In this episode, James sits down with Peter Piluk, a fractional CFO with a programmer’s mindset, to unpack what really matters in ERP rollouts, how just-in-time thinking rescued a niche manufacturing service during COVID supply shocks, and why every owner should build a company that’s sale-ready – even if you never plan to sell. They also touch on Canada–U.S. tariff chatter, running a firm with your spouse, and Peter’s “how, not no” approach to client problems.
About Peter
Peter Piluk is the founder of Pathway, providing bookkeeping, controller, and fractional CFO services. He started in custom software/ERP development for automotive manufacturing, moved into finance and operations roles, and now advises SMBs on pragmatic systems, cash flow, pricing, and exit readiness. Fun fact: Peter holds black belts in judo and combat judo.
What You’ll Learn
- ERP without the bloat: Why “track everything” backfires – and how to pick the few metrics that change decisions.
- Programmer-to-CFO advantage: Systems thinking for cleaner books, clearer models, and faster audits.
- Just-in-time for SMBs: Local sourcing to slash lead times, inventory, and downtime for customers.
- From service to asset: Turning parts sourcing into a product line with enterprise value (and retirement options).
- Tariffs & resilience: How Canadian firms are scenario-planning amid U.S. tariff headlines.
- Partnering at home: Clear swim lanes when you run a finance practice with your spouse (tax vs. CFO).
- Mindset shift: Don’t start with “no” – start with how.
Episode Highlights
- “Sometimes the software gets in the way. If the data doesn’t change a decision, don’t collect it.”
- “My client went from importing parts to building a just-in-time pipeline locally – faster, cheaper, and less capital tied up.”
- “Treat your company like a saleable asset. Even if you don’t sell, you’ll run a better business.”
- “On tariffs: prepare, diversify, but don’t panic – resilience beats rhetoric.”
- “Accountants often say no; I prefer to ask how we can make it work – within the rules.”
Links & Mentions
- Pathway (Peter’s firm) – Fractional CFO, controller, and bookkeeping services
- Connect with Peter: LinkedIn – Peter Piluk
- Business Hero: Mark Cuban and Cost Plus Drugs (lower-cost generics mission)
Call to Action
If you’re an owner sitting on too much inventory data and not enough decision clarity, start with one question: What will this metric make me do differently? Then work backward with your CFO to simplify systems, build resilience, and make the business more sellable – even if you never sell.
