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Hunter Durham went from managing a $9M/quarter Facebook ads book of business to buying furniture and shipping companies, raising outside capital, filing bankruptcy, and starting over, all before 32. In this conversation, Hunter and Kurtis pull back the curtain on what really happens when ambition outpaces structure: customer concentration, broken capital stacks, identity crises, and the slow grind of rebuilding. The thread running through all of it? Accountability, or the lack of it.

Kurtis shares what's been behind the inconsistent episode schedule — including a business partner split and a major shift in Bison CFO's service model — and announces that the podcast is rebranding from Through the Storm to the SMB Finance OS Podcast. The new format pairs with the SMB Finance OS newsletter and will feature weekly solo episodes, topical deep-dives, and continued interview episodes under the Through the Storm series.

Brandon built Aspire CRE, a commercial real estate brokerage and property management company. From two people to 45 in just over three years. In this conversation, he gets honest about what growth actually feels like from the inside: the stress of hiring ahead of revenue, a surprise cancer diagnosis in the middle of it all, and why the wins rarely feel like wins in real time. Kurtis and Brandon dig into the financial decisions behind scaling a commission-based business, the discipline of building reserves before you need them, and how Brandon is using content and media to build a flywheel that legacy CRE firms can't replicate.

Gabe Pluguez started a fitness business at 19 with a simple goal: freedom. What he got instead was two failed business partnerships, a revenue collapse, and a forced rebuild, twice. This isn't a story about avoiding partnerships. It's about what happens when you skip the hard questions, overlook misalignment, and let urgency override clarity. Gabe walks through both splits, what caused them, what he missed, and what changed the second time around. He also shares how a crisis forced him to separate identity from outcome, rethink faith under pressure, and rebuild with a clearer sense of mission. If you're in a partnership or considering one, this conversation will save you time, money, and heartache.

Business failure isn't always about making the wrong moves, sometimes it's about not making any moves at all. Kurtis and Travis break down a real client engagement that didn't work out, exposing the structural issues, team dysfunction, and owner disconnection that killed what could've been a viable business. This isn't theory, it's a transparent look at what happens when cashflow bleeds, AR piles up, and no one takes ownership of the fundamentals.

Clifton Sellers, CEO of Legacy Builder, shares his journey from zero to a $3M run-rate agency in five years. The conversation covers the brutal realities of agency growth including losing half his clients in six weeks, working 16-hour days, and the faith that kept him moving forward. Clifton breaks down the difference between growing and scaling, the professionalization moment that changed everything, and why most agencies fail at retention before they even onboard a client.

Nahuel Hilal built Iris Tattoo from a $7,000 side hustle in Buenos Aires to a multi-million dollar operation across three countries without ever doing a tattoo himself. Then a $400,000 buildout turned into a $1.2 million nightmare, revenue dropped 25%, and he nearly lost everything. This is the story of how he and his wife fought back, firing the architects mid-project, managing permits themselves, and opening a second U.S. location while Miami burned. No business degree. No construction experience. Just urgency, grit, and a refusal to turn back.

Ryan Ray joins Kurtis Hanni to share his journey through one of the worst storms a business can face: selling a family oil and gas surveying company during the catastrophic March 2020 price collapse and COVID-19 shutdown. Ryan walked into March 2020 with international deals lined up, a diversified strategy in place, and a business that finally didn't require him day-to-day. Within two weeks, every lever he'd built was gone—China deals canceled, oil prices cratering to sub-$10, and projects being pulled left and right. What followed was a masterclass in clarity under pressure: knowing when to shut down, how to use PPP strategically, and ultimately how to exit to his own team. Ryan breaks down the emotional weight of laying off employees, the practicality of owner dependency as the ultimate business lever, and why understanding "the game you're playing" is more valuable than any 10-year plan.

In this conversation, Kurtis Hanni and Travis Woods discuss the Business Model Canvas, a strategic tool used to understand and optimize business operations. They explore the roles of a fractional CFO, the importance of identifying customer segments, crafting a unique value proposition, and the various channels for reaching customers. The discussion also covers building strong customer relationships, monetizing value through revenue streams, and the significance of key resources, activities, and partnerships. Finally, they emphasize the need to understand cost structures and the overall integration of the Business Model Canvas for business success.

In this conversation, Kurtis Hanni and Brad Smith discuss the evolution of Brad's business, Automation Links, focusing on marketing automation and the challenges faced during a significant transition from freelancers to an in-house team. They delve into the financial struggles caused by chargebacks from clients in high-risk industries, the lessons learned from these experiences, and the importance of vetting clients and having solid contracts. The discussion also covers the future of marketing with innovations like ChatGPT ads and the strategies for overcoming adversity in business.

In this conversation, Kurtis Hanni and Doug Diakite discuss the intricacies of the rent-to-own real estate business, focusing on acquisition strategies, market changes, and the challenges faced during downturns. Doug shares insights on team management, compensation structures, and the importance of adaptability in business. They explore the significance of strategic partnerships and the lessons learned from relying too heavily on a single acquisition channel. The discussion emphasizes the need for resilience and the ability to pivot in response to changing market conditions.

