Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs

The CEO’s Guide to Taking a Real Vacation | Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs

Is your vacation truly a break—or just work in disguise?
In this episode, Jim Downes and Mitch Federman of Blueprint CFO share how CEOs can take a real vacation without sacrificing business performance—and why stepping away is a powerful leadership move.
🔑 What you'll learn:✅ Why vacation is a leadership strategy, not a luxury✅ The difference between Work Mode and Vacation Mode—and how to shift✅ How a strategic plan and clear KPIs empower your team while you’re away✅ Practical steps to set up systems, protocols, and delegation before you go✅ How financial clarity gives you confidence to unplug✅ A real-world example of how a CEO used strategic planning to step away without stress
Whether you're planning your first real break in years or want to set a healthier example for your team, this webinar-meets-podcast episode gives you the tools to lead with confidence—even from the beach.
About Blueprint CFO |  Blueprint CFO is a future focused fractional CFO and accounting services firm based in Orange County, California. Partnering with entrepreneurial companies to guide and support them on their road to success, Blueprint CFO equips clients with the Profitability Roadmap® they need to grow. Learn more at www.BlueprintCFO.com.

Strategic Planning for 2025: Keys to Success | Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs

Is your strategic plan setting your business up for success—or holding it back? In this episode, Jim Downes and Mitch Federman of Blueprint CFO break down what makes a great strategic plan and how to create one that drives real results in 2025.
🔑 What you'll learn:✅ The essential elements of a strategic plan—and why it must be written, shared, and tracked✅ How to set SMART goals and define KPIs that create accountability✅ Ways to align your team’s goals with your broader business strategy✅ The role of financial discipline and the CFO in ensuring plan success✅ How strategic planning strengthens sales, marketing, operations, and finance✅ A real-life case study of a $20M manufacturing company’s transformation through strategic planning
Whether you're building your first formal plan or refining your approach, this webinar-meets-podcast episode will give you the tools to focus your team, make data-driven decisions, and achieve stronger profit performance.
About the Series. Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs is an interview series and podcast highlighting entrepreneurs and businesses that are going places by focusing on the future and developing a roadmap for success. Hosted by Jim Downes, founder of Blueprint CFO, a future focused fractional CFO & accounting services firm based in Southern California.
About Blueprint CFO. Blueprint CFO is a future focused fractional CFO and accounting services firm based in Orange County, California. Partnering with entrepreneurial companies to guide and support them on their road to success, Blueprint CFO equips clients with the Profitability Roadmap® they need to grow. Learn more at www.BlueprintCFO.com.

Environmental Planning with a Purpose | Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs

Jeremy Krout is the founder of EPD Solutions, Inc. EPD provides an integrated approach to environmental analysis, regulatory compliance, land use planning, entitlement, and development and construction management. Since 2013, EPD has spent over a decade assisting clients through the complex regulatory and interdisciplinary processes required to bring projects to fruition in the most thoughtful manner. EPD collaborates with both private and public sector clients to meet each project’s objectives while supporting the economic, environmental sustainability, and long-term goals of all stakeholders. The result is a comprehensive development strategy that delivers the best solutions for the environment, community, and economic value.
Jeremy has over 20 years of experience in urban, environmental and policy planning; project management; and real estate entitlement and development, in both the public and private sectors. Over this period, he has successfully managed many regionally significant and complex projects in these fields, which drew on his knowledge of federal, state and local government regulations, natural interpersonal and negotiation skills, public presentation strengths, detail-oriented approach to project design oversight, and team leadership abilities. His wide-ranging and multifaceted experience on infill residential, master planned communities, affordable housing, education, public and private redevelopment, transportation, mining, solar, recreation, hospitality and industrial projects has developed and honed his skills in entitlement strategy and implementation and environmental compliance. It is because of his successes and dedication that he has earned the conviction and reliance of project proponents and opponents, stakeholders and his clients.
About the Series. Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs is an interview series and podcast highlighting entrepreneurs and businesses that are going places by focusing on the future and developing a roadmap for success. Hosted by Jim Downes, founder of Blueprint CFO, a future focused fractional CFO & accounting services firm based in Southern California.
About Blueprint CFO. Blueprint CFO is a future focused fractional CFO and accounting services firm based in Orange County, California. Partnering with entrepreneurial companies to guide and support them on their road to success, Blueprint CFO equips clients with the Profitability Roadmap® they need to grow. Learn more at www.BlueprintCFO.com.

