As consumer confidence backslides in June, surprising analysts whose projections were more positive, businesses should plan for a potential pause in purchasing. Tariffs and inflation fears are hitting Main Street. Gene Marks points to the steady job growth reported in the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch during the first half of 2025 as a plus but wage growth lags behind inflation. A new cyber threat involves employee handbooks, so Gene suggests shoring up training, and for all those leaning heavily into AI to write, the CEO of LinkedIn says it’s not great and could hurt credibility. Listen to the podcast.

Check Out Additional Content

• Article: https://bit.ly/tax-and-spending-bill
• Upcoming Webinar: https://bit.ly/tax-bill-webinar
• Report: https://bit.ly/smb-employment-watch

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

As the Federal Reserve holds steady on the key bank lending rate, host Gene Marks says businesses might take wind with the hint that the interest rate might be cut two more times in 2025, making funding more accessible. Small businesses might soon have more accessibility to more talent, as big companies are looking at making labor cuts. The local economy might take a hit with job cuts, but it does ease labor pressures for some. Also, a recent survey shows that many older owners are willing to sell their business but do not have a succession plan – 54%, in fact, lack one. Meanwhile, Millennial and Gen Z buyers are out there, so the time might be right.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Consumers are less pessimistic about inflation, down from its four-decade high last month. Experts say consumers have settled in after shock of tariffs. In more good news, housing market inventory rises 31.5%, giving other industries and small businesses that rely on vibrant neighborhoods some hope that there is a positive path forward. Gene Marks also shares news about the injuries to first-year employees and stresses the need for more safety training. Listen to the podcast.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

What does it take to build a global real estate empire while staying true to your values? Mauricio Umansky, TV personality and CEO of The Agency, joins us with 29 years of industry expertise and some serious insights into the world of ultra-luxury real estate. From starting out in fashion to leading a global team of 3,000 agents, Mauricio discusses what makes a great salesperson, how to nurture talent, and why "no jerks" is rule number one. Whether you’re a business owner, a real estate enthusiast, or just curious about the mindset that drives success, this episode is packed with tips, strategies, and Mauricio’s unique perspectives on motivation, leadership, and the future of real estate.

Looking for a way to motivate your employees and build loyalty? Try upskilling: https://bit.ly/3G6CwHs

Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://bit.ly/3U4NPEA

Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and welcome 01:19 – Mauricio's journey into real estate 03:03 – Building and growing The Agency 04:14 – Strategies for sales success 07:22 – The art of selling luxury real estate 08:30 – Managing sales teams and company culture 11:09 – Sticking to core values 13:17 – Recruiting the right talent 17:48 – Bringing family into the business 21:02 – Managing multi-generational teams 23:21 – The role of technology in real estate 26:12 – Real estate industry outlook 30:41 – Wrap up and thank you

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

A handful of reports on small businesses shows an optimism toward expansion and AI tools, but that sentiment is guarded by flat job growth, declining hourly wage growth, and 82% of those surveyed planning on securing a line of credit. One positive from the tax and spending bill is proposed changes to HSAs that expand coverage, which could help participation and recruitment. And it’s DOGE 1, SCORE 0: The federal agency cuts funding to small business support program. Listen to the podcast.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

The U.S. Senate might have a battle to get all president’s requests in tax and spending cut bill as opposition forms in the GOP over the massive deficit it will create. Gene Marks agrees that there will be a price to pay. There’s also a movement to eliminate requiring some degrees for jobs, with 84% who have done so acknowledging positive results. The SBA launches portal to connect manufacturers and suppliers with businesses seeking U.S. products.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

Searching for fresh ways to grow your accounting practice or wondering how your CPA could better support your business? Don’t miss Gene’s conversation with one of his accounting idols, Joe Woodard. They explore how Client Advisory Services (CAS) can help accountants level up, boost their profits, and serve their clients in more meaningful ways. You’ll get practical tips for pricing your services, creating service packages that make clients happier (and more loyal), and using technology to turn the old controllership model on its head. Whether you’re an accountant ready to break free from the tax treadmill, a business owner who wants more out of your CPA, this episode is for you.

Check out our suite of tools and resources designed to help financial advisors serve clients with confidence: https://bit.ly/4mQhPjR

Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics

Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and welcome 01:33 – Joe Woodard’s background 03:17 – Evolution of client advisory services in accounting 04:54 – Breaking the “treadmill feeling” 06:30 – Pricing problems and how to fix them 10:18 – Building client trust with inclusive service packages 14:15 – Adopting CAS: Smaller firms vs. larger partnerships 15:17 – What CAS really means in practice 18:26 – The role of AI in the future of accounting 22:18 – The power of trust & why human relationships still matter 24:10 – CAS & business journey protection 27:14 – Scalable solutions for CAS 28:37 - Becoming the trusted single point of contact 29:28 – Info about the Scaling New Heights Conference 31:36 – Wrap up and thank you

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the tax and spending bill by one vote, but small businesses could gain a few positives if some of the provisions survive the Senate debate and reconciliation should it pass that chamber of Congress. Gene Marks highlights the proposed changes to bonus depreciation, the pass-through tax deduction, and revisions to research and development costs as potential wins for small businesses, and he says he thinks these provisions will remain. Listen to the podcast.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this podcast, and that is further provided by the presenter, should not be considered legal or accounting advice, and should not substitute for legal, accounting, or other professional advice in which the facts and circumstances may warrant. We encourage you to consult legal counsel as it pertains to your own unique situation(s) and/or with any specific legal questions you may have.