Halcyon Components had increased its sales by almost forty percent in eighteen months, yet its owners were struggling to understand why there was less money in the bank than before.
That was the problem Leah Mercer presented to Nadia shortly after welcoming her into the company's headquarters.
"We're selling more than we ever have," she explained, placing a financial summary on the table. "Our employees are working overtime, we're taking orders from bigger customers, and everyone keeps congratulating us on how well the business is doing."
"But?" Nadia prompted.
"But I spend every Friday wondering whether we can cover everything due the following week."
Her younger brother, Peter, shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
"It's not quite that bad."
Leah turned toward him.
"Last month, you
