Épisodes

  • Navigating Business Transitions | Joe Alam III with Mid-States Advisors

    Navigating Business Transitions | Joe Alam III with Mid-States Advisors
    Oct 2 2026
    What happens when the business you built is also your retirement plan?

    Most business owners spend years building their companies, but how many have a clear plan for what happens when it’s time to step away?

    Matt Allison and Brad Metzger sat down with Joseph Alam III, Managing Director at Mid-States Advisors, Inc. to discuss the challenges of business transitions, succession planning, and preparing for a successful exit.

    We discussed:
    ✅ Why building strong relationships and referrals can create significant business opportunities.
    ✅ Why succession planning is critical, especially when the next generation isn’t interested in taking over the family business.
    ✅ The valuation gap between what business owners think their companies are worth and what buyers are willing to pay.
    ✅ How fractional CFOs, HR professionals, and other resources are helping small businesses prepare for future transitions.

    📺 YouTube (Full Episode): Link to YouTube
    🎙️Spotify: TBD

    Connect with Joe Alam III: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-alam-iii
    Connect with Matt Allison: linkedin.com/in/allisonmatt
    Connect with Brad Metzger: linkedin.com/in/bradlmetzger
    Cashflow Chronicles Open Forum: linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum
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    32 min
  • Navigating the Transportation Sector: A Complex Landscape | Mike Brossia

    Navigating the Transportation Sector: A Complex Landscape | Mike Brossia
    Sep 21 2026
    🚛 What if the future of transportation isn’t about replacing people with AI but making the people who solve problems even more valuable?Most people see a truck on the road and think, “It’s just getting something from Point A to Point B.” But the reality is far more complicated.Matt Allison and Brad Metzger sat down with Michael Brossia Jr, VP of Sales at McClay's Logistics USA LLC, to pull back the curtain on the transportation industry from breakdowns and supply chain challenges to AI, contracts, and the importance of relationships.We discussed:✅ The complexity behind every delivery and countless decisions that all have to work together to keep freight moving.✅ How AI is changing transportation with automated dispatching, scheduling, to paperwork, efficiency, safety, and even autonomous trucks. ✅ Why relationships and adaptability matter more than ever. In a constantly changing market, honest communication, realistic expectations, and strong partnerships can be the difference between solving a problem and losing a customer.👉 Transportation is much more than trucks moving freight. It's people solving problems in real time. And as AI continues to reshape the industry, that human element may become even more valuable.#Transportation #Logistics #SupplyChain #AI g#FutureOfWork #Trucking #MichiganBusiness #BusinessPodcast #CashflowChronicles #Detroit #Leadership #Relationships #SupplyChainManagementConnect with Michael Brossia Jr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brossia-jrConnect with Matt Allison: linkedin.com/in/allisonmattConnect with Brad Metzger: linkedin.com/in/bradlmetzgerCashflow Chronicles Open Forum: linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum
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    44 min
  • Reviving a Detroit Food Icon to Business Transitions | Andrew Dickow

    Reviving a Detroit Food Icon to Business Transitions | Andrew Dickow
    Sep 3 2026
    Andrew Dickow, President of Greenwich Capital Group and Townsend Street Capital, joins Cashflow Chronicles Open Forum to talk food & beverage M&A, building a national investment banking practice from a Michigan roots, and the story behind acquiring Detroit icon Buddy's Pizza.

    We dig into what makes a business truly sellable, how GLP-1 adoption is reshaping grocery, the shift toward "picks and shovels" manufacturing over brand-only plays, and the surprising resilience of the M&A market in 2026. Whether you're a founder thinking about an exit or just curious what it takes to buy back a beloved local brand, this one's worth the listen.

