Run Smooth: Profit, Systems & Operational Control
Read these books when your business is up and running but feels chaotic—and you’re ready to improve cash flow, install better systems, and gain operational control.
Profit First – Mike Michalowicz
Read this when your business makes money but you never seem to keep any—this system flips the traditional accounting model to prioritize profit.
Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits! – Greg Crabtree
Read this when you’re making decisions based on gut instead of numbers—this book simplifies financials so you can grow profitably with clarity.
Financial Intelligence – Karen Berman & Joe Knight
Read this when you want to better understand your financial statements—without needing a background in accounting or finance.
The E-Myth Revisited – Michael E. Gerber
Read this when you’re stuck working in the business instead of on it—this classic explains why most small businesses fail and how to fix yours.
Get a Grip – Gino Wickman & Mike Paton
Read this when your team is misaligned and your business feels stuck—this story-based intro to EOS shows how to get everyone rowing in the same direction.
Work the System – Sam Carpenter
Read this when operations feel inconsistent or inefficient—this book teaches you how to create documented systems that improve results and reduce stress.
The Goal (40th Anniversary Edition) – Eliyahu M. Goldratt
Read this when your operations feel stuck or inefficient—this business novel introduces the Theory of Constraints and how to identify the real bottleneck in your process.
Clockwork – Mike Michalowicz
Read this when you want your business to run without you—Clockwork shows you how to design systems and delegate effectively so you can step back.
High Output Management – Andrew Grove
Read this when you’re leading a growing team and need to manage performance, processes, and time like a pro—especially in operations-heavy businesses.
The Lean CEO – Jacob Stoller
Read this when you’re leading an established business and want to bring Lean thinking to the top—this book shares how real CEOs applied lean principles to drive transformation.
The Four Disciplines of Execution – Chris McChesney, Sean Covey & Jim Huling
Read this when your team has a strategy but struggles to execute—this book teaches a simple, effective framework for aligning daily actions with your most important goals.
The Toyota Way – Jeffrey K. Liker
Read this when you want to embed continuous improvement and lean principles deep into your company culture—this book reveals the philosophy behind Toyota’s world-class systems.