Data-Driven Decision-Maker | Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs

Leah Braddell is the CEO and Chief Data Officer of DataBiologics, a company at the forefront of healthcare innovation, specializing in real-world data analytics for regenerative medicine. With over 20 years of experience in biomedical engineering, sales, and healthcare technology, Leah has a unique blend of expertise in both the commercial and technical aspects of the healthcare industry. She has had success with multiple high-growth startups, driven by her deep domain knowledge and award-winning sales strategies.
Leah’s career spans across research, marketing, and analytics, making her a key figure in bridging the gap between cutting-edge medical technology and practical, real-world applications. Under her leadership, DataBiologics is transforming how clinicians and patients interact with and benefit from regenerative treatments, establishing a powerful platform that supports evidence-based decision-making in medicine.
About the Series. Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs is an interview series and podcast highlighting entrepreneurs and businesses that are going places by focusing on the future and developing a roadmap for success. Hosted by Jim Downes, founder of Blueprint CFO, a future focused fractional CFO & accounting services firm based in Southern California.
About Blueprint CFO. Blueprint CFO is a future focused fractional CFO and accounting services firm based in Orange County, California. Partnering with entrepreneurial companies to guide and support them on their road to success, Blueprint CFO equips clients with the Profitability Roadmap® they need to grow. Learn more at www.BlueprintCFO.com.

Information Technology Insights | Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs

Nader Nemati is a dynamic business and technology leader experienced in providing companies with IT, Technology, Product Management, Cybersecurity and AI consulting services including advisory board services, and fractional or interim IT executive roles. Nader has a proven track record of helping companies align technology and IT infrastructure to business objectives to grow revenue, increase profitability, and expand into new markets and geographies. He has worked at Lockheed Martin, Leidos, and Honeywell in various executive IT positions, including Chief Information Officer, and is the founder of several successful startups, including On Demand Managers.
In today’s on-demand economy, businesses face constant challenges requiring immediate attention. On Demand Managers, founded by Nader Nemati, offers swift and efficient solutions by providing quick access to highly experienced managers and executives. Their seasoned professionals handle urgent and complex issues that exceed internal capabilities. Through the On Demand Management™ service, businesses gain direct access to skilled managers and executives for interim projects or retainer agreements, seamlessly integrating into their teams. Specializing in fractional CIO, CTO, and CISO services, these interim leaders navigate financial, operational, and technological challenges with agility.
About the Series. Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs is an interview series and podcast highlighting entrepreneurs and businesses that are going places by focusing on the future and developing a roadmap for success. Hosted by Jim Downes, founder of Blueprint CFO, a future focused fractional CFO & accounting services firm based in Southern California.
About Blueprint CFO. Blueprint CFO is a future focused fractional CFO and accounting services firm based in Orange County, California. Partnering with entrepreneurial companies to guide and support them on their road to success, Blueprint CFO equips clients with the Profitability Roadmap® they need to grow. Learn more at www.BlueprintCFO.com.

Conversations with a Cybersecurity CEO | Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs

With over 26 years of experience, Lou Rabon is a seasoned technology professional. Lou Rabon has dedicated 22 years to Cybersecurity and 9 years to International Privacy, honing expertise in Incident Response, Cloud Security, Privacy, and Regulatory Compliance. Having held leadership positions for Fortune 500 companies across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America, Lou brings a wealth of knowledge.
Currently serving as the CEO and Founder of Cyber Defense Group, a cybersecurity strategic advisory firm founded in 2016, Lou focuses on delivering exceptional Incident Response and Security Program Management consulting services. Based in Los Angeles, CDG serves clients globally, providing expert solutions.
Before joining CDG, Lou served as the Information Security Officer at Spokeo. In this role, he diligently analyzed threats across a widely dispersed “perimeter,” which included a hybrid cloud environment for the Alexa Top-500 ranked website. Before his time at Spokeo, Lou was a valuable member of the Information Security team at Sony Pictures Entertainment. There, he led various Information Security and Privacy projects for SPE, while also contributing to privacy and risk management initiatives for the global Sony Corporation.
Lou’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he’s established and managed consultancies in France, Australia, and both coasts of the United States. He frequently shares his expertise on panels and at industry conferences, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to advancing the cybersecurity landscape, and is passionate about safeguarding the digital future of our children.
About the Series. Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs is an interview series and podcast highlighting entrepreneurs and businesses that are going places by focusing on the future and developing a roadmap for success. Hosted by Jim Downes, founder of Blueprint CFO, a future focused fractional CFO & accounting services firm based in Southern California.
About Blueprint CFO. Blueprint CFO is a future focused fractional CFO and accounting services firm based in Orange County, California. Partnering with entrepreneurial companies to guide and support them on their road to success, Blueprint CFO equips clients with the Profitability Roadmap® they need to grow. Learn more at www.BlueprintCFO.com.

