THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram have become increasingly popular for use by small businesses as a tool for marketing, facilitating store traffic, and completing transactions. In this episode, host Gene Marks talks with Rich Rao, Vice President of Small Business at Facebook. Hear what he has to say about the increasing trend of small businesses entering the eCommerce space, ho...

As many work environments changed with the onset of COVID-19 from in office to remote working, the impact was felt heavily for The FruitGuys, a company that delivers fresh fruit to businesses around the United States. That’s when Chris Mittelstaedt, CEO and Founder of The FruitGuys, had to become creative and reimagine how his company would navigate these uncertain times. Hear as he talks with hos...

With the upcoming presidential election just around the corner and as the country continues to feel the effects of the current pandemic, there’s a lot for small business owners to consider. Recently, candidate Joe Biden put together an advisory council on small businesses and entrepreneurship, that includes former 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, Andrew Yang. In this special episode, host G...

Face masks or face shields? Thermal scanning or symptom checking? UV light, disinfectants or air filters? These are questions that small business owners are having to ask themselves as they work to create a safe working environment in the COVID-19 era. But how do you know what’s best and what is the best use of your money? In this episode, infectious disease physician and epidemiologist, Dr. Antho...

As businesses work to navigate these challenging times, they are facing new questions about employer liabilities as they relate to COVID-19. On this episode, labor and employment litigation lawyer, Kamran Mirrafati, talks with host Gene Marks about what you need to know when it comes to liability insurance; workers’ compensation; retaliation and failure to accommodate claims, the importance of mai...

With an influencer like actor Ryan Reynolds, who would ever doubt the success of the spirits brand Aviation American Gin? But Senior Brand Manager, Adrian Molina, says there’s much more to influencer marketing than a big name. Hear as he shares with Gene Marks about his experience working with Reynolds – as an influencer and creative partner, why he feels it’s so important to find an influencer wh...

In this unprecedented economic downturn, many companies are having to make tough decisions, including changes in staffing. On this episode, Talia Edmundson, Principal and Founder of HRnB Consulting, is talking with host Gene Marks about furloughs, layoffs, and firings. Hear as she breaks down the differences and talks about unemployment insurance, the impact on benefits, best practices for communi...

With the current COVID-19 pandemic changing the landscape of education, parents have begun looking for solutions for remote and hybrid learning options. Seeing this shift, Alice Locatelli, co-founder of CoPod , saw an opportunity to provide families with support in their children’s learning. Hear as Alice talks with host Gene Marks about setting up a teaching pod business and the future opportunit...

In the words of Gene Marks, host of the Paychex Business Series podcast, “Cash is King.” Listen in as Gene kicks off season two and talks about the importance of having cash reserves to help you survive unexpected challenges, and how having cash has helped business owners navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Help Center for more information on navigating your business....

In this episode, you’ll get to listen in on Gene’s wide-ranging conversation with Mark Cuban, who owns the Dallas Mavericks and appears on the popular TV show, Shark Tank. Hear Mark’s take on the different issues facing small businesses today, including government stimulus, health care, banking relationships, changing market dynamics, and what it will take to succeed in this time of “creative dest...

As businesses begin navigating the path of reopening, there is a lot for business owners and leaders to think about in the post-pandemic world. At the top of mind for many is the health and safety of employees and customers. In this episode, host Gene Marks talks with Paychex PEO Senior Risk and Safety Representative, Lisa Carboni, and Paychex Safety and Loss Representative, Todd Leone, about the...

The community members of the Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans were still recovering from Hurricane Katrina when COVID-19 hit. Just as many businesses began to struggle, so did those living in that area. As an essential business owner, Burnell Cotlon saw this first hand. As his customers came into the door of his market, the Lower 9th Ward Market, Burnell saw their struggles and decided to do what he...

