Keep What You Earn

Shannon Weinstein

Keep What You Earn is the podcast for aesthetics and wellness practice owners who want to scale profitably and build a business that is actually worth something. Hosted by Shannon Weinstein, CPA and Fractional CFO, this show is designed for med spa owners generating $1–5M in revenue who are ready to move beyond reactive decision-making and into disciplined, strategic growth. If you're trying to break past the $2M ceiling, improve cash flow predictability, increase margins, open additional locations, or prepare your practice for a future sale, this podcast gives you the financial clarity to do it confidently. Each episode focuses on the financial building blocks that determine whether your practice scales smoothly or stalls under pressure, including pricing discipline, operating margin control, cash flow forecasting, customer lifetime value, and enterprise value planning. This isn't about more spreadsheets. It's about financial leadership. Whether you're preparing for expansion or positioning your practice to sell, Keep What You Earn helps you think like a CFO and operate like a CEO. [Disclaimer: Any opinions, recommendations, and tips offered on this podcast or other social media forums do not constitute individual tax or accounting advice. This content is designed to provide education and awareness about financial topics and responsibility for the benefit of the general public. Please consult a professional before implementing any of the suggestions made by Shannon or Keep What You Earn Co.]

  1. 8H AGO

    How Med Spa Owners Build a Sellable Practice (Without Becoming the Bottleneck)

    If you own a 1–2 location med spa and want the option to scale or sell in the next 3–5 years, this episode breaks down what actually makes an aesthetics practice valuable — beyond surface-level revenue growth.  Strong revenue alone does not make your med spa sellable. Buyers care about predictability, repeatability, clean financials, and reduced owner dependency. In this episode, I'll explain what private buyers, partners, and lenders really evaluate when assessing the enterprise value of a medical spa.    Common Mistakes that Lower Your Med Spa's Enterprise Value  Whether you're years away from selling or just want to increase your business value, this episode will help you focus on the core elements that make your business not just worth running—but worth buying.   Even profitable, cash-flowing med spas can struggle to sell if:  Financial reporting isn't clean EBITDA isn't normalized The owner is still the bottleneck Systems aren't documented Growth depends on personality rather than process  Enterprise value determines whether your growth is transferable and durable.    From Owner-Dependent to Sellable Med Spa: A CFO's Perspective  You'll learn how to shift your mindset from emotional attachment to your work towards making smart, strategic, and financially sound decisions that attract the right buyers. From building clean financial infrastructure to understanding the importance of normalized EBITDA, I'm sharing real-world examples and reasoning, including why presenting trustworthy financials and reducing owner-dependency can make or break a potential sale.   Listen for these 6 key insights:  The difference between owner-dependent profit and institutional profit Why EBITDA normalization matters when selling a med spa How personal expenses distort financial optics Why clean financial infrastructure builds buyer trust How tax strategy can impact your exit valuation What buyers look for in multi-location aesthetic practices    Action Steps for Scaling and Selling Your Aesthetic Practice  If selling — or scaling — is even a remote possibility in the next 3–5 years:  Ensure your books are clean and up to date for at least 3 years Separate personal expenses from business operations Normalize revenue and expenses to reflect true operating profit Evaluate owner dependency in day-to-day operations Document SOPs for treatment delivery, leadership reporting, and financial processes Assess whether your med spa could operate without you for 60–90 days  If your practice cannot function without you, you've built an income stream — not an asset.    Thinking About Opening Another Location?   "The best thing you can do when you're exploring a transaction with a potential buyer is to establish trust through clean financials, establish that trust that they have reliable data they're working off of, and then everything else is seamless." - Shannon Weinstein    Before expanding, ask:  Are your current economics repeatable? Is your EBITDA consistent and defensible?  Could a second location follow the same financial blueprint?  Scaling without institutional structure multiplies risk. Scaling with documented systems multiplies enterprise value.    Financial Strategies to Prepare Your Aesthetics Business for Sale  If you want to evaluate whether your med spa is positioned for scale or exit, start with the Financial Scaling Playbook for Aesthetics. Get it today: www.keepwhatyouearn/playbook  This free 5-part video series walks you through:  Offer profit Operating margin Cash flow management Customer lifetime value Enterprise value readiness      Follow Shannon & Keep What You Earn:   Shannon Weinstein is the founder of a fractional CFO firm specializing in helping 7-figure aesthetics and wellness practices scale with clarity, cash flow, and confidence. Host of the "Keep What You Earn" podcast, Shannon provides practical financial insights and strategies for business owners looking to build truly valuable and sellable practices. She breaks down what it means to create a business buyers will pay a premium for—going beyond surface-level metrics to address the essential financial building blocks. Shannon is committed to helping med spa owners understand, fix, and maximize their business's enterprise value, offering actionable advice and resources, including a popular free video series specifically for aesthetics practice owners.    Fractional CFO Services and Executive Financial Review: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/  Connect with Shannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein  Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@KeepWhatYouEarn  Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1580071347  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/    The information shared is for educational purposes only and is not individualized financial advice. Aesthetics practice owners should consult a qualified professional before implementing financial strategies discussed here.

