By Emma Peterson. 

September’s most popular articles explored ways contractors can improve operations, prepare customers and position their businesses for future success. 

September might be one of the last months to hit the pool or the barbeque, the outdoor industry doesn’t slow down just because the weather shifts. In fact, the off-season is the perfect time to lay some groundwork for the next summer season! What type of groundwork? Our top articles from September 2026 showcase some great options for off-season operations.  

Some of the best tasks for the off-season are focused on preparing your team and company for success in the next busy time. Looking at our September top five list, Jesse Sanchez’s article about how Fox & Partners helps contractors create financial clarity in their businesses and Emma Peterson’s article discussing three trends that Paul Trombitas saw in FMI Consulting’s new report are great reads for those looking to be better prepared this upcoming year. 

Another way to fill your off-season time is to help your customers prepare. This last month’s top list also had some articles full of helpful information for this front. One was an article about helping customers prepare for severe weather, highlighting Flash Weather AI's innovative technology. The other was an article I wrote that highlighted how customers and contractors can work together to build more sustainable job site solutions. 

Overall, from training your teams and reorganizing your company’s management structure to helping customers prepare their spaces for storms and get holiday lights up, there’s plenty to keep contractors busy even as the sunny weather disappears. 

Read more about the top September articles 

5 - Turning financial disorganization into clarity by Jesse Sanchez 

4 - What FMI’s latest outlook report says about the industry by Emma Peterson 

3 - Severe weather underscores the need to act early by The Coffee Shops® 

2 - How much wood could a Woodchuck divert? by Emma Peterson 

1 - ContractorHUB named a 2026 Venture Atlanta Showcase company among the top startups in the Southeast

Most contractors know how to win work. Fewer know exactly where their profits are coming from. Fox & Partners helps outdoor contractors improve cash flow, understand job costing and make smarter decisions with fractional CFO services designed for growing businesses.

Schedule a consultation today.

By Jesse Sanchez.

Fox & Partners helped a real estate development firm organize years of financial information, improve reporting and build systems for ongoing business planning.

“Fox & Partners has been crucial and pivotal in helping my firm get organized in all of our financial reporting needs in addition to budgeting and forecasting along with timely investor communications.”

— Nikesh Shah

A real estate development firm facing years of financial disorganization turned to Fox & Partners for help creating a clearer, more manageable system for its financial reporting and investor communications. The client was tracking dozens of properties separately in Excel without formal bookkeeping, a centralized system, a business plan or a defined goal structure. With dozens of investments and even more investors requiring detailed reports, the lack of organization made it difficult to understand the business and communicate financial information effectively.

Fox & Partners began by creating a server where information could be stored and shared. The team then developed an Excel data hub and started reconciling thousands of transactions, building lists and organizing the information needed to establish the client’s books. Standardized folders were also created to make documents easier to locate and manage.

As the financial records came together, Fox & Partners established systems designed to make monthly reconciliation more efficient. The team collected key documents through the data hub and worked through the different pieces of the client’s financial picture.

Those efforts extended beyond bookkeeping. Through ongoing conversations, Fox & Partners helped the client build a business plan and establish objectives and key results (OKRs). The compiled financial information was then used to create high-level overhead reports, profitability reports and investor reports.

The work included bookkeeping, weekly phone calls, investor reporting, business planning, goal setting and server organization. Within four months, Fox and Partners completed work spanning three years while providing the client with a more organized approach to its financial information and investor communication.

Learn more about Fox & Partners and its outsourced chief financial officer services!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Fox & Partners helped modernize financial systems, strengthen fundraising and establish a clearer long-term vision. 

"Hurley has been a huge help to me! He helped me with planning personal finances to business planning and finances. He thinks outside the box to solve problem pertaining to business growth which is very crucial for any size business. He also holds you accountable to put plans in motion and not procrastinate which can be a huge set back for business owners. I highly recommend working with Hurley on your journey as a entrepreneur." 

-Kelvin Hamlett 

A nonprofit organization doubled its cash reserves in two years after working with Fox & Partners to improve its financial reporting, banking systems and fundraising strategy. Fox and Partners provided the financial presence the organization needed at monthly board meetings, helping clearly communicate its financial position. At the time, the nonprofit was using outdated bookkeeping software, had scattered bank accounts and maintained limited investments. The organization also lacked a defined goal structure and needed support with fundraising, financial education and long-term planning. 

Fox & Partners began by consolidating the organization’s funds at one bank that offered modern banking capabilities. The firm then updated the nonprofit’s bookkeeping software, reconciled its accounts and developed monthly and annual reports designed to give board members a clearer understanding of both detailed and broader financial conditions. 

With improved reporting in place, the organization established a structured set of goals. Fox & Partners also enabled online donations and created resources to help donors better understand the nonprofit’s financial position. The engagement expanded to include work with donors and board members to establish an investment fund. Fox & Partners also supported the organization’s largest fundraiser to date and began preparing for future capital campaigns. 

