Fiscally Awesome with Matt Gardner

84% of nonprofit leaders spend more time worrying about money than advancing their mission. Sound familiar? In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline CEO Matt Gardner breaks down the Nonprofit Doom Loop — a 4-stage cycle trapping organizations in financial survival mode — and what it actually takes to break free. Drawing from Hiline's first-ever nonprofit industry report, Matt and Chief of Staff Katie Burns unpack: Stage 1 – Timing Crisis: Why nonprofits can be "rich on paper, broke in reality, "and how reimbursable grants create dangerous cash flow gaps Stage 2 – Leadership Burnout: How financial stress prevents ratio Executive Directors from leading strategically Stage 3 – The Compliance Trap: Why organizations with 8+ grants spend 4.3x more hours on compliance, and what a modernized system actually fixes Stage 4 – The Fundraising Penalty: How slow financial reporting makes nonprofits "unfundable" and costs them major gifts Plus: The 13-week cash flow tool every nonprofit CFO should be using, and what organizations on the other side of the Doom Loop have in common. Download the Doom Loop Report: https://go.hiline.co/nonprofit-financial-foundation-report/ Free 13-Week Cash Flow Template: https://www.hiline.co/ledger/tools/13-week-cash-flow-template Book a free consultation with Hiline: https://hiline.co/get-started How Hiline supports nonprofits: https://www.hiline.co/small-business-accounting/nonprofits Fiscally Awesome is brought to you by Hiline — financial operations, accounting, and CFO services built specifically for nonprofits and small businesses.

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are the fastest-growing source of nonprofit giving. Are you missing out? 💰 In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline CEO Matt Gardner sits down with Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot, to break down everything nonprofits need to know about DAFs and how to unlock this powerful funding stream. What you'll learn: What a donor-advised fund is and how it works Why $326 billion sits in DAFs, and why most nonprofits aren't set up to receive it The #1 mistake nonprofits make with DAF donor data Practical first steps to become "DAF ready" How to work with community foundations to unlock both grants and DAF gifts Why your EIN visibility could be costing you donors right now Key Insight: Fidelity Charitable distributes over $18B/year and is growing 20–30% annually. If DAFs aren't part of your fundraising strategy, you're leaving money on the table. Guest: Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot Mitch started his career at Goldman Sachs before moving into the nonprofit tech space. At Chariot, he helps nonprofits raise more from DAF donors and streamline complex gift processing through tools like DAF Pay, which integrates with 70+ fundraising platforms. Learn more: givechariot.com Follow Mitch on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mitchstein About Hiline: Hiline provides outsourced accounting, CFO services, and financial operations support to small businesses and nonprofits. We help organizations build the financial infrastructure they need to grow. Learn more → Subscribe for weekly financial insights for small businesses and nonprofits!

Build a nonprofit tech stack that saves time, cuts waste, and amplifies your mission. 🚀 Logan Brown of MeadowTech breaks down the nonprofit growth stack.  In this episode of the Fiscally Awesome podcast, host Matt Gardner (CEO of Hiline) sits down with Logan Brown — co-founder of MeadowTech and The Third Place for Kids — to talk about how nonprofits can modernize their operations without breaking the budget. Logan brings a rare dual perspective: Fortune 50 tech executive turned fractional IT consultant AND active nonprofit founder. Together, he and Matt unpack the real cost of "good enough" technology and what it takes to build systems that actually scale.  🎯 What you'll learn: What a "growth stack" is and why every nonprofit needs one How to do a tech energy audit to find hidden time and money waste Why SaaS sprawl is costing your organization more than you think How nonprofit discounts (TechSoup, Good Stack, Atlassian) can slash your tech costs The #1 security risk hiding in most nonprofits right now Why fractional IT + fractional finance is the smartest investment for organizations under $5M How donor acquisition cost thinking can transform your fundraising strategy 💡 Tools mentioned: Digits, Ramp, Bill.com, Google Workspace, Slack, 1Password, TechSoup, Good Stack  👤 About Logan Brown: Logan is the co-founder of MeadowTech, providing fractional IT and tech-enabled services for nonprofits and social enterprises. He's also co-founder of The Third Place for Kids, a community center for neurodivergent and disabled children. Connect with Logan on LinkedIn.  👤 About Matt Gardner: Matt Gardner is the co-founder and CEO of Hiline, a financial operations firm helping nonprofits and small businesses build modern finance infrastructure.  🔗 Learn more about Hiline: hiline.co 🔗 MeadowTech: meadowtech.co  🔗 The Third Place for Kids: thethirdplaceforkids.org 📬 Subscribe for bi-weekly insights on nonprofit finance, accounting automation, and small business strategy. 

