Podcast appearances and mentions of Gene Marks

This episode was recorded prior to the House passing the Big Beautiful Tax Bill on May 22, 2025. Gene Marks shares insights on the Big Beautiful Tax Bill and on the importance of keeping the tax credits for small businesses. That might lift their spirits but, according to the Small Business Optimism Index, not much else is rosy. Sales volumes are down, plans for capital outlay are down, and that has optimism down for a fourth month. Gene also talks about the buy-now pay-later service Klarna doing a 180-degree turn, choosing human hires over AI after going all in on AI three years ago. 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. and China begin the tariff walk-back dance that will last for 90 days, giving businesses time to make alternative plans. Gene Marks says those doing business with China will have to make plans because he doesn't expect the volatility being created to clear up soon. Additional relief is coming for businesses who use independent contractors, as Gene explains that the USDOL will stop enforcing the 2024 Independent Contractor Rule. Owners can help employees in default with student loans by taking advantage of tax credits in place through 2025, and Gene shares how. Listen to the episode.   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.

This week, Gene Marks -- normally a fan of automating anything that can be automated — says it's too soon to think about turning important tasks over to artificial intelligence bots, mostly because they're still making too many mistakes. In fact, Gene cites a survey of business leaders who said they came to regret offloading employees in favor of AI. In many cases, those leaders wound up trying to re-hire their employees. Plus: Gene also talks about how businesses using AI can get into regulatory trouble if they're not careful.

Preview: Colleague Gene Marks comments on the report that owners who dismissed workers thinking of AI workarounds now regret. More later. 1959

Gene Marks, President of The Marks Group, shares timely insights on the top challenges facing businesses in 2025, including economic uncertainty, labor shortages, tax shifts, and the rapid evolution of AI and automation in the material handling industry. Learn why uncertainty isn't all bad, how to plan strategically, and what long-term moves can help your business stay competitive and sustainable through 2026.

As the president begins to walk back on some of the tariffs with China, Gene Marks says what will remain after negotiations are still significantly high percentage rates on goods coming in from China, which will still impact many U.S. businesses. He also shares insights from economists looking at interest rates and how a risk of recession and lost jobs caused by tariffs might push the Federal Reserve to nudge the rates down. And for entrepreneurs, the best place for start-ups is Florida, which has five of the top six cities based on certain criteria. Sunny days ahead in the Sunshine State. 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.

This week, Gene Marks highlights some recent tech developments, including: Quickbooks is selling a lifetime version of its software for just $250. Microsoft has reintroduced its somewhat controversial Recall AI tool, which captures and indexes screenshots of user activity every three seconds—a function that is intended to improve cybersecurity but that has raised some interesting questions. Plus: Gene explains how—if you have the time and money—you can now connect the various software platforms you use and turn them into a smart AI assistant.

Tariffs are a major concern for some major industries and confidence is waning, with 40% of contractors worried about slowdowns to profit margins and auto dealers seeing rapid sales declines. Gene Marks says negotiations between nations could resolve much of this, but China remains an issue. He also shares insights to work on culture and employee check-ins as more than half the nation showed up in a study as sufferers of “quiet cracking” – a slow and steady dissatisfaction with the workplace. Gene also agrees with tech analysts that in the fast-paced AI world, businesses should take a slower approach to rolling out the solutions to ensure more understanding and governance. Listen to the podcast. Article - Tariffs: What Business Should Know to Prepare - https://bit.ly/4cAiT6H 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.

Preview: Colleague Gene Marks recommends small business owners seek guidance if they are dependent upon suddenly impractical PRC supply chains. More" 1958

As the on-again, off-again, and then partial pause on tariffs dominate the news, Gene Marks level sets which ones are in effect and what businesses need to know moving forward. Also, as corporate bankruptcies hit their highest number since 2010, Gene points to a specific industry – trucking and logistics – and the ensuing layoffs that could tell us more about the economy than other data. And the Spotify CEO's announcement on AI and hiring is a misstep, according to Gene. 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.

This week, Gene Marks offers some suggestions for how businesses can survive President Trump's trade war. Those suggestions include exploring free-trade zones, raising prices strategically, scouring the world for alternative suppliers, and getting out of China. Despite all of the disruption and upheaval, Gene continues to believe that the long-term gain will be worth the short-term pain.

U.S. Labor Department data shows job starts exceeding expectation in March, while the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch indicates job levels are consistent with previous months. Does this indicate a better outlook? Gene Marks talks about it in this episode, but also says the economy might be influenced by the 14% of employers who are decreasing salary offers and another 20% are scaling back on raises. Businesses with loans from the SBA also must contend with changes in programs that include increased fees for popular 7(a) loans. Listen to the podcast. Resources: Paychex Small Business Employment Watch - https://bit.ly/4lG7hTV 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.

