Cash Flow Chronicles Open Forum

In this episode, Kimberly Blair shares real, unfiltered insights on:• What leadership actually looks like behind the scenes — learning to delegate, trust your team, and avoid burnout• How to scale a mission-driven business without losing sight of performance and profitability• The true driver of culture — getting the right people aligned and empowered• The spirit of Detroit — where resilience, collaboration, and innovation fuel growth• Why connection is becoming a competitive advantage — through experiences, partnerships, and storytelling• Hard-earned leadership lessons — embracing failure, staying grounded, and leading with authenticityYoutube: https://youtu.be/7eiI7tqLBtoConnect with Kimberly Blair: linkedin.com/in/kimberly-blair-757b3239Connect with Matt Allison: linkedin.com/in/allisonmattConnect with Brad Metzger: linkedin.com/in/bradlmetzgerCashflow Chronicles Open Forum: linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum

This week, we’re joined by Matt Elliott, former President of Bank of America Michigan and Founder of Blue Lake Ideas, bringing 35+ years of leadership experience across commercial banking and capital markets.We sat down with Matt to discuss:• Why leadership today isn’t about strategy alone, it’s about building the capacity to execute in an increasingly complex, fast-moving world.• The “Power of AND” — moving beyond binary thinking to unlock better decisions, stronger teams, and sustainable growth.• How great leaders create space, not just direction, it's empowering teams through trust, clarity, and shared ownership.• Why culture truly does eat strategy for lunch and how misalignment shows up when organizations are under pressure.• Communication as the ultimate differentiator from the boardroom to early-career professionals entering the workforce.• Practical leadership tools like pausing with intention, running small experiments, and embracing uncertainty instead of avoiding it.📺 Youtube (Full Video): https://youtu.be/1L6vvgRlZmUConnect with Matt Elliott: linkedin.com/in/matt-elliott-4866b58Connect with Matt Allison: linkedin.com/in/allisonmattConnect with Brad Metzger: linkedin.com/in/bradlmetzgerCashflow Chronicles Open Forum: linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum

This week, we’re joined by Andy Neary, Founder of Complete Game Consulting, and a leading voice in modern sales strategy and personal branding.We sat down with Andy to discuss:• The biggest shift in sales since 2020 — why business is no longer about who you know, but who knows you!• Why traditional outreach is losing effectiveness and how attention, not activity, is now the name of the game.• Building a personal brand that attracts opportunities.• The power of consistency — why the most successful sales professionals block time every week to prospect, nurture relationships, and grow their visibility.• AI vs. authenticity — how to use AI to support your strategy without losing the human connection buyers are craving.📺 Youtube (Full Video): https://lnkd.in/eycdXgDiConnect with Andy Neary: linkedin.com/in/andynearyConnect with Matt Allison: linkedin.com/in/allisonmattConnect with Brad Metzger: linkedin.com/in/bradlmetzgerCashflow Chronicles Open Forum: linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum

We sat down with Laurie Harbour with Wipfli to discuss:• The real state of manufacturing — mixed signals in the market, uncertainty around tariffs, and pockets of strong growth across the industry.• Margin compression and post-COVID cost pressures — why many manufacturers are seeing higher costs, softer revenues, and the importance of controlling what you can.• Diversification strategies for suppliers — expanding into adjacent markets, rethinking sales strategies, and actively hunting for new opportunities.• Cash flow as the lifeblood of manufacturing — why tracking and managing cash is more critical than ever for small and mid-sized suppliers.Connect with Laurie Harbour: http://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-harbour-264a253/Connect with Matt Allison: http://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonmatt/Connect with Brad Metzger: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bradlmetzger/Cashflow Chronicles Open Forum: http://www.linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum/ Full YouTube Video: http://youtu.be/ZqTYimWK0Gg

On this episode of Cash Flow Chronicles Open Forum, Matt Allison and Brad Metzger sit down with Detroit-based founder Nishant Dixit to unpack one of manufacturing’s biggest challenges: getting paid on time.From 90–120 day payment terms in automotive to the growing working capital gap facing Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers, the conversation dives into how delayed funding strains margins, limits growth, and makes diversification into aerospace, EV, and other sectors even harder. Nishant shares his journey from global emerging markets to launching an AI-native FinTech platform built in Detroit, designed specifically to help manufacturers accelerate payments, improve cash visibility, reduce fraud risk, and make smarter financing decisions.This episode explores the real-world impact of AI in finance where automation meets human oversight and why the best tech solutions don’t have to come from Silicon Valley.If you’re in manufacturing, banking, automotive, or supply chain finance, this is a practical, Midwest-rooted conversation about stabilizing cash flow and strengthening the ecosystem from the ground up.Connect with Nishant Dixit: linkedin.com/in/nishantdixitBusiness Website for Alisio Fi:  alisiofi.comConnect with Matt Allison: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonmatt/Connect with Brad Metzger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradlmetzger/Cashflow Chronicles Open Forum: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum/Full YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/cyuDHFv0jDk