Nonprofit advisor Dr. Sharon Elefant reveals how to launch a "business with a cause" the RIGHT way — from 501(c)(3) filings to funding strategy. Most nonprofit founders are passionate about their mission, but have zero background in business. Dr. Sharon Elefant, CEO of The Nonprofit Plug, has helped hundreds of early-stage nonprofits go from idea to impact with a 100% formation success rate. In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Matt Gardner (CEO of Hiline) and Dr. Sharon cover: Why calling it a "nonprofit" sets you up for failure — and what to say instead Fiscal sponsorship: the secret tool to test your idea WITHOUT forming a 501(c)(3) The #1 financial investment to make BEFORE hiring a grant writer How to reverse-engineer your nonprofit budget from mission to dollar What "good money" actually looks like, and the grant traps to avoid When and how to build the financial infrastructure that unlocks funding Whether you're just starting out or cleaning up a mess from bad TikTok advice, this episode will give you the financial foundation to build a sustainable, fundable organization. 🔗 Learn more about The Nonprofit Plug 🔗 Learn more about Hiline About Fiscally Awesome Fiscally Awesome is produced by Hiline, where we make small business finances stress-free so you can focus on building a great company. Visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more. Hosted by Matt Gardner, CEO and Co-Founder of Hiline. New episodes drop every other Thursday.

Accounting automation isn't about replacing accountants—it's about eliminating the manual, repetitive tasks drowning your team. Join Matt Gardner (CEO, Hiline) and Em Daigle (Founder, OTTO-MATES) as they tackle the reality of automation in accounting, from broken Excel workflows to AI-powered solutions that actually work. What You'll Learn: Why your accounting process (not just your tech) is holding you back The #1 data problem blocking automation success How to identify quick wins that free up hours of manual work AI vs. automation: when to use each in your finance workflows Getting your team to embrace change (without the resistance) Practical first steps for small businesses and accounting firms Featured Guest: Em Daigle is the founder of OTTO-MATES, an online community of 1,000+ accounting and finance professionals focused on automation and AI. With experience from Arthur Andersen to leading go-to-market strategy at Zuora, Em helps accountants navigate the evolving tech landscape without the hard sell. Ready to break up with "Ex-Hell" (that massive Excel spreadsheet running your life)? Subscribe for more practical accounting insights from Hiline! 💼 Join the OTT-MATES Community: https://www.otto-mates.com/ (free to join) 🌐 Learn more about Hiline: https://hiline.co

Drowning in admin work when you should be focused on your mission? This episode is your roadmap out for 2026!   Join Matt Gardner (CEO, Hiline) alongside JC Franzen (Director of Product Management, BILL) and Rob Hamilton (Head of Go-to-Market, Digits) as they reveal how AI and automation are transforming nonprofit finance in 2026. Discover how to eliminate manual processes, gain real-time visibility into your programs and grants, and build both time and financial capacity—all without hiring expensive staff. What You'll Learn: Why the "old way" of nonprofit finance is costing you more than you think How to automate AP/AR, expense management, and month-end close The power of dimensional tracking for programs and grants – you might know this as class. tracking How to present financials that engage your board (no more glossed-over eyes!) Why the right tech stack can replace a $100K+ hire Practical first steps to take today Whether you're an executive director, board member, or nonprofit finance leader, this episode shows you what's possible when you stop retrofitting old processes and start building for the future. Subscribe for more financial wisdom that actually makes sense for small businesses and nonprofits!

Join Hiline CEO Matt Gardner in conversation with Rebecca Bostwick, Principal at Bostwick Strategy Group, as they tackle one of the most important truths in nonprofit management: not all funding opportunities align with your mission, and saying yes to the wrong money can cost your organization more than saying no. In this episode, Rebecca shares her 25 years of experience working with nonprofits from grassroots organizations to national institutions, revealing how to thread together strategy and funding decisions. Learn why accepting a grant without proper systems can drain resources, damage donor relationships, and pull your organization away from its core mission. Key Takeaways: The four Ps framework: Purpose, People, Practice, and Product/Program Red flags to watch for when evaluating grants and major donors Why cashflow matters more than you think with reimbursable grants How board composition must evolve as your organization grows Essential questions to ask before accepting any grant Perfect for: Executive Directors, nonprofit leaders, board members, and anyone navigating the complex world of nonprofit funding and strategy. Connect with Rebecca Bostwick: 🔗 Rebecca A. Bostwick – linkedin.com/in/rebecca-a-bostwick/ 🔗 Rebecca's Website: bostwickstrategygroup.com About Hiline: Hiline specializes in R&D tax credits, AI-native accounting solutions, and nonprofit financial services. We help organizations build the financial systems needed to manage complex funding requirements and scale sustainably. Schedule your free consultation: hiline.co/get-started