Is complexity holding your team back? On this episode of THRIVE, Gene Marks chats with Lisa Bodell, keynote speaker, author of Why Simple Wins, and CEO of FutureThink, to explore how simplifying business processes can spark innovation and boost engagement. Lisa shares actionable strategies to make your workplace simpler and more productive — from cutting down on unnecessary emails to rethinking meetings and decisions. Plus, discover her powerful “Kill a Stupid Rule” exercise, a proven method that has helped businesses save time, resources, and improve employee satisfaction. Simplicity isn't just a trendy idea — tune in to hear why it's the secret to business success. Looking to simplify HR? Consider the benefits of outsourcing: https://bit.ly/42JG7mr Learn how AI can help streamline the daunting task of recruiting: https://bit.ly/3FX9tpv Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and welcome 00:55 – Overview of Lisa's work and clients 02:48 – Addressing email overload 04:27 – The process of simplifying an organization   05:54 – Role of AI in simplification  08:19 – Areas in business prone to complexity 09:06 – Simplification in different business sizes 12:00 – Good friction vs. unnecessary complexity  14:01 – Gene and Lisa talk to-do lists 16:56 – Surprising clients 22:17 – Measuring simplicity's impact 24:10 – Tips for more effective meetings 24:58 – 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.

Preview: Colleague Gene Marks comments on the old-fashioned mission-directed management style of Elon Musk. More later 1958

On this week's episode of the Paychex THRIVE Week in Review, host Gene Marks talks about key news items affecting small businesses. Recent surveys from MetLife, the US Chamber of Commerce, Viking Cloud, and the US Census Bureau, focus on three main topics: a slight decline in the small business index due to softening in business health and cash flow; cybersecurity concerns, notably a report that 40% of cybersecurity teams haven't disclosed breaches, risking compliance and increasing vulnerability; and a looming succession planning crisis as many business owners near retirement age without clear plans for their businesses' futures. Gene emphasizes the high concerns among business owners about inflation, particularly its record-high impact, and the urgent need to address these trends. 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 outlook from the Federal Reserve is that everything is on target, so they aren't budging interest rates. Not great news, according to Gene Marks, for small business trying to secure cheaper funding, but at least they feel the economic outlook is good. Over at the EEOC, executive orders from the new administration have businesses scrambling around DEI activities. Plus, Paychex releases a report on small business sentiment around AI, finding 72% have a good attitude toward its use. And any excuse you are using to get out of work might have been used 3,200 years ago. Listen to podcast for more details. AI for Small Businesses: Impact and Sentiment - https://bit.ly/4liZCuz 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.

Preview: Colleague Gene Marks reports the positive outlook of small businesses for the next year. More. 1871 MONTANA

Despite being at historic high levels, small businesses optimism dropped last month and recorded its second-lowest reading for uncertainty in the history of the National Federation of Independent Businesses. Gene Marks says we need to keep an eye on this. He also shares details of how boycotts don't always impact those being boycotted. Plus, learn how a comedy club is helping comedians get a laugh. 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.

This week, Gene Marks explains why he thinks business owners should be patient. Gene says that whatever economic pain they may be experiencing right now will be worth it in the long run, and that's because he believes President Trump is taking necessary steps to fix the economy and level the international-trade playing field, which will greatly benefit small businesses over time. (Podcast host's note: I do have a few questions for Gene about that.)

The chair of the Federal Reserve said that Americans should expect economic fluctuation and inflation while adjusting to the implementation of new policies, but the target of 2% is on track. Gene Marks comments on that while noting that the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch continues to show moderate job growth but stagnant hourly earnings growth. In a surprising turn, the new administration appealed a court's decision on the Biden-era Overtime Rule, but Gene said that is a maneuver to secure the agency's decision-making powers and not to hang onto the salary threshold. 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.

Another week, another set of tariffs against normal trading partners – and these steeper than the previous ones. However, host Gene Marks says businesses might be able to defer paying the extra cost by using bonded warehouses and several other avenues. He also shares that the SBA Director Kelly Loeffler plans, among her top 3 items, an extensive audit of the agency and its practices, while the mass layoffs at the IRS could impede timeliness of processing tax returns. 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 housing experts around the nation are not happy with the latest numbers – inventory up 28% but nothing is selling, while builders and architects report their sentiment indexes hit recent lows. Gene Marks says this is the news that worries small businesses that rely on that housing industry. Our host also shares the Beneficial Ownership Information reporting is back after a court ruling, and now with a deadline in mid-March. And Crunchbase, a longtime resource for which startups were looking for money, has switched gears to use AI and its data to predict business outcomes. 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.

