Your “profitable business” dream… you know, the reason you started your business….is it your reality yet? I know you’re busy running jobs, managing crews, juggling estimates and invoices etc. But when you look at your numbers, are the profits adding up for you?
If you’re working this hard and still not seeing the financial results you should, chances are your business is leaking profits in places you haven’t spotted yet.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the most common ways home service businesses lose money without realizing it—and how to stop it. We’ll look at the hidden costs, overlooked systems, and pricing gaps that are quietly draining your bottom line.
By the end, you’ll know exactly where to look, what to fix, and how to plug those profit leaks—so your hard work actually pays off, and your profits start stacking up.
What You’ll Learn…
- How good intentions can quietly drain your bottom line.
- Track these 3 numbers to run a truly profitable business.
- The hidden cash trap stealing your hard-earned profits.
- When great customer service becomes a costly mistake.
- Sneaky subscriptions that slowly bleed your budget.
- One small tweak that makes a big impact on your profit.
- Build a team that supports a profitable business—not one that sinks it.
Key Moments…
[00:30] Spotting hidden cash in your business
[02:15] Why money leaks from your business
[07:45] Stop leaving cash on the table with unbilled work
[14:20] Use your team wisely to grow a profitable business
[19:55] How to negotiate better vendor pricing
[25:40] Build a financial system for a profitable business
[34:15] Train your team to support your dream, not drain it
Spotting Hidden Cash in Your Business
You don’t have to chase more sales to grow a profitable business. A lot of the money you’re looking for is already sitting in your operations—it’s just being lost through small cracks. That hidden cash could be leaking out through outdated pricing, inefficient processes, or systems that aren’t doing their job. Instead of throwing more marketing dollars at your problems, take a good look at what’s happening inside your business right now. Tightening up these areas can make a big difference in turning a busy business into a profitable business.
Why Money Leaks from Your Business
There are three big reasons money silently slips out of a business: pricing, waste, and cash flow management. Too often, owners set prices based on what competitors charge instead of calculating their true cost and profit margin. Operational waste adds up quickly—extra drive time, leftover materials, or inefficient labor can quietly eat away your earnings. And even if your profit looks good on paper, poor cash flow habits can leave you struggling to pay the bills. A profitable business needs clear pricing, streamlined operations, and a steady handle on where the money is going every week.
Stop Leaving Cash on the Table with Unbilled Work
Every time a tech goes above and beyond without billing for that extra time or service, your profits take a hit. It’s easy to justify it as great customer service, but if it’s not included in the original quote, you’re giving away money. Even flat-rate or membership customers can quietly cost you more than they bring in if you’re not careful. A profitable business makes sure every part of the job is either built into the pricing or billed separately, so good service doesn’t come at the cost of your bottom line.
Use Your Team Wisely to Grow a Profitable Business
Sending techs all over town without a clear route or proper prep wastes time, fuel, and money. If your team is crisscrossing neighborhoods or making trips back to the shop for forgotten parts, that’s hours of unproductive time you’re paying for. A profitable business makes sure crews have the right tools, parts, and directions before they leave. Even a small change like tightening routes or using a checklist can make a big impact over time.
How to Negotiate Better Vendor Pricing
It’s easy to stick with the same vendor year after year, but loyalty shouldn’t cost you more than it needs to. Take time to review your supplier contracts and pricing. You might be able to renegotiate better terms, especially if you’ve been a long-term customer. A profitable business looks for small savings in cost of goods sold, because every dollar you don’t spend there is a dollar that can drop to your bottom line. Don’t be afraid to shop around or ask for a better deal.
Build a Financial System for a Profitable Business
You don’t need to be an accountant, but you do need to understand your numbers. Know your gross profit margin, your cost of goods sold, and your weekly sales. If you’re paying personal expenses through the business, it’s time to stop—that kind of habit adds stress and drains profits. A financial system like Profit First helps organize your cash, set aside money for taxes and payroll, and make sure you’re paid as the owner. A profitable business runs on systems that protect your cash, not guesswork.
Train Your Team to Support Your Dream, Not Drain It
Your team can either move your business forward or hold it back, depending on how well they understand their role in the company’s success. When they know how their daily actions affect profits, they make better decisions. A profitable business depends on everyone rowing in the same direction, like a rowing team. Invest in training, set clear expectations, and show your team how their performance helps the whole business grow stronger. That way, they’re not just employees—they’re part of the mission.