In this episode of the Fractional Pros Canada Podcast, host Robert Mendelson is joined by fractional leaders Chuoru Li and Jason So to dive into the complexities of tariffs and their impact on Canadian businesses. Together, they share real-world client experiences and unpack how companies can adjust financial strategies, shift marketing priorities, and even leverage tariffs as opportunities for growth.
From cash flow management and supplier diversification to customer lifetime value and data-driven decision-making, this discussion highlights practical approaches for navigating economic uncertainties while building stronger, more resilient businesses.
💡 Key Takeaways:
Understanding tariff impact on cash flow is essential
Strong customer relationships help businesses weather changes
Analyzing materials hit by tariffs can reduce costs
Shift marketing focus to revenue generation over vanity metrics
Tariffs can promote local manufacturing and sourcing
Clear financial data empowers smarter decisions
Diversifying and negotiating with suppliers can mitigate risks
Customer lifetime value (CLV) should guide spending decisions
Fractional leaders help businesses adapt in uncertain markets
Links:
Jason So – Fractional CMO
Fractional CMO focused on revenue growth for CEOs at mid-sized companies and private equity firms. 25+ years experience, started in the original dot-com boom and worked with global brands like Porsche, Bombardier (Learjet) and Hootsuite and now sharing my learnings with ambitious companies
Email: jason@strandconsulting.io
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhowardso/
Chuoru Li – Founder of Elevate Virtual CFO, Fractional CFO
I’m a Fractional CFO with over 15 years of finance/accounting experience. My firm Elevate Virtual CFO focuses on helping family-owned manufacturing owners take control of their numbers and scale effectively.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuoruli/
Website: https://www.elevatevcfo.com/
Best contact email Hello@elevatevcfo.com
Ways to Tune In
•Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6e4e178d-5197-4e02-a97a-56d43b60a449/fractional-pros-canada-podcast
•Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0F0J9sCNrr0cUSO3qkR844
•Creator: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/fractional-pros-canada
Fractional C-Suite Retreat is produced by Frost Media Group
Learn more at https://frostmediagroup.com
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About Robert Mendelson: Fractional CMO
Robert Mendelson is one of Canada’s leading Fractional Chief Marketing Officers (Fractional CMO), bringing over 30 years of comprehensive marketing experience from both entrepreneurial ventures and major corporate roles. His practice is focused on driving significant growth for B2B and B2C clients within the eCommerce and manufacturing sectors.
A specialist in modern marketing strategy, Robert Mendelson utilizes generative AI to build custom AI agents and design efficient AI-powered workflows, providing his clients with a distinct competitive advantage. He implements the proprietary YORCMO framework, a system designed to deliver consistent, measurable marketing improvements and a clear return on investment.
As a central figure in the Canadian business landscape, Robert Mendelson founded Fractional Pros Canada, the country’s preeminent online community for fractional executives to connect, learn, and refer business. He is also the host of the popular Fractional Pros Canada podcast, where he shares insights with industry leaders.
For companies in Canada, the USA, and globally seeking expert fractional marketing leadership to scale their business, Robert Mendelson offers strategic guidance and proven solutions. To learn more about his fractional marketing services for the eCommerce and manufacturing industries, visit fractionalecommercecmo.com.