Discover how R&D tax credits could put hundreds of thousands of dollars back into your startup's pocket! Join Matt Gardner, CEO of Hiline, and Meenal Garg, Head of Tax Services, as they break down everything you need to know about R&D tax credits and the game-changing 2025 legislation updates. What You'll Learn: How to unlock up to $500K in payroll tax offsets during your first 5 years The 4-part qualification test that determines if you're eligible Biggest misconceptions keeping businesses from claiming credits they deserve Documentation strategies to maximize your credit and minimize audit risk Why failed projects still qualify for R&D credits Amendment opportunities for 2022-2023 to recover taxes you've already paid Key Takeaways: You DON'T need to be profitable to claim R&D credits Failed R&D projects still qualify for credits New 2025 legislation allows 100% deduction of US R&D expenses (reversing the 2022 capitalization rules) Businesses can amend 2022-2023 returns to get refunds Credits offset payroll taxes dollar-for-dollar in early years Qualifying expenses include wages, contractors, supplies, and cloud hosting costs ‼️ Special Offer: FREE R&D study for first-time customers with credits up to $20K! Connect with Hiline: 🌐 Website: https://hiline.co 🧮 Free tool: R&D Tax Credit Calculator 💼 LinkedIn - Meenal Garg 💼 LinkedIn - Matt Gardner 📧 Contact: [email protected] About Our Expert: Meenal Garg is a California-licensed CPA with 25+ years of experience helping tech companies and startups unlock millions in R&D tax credits. She leads Hiline's tax services team of 8 professionals with over 50 combined years of expertise. Why Choose Hiline: ✓ 15% fee (vs industry standard 20-30%) ✓ Comprehensive documentation & audit protection ✓ State credits included at no additional cost ✓ Holistic approach combining accounting, tax prep & R&D studies ✓ Partner-focused, not just a service provider Subscribe for more insights on small business finances, accounting, and tax strategies that actually make sense!

Join Matt Gardner, CEO of Hiline, as he sits down with Ariege Misherghi, BILL's SVP & GM of Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Accountant Channel, to explore how AI agents are revolutionizing accounting workflows. Discover how BILL is eliminating—not just automating—painful manual tasks like W-9 collection and expense reconciliation, freeing accounting professionals to focus on high-value advisory work. What You'll Learn About:  Why the Fortune 5 Million deserve the same tools as the Fortune 500 How BILL's new W-9 Agent and Expense Reconciliation Agent work, potentially saving 650,000+ hours of work across their customer base Why "deleting" workflows (not just digitizing them) is the future of accounting technology How AI agents create competitive advantages for forward-thinking firms while improving talent retention The shift from compliance-focused accounting to tech advisory and strategic guidance Real talk about AI replacing accountants and why capacity—not technology—is the biggest challenge facing firms today Perfect for: Small business owners, accounting firm leaders, finance professionals, and anyone interested in how AI is reshaping professional services.   LINKS: Learn more about BILL Read BILL's AI Agent announcements Connect with Ariege on LinkedIn Connect with Matt on LinkedIn About Hiline: Hiline is a certified accounting firm specializing in serving small businesses and nonprofits with cutting-edge technology and expert guidance. We make finances empowering, understandable, and yes—even fun. Subscribe for more insights on accounting technology, AI innovation, and practical strategies for growing your business!

Is your nonprofit board equipped to navigate today's rapidly evolving digital landscape? Hiline CEO, Matt Gardner sits down with Alethea Hannemann, CEO of Board.dev, to explore how strategic technology expertise at the board level transforms nonprofit effectiveness and sustainability. 🤓 What You'll Learn: Nonprofits are 4x more likely to achieve their missions when tech-savvy, yet most spend only a third of what comparable for-profits invest in technology. This episode reveals how filling this critical gap through strategic board composition can revolutionize your organization's impact and financial health. Key Topics Covered: Why technology expertise now ranks alongside finance and legal as essential board competencies The three technology archetypes every nonprofit should consider How tech-fluent boards strengthen financial oversight and donor trust Cybersecurity risks facing nonprofits (the second-most attacked sector) and essential protections Practical first steps for executive directors to strengthen board capacity Why clean data systems are foundational to both financial accuracy and AI readiness Whether you're managing a nonprofit with a $500K or $10M budget, this conversation provides actionable guidance for building the governance capacity needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world. 🔗 Resources Mentioned: https://www.Board.dev - Strengthening nonprofits through tech-savvy boards Board Tech 28 Assessment  Hiline's Board-Ready Finance Kit   About Fiscally Awesome Fiscally Awesome is produced by Hiline, where we make small business finances stress-free so you can focus on building a great company. Visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more. Hosted by Matt Gardner, CEO and Co-Founder of Hiline. New episodes drop every other Thursday.

Corporate giving just got more complicated – and more strategic. Join Hiline CEO Matt Gardner as he sits down with Maureen Flynn, VP at Changing Our World, to break down what's really happening in the world of nonprofit funding and corporate partnerships. Maureen brings a rare dual perspective. She works with both sides of the equation, helping corporations design their social impact programs while advising nonprofits on fundraising strategy. Translation: she knows what actually works and what gets your proposal tossed in the trash. What you'll learn: Why competition for philanthropic dollars is fiercer than ever (and how to cut through the noise) How to build a prospect list that actually converts Why your CRM data is probably holding you back The corporate partnership playbook that turns one-time sponsors into long-term allies What gets a funding request noticed vs. what gets it ignored Reality check: Most nonprofits treat prospects the same way, send cookie-cutter pitches, and wonder why corporate partnerships fizzle out. Maureen breaks down the simple (but not easy) fixes that separate organizations that thrive from those that just survive. 🔗 Connect with Maureen 🔗 Changing Our World Website 🔗 Connect with Hiline More Fiscally Awesome: Subscribe for more non-jargon finance and fundraising insights that'll change how you think about growing your organization.

