The Financial Operator

Jen Fizer
  • 5.0 (12)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

I've spent over a decade in finance and operations, including seven years as an Operational CFO helping businesses through everything from growth to Chapter 11 bankruptcy. I've owned, scaled, and sold my own company, so I understand firsthand the pressure, risk, and grit it takes to be a business owner. Now, as CEO of MKB, I help entrepreneurs get clear on their numbers so they can scale with confidence and stop feeling stuck in the chaos. On this podcast, I sit down with real business owners to talk about the financial challenges they've faced, and the strategies that got them through. From cash flow stress to hiring decisions and growth setbacks, nothing's off the table. The Financial Operator is here to make finance feel doable, empowering, and dare I say—exciting.

  1. FEB 2

    What Happens When a Startup Runs Out of Money

    What Happens When a Startup Runs Out of Money | The Financial  Operator Podcast | Episode 76 What happens when you do everything right, and still run out of money? In this episode of The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out, Jen sits down with  Andrew Ackerman, Head of REACH Labs at Second Century Ventures, to unpack the  realities of startups, fundraising, and what actually separates the companies that survive  from the ones that quietly disappear. Andrew shares his firsthand story of building a startup that was gaining traction until a  single world-changing event erased a signed term sheet overnight. From there, the  conversation expands into what founders really need to understand about capital,  leverage, timing, and decision-making. This episode covers: • What to do when funding disappears at the worst possible moment • Why "just take the money" is often the smartest early decision • The difference between venture-backed startups and traditional businesses • When fundraising should (and should not) be your full-time job • Why testing ideas cheaply beats building the wrong thing perfectly • The traits Andrew sees consistently in founders who succeed • How to find the one clear message that makes customers stop and listen If you're building a startup, considering raising capital, or trying to decide whether growth  should be funded or earned, this conversation will give you clarity without hype.  Watch now for a grounded, real-world look at startups, money, and making better  decisions earlier. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome 00:26 The Moment Andrew's Startup Ran Out of Money 02:10 Why Early Funding Can Disappear Overnight 03:20 "Just Take the Money": Lessons on Leverage 04:18 Which Businesses Should (and Shouldn't) Raise Venture Capital 06:57 Equity, SAFEs, and Convertible Notes Explained 08:37 When Founders Should Start Fundraising 11:47 Andrew's Path From Founder to Investor 16:14 Inside Accelerators and Early-Stage Investing 20:16 The Traits Andrew Sees in Successful Founders 25:32 Why Stories Teach Better Than How-To Guides 28:52 Testing Ideas Before Spending Real Money 33:39 Renting vs. Buying in the Early Stages 36:18 Finding the One Message That Stops Customers 45:03 Final Advice for Founders 49:00 Andrew's Book & Where to Find Him To connect with Andrew Ackerman's website: https://www.andrewbackerman.com Buy "The Entrepeneur's Odyssey" here: https://www.amazon.com/Entrepreneurs-Odyssey-Approach-Startup-Success/dp/1032883545/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB?  Visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #StartupLife #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #FounderJourney #StartupFunding #BusinessGrowth #RiskManagement #CashFlow #Innovation #TheFinancialOperator

    51 min

  2. JAN 19

    Why Entrepreneurs Burn Out, and How to Think Differently About Stress

    Why Entrepreneurs Burn Out, and How to Think Differently About Stress | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 75    What if stress isn't the problem, but the story you're telling yourself about it is?  This is Part 2 of Jen's conversation with Suzanne Boehs of Kool Foam LLC, and it goes even deeper.  In this episode of The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out, Jen and Suzanne continue their candid, unscripted discussion about stress, entrepreneurship, partnership, and the mental side of building a business that lasts.  This isn't a tactical episode about spreadsheets or KPIs. It's about the human side of business. How entrepreneurs and their partners navigate pressure, comparison, decision-making, and long seasons of growth without burning out.  In Part 2, Suzanne shares insights from 18 years in business, including:  Why stress comes from every angle, and what you can control  How fueling your body affects decision-making and emotional regulation  The danger of comparison culture and social media highlight reels  Why fast decisions still require intention  How past failures create resistance to future growth  Reframing stress as adventure instead of dread  Why meaning matters just as much as money  If you're building a business, supporting an entrepreneur, or feeling overwhelmed by the weight of "doing it right," this episode offers perspective, grounding, and clarity.  🎧 Watch Part 2 now and continue the conversation on stress, success, and sustainability.  ⏱️ Timestamps  00:00 Welcome Back & Why This Conversation Matters  02:13 The Reality of Stress in Entrepreneurial Households  05:36 Fueling Your Body to Reduce Stress and React Better  09:04 Comparison Culture, Social Media, and Unrealistic Expectations  12:49 18 Years in Business: Why You Can't Compare Journeys  16:18 Fast Decisions vs. Intentional Decisions  20:15 Revenue Goals, Meaning, and Motivation  24:26 Why Money and Fulfillment Must Co-Exist  28:57 Stress vs. Adventure: Changing the Narrative  34:55 Supporting Each Other Through the Hard Days  43:16 Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Suzanne Boehs  To connect with Suzanne Boehs & Kool Foam LLC.:  🌐 Website: https://www.koolfoamllc.com/    📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo  Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit:  🌎 Website: https://mkbcfo.com  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo  �� LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo    #EntrepreneurMindset  #BusinessOwnerLife  #StressManagement  #BehindTheBusiness  #WomenInBusiness  #FamilyBusiness  #MentalFitness  #EntrepreneurJourney  #KoolFoam  #TheFinancialOperator

