Brian Adams is the founder of BA Interests LLC and Rumber Materials. Follow him @bainterests.

Who is your hero?

The person I will be in 10 years is my hero. I haven’t met him yet, but I am constantly chasing him.

What’s the single best piece of business advice that helped shape who you are as an entrepreneur today, and why?

Learn to track your accounts receivable, accounts payable and cash. You can make it as complicated or simple as you want, but all that really  matters is the number below the double lines.

In business, no one is going to take you to the front of the line. You are going to have push your way there.

What’s the biggest mistake you ever made in your business, and what did you learn from it that others can learn from too?

I hired my best friend to run my business, and gave him a stamp with my signature on it. I have since learned that friends are friends and business is business.

I also regret selling my business to a private equity group. Selling is not always the best route.

What do you do during the first hour of your business day and why?

Every day I follow a planned schedule and do a series of routine items.

What’s your best financial or cash-flow related tip for entrepreneurs just getting started?

Cash flow is the life blood of your business. Without it, it can’t run. Understanding your cash flow will help you realize how to make more profit.

Quick: What’s ONE thing you recommend ALL aspiring or current entrepreneurs do right now to take their biz to the next level?

Delegate and follow up.

What’s your definition of success? How will you know when you’ve finally “succeeded” in your business?

Success for me is the thrill of building something from nothing. Until the business is built, the next step is always a challenge.