    📺 YouTube (Full Episode): https://lnkd.in/gX6P5Diy

    We discussed:
    • 📈 The M&A market remains resilient, with increased activity driven in part by an aging generation of business owners looking to exit.
    • 💰 Profitability matters again. Buyers are focusing less on revenue growth alone and more on sustainable, resilient businesses with proven performance through different economic cycles.
    • 🏭 Owning manufacturing can create strategic value, giving companies greater control over innovation, costs, supply chain, and production but it also requires significant capital investment.
    • 🍕 Buddy’s Pizza is a case study in brand revival, with the new ownership focused first on restoring quality, service, and the customer experience before aggressively pursuing growth.
    • 🎯 Preparing to sell takes years, not months. Strong management, documented processes, reliable financials, customer diversification, and succession planning can significantly improve a company’s readiness and value.
    #CashflowChronicles #MergersAndAcquisitions #FoodAndBeverage #BuddysPizza #DetroitBusiness #PrivateEquity

    Connect with Andrew Dickow: linkedin.com/in/andrewdickow/
    Connect with Matt Allison: linkedin.com/in/allisonmatt
    Connect with Brad Metzger: linkedin.com/in/bradlmetzger
    Cashflow Chronicles Open Forum: linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum
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    56 min
  • Beyond the Hammer: Building a Successful Trades Business | Joe Cipriano and Patrick Montgomery

    Beyond the Hammer: Building a Successful Trades Business | Joe Cipriano and Patrick Montgomery
    Aug 20 2026
    AI is changing the workforce, but what if the careers least threatened by AI are the ones we were told weren’t “good enough” growing up?

    📺 YouTube (Full Episode): https://lnkd.in/gbQaJSfi
    🎙️ Spotify: Link to Spotify

    For years, careers in electrical, plumbing, roofing, HVAC, and automotive have been viewed as a lesser path, pushed aside in favor of college degrees. But here's the truth: we’re losing skilled contractors at an alarming rate.

    Matt Allison and Brad Metzger sat down with Joseph P. Cipriano, of CONSTRUCTEAM to talk about how he started his business, but where he sees the world of trades in the near future. Together with Patrick Montgomery, they have something new with CT1 (myct1.com), "Business in a Box", a platform to help the contractors and better operate.

    We discussed:
    ✅ Why the skilled trades were pushed aside for decades and why that perception needs to change.
    ✅ "Business in a Box" - The growing shortage of skilled tradespeople and why getting more people into the industry is only part of the solution.
    ✅ Being great at your trade doesn't necessarily mean you know how to run a successful business.
    ✅ How AI is being used to help contractors with estimating, pricing, customer management, and back-office processes.
    ✅ Can one bad quote really hurt a business? And how better systems and processes can help contractors avoid costly mistakes.

    Connect with Joe Cipriano : Joseph P. Cipriano
    Connect with Patrick Montgomery: Patrick Montgomery
    Connect with Matt Allison: linkedin.com/in/allisonmatt
    Connect with Brad Metzger: linkedin.com/in/bradlmetzger
    Cashflow Chronicles Open Forum: linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum

    #SkilledTrades #FutureOfWork #AI #CareerDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment #TradeJobs #CareerAdvice #CashflowChronicles #BusinessPodcast #Detroit #TradesMatter #SkilledTrades #Craftsmanship #CareerPaths #Construction
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    48 min
  • How to Build a Startup That Lasts | Christina Fair

    How to Build a Startup That Lasts | Christina Fair
    Jul 30 2026
    Christina Fair, is the Co-Founder and COO @ Hum, Founder/CEO @ Vela Advisory, as well as a key contributor to Rocket Fiber in Detroit, Michigan. Matt Allison and Brad Metzger sat down with Christina Fair, who has been at has been at the center of Detroit's innovation movement. From helping build the fiber infrastructure that powers Downtown Detroit to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs

    YouTube 📺 (Full Episode): Christina Fair Episode
    Spotify 🎙️: Link to Spotify

    We discuss:
    ✅ How Rocket Fiber helped transform Detroit into a growing technology hub.
    ✅ The biggest mistakes founders make and how to avoid them before investing time and money.
    ✅ Why AI is changing the startup game and making it easier than ever to validate new business ideas.
    ✅ The importance of focus, customer discovery, and building before seeking investment.
    ✅ Why great founders surround themselves with the right people and never stop learning.

