Stop Running a Profitable Business That Has No Cash
Profit First® flips the formula: take your profit first, then run the business on what’s left. We help you install the system and build the habits.
Revenue Is Up. So Why Is There No Cash?
Your P&L says you’re profitable. But every month you’re scrambling to cover payroll, chasing receivables, and wondering where the money went. Sound familiar?
Most founder-led companies run on the “bank balance” method: check the account, spend what’s there. It works when you’re small, but it breaks as you grow.
Profit First® is a cash management system (based on the bestselling book by Mike Michalowicz) that uses behavioral psychology to build financial discipline — automatically.
What Profit First® Gives You
- ✓ Guaranteed profit every quarter — not just on paper, in the bank
- ✓ Clear cash flow visibility without complex financial models
- ✓ Healthy owner’s compensation built into the system
- ✓ Tax reserves set aside automatically — no year-end surprises
- ✓ Operating expense discipline that improves margins naturally
How Profit First® Works
Instead of Revenue − Expenses = Profit, we flip it: Revenue − Profit = Expenses. Simple behavioral change, massive financial impact.
Taken first, every allocation cycle. Non-negotiable.
Your compensation, separate from business expenses.
Set aside every cycle. No surprises at year-end.
What’s left runs the business. Constraints breed efficiency.
How We Implement Profit First®
Financial Health Check
We review your current cash flow, profit margins, and financial habits to identify where money is leaking and where opportunity exists.
System Setup
We set up your Profit First® bank accounts, allocation percentages, and rhythm — tailored to your business stage and cash flow patterns.
Ongoing Rhythm
Bi-weekly allocation cycles, quarterly profit distributions, and regular check-ins to keep your financial habits on track.
Certified Profit First® Professionals
Our team is Profit First certified, which means we don’t just recommend the book — we implement the system with you, customize it for your business, and coach you through the transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions from Founder-Led Teams
What is Profit First?
Profit First is a cash management system created by Mike Michalowicz that flips the traditional accounting formula. Instead of Revenue - Expenses = Profit, it uses Revenue - Profit = Expenses. You allocate profit first, then run the business on what's left.
How long does it take to implement Profit First?
Initial setup takes 2-4 weeks (opening accounts, setting allocation percentages). The full behavioral shift typically takes 3-6 months of bi-weekly allocation cycles before it becomes second nature.
Does Profit First work for service businesses?
Yes. Profit First works for any business with revenue — service businesses, agencies, consulting firms, and product companies. The allocation percentages are adjusted based on your business type and stage.
How many bank accounts do I need for Profit First?
The core Profit First system uses 5 bank accounts: Income, Profit, Owner's Pay, Tax, and Operating Expenses. Some businesses add additional accounts as they grow. Your bank should allow free transfers between accounts.
Is Satori Profit First certified?
Yes. Satori's financial systems practice is Profit First certified, meaning we don't just recommend the book — we implement the system, customize allocation percentages for your business, and coach you through the transition.