Kala Financial Co-Founder Joins Industry Leaders at LA Business Journal Small Business Advisory Roundtable
Chris McMorran, Principal at Keystone Advanced Solutions and co-founder of Kala Financial, shared expert insights on navigating financial challenges, strategic growth, and building sustainable competitive advantages in today's dynamic business environment.
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Expert Perspectives on Small Business Success
In this special roundtable discussion, leading experts from the Valley region shared their insights on what small businesses need to succeed today - from smart financing and strategic growth to data-driven decision-making and community engagement.
Chris McMorran of Keystone Advanced Solutions and Kala Financial joined industry leaders including Joseph Gubic (Citrin Cooperman), Michael Hiller (Hiller Enterprise), Lee Kleinman (Business Finance Capital CDC), and Nikki Perez (Mayor of Burbank) to discuss practical advice and proven strategies for emerging businesses.
Opportunities Through Adaptability
On growth opportunities in the San Fernando Valley
"The next year presents both challenge and opportunity for small businesses. Economic uncertainty, shifting tariffs, and evolving technology are reshaping how companies operate and compete. The real opportunity lies in adaptability. Businesses that understand their financial position, manage cash flow intentionally, and invest in systems that improve visibility will be better prepared to capture growth when conditions stabilize."
McMorran emphasized that AI-driven tools and automation are leveling the playing field, allowing smaller firms to compete with larger competitors through better insights and efficiency.
Measuring True Success
Beyond revenue growth metrics
"Revenue growth is only one measure of success, and often not the most meaningful. A healthy business also measures the quality of its earnings, the strength of its relationships, and its ability to adapt to change. Success is reflected in consistent cash flow, operational efficiency, and a team that understands and executes the company's vision."
In volatile economic conditions, McMorran notes that sustainable growth depends as much on discipline as on opportunity, with daily wins compounding over time to create lasting momentum.
Strategic Partnerships
Building relationships that drive growth
"Partnerships work best when they are built on alignment, not convenience. Local collaboration allows businesses to share resources, expand visibility, and strengthen community ties, but the foundation must be strategic. The most successful partnerships start with clarity-understanding what each party brings to the table, where value is created, and how success will be measured."
McMorran highlighted that when companies operate from a position of financial strength and transparency, they become more attractive partners in an environment presenting consolidation and partnership opportunities.
Positioning for Financing
Attracting banks and investors
"Many business owners unintentionally weaken their borrowing position by optimizing financials for tax efficiency rather than financial strength. When profitability is minimized on paper, lenders see limited debt-service capacity. Understanding key ratios such as debt-service coverage, leverage, and working capital is essential, particularly when pursuing traditional financing or SBA-backed programs."
Clear, consistent financial reporting builds confidence with underwriters and creates opportunities for strategic capital access.
Data-Driven Leadership
Making smarter decisions with metrics
"Data-driven decisions begin with visibility. Many small businesses collect data but fail to translate it into insight. The most effective leaders focus on a few key metrics-cash flow trends, gross margin, accounts receivable turnover, and debt-service coverage-that reveal the health of the business in real time."
With the right systems in place, data becomes a daily feedback loop for smarter choices, with technology and AI now allowing smaller companies to access forecasting tools once reserved for larger enterprises.
The Foundation: Achieving Clarity
The single most important action for small businesses
"The single most important step is achieving clarity. Every decision, from hiring to expansion to financing, depends on understanding the true financial position of the business. Clear, timely, and accurate data transforms uncertainty into direction. When business owners see where their cash is going, what drives profitability, and how each decision impacts liquidity, they gain control."
In a high-interest-rate and high-volatility economy, McMorran emphasizes that decisions driven by intuition rather than data carry significantly greater risk.
About Chris McMorran
Christopher McMorran is a principal at Keystone Advanced Solutions and co-founder of Kala Financial, a business services and optimization alignment firm serving small and middle-market businesses through strategic consulting, fractional CFO, and M&A advisory services.
He helps business leaders navigate their operations and align them with trusted capital solutions through a curated network of vetted providers. McMorran also serves on the board of the Global AI Council and several nonprofits, reflecting his commitment to community engagement and business empowerment.
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