    Connect with Christina Fair: Christina Fair LinkedIn
    Connect with Matt Allison: linkedin.com/in/allisonmatt
    Connect with Brad Metzger: linkedin.com/in/bradlmetzger
    Cashflow Chronicles Open Forum: linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum

    #Entrepreneurship #Startups #DetroitTech #Innovation #Leadership #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessDevelopment #MichiganBusiness #Founder #VentureCapital #CashflowChronicles #BusinessPodcast #Detroit
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    38 min
  • Navigating the Merchant Services World and Statements | John Kassa of Bravo Payment Systems

    Navigating the Merchant Services World and Statements | John Kassa of Bravo Payment Systems
    Jul 14 2026
    John Kassa, President of Detroit Executives Association and Business Director at Bravo Payment Systems, joins us to discuss what separates great business relationships from transactional ones, and why integrity still wins.We discussed with John:✅ Why exceptional customer service is a competitive advantage.✅ The hidden fees and misconceptions surrounding merchant processing.✅ How trust, transparency, and relationships drive long-term business success.✅ Why networking, making introductions, and giving first always pays off.#MerchantServices #Leadership #Networking #BusinessDevelopment #CustomerService #Entrepreneurship #DetroitBusiness #MichiganBusiness #Sales #BusinessRelationships #CashflowChronicles #BusinessPodcast #IntegrityYoutube: Full Episode with John KassaSpotify: Full Episode with John KassaConnect with John Kassa: John Kassa LinkedInConnect with Matt Allison: linkedin.com/in/allisonmattConnect with Brad Metzger: linkedin.com/in/bradlmetzgerCashflow Chronicles Open Forum: linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum
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    48 min
  • From a one-person startup into a national talent solution | Ronia Kruse of OpTech

    From a one-person startup into a national talent solution | Ronia Kruse of OpTech
    Jun 26 2026
    Being a founder of a business can be difficult when your looking to grow and scale. You have to have a good vision and build a team that can execute!

    We’re joined by Ronia Kruse, Founder and CEO of OpTech, who shares her entrepreneurial journey, leadership lessons, and insights on how AI is reshaping the future of business.

    We sat down with Ronia to discuss:
    ✅ How she built OpTech from a one-person startup into a nationally recognized technology and talent solutions company.
    ✅ The balance between being a visionary CEO and maintaining strong financial discipline as a business leader.
    ✅ How AI is transforming recruiting, business operations, and the workforce.
    ✅ Leadership lessons on empowering teams and building strong cultures.

    Youtube (Full Video): https://youtu.be/usrUXeSA5Hw
    Spotify: Spotify Episode with Ronia Kruse of OpTech

    Connect with Ronia Kruse: linkedin.com/in/roniakruse/
    Connect with Matt Allison: linkedin.com/in/allisonmatt
    Connect with Brad Metzger: linkedin.com/in/bradlmetzger
    Cashflow Chronicles Open Forum: linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum
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    36 min
  • How Business Valuation can produce value? | Sarah Greifenberger

    How Business Valuation can produce value? | Sarah Greifenberger
    Jun 11 2026
    This week on Cashflow Chronicles Open Forum, we sit down with Sarah Greifenberger, Founder of Arbor Valuation and Consulting, to discuss one of the most important questions every business owner should be able to answer:

    👉 What is your business actually worth?

    Connect with Sarah Greifenberger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahgreifenberger-5045aa125/ Website: https://arborvaluation.com/

    Youtube (Full Video): https://youtu.be/MX0GHojfohc
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5S3aqHyEpwTPl9XhEf0wd4?si=c05b61f2162143a8


    Youtube (Full Video): https://youtu.be/usrUXeSA5Hw
    Spotify: Spotify Episode with Ronia Kruse of OpTech

    Connect with Matt Allison: linkedin.com/in/allisonmatt
    Connect with Brad Metzger: linkedin.com/in/bradlmetzger
    Cashflow Chronicles Open Forum: linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum
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    39 min