April 3, 2025

Sarah Philabaum – Why Most Coffee Shops Fail – (And How to Beat the Odds)

Today, James sits down with Sarah Philabaum from BuildYourBooks.com. They dive into the financial ins and outs of running a successful coffee shop, from managing cash flow to navigating tricky budgeting decisions. Sarah shares her journey in supporting small business owners through bookkeeping and CFO services, and offers practical advice backed by real-world experience. Don’t miss Sarah’s exclusive cash flow spreadsheet – created just for podcast listeners – and her game-changing insights for coffee shop owners looking to thrive in a competitive market!
The Gross Profit Podcast
The Gross Profit Podcast
Sarah Philabaum - Why Most Coffee Shops Fail – (And How to Beat the Odds)
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Show Notes

James Kennedy sits down with Sarah Philabaum, founder of BuildYourBooks.com, to explore the financial realities of running a coffee shop. With years of experience in bookkeeping and CFO services, Sarah shares actionable advice for small business owners looking to take control of their finances – especially in the fast-paced world of food and beverage.

About Sarah Philabaum:
Sarah Philabaum is the founder of BuildYourBooks.com, a firm that offers specialized bookkeeping and virtual CFO services tailored to small businesses – particularly coffee shops. With a passion for helping owners understand their numbers, Sarah provides the tools and insights needed to stay financially healthy and sustainable. Her work blends practical financial advice with a deep understanding of the hospitality industry.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Coffee Shop Financial Challenges: Understand the unique financial hurdles faced by cafĂ© owners, from tight margins to fluctuating foot traffic.
  • Cash Flow Management: Learn Sarah’s strategies for improving cash flow and keeping businesses running smoothly, even in lean times.
  • Loan & Budgeting Tips: Hear how to make informed financial decisions when it comes to borrowing and budgeting.

Episode Highlights:

  • “Sarah, what are the biggest financial mistakes you see new coffee shop owners make?”
  • “How should small businesses approach cash flow forecasting, especially in seasonal or unpredictable markets?”
  • “Can you walk us through your budgeting approach and how it helps your clients stay on track?”

More about Sarah’s Role:
As the founder of BuildYourBooks.com, Sarah Philabaum provides hands-on financial guidance to small business owners looking to thrive. Her focus on clarity, simplicity, and real-world application makes her a trusted resource for entrepreneurs in the hospitality space. And in this episode, she shares a special bonus: a free cash flow spreadsheet exclusively for podcast listeners – designed to help business owners get their finances in order.

The Gross Profit Podcast

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