    44 min

  3. JAN 5

    From CPA to Business Owner: Lessons You Only Learn the Hard Way

    From CPA to Business Owner: Lessons You Only Learn the Hard Way  | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 74    What does it really take to build a sustainable business—and stay sane while doing it?  In this episode of The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out, Jen sits down with Samantha Besnoff, CPA and founder of Your Financial Maven, for a candid, practical conversation every business owner needs to hear.  With over 30 years in accounting and more than a decade running her own firm, Samantha shares the real lessons that don't show up in spreadsheets, how long success actually takes, why boundaries matter more than hustle, and how understanding your numbers protects both your business and your sanity.  In this episode, we cover:  What it really looks like to leave a stable job and start your own firm  Why most small businesses struggle in the first 2–3 years  Setting boundaries with clients (and why it's not optional)  Pricing, retainers, and getting paid before the work is done  When—and how—to fire clients without blowing up your cash flow  What business owners need to know heading into tax season  The biggest bookkeeping and tax mistakes Samantha sees over and over  This conversation is a must-watch for:  ✔ Small business owners  ✔ Service providers & consultants  ✔ Anyone tired of guessing with their finances  If you want fewer surprises, better cash flow, and a business that actually supports your life, this episode delivers.    ⏱️ Timestamps  00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome  02:49 Samantha's Journey Into Entrepreneurship  07:15 Why the First 2–3 Years Are the Hardest  10:07 Getting Paid, Pricing Right, and Setting Boundaries  15:04 When (and How) to Fire Clients  20:02 Major Tax Changes Business Owners Should Know  26:50 Filing Deadlines, Extensions, and Tax Season Reality  34:45 What Business Owners Actually Need for Their Taxes  41:15 Who Samantha Works With & How to Get Started  44:37 Final Thoughts & How to Connect  To connect with Samantha M. Besnoff, CPA & Your Financial Maven:  🌐 Website: Your Financial Maven®    📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo  Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit:  🌎 Website: https://mkbcfo.com  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/  📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo    #SmallBusinessOwner  #Entrepreneurship  #FinancialClarity  #TaxTips  #CashFlowManagement  #BusinessFinance  #WomenInBusiness  #CPAAdvice  #FractionalCFO  #TheFinancialOperator

    46 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    The Side of Business No One Talks About (Spouses, Stress & Survival)

    The Side of Business No One Talks About (Spouses, Stress & Survival) | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 73   What happens behind the scenes of a business when the owner is hanging on by a thread? In this episode of The Financial Operator: Cash In, Chaos Out, Jen sits down with Suzanne Boehs, co-owner of Kool Foam and the often-unseen force behind nearly two decades of entrepreneurship. After hearing Cory's side of the story in a previous episode, this conversation explores the other half of the equation—the spouse, supporter, "momager," and margin-maker who keeps the business (and the family) standing. Suzanne shares what it was really like to: • Start a business with two babies and zero experience • Support a company through near-bankruptcy and emotional burnout • Separate money from self-worth • Create emotional margin when everything feels urgent • Know when to cheerlead—and when to bring logic to the table • Support not one, but two business owners (her husband and her daughter) This episode is a must-watch for: ✔ Business owners navigating pressure and uncertainty ✔ Spouses and partners carrying the emotional weight ✔ Anyone who's ever thought, "We're working nonstop, why does this still feel so fragile?" The core takeaway: Support roles matter. Margin matters. And clarity changes everything. Watch now to hear the side of entrepreneurship that rarely gets airtime, but changes outcomes.   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction & Why This Conversation Matters 02:49 Starting Kool Foam with Babies, Chaos, and No Experience 05:58 What Startup Life Really Looked Like 10:07 The Emotional Role of Supporting a Business Owner 13:41 Discovering Financial Clarity with a Fractional CFO 17:31 Emotional Attachment to Money (and How It Holds You Back) 22:25 From Bankruptcy Fear to Clear Direction 26:50 Hiring, Growth, and Removing the Owner as the Bottleneck 33:17 Rediscovering Confidence and Joy in the Business 51:11 Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Suzanne Boehs   To connect with Suzanne Boehs & Kool Foam LLC.: 🌐 Website: https://www.koolfoamllc.com/   📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit: 🌎 Website: https://mkbcfo.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo   #Entrepreneurship #BusinessOwnerLife #BehindTheBusiness #SpouseSupport #EmotionalMargin #WomenInBusiness #FamilyBusiness #FinancialClarity #FractionalCFO #TheFinancialOperator

