On this episode of The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo sits down with Jennifer Yousem, founder of I Heart EBITDA, to demystify the financial fog that clouds too many businesses. If your profit margins don’t make sense, your revenue looks great but your cash is gone, or you’re relying on a bookkeeper to handle strategy, they tackle it all here. Jennifer shares hard-earned insights about revenue recognition, why cash flow surprises are a symptom of deeper issues, and what every business owner needs to stop ignoring in their financial statements. This is the crash course in financial adulting that no one gave you.

What You’ll Discover Today:

• Why EBITDA is more than a buzzword and why it matters
• The biggest red flags in your financials (and what they’re trying to tell you)
• How a messy P&L destroys your ability to make decisions
• The real cost of fixing financial chaos versus setting it up right from the start
• Revenue recognition basics for professional service firms (hint: it’s not cash in, revenue booked)
• Why you can outsource execution but not financial thinking
• How Jennifer acts as a financial early warning system for business owners

Key Topics Discussed:

• The “Order to Cash” audit: how to spot the holes in your financial process
• What to do when you’re growing revenue but not making money
• Common bookkeeping and tax filing mistakes that crush cash flow
• Why small businesses are never too small for real financial guidance
• Strategic versus transactional finance: controller versus CFO roles explained
• What to listen for at dinner: red flags that scream “You need Jennifer”

On this episode of the Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo sits down with Melissa Costello, CEO and Chief Storyteller of MELISSACOSTELLO.COM, to break down the real power of video, and why most people are doing it all wrong. With decades of experience directing national commercials and high-impact brand stories, Melissa explains how great video isn’t about flashy edits or perfect scripts—it’s about emotional authenticity, vulnerability, and storytelling that connects.

Dave and Melissa discuss how video can transform a business’s brand perception, the neuroscience behind storytelling, and why a well-crafted testimonial beats a polished sales pitch any day. Melissa shares her unique interview process that gets even the driest, most buttoned-up professionals to open up on camera. She also outlines how to pull emotion out of someone who’s trained to hide it (like a litigator), and why the editing process is where the story really comes to life.

Whether you're a lawyer, consultant, business owner, or just someone who wants to use video to actually move people—this episode is a masterclass in how to do it right. If your current video strategy feels like a hostage tape or a bad PowerPoint, this conversation will show you a better way.

Key Takeaways:

• The difference between video that converts and video that gets ignored
• Why authenticity on camera is more powerful than perfection
• How to structure an interview to pull out real emotion and compelling stories
• Why storytelling beats listing credentials every time
• How to shoot once and build an entire content vault

Perfect for business leaders who want their message to resonate, and who are ready to stop wasting money on forgettable video.

In this episode of The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo sits down with seasoned litigator Charles Franklin to unpack a subject most professionals would rather avoid: what to do when you've made a mistake. With over four decades of experience representing licensed professionals—lawyers, doctors, accountants, real estate agents, and even hair braiders—Charles explains the right way to respond when your license is on the line.

Together, Dave and Charles explore real-world examples of regulatory investigations gone wrong, and they highlight the Three Cs—Candor, Contrition, and Cooperation—as the keys to getting through a crisis with your livelihood intact. Charles also shares practical insights about professional discipline, the importance of legal representation, and how the wrong reaction can compound your problems.

Whether you're a licensed professional or you advise them, this episode delivers an unflinching look at what it takes to survive—and recover from—career-threatening mistakes.

What You’ll Discover Today:

• Why professionals get in more trouble for how they respond to a mistake than the mistake itself
• The difference between a licensing board complaint and a malpractice suit
• Why representing yourself is almost always a terrible idea
• Real-world examples of professionals who made things worse by trying to handle it themselves
• How regulators think—and why they often prefer humility over defiance
• What happens when you lie to an investigator
• Why different professions have different “cardinal sins” that trigger harsh penalties
• The career-building power of joining groups and saying yes to new opportunities
• Charlie’s journey from insurance defense to building a niche in licensing defense

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Three Cs: Candor, Contrition, Cooperation
• Regulatory investigations vs. civil lawsuits
• Representation in licensing matters
• Professional discipline case studies
• Networking and career development
• Empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership

Connect with Charles Franklin:
📞 Phone: 847-701-2250
🌐 Website: https://fgcclaw.com

On this episode of The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo interviews Phil Gafka, founder of LEAP Coaching. Phil breaks down the real roadblocks that keep business leaders stuck, and how to overcome them. From cultivating a bold vision to building a strong culture and staying committed when things get tough, Phil shares hard-earned insights on what it takes to grow as a leader and grow your company. This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs ready to move beyond survival mode and toward something meaningful and transformative.