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Grigorian, President & CEO of the Detroit Economic Club (DEC), to explore the role of one of America’s longest-standing forums for business, government and social dialogue.From the Club’s founding in 1934 and its mission to foster discussion on the most pressing economic and societal issues, to how DEC curates conversations with top business leaders, policymakers and thought leaders. Steve shares how he came to lead the DEC along with what it takes to steward an organization that has hosted every U.S. President since Richard Nixon.We also dig into how DEC connects emerging professionals through its Young Leaders and career development programs.  But more importantly why Detroit remains a vital stage for national and global economic conversation.Connect with Steve here: http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegrigorian/Learn more about the Detroit Economic Club and become a member: http://www.econclub.org/About the Detroit Economic Club: Formed in 1934 as a non-partisan, non-profit organization committed to the discussion and debate of important business, government and social issues. Fortune 100 CEOs and top government officials continue to deliver thought leadership on our dynamic world, from the DEC’s storied podium.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Shane Galvin, founder of Power CFO, we move from framework to reality—what fractional CFO work actually looks like once the engagement begins.This episode is about execution.About cash.About accountability.And about why strong businesses don’t operate in the dark. We talk about: What strategic fractional CFO services really mean—and how they differ from tactical finance workWhy cash flow sits at the foundation of every decision How the Profitability Pyramid becomes a working system, not a slide deck What the right client–CFO partnership requires (and what makes it fail)How statements of work create clarity, ownership, and measurable ROIWhy most fractional CFO engagements should be treated as investments—not expenses How quarterly health checks uncover hidden margin and riskA real-world case study on failed technology implementation—and what turned it into a multi-million-dollar successThis conversation pulls back the curtain on what finance leaders and business owners are actually wrestling with behind the scenes—and why structure consistently outperforms noise when pressure rises.Connect with Shane here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaneglavinmba/Learn more about Power CFO: https://www.thepowercfo.comAbout Power CFO: Power CFO helps business owners and leadership teams bring structure, clarity, and financial discipline to their operations—so growth decisions are intentional, measurable, and aligned with long-term goals.

This week on the Cashflow Chronicles Open Forum, we sit down with Shane Galvin, founder of Power CFO, for a conversation grounded in how finance leaders actually help companies reach their goals. Not because he followed a content strategy. Not because he was chasing reach. But because he shows up candid, practical, and focused on what actually moves the needle.In Part 1, we talk about: How the Profitability Pyramid gives leaders a clear system to align growth, cash flow, and decision-making What finance leaders really wrestle with behind the scenes Why clarity beats cleverness when companies are under pressure How structure—not noise—helps businesses achieve what they set out to do This conversation sets the foundation for understanding how strong financial leadership creates direction, discipline, and momentum inside growing companies.Connect with Shane here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaneglavinmba/Learn more about Power CFO: https://www.thepowercfo.comAbout Power CFO: Power CFO helps business owners and leadership teams bring structure, clarity, and financial discipline to their operations—so growth decisions are intentional, sustainable, and aligned with long-term goals.This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Part 2 goes deeper into execution, fractional CFO structure, ROI, and real-world application.

In this episode of Cash Flow Chronicles, we sit down with John Trendell of Republic Business Credit to dive into the real world of alternative financing and why it can be a game-changer when traditional bank loans fall short. When businesses face sudden cash-flow issues, production delays, or rapid growth opportunities, asset-based lending and factoring can provide the flexible working capital needed to keep things moving. John breaks down when these tools make sense, how they work, and what leaders should consider when navigating non-bank funding options.What You’ll Learn:When unexpected disruptions make alternative lending the smarter moveHow ABL and factoring convert invoices, receivables, and inventory into fast capitalWhy non-bank financing can support both recovery and growthPractical insights for owners, CFOs, and operations leaders facing cash-flow pressureWhether you're scaling, stabilizing, or strategizing, this episode delivers actionable guidance for securing the capital you need without relying solely on traditional banks.John Trendell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-trendell-133b943/Cashflow Chronicles Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum/ #BusinessPodcast #AlternativeFinance #AssetBasedLending #Factoring #WorkingCapital #SmallBiz #CashFlow #Leadership #GrowthMindset #CashFlowChronicles