On this episode Joe speaks with Gene Marks about how the DOGE initiative is shaking up government spending and prompting a reexamination of fiscal policies that impact the accounting profession and small businesses. Gene breaks down the effects of IRS layoffs and ERC uncertainties offering strategic insights for navigating these turbulent economic shifts. About Gene Marks A past columnist for both The New York Times and The Washington Post, Gene now writes regularly for The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, The Washington Times, and The Guardian.  Gene has written 5 books on business management, specifically geared towards small and medium sized companies. His most recent is Want More Cash?: 100+ Ideas And Strategies For Increasing Your Company's Cash Flow This Year. Gene owns and operates the Marks Group PC, a highly successful ten-person firm that provides technology and consulting services to small and medium sized businesses.  Gene also hosts a very popular podcast with Paychex. To listen to the latest episodes, visit www.paychex.com/podcasts Resources mentioned during the show Gene Marks' consolidated website The World Trade Center Association Walter Isaacson's biography on Elon Musk Thank you to our show sponsor, Truewind! Truewind is a next generation AI-powered accounting platform. Adhering to the highest standards of data security, Truewind's close management platform automates routine tasks and finishes your monthly close with time to spare. Learn more about the show and our sponsors at Woodard.com/podcast

The workplace is evolving faster than ever — are you keeping up or getting left behind? This week on THRIVE, Gene Marks chats with Steve Cadigan, author of Workquake and LinkedIn's first Chief HR Officer, to break down the new rules of work. From career pivots to building a culture that spans four generations, Steve dives into the seismic shifts redefining the employer/employee relationship. He also offers fresh takes on performance reviews, the value of college degrees, and using AI to empower teams (not replace them). Listen now to discover new strategies and ideas for navigating the future of work. Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and welcome 01:22 – Macro trends driving workplace change 02:26 – Changing workforce psychology 03:55 – Steve Cadigan's background 05:10 – Developing culture within a multi-generational workforce 07:59 – Strategies for motivating employees 11:36 – Reevaluating performance reviews 13:43 – The value of college degrees 17:22 – Remote work perspectives 19:49 – Advice for organizations on remote work 23:29 – The impact of AI in the workplace 25:28 – Wrap up and thank you 11 hiring, recruiting, and talent acquisition trends on the rise: https://bit.ly/4gVH2Fo The most pressing HR technology trends that are likely to shape the future of HR in 2025 and beyond: https://bit.ly/4igMG65 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.

This week, Gene Marks suggests it's time to take a look at whether there's still a need for the Small Business Administration. Gene, who thinks the SBA has ignored its core market, would shift the agency's disaster loans to FEMA and its smallbiz lending to the Commerce Department and get rid of most of the other programs -- programs he says most of the business owners he knows are only vaguely aware of and rarely if ever use.

     PREVIEW: Colleague Gene Marks comments on the high likelihood that AI will take over tax preparation in the near future. More later 1948

The prices of goods and energy keep increasing, hitting 3% in January – the highest in seven months – and everyone is wondering when will the cost of eggs go down. Gene Marks points to some factors impacting inflation and expresses some concern that the monthly hourly wage growth, as reported in the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch, is at 2.87%, meaning wages aren't keeping up with inflation. He also says that with all the changing regulations around DEI at the federal and state level, businesses should review their social and governance policies to ensure they are up to date. 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.

There are more than 7.5 million Americans whose jobs are directly connected to the federal government, so some private-sector and nonprofit businesses began shedding workers when the federal funding freeze was announced. Gene Marks talks about some of the short-term fallout. He also shares details on why acquiring businesses rose in 2024 and the impact of lending criteria on future sales. Gene also points to OpenAI's Deep Research that academics are enjoying but says warning signs are there for some professions. 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.

This week, Gene tells us that he's been spending too much time doing and not enough time thinking. So he's made a plan to free up some time to focus on the more important, big picture issues that sometimes get lost in the day-to-day. How will he free up the time? By getting out of the office more, by leaning more into tech, and by being more deliberate about how much time he spends with customers. Plus: Gene also shares a few highlights (and lowlights) from a Microsoft AI trade show -- including the Microsoft employees who don't trust their own AI.

"PREVIEW: AI: Colleague Gene Marks reports on a Microsoft AI event showcasing tools for small and medium-sized businesses. More tonight."