    53 min

  5. 12/08/2025

    The Realities of Running a Creative Business (What No One Tells You)

    The Realities of Running a Creative Business (What No One Tells You) | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 72 🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer, CEO of MKB CFO, sits down with Jeff Price, Founder of Communications Advisory Service Inc., to break down what really happens behind the scenes of a creative service business. From unrealistic client expectations to emotional labor, pricing, boundaries, and the mental load of being a creative entrepreneur — this conversation is honest, relatable, and long overdue. Jeff shares the journey of building a growing AV and video production company, the mistakes that nearly burned him out, and how setting the right expectations can transform your business. He dives into why creatives struggle with saying no, how to protect your time, and why communication is the most important skill in any service business. 🎥💼 💡 Whether you're a freelancer, agency owner, or service provider trying to scale without losing your sanity, this episode gives you a transparent look at the real challenges creative entrepreneurs face — and what it actually takes to run a business that thrives. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:10 How Communications Advisory Service Inc. Started: From Side Work to Full-Time Media Business 06:45 The Hidden Emotional Labor of Creative Entrepreneurship 10:22 Why Expectations Are Everything: Setting Clients Up for Success 15:12 The Burnout Problem: When Creatives Try to Do Everything 20:20 Learning to Say No (and Why It Saves Your Business) 26:48 Communication, Boundaries, and the Client Relationship 31:15 The Reality of Scaling a Creative Business 36:50 Photographer vs. Videographer Expectations 40:15 Final Thoughts + How to Connect with Jeff To connect with Jeff Price & Communications Advisory Service Inc.: 🌐 Website: https://www.casav.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-price-8776b674   📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit: 🌎 Website: https://mkbcfo.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo     #CreativeBusiness #Entrepreneurship #ServiceBusiness #ScalingABusiness #ClientManagement #BusinessGrowth #CreativeEntrepreneur #TheFinancialOperator #MKBPodcast #JenFizer #CFOAdvice #WomenInBusiness #SmallBusinessGrowth #CreativeAgencyLife #MKBcfo

    42 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    The Truth About Social Media Management for Growing Businesses

    The Truth About Social Media Management for Growing Businesses | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 71 🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer, CEO of MKB CFO, sits down with Chloe Peña, Founder of Day of Socials, to reveal what business owners get wrong about social media and what it actually takes to grow with consistent, strategic content. Chloe breaks down how she built a nationwide content agency, why CEOs should stop doing their own marketing, and the systems her team uses to turn a few hours of filming into a full month of content. She also shares the truth behind B-roll marketing, why delegation is essential for real growth, and how business owners can stay in their zone of genius while still showing up online. 📱✨ 💡 Whether you're overwhelmed by content, ready to outsource your marketing, or want to understand how social media management truly works behind the scenes, this episode gives you a transparent look at the strategies that help growing businesses scale sustainably.     ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:20 How Day of Socials Started in the Event Space 04:15 Why CEOs Should Not Be Doing Their Own Social Media 08:42 B-Roll Content and Building Monthly Systems 13:10 Delegation, Burnout, and Staying in Your Zone of Genius 17:22 What Businesses Think They Need vs. What Actually Works 22:00 Content Days: Turning 2 Hours Into 30 Days of Marketing 26:49 Social Media for Product Businesses (Bakeries, Boutiques & More) 31:12 How to Reuse Content the Right Way 36:02 Event Packages: 2-Hour, 4-Hour, and 8-Hour Options 40:30 Travel, Client Workflows & Nationwide Projects 44:00 How to Connect with Chloe + Why Instagram Comes First 47:10 Final Thoughts: Why Delegating Social Media Helps You Scale     To connect with Chloe: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dayofsocials     📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit: 🌎 Website: https://mkbcfo.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo     #SocialMediaManagement #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ScalingABusiness #ContentCreationTips #DelegationForCEOs #MarketingStrategy #SmallBusinessGrowth #TheFinancialOperator #MKBPodcast #JenFizer #CFOAdvice #WomenInBusiness #ContentAgency #SocialMediaStrategy #MKBcfo