We were joined by Jason Hill, Co-Founder of J2 IT Group, and together they provide technology consulting and is a managed services provider headquartered out of Southeastern Michigan. Specializing in solving business issues, they implement and utilize technology through their people, expertise, and partners. We discuss the importance of making sure that your technology needs are being address but more importantly, its secure.  Having a good managed IT partner can help mitigate the risk of fraud which can disrupt your business thus impacting your cashflow and bottom line.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-hill-3546201/https://www.linkedin.com/company/j2it-group/posts/?feedView=allWebsite: http://www.j2itgroup.com

Political disruption and technology shifts are the top challenges executives face in 2025. But there's a third crisis quietly destroying businesses: the skills shortage, combined with an aging workforce and changing employment expectations. On this episode, we sit down with Derek Hilbert, founder of Kingfisher Recruiting, a niche recruiting firm serving construction, manufacturing and industrial sectors. Derek shares why engaging a recruiting expert isn't just about posting a job—it's about tapping into networks of passive candidates, matching culture and capability, and streamlining hiring for long-term success. The hard truth: 32% of leaders say attracting and retaining top talent is their biggest concern heading into 2025 . Traditional recruiting isn't what it used to be. What Derek reveals:◼️ Why "people, process, product" is the only order that prevents catastrophic mis-hires◼️ The real reason top talent won't relocate (it's math, not money)◼️ How neurobehavioral assessments expose what personality tests miss◼️ Why not serving competitors simultaneously protects your talent strategy◼️ The psychology trick keeping you trapped in endless candidate searches◼️ Real stories: Finding one-in-five-in-the-world engineers and transforming hiring outcomesWhether you're stuck in the talent war, seeking hidden opportunities, or curious about effective recruiting—this conversation delivers the insider view you need. Connect with Derek: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekhilbert/ Website: https://kingfisherrecruiting.com/Cash Flow Chronicles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forumTopics: Recruiting | Talent Acquisition | Manufacturing | Construction | Industrial | Leadership | Workforce Planning

Are you leaving money on the table when selling equipment or closing a facility? Most business owners wait too long to assess their asset value — and it costs them. In this episode, we sit down with Jason Levy, President of The Levy Recovery Group. With over 30 years of expertise and more than $50 million in successful transactions, Jason has handled everything from major industrial auctions to high-profile sales like Kanye West's Donda House. What You'll Learn:How to maximize ROI on equipment sales before M&A or liquidationCostly mistakes companies make (and how to avoid them)Why getting expert valuations early dramatically increases your returnReal-world stories from industrial recovery to celebrity property salesWhether you're planning a merger, facility closure, or need to move idle equipment, Jason shares actionable strategies from three decades in the recovery business. The Levy Recovery Group specializes in: Equipment Liquidation | Auctions | Valuations & Appraisals | Decommissioning | Turn-Key SolutionsConnect with Jason: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-levy-4b8101b/Website: levyrecovery.com

The rules of sales have fundamentally changed. What worked pre-2020 doesn't cut it anymore—and the professionals who haven't adapted are struggling. In this episode, Chad Johnson, an accomplished sales leader with extensive corporate experience, breaks down the modern selling environment and reveals why traditional tactics are falling flat. In this conversation, you'll discover:Why decision-makers have less time than ever—and how to earn their attentionThe research prospects do before they ever agree to meet with you (and how to control that narrative)How to build an online presence that positions you as a trusted resource, not just another salespersonModern prospecting strategies that actually work in 2025The shift from "selling" to becoming the go-to expert prospects seek outWhether you're a sales professional looking to fill your pipeline with qualified leads, a business owner refining your approach, or an executive leading a sales team, this episode delivers practical, no-nonsense strategies you can implement immediately.About Chad Johnson: Chad is a proven sales leader who helps professionals transform underperforming sales processes into high-converting pipelines. His clients experience continuous pipeline growth, higher conversion rates, and stronger professional networks that consistently generate referrals.Connect with Chad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadljohnson/ Claude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.Sonnet 4.5.https://www.linkedin.com/in/chadljohnson/https://www.linkedin.com/company/cashflow-chronicles-open-forum