Struggling with payroll complexity, skyrocketing health insurance costs, and HR compliance headaches? This episode reveals how Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) can transform these business burdens into competitive advantages. What You'll Learn: What's a PEO vs HRIS How PEOs negotiate better health insurance rates through collective buying power Why 14,000+ small businesses choose Justworks for payroll and benefits The real cost savings potential when moving from traditional payroll providers Why nonprofits are rapidly adopting PEO solutions Revenue growth strategies from a Chief Revenue Officer's playbook 🧍Guest: John Belle, Chief Revenue Officer at Justworks 🎙️ Host: Matt Gardner, CEO & Co-founder of Hiline Listen to this episode if you're a small business owner, nonprofit leader, or entrepreneur looking to reduce administrative burden while improving employee benefits and compliance. Resources: 🔗 Learn more about Justworks 🔗 Hiline's HR & People Services About Fiscally Awesome Fiscally Awesome is produced by Hiline, where we make small business finances stress-free so you can focus on building a great company. Visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more. Hosted by Matt Gardner, CEO and Co-Founder of Hiline. New episodes drop every other Thursday.  

Think you're too small to offer competitive benefits? Think again. In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline CEO Matt Gardner sits down with Leah Brite, Head of Product Marketing, Benefits at Gusto, to break down exactly how small businesses can attract and retain top talent without breaking the bank. What you'll learn: Why offering health insurance delivers a 109% ROI (with real numbers to prove it) The smart benefits progression from 1 employee to 20+ ICRA vs traditional health plans - which saves you more money? How benefits reduce employee turnover by 25-40% State-by-state requirements you need to know about The biggest myths costing small businesses great talent Leah manages benefits for over 400,000 small businesses on Gusto's platform, giving her unique insights into what actually moves the needle for employee satisfaction and business success. Ready to make your small business a talent magnet? This episode gives you the roadmap. 🔗 Links mentioned: 👉🏻 Gusto: https://www.gusto.com  👉🏻 Hiline: https://www.hiline.co

Ever wondered what it really takes to build trust and make confident decisions in nonprofit leadership? Join Matt Gardner as he sits down with Stephanie Pasquale, Director of Neighborhood Development at the Allyn Family Foundation, for an eye-opening conversation about the financial realities facing nonprofits today. From "shoebox accounting" to streamlined operations, Stephanie shares her unique perspective as someone who's worn every hat in the nonprofit ecosystem - funder, board member, government official, and strategic partner. What You'll Learn: The shocking truth about nonprofit financial management How smart systems can free organizations to focus on mission work The "calm before the storm" in nonprofit funding right now Why transparency beats perfection every time How to build organizational capacity without breaking the bank Whether you're drowning in financial chaos or dreaming of operational excellence, this episode is packed with actionable insights that'll change how you think about nonprofit leadership. Resources Mentioned: Gusto (HR/Payroll platform): https://gusto.com/ Divvy (Expense management): https://www.bill.com/product/spend-and-expense Blueprint 15 Project: https://blueprint15.org/ Good Life Youth Foundation: https://gly.foundation/ Allyn Family Foundation: https://allynfoundation.org/ Connect with Hiline: Website: https://www.hiline.co Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hilinehq/ Don't forget to LIKE this episode if it helped you rethink nonprofit operations, SUBSCRIBE for more fiscally awesome content, and SHARE with a nonprofit leader who needs to hear this!

Our guest Karen Houghton, CEO and founder of Infinite Giving, brings a unique perspective as someone who's been on both sides: founding and running nonprofits, working 10 years in venture capital, and now building solutions specifically designed for the nonprofit sector. Shocking stats revealed: 90% of nonprofits can't accept stock donations (missing out on $8,000+ average gifts) The average nonprofit juggles 14 accounts across 7 different providers Donors lose 35% of their intended donation when forced to liquidate stocks first Asset-based giving is up 135% while traditional giving declines Key takeaways: Why the US banking system (built 100+ years before nonprofits existed) fails tax-exempt organizations The hidden operational costs of "free" traditional banking solutions Why high-capacity donors hold wealth in assets, not cash – and what that means for fundraising How modern nonprofits can compete with universities' billion-dollar endowment strategies Perfect for: Nonprofit executives, board members, and development staff Anyone curious about the intersection of finance and social impact Founders looking to understand systematic market inefficiencies Useful links: Infinite Giving: https://infinitegiving.com Download the Asset-Based Giving Report:  https://hubs.ly/Q03tW7860 Hiline (Full-service nonprofit financial operations): https://hiline.co Karen Houghton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenchoughton/  About Fiscally Awesome Fiscally Awesome is produced by Hiline, where we make small business finances stress-free so you can focus on building a great company. Visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more. Hosted by Matt Gardner, CEO and Co-Founder of Hiline. New episodes drop every other Thursday.  