    49 min

  7. 11/10/2025

    Breaking the $1 Million Barrier: How to Scale Your Service Business

    Breaking the $1 Million Barrier: How to Scale Your Service Business | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 70 🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer, CEO of MKB CFO, sits down with Bud Nye, Founder of Nye Technical Services, to talk about what really happens when you grow from a small family business into a multi-million-dollar operation. 🚀 Bud shares his journey from working alongside his dad in the trades to running two successful companies — covering the reality behind scaling fast, building the right team, and managing the cash flow chaos that comes with growth. He opens up about overcoming analysis paralysis, learning to lead, and what it takes to move from owner mindset to scale mindset. 💼 💡 Whether you're breaking your first million or looking to push beyond it, this episode gives a transparent look at the challenges and mindset shifts every business owner needs to grow sustainably. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:00 From Family Business to Building His Own Legacy 08:00 Taking Fast Action and Learning Through Execution 14:00 Growing Pains: Breaking Past the $1M Plateau 18:00 Cash Flow Challenges and Progress Payments 24:00 The Reality of Collections and Revenue Timing 27:00 Mental Health, Coaching, and Leadership Growth 31:00 Building a Legacy: Training and Giving Back 34:00 Lessons on Scaling, Leadership, and Finding Balance 39:00 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Bud To connect with Bud: 🌐 Website: https://nyetechnicalservices.com/ 📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit: 🌎 Website: https://mkbcfo.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ScalingABusiness #CashFlowManagement #LeadershipDevelopment #SmallBusinessGrowth #TheFinancialOperator #MKBPodcast #JenFizer #BudNye #CFOAdvice #ServiceBusiness #BusinessPodcast #BusinessMindset #WomenInBusiness #FinancialPlanning #MKBcfo

    41 min

  8. 10/27/2025

    How to Create a Positive Company Culture That Lasts

    How to Create a Positive Company Culture That Lasts | The Financial Operator Podcast | Episode 69 🎙️ In this episode of The Financial Operator Podcast, host Jen Fizer sits down with LuAnn Buechler, also known as The Little Spark, to talk about what it really takes to build a positive company culture that stands the test of time. ✨ LuAnn shares her journey from hospitality and event management to helping entrepreneurs and teams build cultures rooted in purpose, values, and connection. She reveals how identifying your core values can transform not only how you lead—but how your business attracts the right people and opportunities. 🌱 💡 Whether you're leading a growing team or building a business from the ground up, this episode will help you define your values, align your people, and create a culture where everyone thrives. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:00 From Hospitality to Coaching and Culture Creation 06:00 Discovering the Power of Core Values 10:45 The Passion Test: Finding Purpose in Business 18:20 Building a Culture That Reflects Who You Are 25:00 Why Core Values Should Guide Every Decision 33:15 How to Choose the Right Networking Community 38:00 Turning Values Into Long-Term Success 41:40 Final Thoughts and Where to Find LuAnn To connect with LuAnn: Website: https://luannb.com/ 📌 Don't forget to subscribe for the latest podcast episodes and insights from @mkbcfo Do you have your own financial or business growth questions for MKB? Visit: Website: https://mkbcfo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkb_cfo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mkbcfo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mkbcfo   #CompanyCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #BusinessLeadership #CoreValues #PositiveWorkCulture #TeamBuilding #BusinessCoaching #WomenInBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TheFinancialOperator #MKBPodcast #JenFizer #LuAnnBuechler

    43 min
See All (160)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

I've spent over a decade in finance and operations, including seven years as an Operational CFO helping businesses through everything from growth to Chapter 11 bankruptcy. I've owned, scaled, and sold my own company, so I understand firsthand the pressure, risk, and grit it takes to be a business owner. Now, as CEO of MKB, I help entrepreneurs get clear on their numbers so they can scale with confidence and stop feeling stuck in the chaos. On this podcast, I sit down with real business owners to talk about the financial challenges they've faced, and the strategies that got them through. From cash flow stress to hiring decisions and growth setbacks, nothing's off the table. The Financial Operator is here to make finance feel doable, empowering, and dare I say—exciting.

Information

  • Creator
    Jen Fizer
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Fair Use
  • Show Website
    The Financial Operator