#224 Top Cash Flow Mistakes in Home Services and How to Fix Them

In this episode of Owned and Operated, John and Jack break down the most underrated—and often misunderstood—pillar of business success: cash flow.They dive deep into what cash flow actually means (hint: it’s not EBITDA or net profit) and why failing to understand it almost tanked their companies. From sharing near-miss horror stories to the practical systems they've built—like automatic savings transfers and cash forecasting—this episode is a must-watch for any operator who wants to build a sustainable, growth-ready business.Whether you're just starting out or scaling past $10M, John and Jack unpack how better cash flow habits can protect your company from financial landmines and unlock new levels of financial control.🔹 In This Episode, We Cover: The real difference between cash flow and profit Why strong EBITDA doesn’t mean you’re in the clear How bad cash habits nearly killed the business Tactical tips for cash flow forecasting and savings Best practices for managing debt and capital expenditures The role of a controller in small business finance Timing large financial decisions to avoid cash crunches Creating team alignment around cash discipline🎧 Listen to more episodes & resources: 👉 https://www.ownedandoperated.com👤 Hosted by: John Wilson – https://x.com/wilsoncompanies Jack Carr – https://x.com/thehvacjack💼 Special Thanks to Service Scalers!We’ve been partnering with Service Scalers to maximize our Local Service Ads (LSAs) and optimize our Google My Business profiles, and the results have been incredible. With hundreds of thousands in sales and 900+ calls in a single week, GMBs are now our top-performing organic lead channel. Want to learn how Service Scalers can do the same for you? 🔗Check Them Out Here 🚀 Huge Shoutout to SupplyHouse!When it comes to fast turnaround times, SupplyHouse has our back! With 250,000+ SKUs covering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical, they make sure we get the right materials—fast and hassle-free.💡Their Trademaster program offers free shipping, returns, and discounts, all with no membership fee. Use promo code SH5 for five percent off your first order— Code is valid through 9/30/2025.🔗 Check them out & level up your supply game here 🚀 Check Out Our Newsletter  We break down how 7- and 8-figure home service businesses scale, hire, and grow. No fluff—just real insights from real operators.Find it HereSend Us Mail!More Ways To Connect with O&OJohn's Podcast YouTube ChannelOwned and Operated Newsletter Bonus Videos From JohnLeave a ReviewJohn Wilson, CEO of Wilson CompaniesJack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC📌 Disclaimer: Some links may include UTM parameters or affiliate relationships, meaning we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Episodes may feature sponsors, but all opinions expressed are our own.