Episode 61: Why Your Business Feels Tight Right Now (And What to Fix) with Bentley Pugh

If your business feels tighter than usual with less cash, slower deals, and more pressure, this episode is a must-listen!For today's episode of Strength in Numbers Podcast, Marcus Crigler sits down with real estate investor Bentley Pugh to unpack what’s going on behind the scenes when a business starts to feel squeezed.Listen as he discusses taking full accountability, resolving cash flow issues, and returning to the fundamentals that built his business in the first place. He also breaks down how he’s restructuring deals, improving financial visibility, and why strong operators win by adjusting when the market changes.Enjoy the show!You’ll Learn How To:Manage cash flow during a business slowdownAdjust deal structures to bring in faster cashBuild multiple income streams within real estateStay disciplined with proper cash managementWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode:(01:48) Introducing Bentley Pugh and his background(04:34) How infill lot development works in Seattle(05:59) Why rising interest rates slowed the market(07:31) Adapting your business instead of blaming the market(09:44) Land deals are more complex than traditional flips(11:57) Competition and challenges in land acquisition(13:29) Avoiding shiny object syndrome in business(15:09) Vertical integration and deal optimization(16:33) How Bentley got into private lending(19:24) Bentley's "One Big Deal"(20:28) Choosing cash flow over quick profits(25:07) The importance of detailed budgeting per property(26:55) Creating a forward-looking cash flow tracking system(30:08) Bentley's advice for better results in businessWho This Episode is For:Real estate entrepreneurs who are tired of being brokeInvestors dealing with slower deals or tighter marginsEntrepreneurs who feel plateaued in their businessAnyone struggling with inconsistent cash flowWhy You Should Listen:This episode serves as a real-world reminder that small decisions can add up. Taking your foot off the gas, ignoring your numbers, or bending your own rules can slowly create pressure in your business.Connect with Bentley Pugh:Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentley-pugh-b180504/ Connect with Marcus Crigler:Website: https://beccfo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-crigler-cpa-977a45b7 Facebook: https://facebook.com/marcus.crigler