In addition to bookkeeping, financial reporting and participation in board meetings, the firm provided support for updated financial and operational systems, fundraising, a new website and long-term vision building. 

According to the case study, the nonprofit increased its fundraising efforts, strengthened its online presence, educated donors, established an investment portfolio and created a clearer framework for future growth. 

Learn more about Fox & Partners’ outsourced chief financial officer services and approach to financial, operational and strategic support!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Fox & Partners shares how technology, education and client-focused service can help finance professionals thrive. 

Technology continues to reshape the finance and financial technology industries, but the foundational skills that support strong business relationships remain essential. In a recent Authority Magazine interview, Fox & Partners explored five strategies for succeeding in this changing environment while staying grounded in sound financial principles. 

One central theme was the value of combining modern tools with fundamental business knowledge. Fox & Partners integrates platforms such as Jirav, Bill.com and Notion to streamline financial processes and improve efficiency. These tools support the firm’s work, but they do not replace the accounting principles and human judgment required to guide business owners effectively. 

Education also plays an important role in the firm’s approach to outsourced chief financial officer (CFO) services. A background in teaching has influenced how financial information is shared with clients, with an emphasis on helping business owners understand their finances and make informed decisions. Rather than simply providing reports, the goal is to give clients practical knowledge they can apply within their organizations. 

Flexibility is another key lesson. Early in the firm’s development, assuming that every client had access to email created challenges. That experience led Fox & Partners to establish more traditional communication methods for clients who preferred them, reinforcing the importance of adapting service to individual needs. 

The interview also emphasized human connection, continuous learning and the enduring value of accounting fundamentals. Although technology and financial platforms will continue to evolve, professionals must remain attentive to the people behind the numbers. 

Fox & Partners’ mission is to help business owners reduce financial stress and pursue greater financial freedom through clear, practical guidance. 

Learn more about Fox and Partners’ approach to outsourced CFO services!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Hurley Fox explains how accurate financial data, disciplined planning for cash flow and effective technology can help contractors grow profitably. 

Contractors may be skilled at delivering quality work, but sustainable growth also requires a clear understanding of where money enters, moves through and leaves a business. In this episode of From the Ground Up™, host Karol Weyman spoke with Hurley Fox, owner of Fox & Partners, about the financial challenges and opportunities contractors face as their companies grow. Fox & Partners provides outsourced accounting, controller and chief financial officer services to small businesses across the country. 

One of the most common mistakes Hurley sees is a failure to understand gross margin. Contractors need to track the labor and material costs associated with each project rather than focusing solely on revenue. Hurley emphasized, “If you don't understand your gross margin, you don't understand if you are pricing correctly.” 

Accurate job costing can also help contractors determine which services, projects and customers are most profitable. Hurley recommended tracking employee time by job and customer, reviewing timesheets consistently and recording material purchases for specific projects. 

Cash flow requires equal attention because reported income does not always reflect the amount of money available in the bank. Customer payment schedules, debt payments, owner distributions, taxes and asset purchases can all affect available cash. A cash flow forecast can help business owners anticipate upcoming obligations and prepare for seasonal fluctuations. 

Contractors should also examine whether their financial statements are accurate before relying on them to make decisions. Hurley explained that each balance sheet item should be supported by documentation, such as a bank statement, loan agreement or asset purchase record.  

Technology can make these processes easier, but Hurley cautioned against adopting software simply because a newer option is available. He advised, “The best software is the software that works for you and your team.” The most effective system is one employees understand and use consistently. 

By developing reliable processes and reviewing financial results regularly, contractors can identify problems, test potential solutions and make decisions based on meaningful data. 

Listen to the podcast or Watch the conversation to learn more about strengthening your company’s financial foundation with accurate data, disciplined cash flow planning and effective technology! 

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Organized financials, stronger cash flow and a clear business roadmap can help owners make more confident decisions. 

Running a growing business requires owners to balance daily operations, long-term planning and financial performance. As those responsibilities expand, Fox & Partners can provide part-time chief financial officer (CFO) support to help address recurring challenges that may be limiting the organization’s progress. 

1 – Lack of clean, current financials 

One common problem is a lack of clean, current and useful financial information. A part-time CFO can organize accounting records, connect balance sheet items to source documents and create reports that clearly show how the business is performing. Online dashboards can also make key financial metrics easier to monitor and use when adjusting strategies. 

2 – Poor cash flow 

Cash flow is another frequent concern. Even profitable businesses may struggle to understand where their money is going. Reviewing income, expenses, accounts receivable, debt and other financial activity can reveal opportunities to retain more cash. Once positive cash flow is established, a CFO can help determine whether excess funds should be reinvested in the business or distributed to ownership. 