In this conversation, Kurtis Hanni interviews Jared Doerfler, the founder of Hanna Golf, about his journey from a golf enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur in the golf industry. Jared shares the inspiration behind starting his putter company, the challenges of manufacturing, and the importance of community engagement. He discusses the financial realities of launching a business, the decision to quit his job, and the growth strategies he has implemented. The conversation highlights the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and the lessons learned along the way. 00:00 Snippet Intro Episode 3 00:25 Insert Kurtis Intro 00:25 The Genesis of a Golf Business 02:33 From Idea to Prototype 05:34 The Manufacturing Journey 08:25 The Decision to Quit and Commit 10:28 Initial Investments and Challenges 13:08 Launching HANA Golf 15:32 Scaling the Business 17:39 The Role of Team and Growth 20:56 Navigating Stress and Entrepreneurship 24:45 Navigating Financial Risks in Business Growth 29:34 Sales Strategies and Market Approach 34:27 Surprises and Lessons Learned in Entrepreneurship 43:28 Future Plans and Growth Strategies

In this conversation, Kurtis Hanni and Harrison Bonner delve into the challenges and lessons learned in the real estate business. Harrison shares his journey from initial success in real estate investing to facing significant challenges due to mismanagement and changing market conditions. They discuss the importance of financial literacy, the impact of personal stress, and the need for resilience in entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights the pivoting strategies Harrison is implementing to stabilize his business and the lessons he has learned for future success. Harrison Bonner is a seasoned real estate entrepreneur known for his resilience and strategic thinking in the face of adversity. With over a decade of experience, Harrison has navigated the complexities of property development and investment, learning invaluable lessons from both successes and setbacks. His journey from door-to-door sales in Boston to managing multifamily portfolios highlights his commitment to growth and innovation. Harrison's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and financial literacy in transforming challenges into opportunities. 03:17 Harrison Bonner's Real Estate Journey 06:18 The Value-Add Strategy and Initial Success 09:07 Challenges and Mismanagement in Growth 12:16 Market Conditions and Financial Realities 15:17 Pivoting Strategies and Fund Structure 18:12 Recognizing the First Signs of Trouble 20:58 Transitioning to Cash Flow Management 23:46 Exploring Solutions and Options for Recovery 29:08 Transforming Team Dynamics for Success 30:42 The Importance of Financial Literacy 35:18 Navigating Personal and Family Stress 38:42 The Reality of Entrepreneurship 39:33 Transitioning and Learning from Mistakes 44:08 Building Sustainable Revenue Streams 49:33 Lessons Learned for Future Success

In this conversation, Nick Anderson, CEO of One Accord, shares his journey in transforming the consulting firm, focusing on improving gross margins and redefining the business model. He discusses the challenges faced in the transition, the importance of data, and how technology plays a role in enhancing service delivery. Nick emphasizes the need for margin discipline and the value of involving the team in decision-making processes. The discussion also highlights real-world examples of how the new model adds value to clients and the overall impact on business operations and marketing strategies. Nick Anderson is the CEO and 50% owner of One Accord, a consulting firm specializing in strategic consulting and exit planning for small to medium businesses. With a background in banking spanning 25 years, Nick transitioned into consulting, eventually merging his independent consulting business with One Accord. Under his leadership, the firm has undergone significant transformation, focusing on enhancing gross margins and delivering exceptional value to clients. Nick is known for his strategic vision, commitment to data-driven decision-making, and innovative approach to business challenges. His leadership style emphasizes transparency, team involvement, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to One Accord and Nick's Background05:12 Transitioning into Ownership and Initial Challenges08:16 Understanding Gross Margin and Business Model Changes11:11 The Importance of Gross Margin in Consulting14:12 Navigating Change Management and Consultant Relationships16:55 Value Addition and New Engagement Models20:07 Ensuring Client Satisfaction and Consultant Accountability29:29 The Team Structure and Client Engagement32:52 Continuity and Risk Management in Consulting35:57 The Importance of Gross Margin in Business38:34 Pricing Models and Managing Risk43:13 Simplicity in Business Transactions44:21 Collaboration with Investment Bankers47:12 Leveraging Technology for Value Creation49:33 Transforming Business Through Improved Margins52:53 Practical Advice for Margin Transformation

Most business owners overlook the one critical leverage point that can turn a struggling company into a profitable powerhouse, but not Nick Anderson. In this exclusive sneak peek, he reveals how he completely restructured his business model to boost gross margins from 20% to a level that finally works, for both clients and consultants. This isn’t theory; it’s real-world, behind-the-scenes strategy from a CEO who faced a near-collapse and came out stronger on the other side. You’ll discover why simply raising prices isn’t enough, and how to deliver more value that justifies higher margins. Plus, get a glimpse into the tough negotiations and bold decisions that transformed Nick’s business, including how he navigated losing some consultants and scaling his value proposition. Don’t miss out on the proven tactics that help companies thrive even under pressure.Join us next week for the full episode, where Nick dives deeper into the nuts and bolts of his transformation. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube, and start turning stormy challenges into your greatest opportunities. Our new podcast, 'Through the Storm,' focuses on the real struggles business owners face. Often we just hear the highlight reels, but it's important we share the honest conversations about financial pressures and the lessons learned from adversity too. The podcast aims to create a supportive community for business owners, sharing stories of challenges and triumphs to help others navigate their own journeys. Stay up to date at smbfinanceos.com.