CFO Secrets and Sweet Success with Michael Barbarita

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What do ski gear, frozen cookies, and CFO strategy have in common?
Michael Barbarita and a powerful lesson in what actually drives business success.

In this episode, I sit down with Michael Barbarita, a veteran entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience across retail, manufacturing, and finance. From scaling companies to $8M in revenue to navigating humbling failures, Michael shares the moments that reshaped his view of success—and sparked his shift to heart-led leadership.

We explore what it means to build a heart-led business, why mission and vision must be a “10,” and how listening to customers sets you apart. Michael shares how failure sparked a purpose-driven, sustainable business.

🎧 Grow a profitable business without burnout—this episode is for you. Subscribe, like, and leave a review to spread the heart-led movement.

Key Takeaways
✔️Why “I hope so” marketing is killing your business (and what to do instead)
✔️The power of risk reversal and how it skyrocketed ski sales
✔️How falling flat on his face led Michael to build a heart-led business
✔️Why most business owners are stuck at a “7” and how to become a “10”
✔️The CFO's secrets to consistent profits and time freedom

About the Guest
Michael Barbarita is the founder and CEO of Next Step CFO, delivering fractional CFO expertise to small businesses. With 40 years of experience running retail, service, and manufacturing companies, he’s known for driving growth and innovation—like growing Ski Town USA from $2.5M to $8M in under five years. His product, Cookies To Scoop Frozen Cookie Dough, was featured on QVC and named one of Massachusetts’ top 20 products in 1997.

Additional Resources
✔️Website: https://www.nextstepcfo.net
✔️LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbarbarita
✔️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contractcfo
✔️X: https://x.com/nextstepcfo
✔️Free E-book: Powerful Business Strategies: https://tinyurl.com/mvdbvyuc
✔️Get Your FREE Guide: Stop Competing on Price
https://cfobusinesscoach.net/compelling-offers

✨ Explore the Dialogue: Tap here https://tinyurl.com/michael-barbarita to delve into our conversation.

Up Next: Scott Darragh—former Army Black Hawk pilot, 737 captain, and founder of Jet Set Trainer. He combines aviation discipline with evidence-based fitness to help frequent flyers lose weight, boost energy, and feel confident any

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