In this episode James Kennedy sits down with Jamie Odegaard, founder of Aardvark, to unpack what he calls an “inflationary war story” – from swinging a shovel in high-end construction to launching a thriving fractional CFO firm.
They explore Jamie’s unconventional journey, how he navigated a failed acquisition, the harsh realities of private equity partnerships, and how his firm helps small creative and service businesses build real financial health.
Jamie also shares his thoughts on popular business influencers, the value of gross margin clarity, and why invoicing on time might be the most underrated financial lever of all.
About Jamie Odegaard:
Jamie Odegaard is the founder of Aardvark, a fractional CFO firm helping small businesses – from creative agencies to boutique law firms – get clarity on their numbers and improve cash flow. With a background in high-end construction, property management, and private equity operations, Jamie blends operational rigor with hands-on business strategy. His approach is grounded in trust, communication, and helping owners prioritize financial performance – without losing sight of their craft.
What You’ll Learn:
- Gross Margin Mastery: Why most small business owners misunderstand their profit margins – and how Jamie helps fix that.
- ETA & Acquisition Lessons: Jamie reflects on what went wrong (and right) during his entrepreneurial search journey and PE experience.
- Practical CFO Advice: From cash flow triage to when (and how) to use timesheets – Jamie shares actionable tips for founders trying to make smarter financial decisions.
Episode Highlights:
- “If you surprise someone about money, you’re doing it wrong. Nobody likes money surprises.”
- “We start by asking: Are you building to sell, or building to earn? That answer shapes everything.”
- “Invoicing late is often the real reason for cash issues – it’s not always complicated.”
More about Jamie’s Role:
As the founder of Aardvark, Jamie Odegaard helps small business owners gain control of their financial destiny. His company focuses on businesses earning between $300K and $3M in revenue – owners who love their craft, but need a trusted partner to optimize their margins, cash flow, and strategic planning. Jamie’s unique blend of construction grit, PE insight, and down-to-earth communication makes him a CFO for the real world.
