
The Same Day Podcast
The Vital Five Numbers Every Business Owner Should Know With Michael Barbarita
Michael Barbarita is the Founder and President of Next Step CFO, a firm helping business owners build more profitable companies through financial planning, cash flow forecasting, and disciplined decision-making. With more than 40 years of entrepreneurial experience, Michael has built, scaled, bought, and operated businesses, including growing Ski Town, USA from $2.5 million to $8 million in annual revenue. He combines decades of hands-on business experience with strategic financial expertise to help owners improve cash flow, increase profitability, and grow with confidence. In this episode… Business owners track plenty of numbers, but only a few truly shape better decisions. Knowing which financial metrics matter most can make it easier to manage cash flow, protect profitability, and plan for growth. So which numbers should every business owner know? Michael Barbarita, an entrepreneur and strategic financial expert with more than 40 years of experience building, scaling, buying, and operating businesses, says the answer starts with five essential financial metrics. He recommends tracking weekly sales, gross profit dollars, gross profit percentage, weekly net profit, and daily cash balance, which he calls the "Vital Five." Michael also stresses the importance of understanding cash flow timing, using financial forecasts before making major spending decisions, and watching gross profit margin closely. By staying on top of these numbers, business owners can spot problems earlier, make smarter decisions, and grow with greater confidence. In this episode of The Same Day Podcast , Yoni Schmidt talks with Michael Barbarita, Founder and President of Next Step CFO, about the five financial numbers every business owner should know. Michael explains the Vital Five, why cash flow deserves daily attention, and how financial visibility supports smarter growth. He also discusses forecasting, profitability, and competitive differentiation.

