When Progress Feels Like a Setback - April 7, 2025

Hey Future Owner,

The Numbers Don't Lie (Even When We Wish They Would)

I finally carved out time to get my books in order — and wow, that was humbling. Lots of progress, lots of movement, but the net income at the bottom of the report? A solid gut punch.

It’s a stark reminder that building something real takes investment — and not just financially. Time, energy, and a whole lot of patience are all part of the price. This isn't unique to my industry, but it sure feels personal when you're staring at a negative $7,741.

Still, I’m not just dwelling. I’ve started tracking a few key performance indicators to get a clearer picture moving forward:

• Revenue: $18,766

• Events: 14

• Revenue per Event: $1,340

• Labor Costs: $1,135 (just 6.05%)

• Gross Profit Margin: 79.17%

Not a perfect month, but not a waste either. The goal now is to keep improving these numbers, one event at a time.

Counting More Than Just Cash

I also spent some time in the warehouse, unpacking and logging inventory into our GoodShuffle system. Not exactly glamorous work, but honestly — it felt good.

It’s clear I need a solid handle on what I own and what it’s worth. Not just to feel more “official,” but because:

• It impacts financial reports.

• It influences pricing decisions.

• It helps with taxes, insurance, and forecasting.

• It’s part of running a business like a pro.

This might seem like small admin stuff, but it’s actually the foundation. The clearer the back end, the smoother the front end.

Closing Thoughts

This month felt like a reality check, but it also felt like a turning point. The numbers are a little sobering, but they’re also data — and data gives direction. Onward.

Catch you in the next one — and if you’re in the weeds too, hang in there. It’s all part of the build.