Are you looking for proven strategies to help you grow profits and the value of your business? The host of the Deep Wealth Podcast and post-exit entrepreneur Jeffrey Feldberg sat down with Kristian Marquez, the brains behind Finstrat Management. Kristian’s journey is a rollercoaster of triumph and learning, from a military career to steering billion-dollar IPOs and founding successful companies. Grab a comfy seat; it’s time to soak up business lessons you won’t soon forget!
Kristian Marquez kicked off his journey at the United States Naval Academy, diving deep into the world of engineering. But as he tells Jeffrey, “I knew I wasn’t going to be an engineer.” Kristian’s passion shifted towards investment analysis, leading him to rack up years of experience in the financial world and earn a prestigious Chartered Financial Analyst title. He climbed the ranks at Inovilon, seeing it soar to a $4.4 billion IPO and ultimately pivoting into his own enterprise, Finstrat Management.
Lessons from the Journey: Succeeding Against the Odds
What does it take to grow a business successfully in today’s market? Kristian talks about two important factors:
- Knowing Your Market: It’s vital to understand the wants and needs of your customers. Kristian believes in the power of talking directly to potential clients. Ask them, “Would you spend money on this product or service?” This direct approach helps shape your business strategy.
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Building a Strong Team: Leadership plays a big role in any business success. Kristian highlights the golden rule: “treat people as you would have them treat you.” Creating a positive and supportive work environment is crucial for retaining top talent and achieving long-term success.
Kristan also points out the need for entrepreneurs to always be prepared for change. He says, “Few constants and one that I’m acutely aware of is change.”
Kristian’s story is not just one of success but understanding the power of both wins and losses. Reflecting on his telemedicine venture, Kristian shares, “All the logic in the world doesn’t make a difference unless someone’s prepared to hand you cash for what you’re selling.” A crucial lesson: before diving headlong, know your market and talk to your potential customers.
Jeffrey echoes this sentiment, drawing parallels to his own trials with Embanet: “On paper, we should have failed every which way.” But by tuning into customer feedback, Jeffrey found success. The key takeaway? Passion trumps profit; chase what ignites your spirit and the money will follow.
Navigating Financial Complexity: Where Finstrat Shines
In today’s competitive market, businesses face many challenges. But Kristian believes in the power of innovation and smart financial decisions. He highlights how recessions can affect venture capital and investments but encourages entrepreneurs to stay focused. “Understand the market’s willingness to pay.”
Kristian shares that introducing a CFO early on can be a game changer for many small businesses. Financial management helps companies become more efficient and plan for growth. He explains, “It’s never been less expensive to start a company. You have the ability to outsource so many non-core functions today.”
Finstrat specializes in the financial health of B2B SaaS companies and startups. For those wondering if they’re ready for financial expertise, Kristian puts it plainly: “If you can get to a million in revenue, you should be looking at bringing in expert help.” The goal? Ensuring solid financial foundations so you can scale your ship, not sink it.
Don’t let financial chaos kill your business dreams. “99 percent of the financials we inherit are a mess,” Kristian says, stressing the importance of getting your numbers straight so you can truly understand and improve your business.
Investor Insights: What You Need to Know
Investors are not just wallets waiting to open; they’re discerning, seeking potential and proof of returns. Kristian advises entrepreneurs to step into their investors’ shoes: “They need to see a return that’s based on future valuation that gets them at least 3X, if not more.” It’s about showing you’ve got the goods, with real growth and efficiency.
Jeffrey adds, “The world does not revolve around us.” Instead, it’s about aligning your aspirations with those of the people investing their faith and funds into your venture.
The AI Wave: Friend or Foe?
We can’t talk business trends without touching on AI. Kristian is bullish, noting, “AI is materially expanding what we can accomplish.” But he warns against thinking it’s foolproof. Always double-check AI outputs; “You still need someone to check all the work,” he advises, highlighting a crucial aspect of harnessing tech: trust but verify.
One of the exciting trends Kristian discusses is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). He highlights that AI can boost productivity but needs careful monitoring. “AI is materially expanding what we can accomplish in a workday,” Kristian says. It’s important to combine AI’s potential with human oversight for the best outcomes.
Finally, Kristian urges entrepreneurs to take risks. He advises everyone to “Swing hard” because taking chances is part of the journey. “If you can imagine it, it’s possible.”
Words of Wisdom: Swing Hard
As we wrap up, Kristian leaves us with timeless advice: “Go for it, swing hard.” Fear and doubt mustn’t hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Remember, great success often comes from taking that big leap, even when the landing isn’t entirely visible.
Conclusion: Keep Thriving, Deep Wealth Nation
Kristian Marquez’s story is full of inspiration. His journey from the United States Naval Academy to leading a successful finance company shows that with the right mindset, anything is possible. He reminds us to focus on our passions and always seek growth opportunities.
Are you ready to take the next step in your business journey? Remember, learn from the best, and always be prepared to adapt. As Kristian wisely says, “Money is how we keep score. Focus on delivering something that people love.”
Stay tuned for more insightful episodes from Deep Wealth. May you thrive, prosper, and remain healthy and safe. Thank you for joining us!
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