Ever wondered why some nonprofits thrive while others struggle to stay afloat? It's not just about passion for the mission – it's about having the financial systems that support sustainable impact. In this episode, Matt sits down with a nonprofit executive director who transformed her organization from paper-heavy, months-behind reporting to real-time financial visibility. From managing 65+-person teams at major nonprofits to launching a new organization from scratch, she shares the hard-won lessons about why financial systems aren't optional, they're essential. What You'll Learn: Why waiting months for financial reports kills strategic planning How modern tech can transform nonprofit operations (without the overwhelm) Why workforce challenges are creating new budget realities The mindset shifts needed to navigate funding uncertainty How to build systems that scale from startup to established nonprofit Links & Resources: Early Childhood Alliance of Onondaga: https://ecaonondaga.org Contact Bethany: [email protected] Connect with the Hiline team: hiline.co/get-started Free Nonprofit Budget Template: hiline.co/ledger/tools/nonprofit-budget-template Connect With Us: Subscribe for more insights on making finance less scary and more strategic! About Fiscally Awesome Fiscally Awesome is produced by Hiline, where we make small business finances stress-free so you can focus on building a great company. Visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more. Hosted by Matt Gardner, CEO and Co-Founder of Hiline.

In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline CEO Matt Gardner sits down with multi-time founder Eli Portnoy to explore how customer obsession directly drives financial success. As the CEO of BackEngine and veteran of three successful companies, Eli reveals why most businesses are flying blind when it comes to understanding their customers—and how that ignorance costs them real money. What You'll Learn: Why customer sentiment is a leading indicator of financial performance How "going quiet" is actually your biggest churn warning sign (not complaints!) Why setting up finance infrastructure on day one saves you massive pain later The AI revolution that's finally making customer intelligence scalable Real examples of how customer feedback directly impacts revenue and retention Related Links: BackEngine: https://www.backengine.com/ Connect with Eli Portnoy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliportnoy/ Connect with Matt Gardner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgardnercpa/ Book mentioned: "The Hard Thing About Hard Things" by Ben Horowitz: https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Thing-About-Things-Building/dp/0062273205 Hiline x Digits: https://www.hiline.co/services/real-time-accounting About Fiscally Awesome Want to unfu*k your finances? Fiscally Awesome is produced by Hiline, where we make small business finances stress-free so you can focus on building a great company. Visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more. Hosted by Matt Gardner, CEO and Co-Founder of Hiline. New episodes drop every other Thursday.

In this episode of the Fiscally Awesome podcast, we explore the world of franchising with the founder and CEO of EverLine Coatings and Services. From humble beginnings in his backyard to scaling to 119 locations across North America, our guest shares the unfiltered journey of bootstrapping a business into a franchise empire. In this episode, you'll learn: The surprising origin story of how a college painting franchise led to a parking lot empire Real financial challenges that nearly bankrupted a now-successful company Why managing solely from your bank account is a recipe for disaster How to avoid the tax burden trap that catches most new business owners The critical importance of financial forecasting and budgeting What makes franchisees succeed or fail from a financial perspective How private equity partnerships can accelerate business growth Resources mentioned: EverLine Coatings and Services - Learn more about franchise opportunities Hiline - Financial operations platform for growing businesses Traction by Gino Wickman - The essential EOS implementation guide The Great CEO Within by Matt Mochary - Recommended resource for growing CEOs Red Iron Group - Private equity partner supporting franchise growth Whether you're an aspiring franchisee, current business owner, or simply interested in the financial mechanics behind successful companies, this episode delivers practical wisdom on becoming "fiscally awesome" through proper planning, forecasting, and strategic capital allocation. About Fiscally Awesome Want to unfu*k your finances? Fiscally Awesome is produced by Hiline, where we make small business finances stress-free so you can focus on building a great company. Visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more. Hosted by Matt Gardner, CEO and Co-Founder of Hiline. New episodes drop every other Thursday.

In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline CEO Matt Gardner connects with Mark Shepherd, founder of Gathr, a thriving community platform for UK founders, investors, and service providers. Mark shares his entrepreneurial journey from selling boat photos at 16 to building a 10,000-member strong business community. He breaks down the UK startup scene and why community is the backbone of success. Check out this episode to learn: 🔹 Why UK founders look to expand to the US (and the hidden pitfalls) 🔹 The truth about "growth at all costs" versus sustainable business building 🔹 How Gathr connects founders with vetted service providers who truly understand tech 🔹 Mark's unfiltered advice for early-stage entrepreneurs Plus, discover Mark's surprising past and his post-Gathr dream that combines his passion for food with supporting underrepresented talent! 🔗 RESOURCES: 🔸 Get connected with Gathr: www.joingathr.com 🔸 Learn how Hiline supports companies expanding to the US: https://www.hiline.co/services/us-expansion About Fiscally Awesome Want to unfu*k your finances? Fiscally Awesome is produced by Hiline, where we make small business finances stress-free so you can focus on building a great company. Visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more. Hosted by Matt Gardner, CEO and Co-Founder of Hiline. New episodes drop every other Thursday.

