Cash Position, Gross Margin, Revenue | Which One Matters Most?

Have you ever gone on a road trip without checking the map?In this episode of the East Trade Winds Podcast (S3 E023), host Bernie Franzgrote sits down with Walid Doumyati of Your Precision Growth Partners to explain why many businesses try to grow without a financial roadmap.Walid shares a simple story.Imagine you are driving from Washington, D.C. to Miami. Your goal is to reach $50 million in revenue. You have a mechanic (your CPA). You have someone checking your dashboard (your bookkeeper). But no one is mapping the journey.That is the role of a CFO.A CPA looks at the past.A bookkeeper shows you today’s numbers.A Fractional CFO builds the plan for tomorrow.Walid explains why revenue alone does not mean you are winning. A company can have $5 million in sales and still run out of cash. What matters is your cash position, gross margin, runway, and strategy.Using real-world examples, Walid shows how poor cash flow forecasting, pricing without margin clarity, and missing financial scorecards can cost business owners six to seven figures per year.The big lesson?The businesses that win are not the ones with the most resources. They are the ones with the best plan. Key Topics Covered• The difference between a CPA, bookkeeper, and Fractional CFO• Why revenue is not the most important financial metric• Cash flow forecasting for 60, 90, and 180 days• Gross margin optimization and pricing strategy• The 16 financial metrics every growing business should track• Avoiding cash shortages during growth• Building a financial roadmap to $50M Featured GuestWalid Doumyati, CMA®Fractional CFO & Financial Strategy ExpertYour Precision Growth Partners 🎁 Special Offer (Limited Time):Book a complimentary 30-minute Financial Strategy SessionReceive a complimentary Financial Health AssessmentSchedule here:https://calendly.com/waliddoumyati/right-fit-call?preview_source=et_card&month=2026-02 Supporting HostsBernie FranzgroteWayne PrattPercy Barr Recognized SupportThis episode is proudly supported by Canada Growth Network.Structured growth support for small and mid-sized businesses.Join for $47 CDN/month. No contract.Continue the Conversation📺 Watch on YouTube📰 Read the full article on Ghost.io📩 Questions or feedback?Email us at: [e-mail] you are a small or mid-sized business owner who wants predictable growth, not guesswork:✔ Watch the full YouTube episode✔ Connect with Walid Doumyati on LinkedIn✔ Book your complimentary strategy session Join the next East Trade Winds Tuesday event (8–9 AM EST)Register here:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlf-msrzktGdz-UTwX8Tv6CK5Lu3tacGI9Come meet other growth-focused leaders and discover future guest experts.Because growth is not about driving faster.It is about driving smarter. Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations.It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode.It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.