 min
  5. How to Survive Losing 75% of Your Lead Flow (Real Estate Business) ⎮ feat. Doug Diakite

    MAR 24

    How to Survive Losing 75% of Your Lead Flow (Real Estate Business) ⎮ feat. Doug Diakite

    In this conversation, Kurtis Hanni and Doug Diakite discuss the intricacies of the rent-to-own real estate business, focusing on acquisition strategies, market changes, and the challenges faced during downturns. Doug shares insights on team management, compensation structures, and the importance of adaptability in business. They explore the significance of strategic partnerships and the lessons learned from relying too heavily on a single acquisition channel. The discussion emphasizes the need for resilience and the ability to pivot in response to changing market conditions.

    44 min
  6. From Corporate Job to Golf Entrepreneur: Lessons From Building a Putter Company From Scratch

    MAR 17

    From Corporate Job to Golf Entrepreneur: Lessons From Building a Putter Company From Scratch

    In this conversation, Kurtis Hanni interviews Jared Doerfler, the founder of Hanna Golf, about his journey from a golf enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur in the golf industry. Jared shares the inspiration behind starting his putter company, the challenges of manufacturing, and the importance of community engagement. He discusses the financial realities of launching a business, the decision to quit his job, and the growth strategies he has implemented. The conversation highlights the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and the lessons learned along the way. 00:00 Snippet Intro Episode 3 00:25 Insert Kurtis Intro 00:25 The Genesis of a Golf Business 02:33 From Idea to Prototype 05:34 The Manufacturing Journey 08:25 The Decision to Quit and Commit 10:28 Initial Investments and Challenges 13:08 Launching HANA Golf 15:32 Scaling the Business 17:39 The Role of Team and Growth 20:56 Navigating Stress and Entrepreneurship 24:45 Navigating Financial Risks in Business Growth 29:34 Sales Strategies and Market Approach 34:27 Surprises and Lessons Learned in Entrepreneurship 43:28 Future Plans and Growth Strategies

    51 min
  7. Overleveraged and Facing Bankruptcy… The Perils of Real Estate | ft Harrison Bonner

    MAR 10

    Overleveraged and Facing Bankruptcy… The Perils of Real Estate | ft Harrison Bonner

    In this conversation, Kurtis Hanni and Harrison Bonner delve into the challenges and lessons learned in the real estate business. Harrison shares his journey from initial success in real estate investing to facing significant challenges due to mismanagement and changing market conditions. They discuss the importance of financial literacy, the impact of personal stress, and the need for resilience in entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights the pivoting strategies Harrison is implementing to stabilize his business and the lessons he has learned for future success. Harrison Bonner is a seasoned real estate entrepreneur known for his resilience and strategic thinking in the face of adversity. With over a decade of experience, Harrison has navigated the complexities of property development and investment, learning invaluable lessons from both successes and setbacks. His journey from door-to-door sales in Boston to managing multifamily portfolios highlights his commitment to growth and innovation. Harrison's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and financial literacy in transforming challenges into opportunities. 03:17 Harrison Bonner's Real Estate Journey 06:18 The Value-Add Strategy and Initial Success 09:07 Challenges and Mismanagement in Growth 12:16 Market Conditions and Financial Realities 15:17 Pivoting Strategies and Fund Structure 18:12 Recognizing the First Signs of Trouble 20:58 Transitioning to Cash Flow Management 23:46 Exploring Solutions and Options for Recovery 29:08 Transforming Team Dynamics for Success 30:42 The Importance of Financial Literacy 35:18 Navigating Personal and Family Stress 38:42 The Reality of Entrepreneurship 39:33 Transitioning and Learning from Mistakes 44:08 Building Sustainable Revenue Streams 49:33 Lessons Learned for Future Success

    1 hr
  8. How to Fix Gross Margin Without Losing Clients ⎪Through The Storm Podcast feat. Nick Anderson

    MAR 3

    How to Fix Gross Margin Without Losing Clients ⎪Through The Storm Podcast feat. Nick Anderson

    In this conversation, Nick Anderson, CEO of One Accord, shares his journey in transforming the consulting firm, focusing on improving gross margins and redefining the business model. He discusses the challenges faced in the transition, the importance of data, and how technology plays a role in enhancing service delivery. Nick emphasizes the need for margin discipline and the value of involving the team in decision-making processes. The discussion also highlights real-world examples of how the new model adds value to clients and the overall impact on business operations and marketing strategies. Nick Anderson is the CEO and 50% owner of One Accord, a consulting firm specializing in strategic consulting and exit planning for small to medium businesses. With a background in banking spanning 25 years, Nick transitioned into consulting, eventually merging his independent consulting business with One Accord. Under his leadership, the firm has undergone significant transformation, focusing on enhancing gross margins and delivering exceptional value to clients. Nick is known for his strategic vision, commitment to data-driven decision-making, and innovative approach to business challenges. His leadership style emphasizes transparency, team involvement, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to One Accord and Nick's Background05:12 Transitioning into Ownership and Initial Challenges08:16 Understanding Gross Margin and Business Model Changes11:11 The Importance of Gross Margin in Consulting14:12 Navigating Change Management and Consultant Relationships16:55 Value Addition and New Engagement Models20:07 Ensuring Client Satisfaction and Consultant Accountability29:29 The Team Structure and Client Engagement32:52 Continuity and Risk Management in Consulting35:57 The Importance of Gross Margin in Business38:34 Pricing Models and Managing Risk43:13 Simplicity in Business Transactions44:21 Collaboration with Investment Bankers47:12 Leveraging Technology for Value Creation49:33 Transforming Business Through Improved Margins52:53 Practical Advice for Margin Transformation

    1 hr
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Trailer

5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Each Tuesday, Kurtis talks to a business owner who has gone "through the storm" in their business. In short, our goal is to have real conversations with business owners navigating their hardest financial moments. From cash pressure and margin strain to growth decisions and capital tradeoffs, each episode explores what actually happened when the path forward wasn’t obvious. Hosted by Kurtis Hanni, fractional CFO and founder of Bison CFO, the show focuses on real conversations: what options leaders considered, how decisions were made with imperfect information, and the result that followed. These conversations are designed to help business owners see they’re not alone and ultimately, make better financial decisions by learning from others. Show notes and resources at smbfinanceos.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Kurtis Hanni
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Kurtis Hanni
  • Show Website
    Through the Storm