September 2025 – Monthly Recap

The Technical Miss (That Wasn’t Really a Miss)
On paper, we fell short. The goal was $41K in revenue. The books show about $34K.

But here’s the kicker — there’s a $6K job completed but unpaid by month’s end. So technically, if we’re judging by effort and execution, we hit it. Maybe even passed it.

Still, that small gap between booked and paid feels like the perfect metaphor for this stage of business — so close to clean numbers, yet still in the grind of collecting what’s earned.

Wins of the Month
This was a milestone month. For the first time, we installed 30-wide keder frame tents — not once, but twice.

A 30x45 and a 30x30, both done in collaboration with a friendly competitor. We learned a ton — from logistics to equipment handling — and proved we can hang in the big leagues when the opportunity calls for it.

But here’s the truth: it’s intense. Subrentals add layers of coordination that make your brain (and patience) ache. The installs themselves didn’t take all day, but they drained the energy out of one. After each one, I was wiped — no gas left for anything else.

Big jobs teach big lessons. Mostly that bigger isn’t always better.

Behind the Numbers
Revenue came in around $34K, profit margins hovering just under 50%, mostly because of new inventory purchases and higher subrental costs.

That’s the tradeoff — investing in the future always stings a little in the present.

And then there’s the rent rabbit hole. I had a few back-and-forths with my landlord this month — not hostile, but serious. I had to stand firm on what makes sense, especially since rent already eats a large portion of revenue. He’s been fair, but the uncertainty still lingers. For now, we’re stable. But November’s still circled on the mental calendar as decision month.

Team & Leadership Growth
September also pushed me to think like a leader, not just an operator.

My A-player teammate and I had a few back-and-forths as I tried to lock in his Mondays. Then life happened — he left his main job, which shifted everything. It’s been a crash course in leadership, communication, and flexibility.

We’ve been working more consistently since, and I can feel a rhythm forming. It’s still early, but I’m inching closer to the day when I can confidently say I manage people, not just projects.

Lessons & Reflections
This month proved something simple but easy to forget: progress isn’t always visible in the books.

Some of the most valuable gains — like leadership growth, learning curves, and boundaries with your landlord — don’t show up in QuickBooks. But they matter just as much as the revenue line.

What’s Ahead
October’s goal: ~$37K. Lofty, but doable.

Inbound requests have been steady, and the quote volume feels strong. The plan is to keep the pipeline hot and close hard before the slowdown hits. A strong October isn’t just about numbers — it’s about momentum heading into the quiet season.

The challenge now? Staying consistent when the adrenaline fades.

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Until next time
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