John Wilson, CEO of Wilson ($40M revenue, ~200 employees), breaks down a hard truth: profit doesn’t keep businesses alive—cash does.

In this episode, he explains how companies can look profitable on paper while quietly running out of money. From accounts receivable and payable to debt that never shows up in net income, John reveals why EBITDA and profit are often misleading—and what actually matters.

Drawing on his experience bootstrapping Wilson and real-world examples (including a business with $12M in EBITDA but negative cash flow), he shows how everyday “micro decisions”—inventory purchases, payment timing, marketing spend, pricing, and vendor terms—compound into make-or-break cash outcomes.

He also covers:

Why businesses really go bankrupt
How CEOs should think about capital allocation
Updated benchmarks for true profitability
Practical ways to take control of your cash

If you’re growing fast but feel tight on money, this episode will change how you think about your numbers—and your decisions.

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John Wilson, CEO of Wilson Companies
Jack Carr, CEO of Rapid HVAC

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Cash Flow 101: Why Profitable Businesses Still Go Broke (and How to Fix It)

Owned and Operated - A Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC Business Growth Podcast

Cash Flow 101: Why Profitable Businesses Still Go Broke (and How to Fix It)