Episode 1284 – Revenue is for Ego But Profit is for Freedom
In this episode, Mike Campion shares a powerful reality check for cleaning business owners chasing revenue instead of focusing on profit. He explains why a million-dollar cleaning company doesn’t always mean financial freedom — and how real success comes from taking home money, not just making it. Mike dives into how to pay yourself properly, avoid common tax traps, and set clear profit goals. Whether you’re running a small cleaning business or scaling fast, this episode will help you shift from ego-driven growth to profit-driven freedom. Tune in and learn how to build a cleaning company that actually supports your lifestyle.
For a deep dive on the employee vs independent contractors discussion, check out this episode HERE
Revenue Is for Your Ego. Profit Is for Your Freedom.
Mike Campion started this episode with a fire rant 🔥 about how cleaning business owners love chasing big revenue but forget about the real goal — profit. He said too many folks think if they just hit a million dollars in revenue, they’ll be rich. But surprise! Big revenue doesn’t mean big money in your pocket. In fact, it often means big stress. You want freedom? Then you need profit, not just more sales.
Stop Lying to Yourself About Profit
Mike points out that people say they’re making “30% profit,” but when he asks how much they actually took home, they freeze. Crickets. They say, “I’m reinvesting,” or “My accountant handles that.” 🙄 If your bank account isn’t growing, you’re not really making a profit. You might think you’re rich, but unless you can pay yourself well and consistently, your business is just making noise, not wealth.
Paying Yourself: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
People asked how to pay themselves — salary? percentage? Mike says: it depends. You need to cover what you need to live, pay your fair share of taxes (but not more), and do what your company can afford. A good CPA can help figure it out. Just remember: salary is taxed the most, so many owners try to take the minimum salary and pull the rest through smarter ways like owner draws. But don’t get crazy — the IRS knows if you’re underpaying yourself.
Revenue Goals Are a Trap — Set Profit Goals Instead
Another listener said they were “growing really big” and thinking about hiring contractors. Mike’s advice? Ask a better question. “Big” means nothing without knowing your goal. If the goal is freedom, that starts with a profit number, not a revenue dream. You want to travel, quit your job, or send your kid to college? Cool. Figure out what that costs. Then build your business around hitting that number.
Want to Grow? Find the Real Roadblock
Mike wrapped up with this wisdom bomb: If you want to grow, stop playing with software, job titles, or switching from W2 to 1099. None of that matters if you don’t know your real problem. A great business owner knows the biggest constraint in their business and attacks it. Your job isn’t to be busy — it’s to solve the one thing that’s holding you back from hitting that freedom goal.