A lot of independent retailers can pay everyone else on time. Rent gets paid. Vendors get paid. The store keeps running. But when it comes to paying the owner, it often becomes a vague plan built on leftovers.
In Episode 6 of our Profit First for Main Street Retailers series, Patrick Keiser summarizes what Profit First teaches about Owner Pay and why the book separates it from profit. The core idea is simple: owner pay is not a bonus, and it is not “whatever is left.” It is compensation for the work you do, and the book argues that businesses become more stable when owner pay has a clear lane and a predictable rhythm.
In this episode, you will learn:
The difference between Owner Pay and Profit, and why the book treats them as separate buckets
Why inconsistent owner pay often leads to stress, reactive decisions, and personal debt
Common patterns that keep owners stuck in “I’ll pay myself later” mode
How the book suggests creating a pay cadence that fits real retail seasonality
A simple, low-drama way to experiment with a baseline paycheck rhythm this week
If you have ever felt like you are holding the business together but not getting paid consistently for the work, this episode will help you see the issue more clearly and consider a more sustainable approach.
Keywords: Profit First, owner pay, small business finance, retail cash flow, independent retailer, mom and pop shop, retail profitability, paying yourself as a business owner, small business budgeting, cash management, tax savings, Main Street business
