These are not transformation stories. They are outcomes — revenue recovered, margins rebuilt, leadership decisions made, and businesses that no longer run on gut instinct.
Revenue growth achieved by one client while maintaining profit margins through post-COVID inflation
Profit margin improvement after financial clarity work with a multi-location founder
Business expansion achieved through a 400% raw material cost increase using COGS analysis
Profit posted in a single fiscal year by a client who came in struggling to stay solvent
Most founders know their revenue. Very few know their real margins, their unit economics, or which part of their business is actually making money. This is where the work starts.
Before working with Denise, my husband and I didn’t even have the language to talk about how the business was doing. We didn’t know if we were making or losing money. After working together, we grew revenues by 50%, brought our net profit back to 13% through post-COVID inflation, and added a second location. We restructured how our staff are paid — their wages went up 20% and the business grew because they were incentivized to perform. I’ve learned to trust my instincts and back them up with data.
Revenue growth while maintaining 13% net profit through post-COVID inflation
Staff wages increased — with business growth to match
Locations — expanded from four days a week to six
Satisfaction rating
A pretty big jump from 4–6% profit margin when I started working with Denise to 11% — showing more like a true 14% after proper costing and inventory. The work we did on financials is really showing.
Looking back and making projections for our future growth has been very humbling. If it hadn’t been for you and the invaluable knowledge and connections you helped us make, we would probably have been discussing options for dissolving the company rather than putting plans in place for expansion.
Leadership development shows up in moments — a difficult conversation finally had, a decision made with confidence, a team that no longer needs you in every room.
The cacao industry was rocked — raw cost increases up to 400% in 16 months. Many chocolate businesses folded. Thankfully, following all the numbers closely, we survived and expanded 2x, absorbing an award-winning bean-to-bar company. The COGS analysis and looking closely at our production and labour costs made it possible. Our cash flow nearly ran out a few times but with a higher output and more direct sales, we kept producing — in a better facility, with better public access.
Built systems before they were needed — so when the moment came, the answer was already there
Made a difficult leadership decision with confidence — and without doubt
Took accountability before taking credit. That’s the shift.
Those org charts we built out were super helpful. Probably just saved me from taking an A-player and putting them in the wrong spot. Also — we’re pretty close to making what we usually make in a month, and we’re only 12 days in.
Denise doesn’t let me avoid or put off dealing with issues that are my responsibility as a business owner. She pushes and encourages me to deal with them head on. Through the last couple of years, I’ve learned to trust the process — what feels like a big commitment pays off in the long run.
Growth without structure creates chaos. These clients built the operating model first — and then watched what happened when the pressure arrived.
The cacao industry was rocked — raw cost increases up to 400% in 16 months. Many chocolate businesses folded. Thankfully, following all the numbers closely, we survived and expanded 2x, absorbing an award-winning bean-to-bar company. The COGS analysis and looking closely at our production and labour costs made it possible. Our cash flow nearly ran out a few times but with a higher output and more direct sales, we kept producing — in a better facility, with better public access.
Raw material cost increase survived while competitors closed
Business expanded — including acquisition of an award-winning competitor
Tool that made it possible: COGS analysis and production cost clarity
Looking back and making projections for our future growth has been very humbling. If it hadn’t been for you and the invaluable knowledge and connections you helped us make, we would probably have been discussing options for dissolving the company rather than putting plans in place for expansion.
If they’re honest and work hard at the process, they’ll see quite quick improvements in the way their businesses run and the way they and their staff are compensated.
Katie — Optometry Clinic Owner
I’ve not only grown as a manager but as a leader who helps others grow too. Denise showed me the importance of being accountable for my decisions and standing by my team through both wins and challenges.
Korina — Restaurant and Botanicals Owner
Too often people only share the bad news. I am happy to share the good news. It was not always easy, but I wouldn’t take any of it back.
Meredith — Construction business owner
Start with a 30-minute discovery call. Tell me where you are. I’ll
tell you honestly what I think will move your business forward.
30 minutes · No pitch · No obligation · denise@level-upleadership.org