This week on Cashflow Chronicles, we sat down with Deborah Newton, founder of Newton Steele, to unpack what it really takes to build and sustain a high-performing sales team. With 20+ years in enterprise sales and over a decade in supply chain logistics, she has a proven track record as a fractional sales leader and having partnered with fast-growing companies.Deborah’s reputation precedes her — she’s known for her no-nonsense, people-first approach that helps organizations cut through complexity, realign their teams, and reignite performance. But what stood out most in this conversation was her perspective on focus — how the best leaders create clarity, protect their team’s energy, and make the tough calls others avoid.If you lead a team, manage revenue, or simply want a better understanding of what separates good organizations from great ones, this is a discussion you’ll want to hear.https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahchristinenewton/Learn more about Newton Steele: https://newtonsteele.com/

John Ball and Lisa Goyette founds of CH Training and Coaching break down: The real costs of poor culture (turnover, recruiting fees, lost productivity) The 4-part EQ framework: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship management How to fix communication, conflict, and succession handoffs Building connection in remote/hybrid teams Takeaways: define culture, hire to it, train managers to coach, and make change coachable. Subscribe and drop your biggest culture challenge below.John Ball https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-ball-7a88Lisa Goyette https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-goyette-25666512CH Training and Coaching - https://www.linkedin.com/company/chtrainin...https://www.chtrainingandcoaching.com/

Our latest conversation with Domenic Maiani is exactly why I created Cashflow Chronicles in the first place. Dom is a Rockstar when it comes to networking, recognizing top talent, and staying ahead of AI. In our discussion, he shared:Why cold calling isn’t dead — but why trusted networks always win.The difference between “selling” and “leading with value.”How AI is transforming outreach, recruiting, and go-to-market strategies.His ability to blend practical tools with genuine connection makes him stand out — and it’s exactly the kind of conversation I want to continue bringing you.

Steve Carey Michigan Market Manager at Oswald Insurance joined us today to discuss Cyber Insurance. What it is, protocols all companies should have in place and  how to structure a policy. Of course determining if you need a policy vs. relying on internal processes is crucial to examine. Join us as we discuss important considerations on a topic that almost all companies should address in their business planning. Connect with Steve here https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-carey-cawc-81026925/

In this episode of Cashflow Chronicles Open Forum, I sit down with industry veteran Kevin Graham to talk about the financial red flags every automotive supplier should be watching right now. We cover: Why late payables are the #1 warning sign a customer is in trouble The hidden risks of focusing only on top-line sales how interest rates, EV transitions, and supply chain pressures are reshaping the auto sector. Why CFOs and finance leaders need to prioritize cash flow forecasts and transparency with their banks If you’re a Tier 2 or Tier 3 supplier in the automotive industry, this conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, planning, and protecting your receivables in an unpredictable market.

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Gross director Getzler Henrich and board member of the Turnaround Management Association in Detroit to explore what financial leaders are really up against in today’s economy. Ryan brings years of hands-on experience working with distressed and restructuring businesses, offering a clear-eyed view into challenges that don’t always make the headlines. You’ll hear his perspective on tariffs disrupting supply chains, the difficulty of finding skilled labor, and the early signs of financial stress leaders can’t afford to ignore.Most importantly, Ryan shares practical steps executives can take now to protect cashflow and stay ahead of uncertainty. If you’re a CFO, controller, or business leader navigating tight margins and rising risks, this conversation will give you timely insights and frameworks to think more proactively.

The Strategy Wake-Up Call for U.S. Manufacturers What happens when electrification slows, tariffs rise, and China surges ahead?You get the perfect storm—one that U.S. manufacturers can’t afford to ignore. In this episode of Cashflow Chronicles, I sat down with Sheldon Stone, President of SFNet Detroit and Managing Director at Capstone Partners, to unpack what’s really going on in the U.S. automotive supply chain—and more importantly, how middle-market manufacturers can still come out ahead.We went deep on:✅ Why EV investments are being de-prioritized—and what that means for suppliers✅ The brutal impact of tariffs and who’s left holding the bill✅ How Chinese automakers are winning the long game✅ Why most manufacturers don’t plan… they just react✅ And the one piece of advice Sheldon gives every owner: Keep an open mind. This isn’t a doom-and-gloom conversation. It’s a strategic reset. “When a company makes data-driven decisions—not just gut calls—they gain predictability. And in uncertain times, predictability is everything.”— Sheldon Stone

