Release Date: 5/11/26
Episode Description:
Cash flow problems can cripple a trade business long before profitability shows up on paper. In this episode of Trade Finance in Ten, Robyn breaks down why HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and MEP contractors often feel constantly short on cash — even when sales are strong — and what to do about it.
Learn the practical systems trade companies need to get paid faster, tighten accounts receivable, improve billing cadence, reduce write-downs, and stop financing customers out of their own operating account.
Robyn walks through real-world cash flow strategies for contractors, including daily invoicing, deposits, customer financing, recurring revenue through service agreements, collections processes, commercial progress billing, retainage management, and protecting lien rights.
If your business is constantly waiting on checks, struggling with aging receivables, floating payroll, or wondering where the money went despite staying busy, this episode gives you actionable financial strategies you can implement immediately.
If you’re just joining the series:
Part 1 — Where’s All the Cash I Earned on My P&L? (understanding the gap between profit and cash)
Part 2 — Know Your Numbers Before You Take the Job (margins, breakeven, and overhead math)
Coming up next:
Part 4 — Spending Smarter (vendor terms, payment timing, and strategic cash outflows)
Part 5 — Seasonal Cash Flow: Building the Bridge (peaks, valleys, and planning ahead)
Part 6 — Funding Growth Without Breaking Your Cash Flow (reserves, lines of credit, and working capital)
Topics include:
- HVAC cash flow problems
- Contractor accounts receivable
- Getting paid faster in the trades
- Cash flow management for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical companies
- Daily invoicing systems
- Contractor financing programs
- Service agreements and recurring revenue
- Commercial billing and retainage
- Collections processes for contractors
- Reducing write-downs and lost revenue
Trade Finance in Ten is powered by MainStreet MEP™. New episodes every Monday.
Now available:
The Mainstreet MEP Command Center™ weekly Friday financial dashboards (even if you’re not a Fractional CFO client) – $249 a month and listeners can use coupon code “numbers” to get $50 off setup.
Visit https://myhvacoffice.com/weekly-flash-dashboard/ to learn more.