In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, we dive into the often overlooked connection between employee wellness and business performance. Multi-time founder and CEO Clark Lagemann shares how investing in employee health isn't just good for your team—it's good for your bottom line. Discover: Why human capital deserves the same attention as financial capital The measurable impact of wellness programs on productivity and profitability How employee disengagement can silently cost your business up to 15% in profitability Practical, low-cost strategies to improve wellness in your organization The competitive advantage of creating a culture where employees feel valued and supported Whether you're running a bootstrapped startup or a growing company, this conversation reveals why wellness isn't just a nice-to-have perk—it's a strategic business investment. Learn how addressing stress, sleep, and overall wellbeing can reduce turnover, boost engagement, and ultimately drive stronger financial outcomes. Join us for an honest discussion about the hidden financial benefits of taking care of your most valuable asset: your people. About Fiscally Awesome Want to unfu*k your finances? Fiscally Awesome is produced by Hiline, where we make small business finances stress-free so you can focus on building a great company. Visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more. Hosted by Matt Gardner, CEO and Co-Founder of Hiline. New episodes drop every other Thursday.  

In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline CEO Matt Gardner explores the art and science of strategic business pivots with a legal influencer, sales leader, and now CRO at Latitude, Alex Su. From shifting professional identities to recognizing when your business model needs a refresh, this conversation digs into how successful leaders know when it's time to change direction—and how to do it without losing momentum. Discover: Why professionals trained to avoid risk often struggle to embrace necessary pivots How to recognize when "the cheese has moved" in your industry before your competitors do Practical strategies for balancing caution with the need for speed in business decisions Why understanding your true audience is crucial when shifting direction The financial implications of pivoting too late (or too early) Whether you're a founder at a crossroads, a professional considering a career shift, or a small business leader watching market dynamics change, this episode delivers candid insights about making smart pivots that create lasting competitive advantage. No jargon, no fluff—just straight talk about how to stay fiscally awesome when everything around you is changing. Tune in and learn how to turn market disruption into your next opportunity! About Fiscally Awesome Want to unfu*k your finances? Fiscally Awesome is produced by Hiline, where we make small business finances stress-free so you can focus on building a great company. Visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more. Hosted by Matt Gardner, CEO and Co-Founder of Hiline. New episodes drop every other Thursday.

In this episode of the Fiscally Awesome Podcast, host Matt Gardner (Co-founder and CEO of Hiline) sits down with Dave Wieseneck, Expert in Residence at Ramp, for a deep dive into the evolving world of finance and accounting technology. Dave and Matt explore how modern finance professionals are leveraging automation and AI to move beyond transaction processing and deliver true strategic value. As former auditors who've navigated similar career paths, they share candid insights about: The current state of finance technology and how it's finally catching up to other departments Why the traditional accounting skillset is being rapidly transformed by AI and automation How finance teams can architect the right tech stack for their organization's needs The bottlenecks preventing wider adoption of modern finance tools What finance professionals should be automating right now The exciting future where finance teams deploy AI agents to handle routine tasks Whether you're a finance professional looking to stay ahead of industry trends, a founder wanting to modernize your financial operations, or simply curious about how AI is reshaping traditional roles, this conversation offers practical wisdom from two industry veterans. About Fiscally Awesome Want to unfu*k your finances? Fiscally Awesome is produced by Hiline, where we make small business finances stress-free so you can focus on building a great company. Visit our website or connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more. Hosted by Matt Gardner, CEO and Co-Founder of Hiline. New episodes drop every other Thursday.  

In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline CEO Matt Gardner sits down with multi-time founder Jeff Knauss to dig into the financial realities of scaling a service business. Jeff shares the unfiltered truth about his journey from building Digital Hive (ranked 52nd on the Inc. 5000) to his successful exit and newest venture, Arcovo AI. From bootstrapped beginnings with a three-month-old at home to managing rapid growth, Jeff offers practical wisdom on: Why "sales cures all" and how to develop this critical function beyond founder-led selling Building and maintaining a championship team culture that drives performance How to approach financial management when you "don't know what a P&L is" The emerging opportunities in AI automation for small businesses Why the most successful entrepreneurs obsess over how they spend their time Whether you're running an agency, building a service business, or just trying to make sense of your financial data, this conversation delivers straight talk on what it really takes to build a fiscally awesome company. Subscribe for more insights that make finance fun again!

Ever wonder what happens when you mix a millennial leader, his boomer dad, and a dash of fortune 500 consulting? Join Matt Gardner as he chats with Robby Riggs, the Oklahoma-born co-founder who turned The Bridge into a global consulting powerhouse (and just sold it to North Highland – talk about a power move!). In this episode, Robby dishes on everything from navigating four generations in the workplace to why your accountant's boring spreadsheets might be holding you back. Plus, find out why he wrote a leadership book with his dad after a heated Thanksgiving day argument. What you'll learn: Why slapping AI on top of your messy data is like putting lipstick on a pig How to stop being the "I'll just do it myself" entrepreneur Why your fancy MBA might actually be making you dumber in 2025 How to lead teams when you're not the smartest person in the room (and why that's a good thing) The real reason your finance team is stuck in 1995 Whether you're a small business owner trying to make sense of your numbers, or a leader wondering why Gen Z keeps rolling their eyes at you, Robby's got the straight talk you need. Come for the leadership wisdom, stay for the dad jokes and bridge puns.

