Building Boldly: Sheets, Side Hustles, and Strategic Finance with Colin McIntosh

In this episode of the Punchy Podcast, host Ryan Chenier (Founder & CEO of Mastery Fractional CFO Services) sits down with Colin McIntosh—an entrepreneur known for founding eco-conscious bedding brand Sheets & Giggles and career tool platform SheetsResume.com. Colin’s journey takes us from Wall Street to crowdfunding success, from late-night product development to strategic insights on AI, SEO, and the critical role of financial planning.

From Fired to Founder: Colin’s Origin Story

After getting fired just five months into a job at Bridgewater Associates, Colin pivoted hard. He became a recruiter, then hired himself into a startup, and eventually launched Sheets & Giggles—a sustainable bedding brand with massive media recognition and a dedicated customer base. But Colin didn’t stop there. His side project, SheetsResume.com, has since taken off, serving millions of job seekers with resume and cover letter tools.

“Founders often feel guilty for having side projects—but these experiments can re-energize your main business,” Colin says.

What Sets Colin Apart

His key to success? An unusual blend of empathy, customer obsession, and high creative energy—often fuelled by late-night work hours. Whether it's anticipating user experience snags or obsessing over SEO tools like Semrush, Colin believes deep empathy and executional rigor give businesses an edge.

He’s also quick to admit what he doesn’t do well—and that’s where his fractional CFO steps in.

Why He Hired a Fractional CFO

Colin is candid about the financial complexity of fast growth and why he relies on a fractional CFO and bookkeeping team.

“There are known unknowns and unknown unknowns. Early on, I made mistakes. My fractional CFO helped me shift from cash to accrual accounting, forecast 200 SKUs, and survive supply chain crises.”

The result? Strategic reports, accurate tax remittance, and a clear view of profitability—all without the cost of a full-time finance team.

The AI Shift: Seismic or Overhyped?

Colin doesn’t mince words about AI. He believes it’s a freight train hitting every industry simultaneously. While tools like SiteGPT and Opus.AI supercharge his productivity, he warns of mass displacement and an urgent need for entrepreneurs to create multiple revenue streams.

“We’re entering a golden era of solopreneurship. Use AI now, while it’s affordable and powerful.”

He also advises leveraging platforms like Reddit for SEO content—because Google’s evolving AI strategy may not be as effective in the long run.

Looking Ahead

As Colin looks to the future, he encourages fellow entrepreneurs to think long-term, avoid complacency, and use tools wisely—without letting them dull their creative edge.

“AI won’t replace strategy. Not yet. That human insight? That’s your advantage.”

CFO Question of the Episode Regarding Strategic Finance

Colin asked Ryan: "What’s one insight from a client’s books that fundamentally changed how they viewed their business?"

Ryan’s Answer: A fast-scaling client faced shareholder panic over cash flow and debt. By forecasting their growth trajectory and illustrating a clear "J-curve," Ryan helped them understand they were investing in scale—not floundering. The result? Calmer investors, smarter strategy, and renewed alignment across the organization.

Final Thoughts

Colin’s journey proves that success isn’t just about having a great product—it’s about being adaptable, empathetic, and financially strategic. From sheets to software, from hiring to forecasting, this conversation has insights for every founder.

🔗 Listen to the full podcast YouTube | Spotify | All Your Favourite Podcast Platforms.

📩 Want to work with a fractional CFO? If you’re ready to transform your company’s financial strategy, reach out to Ryan at Mastery Fractional CFO Services — let’s discuss how we can move your business forward here: https://www.masterycfo.com/contactus.

Ryan Chenier is a #FractionalCFO and the Founder of Mastery Fractional CFO Services. Find out more about Mastery Fractional CFO Services and connect with Ryan Chenier on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanchenier/.

For more on Sheets & Giggles, visit https://sheetsgiggles.com/en-ca, or connect with Colin McIntosh on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colindmcintosh/ 

Interested in being a guest? Reach out to us on our contact-us page here: https://www.masterycfo.com/contactus.

If you'd like to see more information on how your business can improve its finances feel free to subscribe to our newsletter here: https://www.masterybbc.com/email-newsletter-subscribe. It's completely free and you can unsubscribe anytime.

Enjoyed the conversation? Share this episode with someone growing a business—or considering a fractional executive. If you’re a business leader who wants to explore how a fractional CFO or CRO could help you grow strategically, reach out today.