Project Management Perspectives | Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs

John Anderson is the Founder and Principal of Integrated Solutions Group, a Washington State-based Advisory Services firm. ISG is focused on providing Project Management, Quality Assurance, Organizational Change Management, and Technical Advisory Services to its clients with a focus on managing transformational change often brought on by the implementation of new technology.
John has 38 years of experience as an Information Management consultant with an emphasis on the management of large software design, development, and implementation projects. He has been a consultant and trainer to many Fortune 100 companies as well as federal, state, and local government agencies.
John has managed the implementation of several large-scale business transformation initiatives, including ProviderOne, the State of Washington Medicaid Enterprise Information System, and HealthPlanFinder, the Washington States Health Insurance Marketplace. John also served as Interim Executive Director of Technology for the One Washington Program, which is transforming the state’s aging financial, human resource, payroll, procurement, and budgeting systems.
John has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Utah with minors in Business and Computer Science. John holds his Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute and has done post-graduate studies in Business and Information Management.
Topics discussed in this episode:
The history of Integrated Solutions Group (ISG), and the company’s growth over the years
What differentiates ISG in the market
The Wheel of Progress as a philosophy that Jim and John share
John’s early journey, and whether he anticipated becoming an entrepreneur
The impact of HIPAA laws and the Affordable Care Act on ISG
John’s view on Artificial Intelligence, and the potential benefits for his clients
Benefits of owning a business, from John’s perspective, and the impact of customer/client feedback
The stresses that come with being a business owner, and the impact of losing great employees
How many hours per week John works, and his belief in the importance of balance
The impact and trajectory of Integrated Solutions Group (ISG)’s work with Blueprint CFO
John’s advice for blossoming entrepreneurs, and the importance of being surrounded by supportive people
About the Series. Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs is an interview series and podcast highlighting entrepreneurs and businesses that are going places by focusing on the future and developing a roadmap for success. Hosted by Jim Downes, founder of Blueprint CFO, a future focused fractional CFO & accounting services firm based in Southern California.
About Blueprint CFO. Blueprint CFO is a future focused fractional CFO and accounting services firm based in Orange County, California. Partnering with entrepreneurial companies to guide and support them on their road to success, Blueprint CFO equips clients with the Profitability Roadmap® they need to grow. Learn more at www.BlueprintCFO.com.

Exit Strategy Expertise | Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs

Vinil Ramchandran is the founder of Dream Business Brokers. He is a Certified Mergers and Acquisitions Professional, Certified Business Broker, and Certified Business Intermediary. Vinil brings over 20 years of business experience to help entrepreneurs sell their business for maximum value. He is known as a results-oriented M&A Advisor and prides himself on providing exceptional service to his clients.
Dream Business Brokers is a full-service business brokerage and M&A advisory firm based in Newport Beach. They work with lower middle market businesses in a variety of sectors with a focus on manufacturing, distribution, and service-oriented companies. They assist clients with business sales, acquisitions, and exit planning.
Topics discussed in this episode:
Trends Vinil has seen when it comes to business leaders exiting their companies
Vinil’s reflections on the impact of COVID-19
The process of business valuation, and how Dream Business Brokers approaches this
Vinil’s top tip for a business owner thinking of selling their company
How early business owners should prepare for an exit
The role of risk in the business valuation equation, and the importance of great accounting
What career path Vinil originally planned on pursuing, and his journey to where he is today
Vinil’s vision for the future of his firm, and his insights on the importance of finding a niche
The importance of strategic partnerships in business and entrepreneurship, especially in the consulting space
Vinil’s relationship with work-life balance as an entrepreneur
About the Series. Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs is an interview series and podcast highlighting entrepreneurs and businesses that are going places by focusing on the future and developing a roadmap for success. Hosted by Jim Downes, founder of Blueprint CFO, a future focused fractional CFO & accounting services firm based in Southern California.
About Blueprint CFO. Blueprint CFO is a future focused fractional CFO and accounting services firm based in Orange County, California. Partnering with entrepreneurial companies to guide and support them on their road to success, Blueprint CFO equips clients with the Profitability Roadmap® they need to grow. Learn more at www.BlueprintCFO.com.

