Welcome to The 6 a.m. CFO, where finance chiefs share how they jump-start their days and engage with the tasks that are in front of them.
Today, Dope CFO’s founder and owner, Andrew Hunzicker, shares his morning routine.
Be sure to check out the entire 6 a.m. CFO series, and if you’d like to be featured in a future post, please email us here.
Dope CFO
- Taught over 2000 CPAs and CFOs in all states on cannabis and hemp accounting, tax and CFO services
- Year founded: 2018
- Number of employees: 3 full-time staff
MORNING ROUTINE
Weekday wake-up time: 4 a.m.
Morning beverage choice: Coffee every morning at 6 a.m. with my wife.
Non-work-related morning activity: Rock climbing at some point, almost seven days a week (gym or outdoors). I have been a climber for 45 years.
Workday start time: 4 a.m.
How I usually spend the first hour of my day: I spend the first 90 minutes on emails and planning my day, and take a quick walk with my dog Ozzy. That ends when my wife wakes up, and we have morning coffee.
Time I send out my first email: Usually by 4:30 a.m.
Best advice for writing an effective email: Video. I got tired of writing so much, so instead of a long email to a team or customer, I usually make a short video and screen share using the BombBomb app. I get great feedback on this hack, and it saves me a ton of time writing.
First dashboard I review: I have my own mini Excel dashboard on all key metrics, sales, margins, 90-day cash forecast, including one-time items (i.e., a big event we are sponsoring, expansion, etc.). Also, non-financial dashboards for podcast views, social media growth, etc.
How I structure my morning meetings: My team of about 12 is all over the globe, and I meet with each weekly via Zoom. We have a simple huddle/tight agenda and these can be very short.
Mid-morning snack of choice: Oatmeal and fruit.
What was a recent morning that didn’t go as planned, and how did you adjust? Last week, I had two morning calls canceled, broke my car antenna backing into the garage, got an angry email from my sister (long story) and had a poor night’s sleep. I try to just “go with the flow” and do what’s in front of me. There is always a next step, and I take it.
LEADERSHIP AND INSPIRATION
Favorite quote or mantra: I love this one from my good friend Chris Bichet from France, a world-class rock climber, who is also the oldest living human with his rare form of leukemia: “And I only know one way to go that way: climb. Despite the gravity of the moment, keep climbing: Get up, taking height, let go of some catch. To hold on to others…Get some rest. Over again, smile smile.”
Favorite leadership lesson: When you are starting out, building your business, you must say yes as much as you can. That will get you in doors, make connections and help you get started. Get involved in your industry, give back, take part and the rest will happen.
Something important to know about me that you wouldn’t know from my business bio: I literally have the best wife, three boys and dog in the whole wide world, and they are my everything!
Favorite number: 6 — always has been/my birthday.
Most noteworthy items in my workspace: Very simple: laptop, iPhone, Dropbox, Excel, Zoom, Google and a few apps.
Do you have a pet, and are they with you right now? Yes, Ozzy is looking at me, wondering when I’ll be done with this and take him on a walk.
Favorite app on my phone that is not related to business: Instagram. It’s where I follow all my climbing friends, and that is my passion.
Year, make, and model of your first car: Chevy Citation — ugliest car ever made.
Most influential or famous person you’ve ever met: Tony Robbins: I attended his “fire walk” program in 1983 when he was not famous, just teaching a handful of people how to walk on fire in the back parking lot of a Hilton. Very memorable experience.
Most inspirational person in your life: My wife, Nicole. She is truly amazing in everything she does, she is the best mother, wife, business owner and nonprofit founder. She has made a huge impact in this world, and she inspires me every day.