Tariffs were imposed and then suspended for 30 days on Canada and Mexico after the U.S. and our leading trading partners came to an agreement on border security. Tariffs remain in place on China and Gene Marks says this will have some impact on costs of goods and supply chains. He also talks about how the launch of DeepSeek, an AI platform that currently operates more quickly and efficiently than others, could spur U.S. companies to meet the challenge. Amid all this change, the SBA might get a new leader who has her focus on efficiency and changes to some of the loan programs. 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.

Today on “The Building Code,” Charley is a lone host sitting down with Gene Marks, founder of The Marks Group. Gene is renowned keynote speaker and national business columnist presenting at over 70 live events each year. He's also a best-selling author, CPA, business owner, and national business columnist for “The Guardian,” “Forbes,” “Entrepreneur” and more, Gene has spent the past 25 years running a very successful business. Listen to the full episode to hear Gene's strategies for managing overhead costs and securing financing to ensure operational stability and growth.   Visit his website to connect with Gene and learn more about the partnership opportunities: https://www.genemarks.com/   Check out some of Gene's resources and his consulting services: https://genemarks.medium.com/ https://www.genemarks.com/consulting/   You can also go to The Marks Group to learn more about CRM and access resources: https://www.marksgroup.net/   Attend the 2025 International Builders' Show in Las Vegas coming up at the end of February: https://www.buildersshow.com/   Get your free IBS expo pass on us and start planning your trip: https://buildertrend.com/ibs2025/   Read the shownotes for this episode here: https://buildertrend.com/podcast/the-building-code/254-gene-marks/   Join “The Building Code” Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebuildingcodecrew/   FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/buildertrend/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildertrend/  TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Buildertrend/ YOUTUBE:  / @buildertrend LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildertrend #Buildertrend #BuiltWithBuildertrend #ConstructionSoftware

This week, having long encouraged small business owners to support President Trump's pro-business agenda, Gene Marks says those policies are likely to produce a tough year for owners. In a conversation recorded shortly after the president announced that tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China are about to take effect, Gene tells us that he thinks business owners are too optimistic about the immediate impact of the Trump policies. In the year ahead, Gene expects those policies to produce change, uncertainty, and pain. That said, he still supports the policies.

PREVIEW - LAS VEGAS RECOVERY Colleague Gene Marks comments on positive increase of traffic in Las Vegas, though not quite at 2019 levels. More details to follow. 1940 CLARK COUNTY, NV

Earnings growth has shown modest gains for seven months, according to the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch, but the annualized 3.16% gain hovers right around inflation. Gene Marks explains what this could mean to businesses and employees. Business sale prices are up 25%, including a 17% jump in the service industry. Why? Millennials are buying rather than starting, but mainly many older owners are looking for an exit. Then there are those individuals not buying at all but, instead, are shoplifting out of necessity. What might this mean to a small business in terms of cost. Listen to the podcast.

Taxes are changing — what does that mean for your business? On this week's episode of Paychex THRIVE, Gene Marks chats with Stephen Dombroski, Senior Compliance Manager at Paychex, to break down the critical tax changes coming as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act approaches its expiration. From bonus depreciation to the Section 199A deduction (and everything in between), Stephen shares what these changes might mean for your business, your employees, and even your personal finances. Whether you're planning capital investments, thinking about R&D credits, or just trying to stay ahead of tax changes, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you prepare.   Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and welcome 01:03 – Discussion on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) 02:20 – Provisions of TCJA 04:42 – Impact of fluctuating TCJA depreciation policies 06:35 – Potential bipartisan tax deal and its outcomes 08:29 – Individual income tax changes 10:36 – Future tax changes and employer considerations 12:37 – Employee Retention Credit discussion 14:18 – Implications of possible changes to estates taxes and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit 15:34 – Advice on preparing for tax changes 17:39 – Wrap up and thank you   14 ways to save on small business taxes in 2025: https://bit.ly/3CoMNgy   Regulatory changes every business should know and prepare for this year: https://bit.ly/4gfFWE6   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.

Based on surveys from major companies, organizations, and even chambers of commerce, small businesses are giddy for the upcoming four years under a new administration in the White House. The positive outlooks include 70% expecting revenue increases, 76% planning on hiring more, and 91% expressing confidence in growth. In this episode, Gene Marks tempers the enthusiasm by pointing out the potential hurdles, including a labor market that might lose thousands to deportation, proposed tariffs that could up costs for goods, tax incentives that might expire, and inflation still too high. Listen to the episode for more details. 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.  

Amid the devastation of the wildfires in California comes the positive that employers can help employees victimized by the natural disaster by covering certain out-of-pocket expenses and earning a tax break or encouraging leave banks for colleagues to donate unused paid leave to help those during recovery. Gene Marks also shares news about the continued leveling off of hourly earnings and other details from the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch. Plus, businesses in the 14 states should understand their pay transparency requirements and Gene makes a suggestion for those in states without a law. 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.