As the owner of a  salon , Anthony Cristiano was not considered an essential business owner. So, when COVID-19 hit, he was forced to shut down his salon and furlough his employees. That’s when Anthony turned to the experts to help him navigate the challenges of the pandemic. Hear as he talks with Gene Marks about what happened when he closed his doors, who he turned to for advice, how he worked to...

After laying off his entire staff, opportunity came knocking for Keith Baldwin, co-owner of Spike’s Trophies. In one simple call, Keith decided to turn his trophy and awards company into a call center for New York State, allowing him to hire back his employees and train them to book appointments for COVID-19 tests, and later handle unemployment triage calls for the Department of Labor. Listen in a...

While COVID-19 caused the shutdown of many businesses, the e-commerce space saw a massive spike. As people were forced to stay at home, they turned to online businesses to provide them with what they needed. But the question on many people’s minds is, will the trend of online buying continue, or will things go back to ‘normal’ once we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic? Listen in as Founder and...

As businesses begin to reopen, many owners may be taking a serious look at the option of selling their company and move on. So, is now, during a pandemic, a good time to look into buying? Bob House, President of BizBuySell.com, talks with Gene Marks about the potential for those looking into buying businesses, including the impact the pandemic has had on the market, which industries may be a smart...

The financial impact of COVID-19 is being felt by almost every business. But what if your chosen industry forces you to choose between turning down jobs, and putting yourself into situations where social distancing is not always an option? Hear from Justin McCallum, owner of Justin McCallum Photography , as he talks with Gene Marks about his experience navigating the current pandemic. Justin share...

It’s not always easy to keep a positive attitude, especially during times like this. But for Joy Gendusa, founder and CEO of the full-service marketing company PostcardMania , thinking negatively was never an option. Hear from Joy as she talks with Gene Marks about her experience with the COVID-19 pandemic, how she kept all her employees working, the importance of having cash reserves, and how her...

Whether they are looking to retire or have decided to move on from the increased complexities that have been brought on by COVID-19, there are many business owners who are considering selling. But is right now, in the middle of a pandemic, the right time to make a move? Bob House, president of BizBuySell.com and BizQuest.com says it just may be. Listen in as he talks with Gene Marks about why it m...

As businesses work to navigate the many challenges brought on by the COVID-19, finding ways to cut costs is top of mind for most. Insurance expert and Director of Virtual Sales at Paychex, Rob Ryan, says that with the unique circumstances brought on by the pandemic, business owners can look to their insurance policies for ways to save. Listen in as Rob talks with host Gene Marks about how to reduc...

Coming out of the COVID-19 shutdowns, business as usual is not what it once was. As companies start planning their reopening or begin bringing back employees, there is a lot to think about. Paychex Compliance Analysts, Kate Hill and Rachel Dowling, share with Gene Marks some best practices and considerations that employers should look at in order to protect their business and keep their employees...

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, accounting firms have played a key role as advisors for their clients. For many firms this has been a defining moment, being able to continue operating remotely to help their small business clients navigate these tough times. In this episode, CPA.com President and Chief Executive Officer, Erik Asgeirsson, talks with Gene Marks about the importance of technology...

As the nation begins to come out of the current coronavirus pandemic, and businesses, including franchises, start to reopen, the true effects of the shutdowns are emerging. In this episode, Gene Marks talks with President and CEO of the International Franchise Association (IFA), Robert Cresanti, and Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Public Affairs of the IFA, Matt Haller, about the e...

In this two-episode podcast, Gene Marks talks with comedian, actor, and independent business owner, Jim Gaffigan, about his experience with the current coronavirus pandemic. Listen in as Jim talks about what the shutdown has meant for his live appearances and comedy shows, how it has pushed him to use social media platforms he had not previously taken full advantage of. Hear how YouTube is helping...

In this two-episode podcast, Gene Marks talks with comedian, actor, and independent business owner, Jim Gaffigan, about his experience with the current coronavirus pandemic. Listen in as Jim talks about what the shutdown has meant for his live appearances and comedy shows, how it has pushed him to use social media platforms he had not previously taken full advantage of, and why Rochester’s famous...