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February 6, 2025

The Hard Truth About Starting Your Own Business

In this episode of the Gross Profit Podcast, James delves into the journey of Eric Reinacher, owner and CEO of Sentinel Finance Group. Eric shares his experience transitioning from being a fractional CFO in California to starting his own business in Kansas City. They also discuss key insights such as protecting your equity while obtaining funding, and the balance between revenue growth and business efficiency. Tune in for a detailed look at the dynamics of starting anew, managing client relationships, and strategic financial planning.
The Gross Profit Podcast
The Gross Profit Podcast
The Hard Truth About Starting Your Own Business
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  • 33 mins
  • 2025-02-06 10:44:31
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Show Notes

In this episode, James Kennedy sits down with Eric Reinacher, CEO and founder of Sentinel Finance Group, to discuss the realities of starting and scaling a business.

Eric’s journey is a fascinating one—after years as a fractional CFO in California, he took a leap of faith and launched his own firm in Kansas City. Now, through Sentinel Finance Group, he helps business owners navigate complex financial decisions with expert CFO and controller services.

Starting a business is often romanticized, but Eric shares the hard truths—from the financial risks and equity pitfalls to the balancing act between revenue growth and operational efficiency. If you’re considering launching your own venture or are struggling to gain financial traction, this episode is packed with practical advice you can’t afford to miss.

What You’ll Learn:

🔹 The Realities of Entrepreneurship – Eric’s firsthand experience transitioning from employee to business owner.
🔹 Protecting Your Equity While Raising Capital – Why safeguarding your ownership stake is crucial when securing funding.
🔹 Balancing Revenue Growth and Business Efficiency – How sustainable financial strategies trump rapid but unstable expansion.
🔹 The Role of a Fractional CFO – Why many businesses benefit from outsourcing high-level financial leadership instead of hiring a full-time CFO.
🔹 Financial Pitfalls for New Business Owners – Common mistakes entrepreneurs make and how to avoid them.

Episode Highlights:

💬 “Starting your own business isn’t just about making money—it’s about making the right financial decisions that ensure long-term success.” – Eric Reinacher

💬 “Too many founders give away too much equity too early. You have to think strategically about how to structure funding.”

💬 “A business isn’t just about revenue growth—it’s about financial health, stability, and having a clear long-term vision.”

Beyond Sentinel Finance Group, Eric has played a critical role in helping Kansas City businesses grow and thrive. His expertise in financial strategy, process improvement, and leadership makes him a sought-after advisor for companies looking to scale sustainably.

This podcast is tagged under:

The Gross Profit Podcast

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