Transformative Tax Planning | Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs

Yuko Tsuchida, CPA, MBA is a Certified Public Accountant with over 10 years of tax consulting experience advising multinational corporations on value-added tax strategies. Her career started with KPMG’s Japanese tax practice where she provided audit, tax and advisory services to Japanese companies operating in the United States. After KPMG, she co-founded Think, LLP, a strategic tax advisory firm specializing in income tax planning, R&D credits, investment, employee and training tax credits and incentive services. Throughout her career, she has helped clients claim over $100 million in incentives and credits.
Ms. Tsuchida founded Hito, LLC in October 2017 after seeing how many companies fail to achieve their projected growth because they lack the time and resources to implement tax planning strategies that align with their long-term business objectives.
Hito is the Japanese term for ‘people’ and Ms. Tsuchida believes people drive business growth. Hito provides value-added tax consulting services focused on tax incentives and credits. Hito accelerates the growth of businesses and promotes change through tax benefits. This helps businesses unlock savings by minimizing taxes and freeing up capital for reinvestment into the business and its employees.
Topics discussed in this episode:
How Hito LLC helps businesses save money through tax credits and tax incentives
Why companies may not be aware of the tax credits and opportunities available to them
Yuko’s entrepreneurial journey, and what led her to ultimately found Hito LLC
The impact of COVID-19 on Yuko’s business
The relationship between strategic tax planning and organizational success
Why it’s essential to take a proactive approach to tax planning
Yuko’s perspective on the best and most challenging aspects of owning a business
How Hito LLC has created an excellent team culture
The importance of delegation as a business leader
The interesting way Jim and Yuko met, and the evolution of their strategic partnership
Why strategic partnerships are so critical for growing businesses
About the Series. Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs is an interview series and podcast highlighting entrepreneurs and businesses that are going places by focusing on the future and developing a roadmap for success. Hosted by Jim Downes, founder of Blueprint CFO, a future focused fractional CFO & accounting services firm based in Southern California.
About Blueprint CFO. Blueprint CFO is a future focused fractional CFO and accounting services firm based in Orange County, California. Partnering with entrepreneurial companies to guide and support them on their road to success, Blueprint CFO equips clients with the Profitability Roadmap® they need to grow. Learn more at www.BlueprintCFO.com.

Entrepreneurial Excellence | Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs

Ville Houttu is the Co-Founder and CEO of Privv. Originally from Finland, Ville relocated to the United States with his wife and two children in 2016. He’s a serial entrepreneur and a renowned TEDx speaker whose leadership has earned recognition in esteemed publications, such as TechCrunch, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, Harvard Business Review, and Adam Grant’s TED Podcast. Additionally, he has been honored as a finalist for the 2023 EY Entrepreneur of the Year award and is a three-time member of the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America. In 2018, he was also named the Entrepreneur of the Year in Irvine, California.
Privv is the only project management tool designed specifically for higher education and K-12 facilities. It combines industry-specific knowledge with advanced tools to ensure capital projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. Privv empowers educational institutions to focus on their core mission of providing world-class education while streamlining the management of complex construction projects.
Topics discussed in this episode:
The history and origin story of Privv, the company’s target market, and insights into the project management tool
Ville’s interesting entrepreneurial journey, including scaling a business to 8-figures
What Ville envisioned for his career back when he was a kid growing up in Finland, and what his first job was
The benefits of being a “parallel entrepreneur”, and what this means
Tough times in business, and Ville’s reflections on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship
The importance of learning from others’ experiences, and how professional advisory can support and uplift young entrepreneurs
The need for balance between innovation and implementation in organizational leadership
The current state of the economy, and whether or not Ville sees the impacts of a looming recession
How Privv is utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to support the firm’s offerings
Ville’s perspective on work-life balance as an entrepreneur
Ville’s experience working with Blueprint CFO
About the Series. Blueprint CFO Presents: Future Focused Entrepreneurs is an interview series and podcast highlighting entrepreneurs and businesses that are going places by focusing on the future and developing a roadmap for success. Hosted by Jim Downes, founder of Blueprint CFO, a future focused fractional CFO & accounting services firm based in Southern California.
About Blueprint CFO. Blueprint CFO is a future focused fractional CFO and accounting services firm based in Orange County, California. Partnering with entrepreneurial companies to guide and support them on their road to success, Blueprint CFO equips clients with the Profitability Roadmap® they need to grow. Learn more at www.BlueprintCFO.com.