Books & The Biz

Automation and robotics are critical to an modern business, but why should small businesses make the investment? Robotics have come a long way in the past decade. Affordability is making it easier for companies to compete. Today, Jessica Chavez will share why you need to be making the investment. About Jesica: As a leader, my responsibility is to oversee the overall customer satisfaction of the co...

Kohl's CEO, Ashley Buchanan, was fired for allegedly being involved in steering business to someone he had a personal relationship with. After only 6 months in his new position, the board of directors terminated with cause. How does this impact you? It's a sign of why ethics matters in business. In this episode, Dan and Rich break down what happened and share their thoughts on how companie...

For years many entrepreneurs have taking the route to quick cash through investors. But bringing in a private equity firm or venture capital can have it drawbacks and risks. Could that be why we are seeing more companies looking to avoid raising capital through these sources? This episode will talk about the good and bad from our perspective. What we are seeing for business investment. and ways to...

Today we follow up from our Webinar, "Built to Last - or Built to Leave", and discuss some of the details that we couldn't cover in the event. What happens to your business after you’re no longer running it? At some point, all business owners have to think about what's next for themselves and their company. Their actions impact their families, employees, customers, and comm...

Tax day has come and gone. So now you don't worry about it until next year, right? Well that is what most people do. Then they don't understand why they are paying in as much or more every year. Instead of looking backwards, you need to look ahead. This episode will have Rich sharing the mistakes most business owners make when it comes to tax planning and why your accountant may not be the...

So you're ready to call it quits.  What should you do when you're a business owner who wants to sell your company? Truth is most owners see their business as their primary retirement asset.  About 90% need to maximize the sale to have enough for retirement. Yet, most aren't ready for sale, nor are they set up for the owner to step away. In this episode, we invite Paul Curtiss...

Did you know Wisconsin ranks second for manufacturing? We are more than just cows! That said, manufacturing is an important part of our economy. It needs to grow and thrive. For years young employees looked to college or elsewhere because they didn't understand the opportunities available. Nineteen years ago, Ann saw the need and started the NEW Alliance. Today she tells us about the exciting...

Joe Staffeld has experienced a lot in business. Starting as a salesperson for Albco Foundary, he eventually worked his way up to being the owner. As he looks toward the future, he's beginning to prepare the roadmap for his business. From expansion to succession, we will get Joe's thoughts on manufacturing and the future of the industry. Joe Staffeld President/CEO at Albco Foundry and Machi...

Private Equity firms are acquiring. Many business owners are woo'd by PE money and look to sell to the highest bidder. But what is it doing to the industries that the investors are active in? Many challenges face PE and sellers alike. So knowing the endgame for each side is important if you want to make an informed decision. It's also not all it's cracked up to be. We look at the PE in...

Trump's tariffs have kicked into effect recently and companies are feeling their impact. But what does it really mean to trade with some of our closest allies and trading partners? In this episode we will talk with Pascal Brien, Directeur Général chez Esthétique Électrolyse Canada, to discuss changes, challenges, and what he is doing going forward. About Pascal: Pas...

The key to successful business is managing sales and profits effectively. Sometimes we look at the numbers and miss some significant information that prevents us from maximizing financial performance. This episode of Books & The Biz digs into hidden costs and where to find them. Join us and be sure to Like, Share, and Subscribe!

Almost every business is looking for a way to increase revenue.  Marketing is an effective tool to grow sales when done properly.  But how do you know what to do to maximize your efforts? In this episode of Books & The Biz, Sally Mildren fills in for Dan Paulson to talk about marketing and what's needed to succeffully grow your business. About Sally: Sallty serves human-centered...

DOGE has been busy over the past several weeks. Mass layoffs in government offices could potentially flood the marketplace with new potential hires. Is that a good thing? T his episode of Books & The Biz will look at what having a large increase in available hires could do to impact you. Our thoughts may surprise you. Join us and remember to like, share and subscribe.

[00:00:10.11] - Alice Hello. Welcome to Books in the Biz, a podcast that looks at both the financial and operational sides of success. Please welcome our hosts, Dan Paulson and Richard Veltre. Dan is the CEO of Envision Development International, and he works with leaders to increase sales and profits through great cultures with solid operations. Rich is CEO of the Veltri Group and a financial str...

Last week President Trump announced new tariffs against Mexico, Canada, and China to combat the Fentanyl and immigration crisis. By Tuesday Canada and Mexico got a 30 day reprieve. Some have argued that the new taxes will result in more inflation and kill domestic business. In this episode we will talk about how these tariffs are used and give our insights on what is really happening.

Hiring talent at any level can be challenging. Even when they are fractional. How do you know what you need and who you should hire? In any talent situation you are at risk of either over-hiring (Skills exceed the tasks) or under-hiring (Person is working above their skillset) In this episode, we will share our experiences and what we've learned about hiring, deliverables, and setting expectat...

This week, Donald Trump was re-elected President of the United States. Shortly after being sworn in, he signed several executive orders that could have a direct impact on business and our economy. Books & The Biz takes a look at some of these orders and give our insights on what to watch for and how to best position yourself for success.

Matt Guse admits the road to success is bumpy, but with all the mistakes he's made, he has also achieved great success. From a small garage workshop to national recognition, Matt Guse has transformed M.R.S. Machining Co., Inc. into a powerhouse of precision machining. Founded by his father in 1986, the family-owned business has become a beacon of excellence in the machining industry, earning p...

Hiring hasn't gotten any easier in the past few years, and it appears challenges will continue well into the future. Recently, the social networks have filled with discussions of using the H1B Visa process to retain skilled labor from overseas. Like everything else, nobody seems happy about the program. In our first 2025 episode of Books & The Biz, we will break down the H1B visa program t...

Welcome to our last podcast of 2024! As we wrap up the year, we look back at the events of 2024. Next we make some predictions for what 2025 will be like. Join us in the discussion to see if you agree with our review and forecasts. New episodes to launch on January 9th, 2025. Please like, Share, and Subsribe!   Vandross Idiake - Season 2, Episodes 2-6 Jay Goninen - Season 2, Episodes 7-10 Bri...

So you are thinking about selling your business. Do you know where to start? Are you prepared? In this episode, Pat McAdams will share the questions he is commonly asked by potential sellers. He will give you the roadmap you need to prepare yourself to take that next step. About Pat: Pat grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. His maternal Grandfather owned a structural engineering firm. His father...

Today's workforce is different. Technology has allowed many employees to work from anywhere in the world. Demands for a remote or hybrid work environment are higher than they've ever been. Yet companies are increasing demands to be in the office. One of the biggest expenses for most companies is their payroll. People are necessary to keep the wheels turning. But talented and experienced pe...

  Welcome to our Thanksgiving Special! Today we are trying something a little different. We are bringing on five experts in their fields to discuss the state of business and what you should do to successfully wrap up your year. Meet our Panel: Bob Gross of Gross Automation - Founder/Visionary/Owner - Leading Gross Automation Into The Future. Named Wisconsin Governor's Export Achievement A...

Business owners: did you know you don't need to provide a personal guarantee for your business loan? It is possible, but you have to build your corporate credit. This episode welcomes Andrew Cervenka from Growth Architects. About Andrew: With a passion for seeing small and mid sized businesses succeed, Andrew, a Senior Consultant at Growth Architects, provides the necessary tools, guidance, an...

  So you're considering selling your business. What is the best way for you to do that? Should you sell on your own, use and intermediary, or a broker? Join us as we talk with Paul Curtiss of EBIT Associates as he shares his thoughts. Who is Paul? Paul spent his formative years growing up in Sun Prairie, WI where his father was the youth services detective until leaving the department to...