Welcome everyone to the Cashflow Chronicles, something that a still humble person took a chance at creating with the the goal of removing barriers to knowlede and connection.  I hope you enjoy these episodes with an understanding that we are all human and no one has all the answers.  All episodes will be on Youtube at www.youtube.com/@CashFlowChroniclesOpenForum I truly enjoy hearing and featuring all tips and tricks on the topic of cashflow in business world  Feel free to contact me directly on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonmatt/  

Former Guest Chris Walcher Vice President of Sales at Cedar Financial joined me again today as he surprised almost everyone with a book titled Corporate Casual which identifies how sales succes in today's world comes down to Authentic connection and how formulatic sales processes have at times become outdated. This one is a bit off the beaten path of cashflow, but timely as effective sales success ties to management and incoming revenue. Connect with Chris here https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-walcher-56aa6877/His book can be found here https://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Casual-Someone-Selling-Actually/dp/B0FB1ZL3TY

Mike Malaga  a leader within the automotive industry for his bank and a representative of various automotive advocacy groups in Detroit Joins me to discuss the current status of the automotive industry in the world of uncertain tariffs,wage increases, inflation and on then off again EV Transition. He shares some sound advice for those looking for an insider's take on how to survive. Connect with Mike here https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-malaga-a7995b5a/

Shaundra Belle and Matt Discuss the importance of the people in a business, how that ties directly into cashflow for the business along with tips to optimize your workforce.Connect with Shaundra Here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaundra-belle/

I was joined by James Brown CEO and Founder of BKWIRE.com as we discussed how important it is to actively monitor bankruptcies on a real time basis and more importantly how important it is to know the impact on the affected creditors balance sheet a daily basis as the number one cause of bankruptcy is being affected by a bankruptcy. www.bkwire.com  Contact me for an extended free trial. 

In this episode of Cashflow Chronicles, we’re joined by Matt Cannon, a leading voice in AP automation, to discuss the overlooked connection between Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) — and how this relationship directly impacts cash flow performance.You’ll learn:Why AP and AR often operate in silos—and how that creates cash flow inefficienciesHow AP automation can drive faster decision-making and improve AR outcomesPractical tips for finance leaders looking to strengthen working capital strategyThe evolving role of technology in creating a unified view of payables and receivablesConnect with Matt here https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjcannon/

Scott Harris and David Gremaud join me to discuss ways in which a third party analysis leverages external tools and resources to optimize cost savings that may not be possible through internal analysisConnect with Dave www.linkedin.com/in/david-gremaudConnect with Scott again here https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-a-harris-/

Is your business growing but not ready for a full-time CFO? In this episode, Matt talks with Lesli Matukaitis, a seasoned fractional CFO, about how growing companies can use financial strategy to boost profits, avoid cash crunches, and secure better financing. What a fractional CFO really doesHow to spot profit killersWhy firing a big customer might helpHow trade credit insurance supports lendingTips on global risk & FXConnect with Lesli https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesli-matukaitis/

Former Guest and senior banker Scott Harris joined me as Dennis Viellieu now a fractional CFO with years of experience in the role of CFO for various leading companies in the Chicago area as we discuss how important financial management is with an effective cashflow forecasting model and how many companies do not accurately forecast.  We highlight what is important with this modeling and what happens when proper tactics are not enforced. Connect with Dennis here https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-viellieu/Connect with Scott here https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-a-harris-/

I was Joined by Chris Walcher the Vice President of Sales at Cedar Financial to discuss how professionals in the supplemental Accounts Receivables business view best practices for business that at times fail to stay proactive or can take risks while still having trusted resources to support those strategies. Connect with Chris here https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-walcher-56aa6877/

In this episode of Cash Flow Chronicles - Open Forum, I was pleased to be joined by Scott Harris a seasoned and trusted business banker to discuss cashflow and budgeting best practices along with discussing what a business should look for when analyzing a business banking relationship.  He shares some solid objective tips. Connect with him here https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-a-harris-/

In this episode of Cashflow Chronicles, Matt Allison sits down with Jennifer Giannosa, founder of Lumifi Digital, to explore how she transformed a layoff into a successful digital marketing agency for local service businesses. 🎧 You’ll learn:How Jennifer turned job loss into purposeRetention strategies vs. constant client chasingWhy one online review can make or break a businessHow subscriptions help stabilize cash flowThe role of education and knowing your ideal clientThe real, unfiltered grind of entrepreneurshipCheck her out on linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-giannosa/www.lumifidigital.comTune in for actionable insights and honest lessons—all in a format made for your daily commute.