3 – Inefficient accounting processes 

Inefficient accounting processes can create delays and errors. Part-time CFO services may include implementing accounting technology, closing monthly books on time, automating accounts payable and accounts receivable processes and documenting procedures. Written processes help preserve continuity when employees are unavailable or leave the company. 

4 – No clear business roadmap 

Beyond accounting, many business owners need a clearer roadmap. A part-time CFO can help establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals while encouraging owners to step back from daily demands and evaluate the larger direction of the company. 

5 – Business-related stress 

These challenges can also create significant stress. Reliable financial reporting, improved processes and strategic support can give owners greater clarity and allow them to focus on the work they do best. 

Learn more about how Fox and Partners supports businesses with outsourced CFO services!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Fox & Partners helped a real estate development firm organize its accounting, improve investor reporting and create systems that supported continued growth. 

“Hurley has been incredibly helpful in advising us as a startup nonprofit with our financial and fundraising strategies! He is thorough and thoughtful in his feedback, reviewing all our documents with great precision and has helped us be more strategic in our fundraising efforts. It has been a joy working with Hurley and I highly recommend him to anyone looking to grow their organization.” — Kyra Limberakis

When a growing real estate development firm approached Fox & Partners, its leaders were managing dozens of properties without a formal bookkeeping system. Financial information was spread across separate Excel spreadsheets, while the company lacked standardized reports, clear goals and an organized structure for communicating with investors. Recognizing the need for a more organized financial foundation, the firm’s leaders reached out to Fox & Partners for support. 

Fox & Partners began by reviewing three years of financial information and compiling a complete list of approximately 15 business entities. The team created both an Excel-based overview and a visual representation of the company, documenting bank accounts, loans, property intentions and equity structures. A QuickBooks Desktop account was then established for each entity. 

Using prior tax returns as beginning balance sheets when applicable, the team reconciled bank accounts through the current month and worked with the owner to ensure that every balance-sheet item could be traced to a supporting document. Financial statements and review procedures were refined over several months as additional transactions and account needs emerged. 

Fox & Partners also created standardized folders in Google Drive, giving the client an organized system for storing documents and collaborating with the accounting team. The improved financial records supported current investor reports that included equity balances, narrative updates, future capital calls or distributions, internal rate of return, return on investment and projected timelines. 

Within four months, Fox & Partners had reconciled thousands of transactions and developed clear reporting systems. The relationship continued over the following three years as the firm helped reorganize deal structures, supported fundraising efforts, assisted with onboarding a chief operating officer and helped the company expand its network. 

The partnership demonstrates how organized accounting can create a foundation for stronger reporting, clearer planning and long-term business development. 

Learn more about how Fox & Partners supports businesses with outsourced chief financial officer services!

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Fox and Partners helped a real estate development firm organize its financials, improve investor reporting and build a foundation for growth. 

When a growing real estate development firm turned to Fox & Partners for help, the company was facing stress around its accounting, reporting and overall financial organization. The firm had dozens of properties tracked separately in Excel, no exact bookkeeping system and no formalized business plan, goal structure or easy-to-read reports. 

Fox & Partners began by bringing structure to the firm’s financial picture. The team reviewed the client’s spreadsheets and available information, then compiled a list of about 15 properties and businesses. That work included creating both an Excel list and a visual overview to help the client better understand the full scope of the company. 

From there, Fox & Partners set up a QuickBooks Desktop account for each entity and documented key details, including bank accounts, loans, property intent and equity structure. The team also gathered supporting documents such as HUDS, business formation documents, operating agreements, loan documents, bank accounts and bank access. 

With the foundation in place, Fox & Partners began creating clean financials for each entity. For businesses that had operated the previous year, the team used the last tax return as the beginning balance sheet. They reconciled bank accounts through the current month, then reviewed the financials with the owner so each line item could be traced back to a source document. 

The work also included creating standardized investor reports. Using Google Drive as a shared server, Fox & Partners developed systems for monthly reconciliations, standardized folders and transparent collaboration. The investor reports included current equity balances, narrative updates, future capital calls or distributions, current internal rate of return and return on investment and updated projected timelines. 

Within four months, Fox & Partners had reconciled thousands of transactions, created clear reports and helped the client provide investors with the information they needed. Over the next three years, the partnership expanded to include deal structure reorganization, fundraising support, network growth and work with a chief operating officer who helped take the foundation further. 

Learn more about Fox & Partners and how its outsourced chief financial officer services support growing businesses!

When the numbers stop making sense, we give you clarity and direction. Our consulting support helps you understand performance, strengthen margins and plan your next move with confidence.

Services include:

• Full financial health assessment
• Pricing, margin and long-term strategy support
• Profitability analysis and expense review
• Growth planning and operational guidance

Contact for a free consultation.