title: The 3 Metrics That Actually Grow Your Business
author: Ash Lonare
contenttype: article
publication: Founders Podcast
published: 2025-11-25T09:52:00+00:00
sourceurl: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/founderspod/episodes/The-3-Metrics-That-Actually-Grow-Your-Business-e3a6cb5
word_count: 164
In this episode of the Founders Podcast, Colin Sanburg shares his journey from starting in a family business to becoming a fractional CFO. He emphasizes the importance of understanding business metrics, the dangers of focusing on surface-level numbers, and the foundational role of pricing in profitability. Colin discusses how to engage teams in profitability, the significance of tracking meaningful metrics, and the necessity of looking forward in decision-making. He also reflects on personal growth and the lessons learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey, providing valuable insights for founders and early-stage builders. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Inspirational Quotes 01:46 Colin's Journey and Business Philosophy 05:00 Understanding Metrics in Business 07:46 The Danger of Surface-Level Metrics 11:41 Reframing Metrics for Decision Making 15:49 Key Numbers for Business Health 18:55 Misunderstandings About Profitability 23:46 Understanding Profitability Challenges 29:09 Balancing Short-Term Profitability with Long-Term Sustainability 32:30 The Importance of Forward-Looking Decision Making 38:09 Lessons from Mistakes and the Path to Professionalism 40:07 Quick Fire Round: Essential Strategies for Founders