What You’ll Discover Today:

• Why thinking bigger is the key to escaping stagnation
• How to develop vision, culture, and clarity of purpose
• The difference between managing and leading
• Why blind spots and baggage block your progress
• The one guarantee Phil gives clients that transforms their culture
• How to stay committed even when results take time

Key Topics Discussed:

• Vision vs. mission: how to set direction and stay aligned
• Self-awareness and the importance of building around your strengths
• How a toxic team member can hold back your entire organization
• The role of leadership mindset in fostering innovation
• Trust-building in high-stakes coaching relationships
• The real difference between a solid plan and one that actually works

Call Us:
(305) 692-5531

In this candid and insightful conversation, Dave Lorenzo sits down with litigator Brian Haussmann to unpack the emotional and financial landmines business owners face when disagreements turn into disputes. Whether it's a clash with a partner, vendor, or client, Brian brings years of experience in business divorce and partnership litigation to offer strategies that reduce damage, de-escalate conflict, and protect enterprise value. They dive into real stories, including the infamous garbage can tale, to illustrate just how irrational business conflicts can get, and what smart operators do to stay above the fray.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why litigation is a massive distraction for business owners
• The emotional traps in partnership disputes (and how to avoid them)
• The importance of removing “matters of principle” from business decision-making
• What makes a good litigator (hint: it’s not who yells the loudest)
• The role of personal trust and objectivity in legal counsel
• Real-life stories of business breakups and how emotions cloud judgment
• How to defuse high-stakes situations with calm, clear strategy
• Why good partnership agreements are essential—especially between spouses
• When and how to use mediation effectively
• How to spot a stubborn client headed for disaster (and what to do about it)

Three Takeaways:

1. Plan for the breakup before you ever fight: Every business relationship needs a clear dispute resolution process and aligned incentives from the beginning. Don’t wait until emotions are high to figure it out.
2. Structure drives harmony: Compensation, governance, and responsibilities need to be explicitly spelled out and updated as the business grows or evolves.
3. Get the right lawyer early: A seasoned litigator who understands the cost and chaos of going to court can help you evaluate options before things spiral.

Connect with Brian Haussmann:
📞 312-762-9471

Host:
Dave Lorenzo, Founder of Exit Success Lab

Closing Thought:
Disagreements are inevitable. Destroying your business over them isn’t. This episode shows you how to navigate conflict with clarity, composure, and strategic foresight.

Dave Lorenzo sits down with employment law expert Susan Lorenc to break down the legal landmines every business owner needs to avoid when managing employees. Whether you’re running a startup or managing a growing enterprise, this is a masterclass in staying compliant, avoiding lawsuits, and building a healthy, productive workplace.

Susan shares clear, practical advice on everything from handbooks to harassment claims, remote work risks, classification confusion, and the fine print of background checks. This is not theoretical legal talk. These are real-world solutions to real problems.

What You’ll Discover Today:

• Why most employee handbooks cause more problems than they solve
• The legal difference between “fun” and “harassment” in the workplace
• How to safely fire someone in today’s ultra-sensitive environment
• Why hiring independent contractors can blow up your business
• The truth about managing remote workers (and what you can legally do)
• How one background check can lead to a lawsuit if you don’t follow protocol

Key Topics Discussed:

• Common employer mistakes that trigger legal action
• Quid pro quo vs. hostile work environment harassment
• Why “off the clock” behavior still exposes you legally
• The hidden risks of hiring someone as a “contractor”
• Legal limitations of background and credit checks
• How to vet employees without violating privacy laws
• How remote work has shifted employer responsibilities
• Illinois-specific regulations (relevant nationwide in principle)

Links and Resources:

• Contact Susan Lorenc: slorenc@thompsoncoburn.com
• Thompson Coburn LLP: https://www.thompsoncoburn.com
• Revenue Roadmap Guide (Free Download): www.RevenueRoadmapGuide.com
• Call Cendrowski Corporate Advisors: (866) 717-1607

Call to Action:
If you're a business owner or professional dealing with employee issues, don’t wait for a crisis. Connect with Susan Lorenc to get your employment practices in order. And download the Revenue Roadmap Guide for a proven strategy to build your professional services business the right way.

In this episode of The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo sits down with Emmy Award-winning journalist turned entrepreneur Rafer Weigel to explore how professionals can harness the power of media to build trust, establish authority, and attract more business. Rafer shares his deeply personal journey from TV anchor to business owner, and the hard-won lessons he learned about storytelling, vulnerability, and purpose. Whether you’re a lawyer, CPA, or CEO, Rafer explains why becoming your own media company is no longer optional—and how doing so can transform your business and your life.

What You’ll Discover Today:

• Why storytelling—not selling—is the key to building a magnetic brand
• How vulnerability builds trust and breaks through the noise
• The one mindset shift every professional needs to succeed on camera
• Why polished perfection hurts your message (and what to do instead)
• How to use media to serve your audience—and grow your revenue

Key Topics Discussed:

• Rafer's transition from journalism to entrepreneurship
• The emotional toll of chasing status and ignoring purpose
• Building trust through consistent content creation
• ROI resistance: Why some professionals hesitate to invest in media
• How to structure client testimonials that actually work
• The real threat to traditional media—and how you can benefit from it
• Why you’re not the hero of your story (and who really is)

Call to Action:

If you're a business owner, attorney, or advisor who wants to build trust and credibility, start by thinking like a media company. Visit Rafer at WeigelMediaGroup.com and download your free business development plan at RevenueRoadmapGuide.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to The Inside BS Show for more strategies that help you make a great living and live a great life.

What do you do when a client says “no”? Most people walk away. Smart professionals see it as the start of a different conversation.

In this episode of The Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo breaks down six proven, real-world responses you can use the next time you hear a “no.”

These aren’t generic tips , they’re specific phrases and strategies you can apply immediately to salvage the opportunity, build a relationship, or even win the business later.

Dave shares stories from his own client interactions, including how he won a six-figure engagement by turning a rejection into a head-to-head performance challenge and how he turned a lost deal into a consulting gig that paid off long-term.

This episode is for business owners, consultants, advisors, and sales professionals who refuse to let rejection be the end of the conversation.

You’ll walk away with practical tools to reframe “no” into a stepping stone toward “yes.”