    15 min
  2. 11/24/2025

    Making Accountability Part of Your Culture with Gina Cotner

    Today, I'm joined by Gina Cotner, founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services. Gina shares her journey from executive assistant to building one of the top virtual assistant firms in the country. We talk about how to create real accountability on your team, delegate effectively, and build a business that doesn't depend on you doing everything yourself. Gina gives practical, no-fluff advice on managing both remote and in-office teams while keeping productivity and trust high. If you're ready to lead better and free yourself from burnout, this episode is a must-listen.   What you'll hear in this episode: [02:25] Gina's Journey: From Executive Assistant to CEO [03:00] The Importance of Delegation in Business Growth [06:55] Overcoming Barriers to Effective Delegation [19:45] The Role of Accountability in Team Management [27:50] Setting Expectations and Accountability [30:05] Leveraging Resources to Meet Deadlines [33:15] Building a Culture of Accountability [37:15] Effective Communication and Trust [40:20] Hiring and Vetting for Cultural Fit [49:30] Remote Management Best Practices   If you like this episode, check out: Think Bigger Than a Niche Your Most Expensive Habit Why Enterprise Value is the Goal   LinkedIn: Gina Cotner Website: https://www.athenaexecutiveservices.com Prospective clients are encouraged to schedule a conversation with Jennifer Tracy from Athena Executive Services to explore what kind of VA support best fits their business   Learn more about our CFO firm and services: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/   Connect with Shannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Follow along on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/   The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. We love enthusiastic action, but please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

    53 min
  3. 11/12/2025

    From Discount Spa to Respected Practice with Brooks Loughry

    In this episode, I sit down with Brooks Loughry, who brings over 20 years of experience in the aesthetic medical industry. We talk about how medical spas have evolved, what it takes to stand out in such a competitive market, and why discounting your services can actually hurt your business.   Brooks shares his approach to building sustainable, value-based business models through strong team training, smart marketing, and unforgettable patient experiences. We also dive into the power of referrals, how to boost sales without slashing prices, and what really drives long-term success in this industry.   Tune in for practical, no-fluff advice to elevate your practice and increase profitability without compromising your worth.   What you'll hear in this episode: [02:40] Challenges and Opportunities in Med Spas [05:35] The Business Side of Med Spas [11:40] Discounting and Membership Models [16:25] Long-Term Patient Value and Retention [26:15] The Power of Referrals in Business [27:10] Nuances of Discounting and Value Exchange [28:00] Building Loyalty Through Personalized Experiences [36:15] Reducing No-Shows and Cancellations [39:55] Effective Rebooking Strategies [41:10] Avoiding Common Business Pitfalls   If you like this episode, check out: Keep Your Business Profitable with Strategic Cost Management A Deep Dive into Your Profitability Strategy The $5M Bottleneck   Connect with Brooks Loughry: LinkedIn: Brooks Loughry Instagram: @brooksadvises Email: Brooks@bioenergylabs.com   Learn more about our CFO firm and services: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/   Connect with Shannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Follow along on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/   The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. We love enthusiastic action, but please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

    48 min
  4. 11/10/2025

    Mastering Business Deductions

    Today, we're talking about the world of business deductions and breaking down what they really mean for entrepreneurs and business owners. I'll walk you through what counts as a deductible expense, how deductions work, and why it's so important to be able to defend your business decisions.   I'll also explain the difference between deductions and tax credits, what makes an expense truly deductible, and why documentation is everything. Plus, I'm sharing practical tips on how to categorize expenses properly, stay off the IRS radar, and make the most of every deduction available to you.   What you'll hear in this episode: [0:45] Understanding Deductions for Entrepreneurs [01:50] Defining and Defending Deductions [03:45] IRS Guidelines and Business Expenses [07:35] Documentation and Diverse Categories   If you like this episode, check out: Think Bigger Than a Niche How to Build Investor-Ready Financials Why The Rich Pay No Taxes and You Feel Left Out   Learn more about our CFO firm and services: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/   Connect with Shannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Follow along on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/   The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. We love enthusiastic action, but please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

    17 min
  5. 11/05/2025

    Why Complacency Costs You

    Today, I'm diving into the pitfalls of complacency in business and how it can quietly hold you back from growth. As a fractional CFO working with a variety of businesses, I've seen firsthand how important it is to track performance metrics—especially revenue by employee—to identify your top performers and the areas that need attention. I'll share practical ways to stay vigilant and intentional in your growth strategies so that every decision moves you closer to greater profitability and long-term enterprise value. Tune in for actionable insights to help you maintain momentum and achieve lasting business success.   What you'll hear in this episode: [0:45] Learning from Clients as a Fractional CFO [01:25] The Silent Business Killer: Complacency [02:50] Tracking Performance Metrics by Employee [04:00] Empowering and Rewarding Top Performers [05:35] The Importance of Revenue by Employee [08:45] Combating Complacency with Critical Analysis   If you like this episode, check out: Your Finance Hire - Dos and Don'ts Ways to Maximize Customer Value From Founder-Led Sales to Sales Machine   Learn more about our CFO firm and services: https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/   Connect with Shannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonweinstein Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ Follow along on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/   The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. We love enthusiastic action, but please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

    11 min
5
out of 5
195 Ratings

About

Keep What You Earn is the podcast for aesthetics and wellness practice owners who want to scale profitably and build a business that is actually worth something. Hosted by Shannon Weinstein, CPA and Fractional CFO, this show is designed for med spa owners generating $1–5M in revenue who are ready to move beyond reactive decision-making and into disciplined, strategic growth. If you're trying to break past the $2M ceiling, improve cash flow predictability, increase margins, open additional locations, or prepare your practice for a future sale, this podcast gives you the financial clarity to do it confidently. Each episode focuses on the financial building blocks that determine whether your practice scales smoothly or stalls under pressure, including pricing discipline, operating margin control, cash flow forecasting, customer lifetime value, and enterprise value planning. This isn't about more spreadsheets. It's about financial leadership. Whether you're preparing for expansion or positioning your practice to sell, Keep What You Earn helps you think like a CFO and operate like a CEO. [Disclaimer: Any opinions, recommendations, and tips offered on this podcast or other social media forums do not constitute individual tax or accounting advice. This content is designed to provide education and awareness about financial topics and responsibility for the benefit of the general public. Please consult a professional before implementing any of the suggestions made by Shannon or Keep What You Earn Co.]