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In this episode of The Blueprint Collective, George Panos, a seasoned CFO and CEO in the A&E world, shares what it really takes to run a financially strong architecture or engineering firm. He explains that finance isn’t just about spreadsheets and reports. It’s about using numbers to make clearer decisions and build a business that can weather busy seasons and slow ones.

George talks about the issues he sees most often in firms:

• Seasonal dips that feel stressful but can be planned for
• Teams that hesitate to ask for payment
• Leaders who mean well but rely on optimism instead of accurate reporting
• He makes the case for treating cash flow like a priority and charging what your work is actually worth so profitability doesn’t slip away.

George also highlights how forecasting helps firms stay ahead of uncertainty and why monthly billing often creates steadier cash flow than milestone invoices. The conversation offers practical guidance and gives A&E leaders a clearer, more confident way to approach the financial side of their practice.