In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline CEO Matt Gardner connects with Anabel Paksoy, a People Operations virtuoso turned venture capitalist who's redefining both how we work and how we invest. From scaling OpenDoor from 25 to 600 people in just three years to launching her fund, 43, Anabel's journey shows that understanding humans might be the ultimate superpower in tech. Check out this episode to learn: Why your people problems exist whether you address them or not (and how that debt compounds!) Why Gen Alpha might actually fix everything wrong with work culture The secret to spotting founder potential How AI is becoming more of a foundational toolkit that every business needs, regardless of industry We're ditching the HR handbook and getting real about what it takes to build companies people actually want to work for. Whether you're drowning in people ops debt or dreaming of becoming an investor, this episode's packed with wisdom that'll make you rethink everything you know about human capital. Grab your headphones and hit play!

In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline CEO Matt Gardner sits down with Darrin Jahnel, CEO and Co-Founder of Jahnel Group, who turned a $70,000 credit card debt into a 150-person powerhouse agency. Darrin's journey reads like a startup rollercoaster – from Wall Street suits to failed educational software to finding his groove in services. Darrin drops the gold on: How to build a culture so awesome people willingly work 100-hour weeks (for fun!) Why growing agencies need to rethink their accounting and tax strategy and how to do it. The power of RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) and why it's about to change everything We're cutting through the agency jargon and getting real about what it takes to build a company people actually want to work for. Whether you're drowning in startup debt or trying to figure out how to scale without losing your soul, this episode's packed with insights that'll make you rethink everything you know about company culture. So grab your beer pong ball, settle in, and get ready to learn why sometimes the best business strategy is just caring more than everyone else.

In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline CEO Matt Gardner sits down with Harini Karthik, a data genius who's gone from wrangling Target's massive datasets to democratizing data analytics for small businesses with her company Zetta. Harini's journey reads like a who's who of tech powerhouses – GoFundMe, Shipt, Loom. And now she's on a mission to make data accessible to the businesses that need it most. Harini drops some serious knowledge bombs on: Why waiting 30 days for insights is a no-go for growth How AI is turning months of data work into days and saving small businesses millions Why spreadsheets are like training wheels for your business (it's time to level up!) The future of work where everyone's an entrepreneur with AI sidekicks Whether you're still tracking customers in Excel or drowning in disconnected data points, this episode's packed with insights that'll make you rethink how you run your business. So settle in and get ready to learn why data doesn't have to be scary anymore.

In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline CEO Matt Gardner chats with Joseph Cabrera, a former military leader turned business whisperer who's helping shape the future of small business ownership at Main Shares. (Fun fact: He's the one who gave Matt his first podcast interview!) Joseph's journey reads like an action movie script – from jumping out of planes in Afghanistan to navigating Silicon Valley boardrooms, with a dash of entrepreneurial wisdom from his mom's small business adventures. Joseph drops some serious knowledge on: Why 11 trillion (yes, TRILLION) dollars worth of small businesses will change hands this decade How to turn trades experts into business owners (spoiler: you don't need to be rich!) Why treating your financials like a "necessary evil" is killing your business The secret wisdom his mom shared that changed everything We're cutting through the business jargon and getting real about what it takes to keep America's small businesses thriving. Whether you're a plumber dreaming of owning your own shop, a business owner planning your exit, or just curious about the future of main street America, this episode's packed with insights that'll make you rethink what's possible. So grab your coffee (or your wrench!), settle in, and get ready to learn why the next generation of business owners might be wearing work boots instead of wingtips.

In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline CEO Matt Gardner chats with Sarah Acton, BILL's Chief Customer Officer and a customer whisperer who's gone from helping people DIY their homes to revolutionizing how small businesses handle their money. Sarah's career has more plot twists than a Netflix series – from running her own retail shop to driving growth at LinkedIn and now helping over 7,000 accounting firms make their clients' lives easier. If you're focused (or need to be!) focused on a customer-first approach, check out what Sarah has to say about: Why being "customer-obsessed" isn't just a buzzword How SMBs are becoming tech-savvy ninjas (and why accountants are their new tech guides) The value of building connections (especially with customers!) in an increasingly automated world How data and real-time insights can help you start thinking better about capital allocation We're cutting through the corporate jargon and getting real about what it takes to build a customer-first business. So grab your headphones, settle in, and get ready to learn why sometimes the best business advice comes from the shop next door. Who knew building customer relationships could be this exciting? Links & Resources: Connect with Matt Gardner on LinkedIn Follow Sarah Acton on LinkedIn for more insights Learn more about Hiline's customer-first approach Don't miss the next episode—subscribe and leave a review!

In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline CEO Matt Gardner sits down with Alex Boyd, a self-proclaimed "hippie capitalist" who's gone from suit-and-tie finance bro to agency-flipping guru faster than you can say "revenue optimization." Alex's journey reads like a startup fairy tale with a plot twist – from dodging Goldman Sachs recruitment to building and selling RevenueZen (and picking up some battle scars along the way).  Get insights from Alex on: Why understanding your margins is like having a financial crystal ball How to avoid the "too many cooks in the kitchen" trap when prepping for acquisition Why small businesses need to stop treating marketing like an optional task The secret to LinkedIn success (spoiler: it's not about the follower count!) We're cutting through the startup jargon and getting real about what it takes to build and sell an agency. Whether you're rocking the agency life, dreaming of an exit, or just trying to figure out how to get your business found on Google, this episode's packed with insights that'll make you rethink your growth strategy. Who knew agency life could be this exciting?

In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline Co-Founder and CEO, Matt Gardner, sits down with Jeff Seibert, the tech wizard behind Digits who's been building game-changing software since he was coding in his PJs at age 12 Jeff's not your typical finance guru – he's the brain behind Crashlytics (now on a casual 6 billion devices worldwide) and has done time as Twitter's head of product. But don't worry, this isn't another tech bro success story. Jeff and his team are on a mission to make accounting less painful for business owners everywhere. Jeff drops some serious knowledge on: Why waiting 30 days for your books is like using a flip phone in 2024 How his team trained AI on $700 billion worth of transactions Why accountants shouldn't fear AI (spoiler: it's your ticket to becoming a 10x professional) How to make finance data shareable and real-time actionable We're cutting through the accounting jargon and getting to the good stuff. Whether you're a business owner tired of waiting for your monthly financials or an accountant ready to level up, this episode's packed with insights that'll make you rethink everything you know about business finance. So settle in and get ready to hear how the future of finance is about to get a whole lot more awesome. Who knew accounting could be this exciting? Links & Resources: Connect with Matt Gardner on LinkedIn Follow Jeff Seiber on LinkedIn for more insights Learn more about the Hiline x Digits partnership Don't miss the next episode—subscribe and leave a review!

In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline Co-founder & CEO, Matt Gardner sits down with Bebe Kim, the CEO and brains behind Basis, plus a serial entrepreneur who's been mixing it up in the legal and fintech worlds. Bebe's career has more twists than a pretzel factory – from lawyering it up to selling her first startup to LegalZoom. But don't worry, we're not about to bore you with legal jargon and tech gibberish. Bebe drops some serious knowledge bombs on: Why curiosity is the real MVP in entrepreneurship How she turned her law degree into a tech triumph The secret ingredient to cooking up successful startups Why relationships in business are like good cheese – they only get better with time We're cutting through the corporate-speak and getting to the juicy stuff. Whether you're a startup newbie or a seasoned tech veteran, this episode's is full of golden nugget. So, pop in those earbuds, kick back, and get ready to learn how to be fiscally awesome! Listen now and learn how to navigate your own career transitions and make choices that align with your values. Links & Resources: Connect with Matt Gardner on LinkedIn. Follow Bebe Kim on LinkedIn for more insights. Explore Hiline's latest services for startups and small businesses. Don't miss the next episode—subscribe and leave a review!

In this episode of Fiscally Awesome, Hiline Co-Founder and CEO, Matt Gardner, chats with Chris Young, an accomplished trial lawyer and industry leader who's soared through politics, tech, and everything in between. Chris has worn more hats than a milliner's shop – from helping Obama clinch the presidency to keeping things legit as General Counsel at GoFundMe and Ironclad. But don't worry, we promise this isn't your grandpa's law lecture. Chris lays down the law on: Why he chose purpose over paychecks (spoiler: it paid off big time) How meeting Obama changed his game plan faster than a politician's promises The secret sauce to scaling companies Why sometimes the best move is giving away your Legos (no, really!) We're cutting through the jargon and getting to the good stuff. Whether you're a small business leader or just finance-curious, this episode's packed with nuggets of wisdom that'll make you feel like a fiscal genius. So grab your headphones, settle in, and get ready to make finance actually awesome. Who knew, right?

Welcome to Fiscally Awesome — where we break down finance so you don't break down. In our first episode, Hiline CEO Matt Gardner chats with Maxine Minter, venture capitalist extraordinaire and founder whisperer. Maxine's not just Australia's first solo female VC General Partner — she's also the brains behind CoVentures and CoLab, helping startups grow faster than your credit card bill. Maxine spills the tea on her journey from courtroom to startup and why treating finance like a boring chore is a recipe for disaster. We dive into: Why your financials should be your secret weapon, not your arch-nemesis How AI is making accountants sweat (but in a good way) The founder mindset: It's not just about grit, it's about growing Why having a coach isn't just for athletes Whether you're dreaming of unicorns or just trying to keep your business afloat, this episode's got the goods. So grab a coffee (or something stronger — we won't judge) and join us for some fiscally awesome insights.