For a fifth straight quarter, productivity in the United States has risen 2% or more. In this episode, Gene Marks provides insights on why this might be and what this could mean to businesses and employees. As the new year starts and businesses put their budgets in play, they might want to know where to get additional funding. Gene points out various grants and a resource to find more. And what will businesses that use TikTok do if the social media platform gets banned? Gene says to start planning on how else to advertise and sell product. Join us for our webinar- 2025 Top Regulatory Issues: What Your Business Needs to Know at: go.paychex.com/2025regs 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.

This week, in our first Dashboard conversation of 2025, Gene Marks talks about why he and other owners are excited about what they think will be a more business-friendly environment this year. But Gene also warns that tariffs and deportations are likely to drive inflation higher and discourage the Federal Reserve from cutting rates, which may not produce the economic growth owners are expecting. Plus: There are big changes coming to retirement-plan rules that owners should know about.

PREVIEW: AI: Colleague Gene Marks recommends that small businesses prepare defenses from Artificial Intelligence gone astray - such as poaching copyrighted material without correct attribution. Recommends a written company policy that is kept updated. More later 1930

PREVIEW: AI: Colleague Gene Marks presents how the major companies are preparing AI Agents to replace workers, more tonight. 1956

PREVIEW: AI AGENTS Colleague Gene Marks reports that AI agents capable of handling website inquiries with interactive memory and processing capabilities represent the next key development for small business automation. More tonight. 1941

Preview: Work From Home (WFH): Colleague Gene Marks comments on the expectation that DOJ may require federal employees to return to the office five days a week. More later. 1939 NYSE

PREVIEW: POTUS TRUMP: Colleague Gene Marks explains that the GOP success on November 5 means the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will survive and perhaps be made permanent, a huge benefit for small business... More later 1943 Ohio River

GOOD EVENING:The show begins in Ventura County California where a wildfire is little contained.... 1885 Ventura County First Hour: 9-9:15 - Segment on the Ventura County winds and wildfire, with Jeff Bliss of Pacific Watch. 9:15-9:30 - Segment on the troubles of governance in Puerto Rico, with Mary Anastasia O'Grady of The Wall Street Journal. 9:30-9:45 - Segment on small businesses facing unfair competition from China, with Gene Marks. 9:45-10:00 - Segment on small businesses and the 2017 tax cuts, again with Gene Marks. Second Hour: 10-10:15 - "Lancaster Report" segment on the lopsided support for Trump, with Jim McTague. 10:15-10:30 - Segment on Giorgia Meloni in Italy being pleased with Trump, with Lorenzo Fiori from Milan. 10:30-10:45 - 1/2 segment on Trump's focus on the Moon and Musk's focus on Mars in space policy, with Bob Zimmerman. 10:45-11:00 - 2/2 segment on Trump's space policy, again with Bob Zimmerman. Third Hour: 11:00-11:15 - 1/2 segment on Trump's direction for space, energy, and information, with Henry Sokolski of NPEC. 11:15-11:30 - 2/2 segment on Trump's space, energy, and information policies, again with Henry Sokolski. 11:30-11:45 - Segment on the remains of the election surprise, with Richard Epstein of the Hoover Institution. 11:45-12:00 - Segment on subsidizing California's "green" agenda, also with Richard Epstein. Fourth Hour: 12-12:15 - Segment on Gavin Newsom looking towards 2028, with Bill Whalen of the Hoover Institution. 12:15-12:30 - Segment on the failure of industrial policy, with Veronique de Rugy. 12:30-12:45 - Segment on the 2025 Canadian election, with Conrad Black. 12:45-1:00 - Segment on the price of oil in 2025, with Michael Bernstam.

SMALL BUSINESS AMERICA: THE UNLEVEL COMPETITION FROM CHINA. GENE MARKS. 1908 WUHAN

SMALL BUSINESS AMERICA: THE 2017 TAX CUTS IN QUESTION. GENE MARKS 1912 ATTENDING BRYAN

PREVIEW: Colleague Gene Marks will report that small businesses, such as kitchen cabinet makers, welcome tariffs to balance out the subsidies on Chinese products that flood American markets. More details on this to come later in the program. 1980 Dallas

Preview: Steel: Conversation with colleague Gene Marks regarding his meeting with the Steel Foundry Society in Banff, Canada to discuss the specialty steel work that has been damaged by China dumping. More later. 1946 Texas & Pacific Railway