Gene Marks

DeepSeek AI model great news for U.S. small businesses

Big Tech and Wall Street are freaking out about DeepSeek's announcement this week that their AI modeling can do what OpenAI does but at 1/30th of the cost.

January 30, 2025

Small-business owners are optimistic, but are they realistic?

As we head into 2025, small businesses seem optimistic -- at least according to some recent reports.

December 30, 2024

10 ways businesses should prepare for 2025 tax Armageddon

Webster's dictionary defines "Armageddon" as "the site or time of a final and conclusive battle between the forces of good and evil." When it comes to next year's tax battle, that definition couldn't be more appropriate.

December 9, 2024

American Airlines cracks down on queue jumpers

Last week, American announced a new automated system that "instantly" flags those who try to jump the queue and board before their group is called. I know this doesn't sound like a big deal to some, but it is.

November 5, 2024

Small-business taxes would almost double under Harris admin

If Vice President Kamala Harris is elected president and has congressional support, most small-business owners -- including me -- will see our tax bill almost double.

October 7, 2024

Businesses that support Trump should stay out of politics

The Wall Street Journal recently reported on a small business in upstate New York whose owner posted a message on social media.

August 29, 2024

Small businesses to thrive under Trump

If former President Donald Trump is again elected, hiring and retaining employees will become more affordable, particularly for small businesses. Here's why.

August 8, 2024

It’s Jill Biden’s fault

When an executive is asked to relocate to another city, what do they usually do before making that decision? When a senior manager is presented with a new opportunity requiring a substantial amount of time, who's the first person they talk to? When an entrepreneur is looking to start a new business, what do they usually say?

July 3, 2024

What really happens If the U.S. can’t pay its bills?

When you run a business, you're constantly trying to look ahead. You make decisions now on hiring, spending and investing that will position your company to either grow or just weather the storm. You know you can't control the future. But you can take some measures to protect your interests and lower your risks.

June 27, 2024

Restaurant owners indicate stronger support for Trump

A recent informal poll at a National Restaurant Association conference revealed this bit of non-news: By a 2-to-1 margin, the 600 restaurant owners in attendance said they favored former President Donald Trump.

May 13, 2024

Minimum wage: What’s the right number?

This month, California's minimum wage for fast-food workers will increase from $16 to $20 per hour.

April 1, 2024

As an accountant, I love the proposed taxes on unrealized gains

Recent reports say that the state of Vermont is considering a new tax on unrealized gains.

February 28, 2024

Four reasons companies should ignore the DOL’s new worker classification rule

A new rule from the Department of Labor goes into effect on March 11th, and it will have a significant impact on my company and millions of other businesses around the country.

January 29, 2024

Happy New Year? Blue states to start 2024 with a bunch of new business regulations

I'm not sure 2024 will be a very happy new year for businesses in blue states.

December 28, 2023

Why Starbucks workers are rejecting unionization

If you worked at a Starbucks, would you be so eager to join a union?

November 27, 2023

It’s illegal to fire an employee who refuses to come to the office

Business owners who require employees to return to the office could face scrutiny by the National Labor Relations Board if an employee refuses, complains and is fired.

October 24, 2023

The era of the worker: Strikes are making a comeback, with potential ramifications

We've had both new and proposed rules and laws to increase overtime pay, reclassify more independent contractors as employees, remove noncompete agreements and require pay transparency.

October 9, 2023

Small businesses struggle to keep up with Washington regulatory edicts

Is the Biden administration anti-business? That's certainly something to be debated over dinner.

September 4, 2023

SBA should be tasked only with providing capital to small businesses

I believe that Isabel Guzman is one of the hardest-working people in the U.S. government.

July 31, 2023

The next phase of remote working: In the office only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays And Thursdays

Ask any of my clients who own businesses and they'll tell you that it is better when their employees work in their offices than when they work from home. Better for the companies. Better for the employees.

June 28, 2023