13-Week Cash Flow Model Transforms RGB's Financial Future

"With the help of Hiline, we were able to implement a 13-week cash flow model. It helps us quickly look and say, okay, if we drop in a big outlay of cash, are we still good? It's another great tool that finance professionals can use to help guide the ship through stormy waters. At the end of the day, it's game-changing just having an advocate – a team of like-minded individuals – to help the finance side of the house and to have that trusted collaboration.”

Michael Settle
Controller

Finances before

No Structured Planning

Cash management based solely on current bank balance.

Limited Forecasting

No forward-thinking cash projection beyond current available funds.

Reactive Decision Making

Business opportunities evaluated without financial context.

Misaligned Growth

Company outgrew existing financial team's capabilities.

Finances with Hiline

Comprehensive Cash Model

Structured 13-week rolling forecast for informed planning.

Strategic Forecasting

Proactive financial projections aligned with seasonal patterns.

Data-Driven Decisions

Business opportunities evaluated against projected cash position.

Scalable Financial Expertise

Professional guidance matching company's growth trajectory.

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Finances Before

No Structured Planning

Cash management based solely on current bank balance.

Limited Forecasting

No forward-thinking cash projection beyond current available funds.

Reactive Decision Making

Business opportunities evaluated without financial context.

Misaligned Growth

Company outgrew existing financial team's capabilities.

Finances With Hiline

Comprehensive Cash Model

Structured 13-week rolling forecast for informed planning.

Strategic Forecasting

Proactive financial projections aligned with seasonal patterns.

Data-Driven Decisions

Business opportunities evaluated against projected cash position.

Scalable Financial Expertise

Professional guidance matching company's growth trajectory.

About Rock Bottom Golf

Rock Bottom Golf (RGB) is a seasonal golf equipment retailer with significant fluctuations in their cash flow throughout the year. With peak seasons running from April through September and during the holiday shopping period from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, the company faces the challenge of managing resources during their slower months while preparing inventory for upcoming busy periods. As a business that grew from taking advantage of opportunity buys that other retailers couldn't accommodate, having visibility into cash position is critical for their competitive strategy.

The Challenge

When Michael joined Rock Bottom Golf, the company was operating without structured cash flow management. The previous financial team lacked the expertise to implement forward-looking financial planning tools that could accommodate the company's seasonal business model.

This reactive approach created significant challenges, particularly during RGB's off-season months when the company needed to invest in inventory for the upcoming season while managing three months of lower revenue. Without proper cash flow forecasting, the business struggled to make informed decisions about opportunity purchases, new projects, and strategic investments.

The Solution

Hiline implemented a comprehensive financial management approach centered around a customized 13-week cash flow model. Hiline designed the model specifically for RGB's seasonal business. 

This solution included:

1. Tailored Cash Flow Forecasting

Hiline created a 13-week cash flow model that RGB has continuously refined to match their specific business needs. This tool allows them to:

  • Project cash positions across their seasonal business cycle
  • Anticipate cash shortages before they occur
  • Plan for major inventory purchases during off-peak months

2. Integrated Financial Planning

The cash flow model was designed to work seamlessly with RGB's P&L budget and balance sheet, creating a comprehensive financial planning system:

  • Annual budget feeds into cash flow projections
  • Cash flow model updates as budget adjustments occur
  • Balance sheet impacts are factored into cash planning

3. Strategic Financial Partnership

Beyond the technical solutions, Hiline provides ongoing consultation and support:

  • Weekly strategy sessions with RGB's controller
  • Financial sounding board for evaluating new opportunities
  • Guidance on communicating financial position to ownership

4. Executive Communication Tools

Hiline helped establish streamlined financial communication processes with RGB's owner:

  • Weekly cash position reporting
  • Visualization tools for cash projections
  • Clear frameworks for evaluating financial impact of new initiatives

The Results

Working with Hiline transformed how Rock Bottom Golf manages their finances and makes strategic decisions:

  • Improved Strategic Planning – The cash flow model enables RGB to evaluate new opportunities against projected cash position, supporting more informed decision-making.
  • Enhanced Owner Communication – Regular reporting provides ownership with visibility into cash position, helping set realistic expectations for new initiatives.
  • More Effective Seasonal Management – The company can now confidently plan through their low-revenue periods while strategically timing inventory investments.
  • Financial Team Development – RGB's internal finance team has grown in capability, with Hiline providing the expertise and tools needed to support this development.

How Hiline Supports Seasonal Businesses

If your business faces seasonal cash flow challenges or you're looking to implement more structured financial planning, Hiline offers tailored solutions that provide the visibility and tools you need. Our experienced financial consultants can help you develop cash flow models that accommodate your unique business patterns while providing ongoing strategic support.

You can get started building out your own 13-week cash flow model with this free template. Or chat with one of our financial advisors here for 1-1 support