In this episode of the Realistic CEO podcast, the host shares his lifelong dream of becoming a CEO and introduces guest Casey Anton, a former restaurateur who transitioned into helping businesses manage their finances. Casey discusses her journey, starting from managing a successful restaurant in Boston to becoming an expert in financial management for small businesses. She explains how her practical experience with restaurant finances laid the foundation for helping other industries, emphasizing the importance of understanding financials to ensure profitability and growth. With over 250 clients and a thriving company, Casey shares insights into common financial struggles businesses face and highlights the transformational impact of adopting a sound financial strategy. The episode concludes with valuable advice for young entrepreneurs and the power of visioning in achieving business goals. 00:00 The Dream of Becoming a CEO 00:24 Introduction to the Podcast 00:46 Casey's Journey from Restaurateur to Financial Expert 01:39 Building Spark and Helping Small Businesses 05:16 The Importance of Financial Understanding 08:45 Challenges and Successes in Business 19:27 Tough Love and Real Talk with Clients 22:51 A Recent Success Story 24:21 Transformative Client Success Stories 25:11 Key Factors for Business Success 25:26 Case Study: Reducing Labor Costs 28:36 Common Financial Struggles in Small Businesses 37:14 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs 43:52 The Importance of Visioning and Goal Setting 46:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts