THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast

With the many challenges small business owners face on a regular basis, add forgoing pay for themselves. A survey by Bluevine found that 3 in 10 have invoice problems that cause cashflow issues that result in them not paying themselves. Host Gene Marks offers four tips on how to address the problem. In the tech startup world, funding might get a little easier with Congress voting to free up billions in grants. Speaking of easier, Anthropic’s tools, Claude Code and Claude Cowork, are performing tasks such as paying invoices and purchasing inventory with limited human prompting. Listen to the podcast to find out more about the next layer of agentic AI. Topics: 00:00 – Introduction 00:18 – Invoicing and Cashflow Issues 04:14 – Potential Tech Industry Funding 07:14 – Agentic AI and Small Businesses 10:18 – Episode Wrap-up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Learn About Invoice Factoring: https://bit.ly/invoice-factoring-types 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.

Small business owners are feeling cautiously hopeful, but far from settled. In this episode of THRIVE, host Gene Marks sits down with Holly Wade and Peter Hansen from the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) to break down what their three signature indexes — Optimism, Uncertainty, and Employment — are really telling us about small business in 2026. From interest rates to federal policy shifts, find out why confidence is up, but small business owners are still holding their breath. Simplify your business operations: Visit paychex.com/MeetPaychex to learn how Paychex can handle your HR and payroll so you can focus on what counts. Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and guest introduction 01:18 – Peter’s background and NFIB podcast overview 04:06 – Holly’s background and NFIB Research Center history 05:25 – NFIB Indexes: Optimism, Uncertainty & Employment 10:24 – Dealing with Bias: Optimism, politics & perspective 14:50 – NFIB survey demographics 21:41 – New NFIB Employment Index: What and why 25:21 – Reconciling NFIB data and survey challenges 29:47 – Current read on optimism and uncertainty 33:03 – Wrap up and thank you #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #iHeartSummit #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts 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 new Mercer survey finds that only 54% of U.S. employers are ready to comply with pay transparency regulations, while host Gene Marks says it’s a smart business practice, whether or not your state requires it. A 1-800Accountant survey reveals that 57% of small business owners admit to questionable tax deductions, with complexity, not intent, being the real culprit. And while a Goldman Sachs study shows most small businesses are using AI, only 14% have truly integrated it into core operations. Listen to the podcast. Topics: 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - Pay Transparency 03:44 - Questionable Tax Deductions 06:32 - Small Businesses and AI 09:27 - Episode Wrap Up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Article on AI for small business: https://bit.ly/4uVEhvW 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 report finds that entrepreneurs are optimistic about business prospects but nearly one-third want to sell. Gene Marks says take the positivity with a grain of salt from the sellers, plus take advantage of buying a business that already exists. Employers struggling to find labor aren’t shy about paying more for what they can find, according to a report by the National federation of Independent Businesses, with nearly 50% increasing compensation to lure candidates. And speaking of money, KPMG is offering cold, hard cash to employees who start innovating with AI tools. Topics: 00:00 - Introduction 00:55 - Entrepreneurs Planning Exits 03:42 - Small Business Wages and Labor Market 06:11 - Incentivizing AI Innovation (KPMG's Case) 08:01 - Episode Wrap Up Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #iHeart #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts 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 happens when a Hallmark star meets a business podcast? Actress and Lioness executive producer Jill Wagner joins Gene Marks to reveal the business savvy behind her 20-year career. From cold-calling Taylor Sheridan to building a real estate portfolio, Jill treats her career like a CEO treats a company. She opens up about handling rejection, knowing your worth, managing money, and finding structure in the chaos of Hollywood. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or just hustling toward your next big break, Jill’s candid advice will leave you ready to pick up the phone. Simplify your business operations: Visit paychex.com/MeetPaychex to learn how Paychex can handle your HR and payroll so you can focus on what counts. Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and guest introduction 02:03 – Why acting is a business 04:46 – How Jill’s “business” is structured 06:12 – Creating your own opportunities 11:00 – The perspective of experience 13:05 – How to handle rejection 16:01 – Taking work that isn’t perfectly aligned 18:45 – Reframing competition and success 22:29 – The reality of balancing career and motherhood 25:57 – Jill’s approach to money management and legal protection 30:01 – Time management in a multi-hat career 32:34 – Jill’s outlook on her future 35:03 – Wrap up and thank you #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #iHeartSummit #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts 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.

With the U.S. Supreme Court ruling against the legality of some tariffs and another court ruling that refunds must be paid, host Gene Marks offers business owners several tips on how to set themselves up to get their piece of billions of dollars returned. The Paychex Small Business Employment Watch paints a more stable picture of job growth than the federal government, which announced a loss of 92,000 jobs in February. A new weekly feature highlighting artificial intelligence shows that people who lost jobs in customer service to AI are being rehired, and the reason why will surprise you. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Paychex Small Business Employment Watch: https://bit.ly/paychex-sbew Tariffs and refund article: https://bit.ly/tariffs-and-refunds 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 quarterly check-in with the National Federation of Independent Businesses finds optimism in many industry sectors, led by Manufacturing. Host Gene Marks says he’s hearing the same things when he speaks at association events. On the not-so-rosy side, almost 70% of HR leaders expressed concern over a lack of data to make effective decisions on raises and promotions – citing fragmented systems and manual entry. OpenAI ready to release another gadget: a smart speaker with a speaker that could change the way we make purchases. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs 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.

Host Gene Marks takes us through a whirlwind few days regarding tariffs, including the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down a majority of the president’s tariffs as unconstitutional. He’ll explain what might happen next with tariffs, why no one should expect a refund without litigation, and what businesses can do moving forward with a new set of tariffs in place. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs 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 Paychex Small Business Employment Watch for January reveals that job growth and hourly wage growth remain steady to start 2026, but host Gene Marks expresses some concern that wage growth is hovers around the inflation percentage. A survey from the Philadelphia Business Journal highlights a burnout concern by Millennials and Gen Z workers who continue to fear taking time off and push themselves toward professional burnout. Gene says it is indicative for owners to support employees for the good of the company and individual. Plus, despite daunting economic headwinds, many small business owners are emphasizing growth through marketing expenditures. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Paychex Small Business Employment Watch: https://bit.ly/paychex-sbew Article on employee burnout: https://bit.ly/burnout-prevention-strategies 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.

Forget pizza parties and pep talks — best-selling author and Front Row Seat podcast host Ken Coleman reveals why traditional motivation tactics fail and what actually drives employee engagement. Discover the three human needs that transform retention, productivity, and profitability, plus the two simple questions every leader should ask their team. Ken explains why your job isn’t to motivate anyone and shares his proven framework for helping employees find work they’re “wired to do.” Simplify your business operations: Visit paychex.com/MeetPaychex to learn how Paychex can handle your HR and payroll so you can focus on what counts. Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and guest introduction 01:03 – “Wired” for work: The three wires 03:58 – Diagnosing misalignment in current role 08:18 – Escaping the “miserable but safe” job 13:27 – Why change fails 17:18 – Extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation 18:26 – What to do if you’re not a natural motivator 22:02 – Real-world example: CEO in a cubicle 24:08 – Ken’s personal work fit 27:23 – What really keeps talent: Three human needs 30:22 – Recruiting strategy: You can’t teach hunger 32:48 – 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 Small Business Administration had a busy past few weeks in the news and for their communications department. An article reported on the agency’s reported record growth in 2025, including nearly $100 billion through the 7(a) and 504 loan programs. U.S. manufacturing gained millions in support from the Working Capital Pilot program. A bill in the U.S. Senate aims at providing free AI training and guidance nationwide, and the agency is implementing a program to provide a workaround for permit delays during federal disaster declarations. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Funding sources: https://bit.ly/funding-for-businesses 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.

Even with the partial government shutdown now over, the lingering impacts to employers and employees will be felt throughout 2026. The IRS is short-staffed and already communicating that there will be delays in tax refunds, which hurts finances and potentially morale and budgeting. Agentic commerce hits a snag because the payment guardrails aren’t ready for bots yet, creating purchasing bottlenecks. Tariffs are still affecting supply chains, but businesses in 2026 should be redesigning their approach to offset scarcity of some key items. And consumer confidence hits a 12-year low, while other indexes are also bottoming out around labor and income conditions. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs 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.

Regardless of whether a partial federal government shutdown happens this week, businesses should be prepared and plan accordingly for potential impacts. Several large U.S. banks are entertaining the thought of a 10% rate on a credit card, which flies in the face of all warnings the banking industry has put out there on any such move. An AI company has been sued because it allegedly helped companies score job candidates without the candidates’ knowledge of what data was collected or how it was being used to evaluate. This is a bellwether moment for companies that use AI in hiring. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Ai Recruiting Tools article: https://bit.ly/ai-recruiting-tools No Tax on Tips and OT webinar registration: https://bit.ly/no-tax-on-tips-ot No Tax on Tips article: https://bit.ly/no-tax-tips-ot 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.

Navigate 2026’s biggest regulatory changes with confidence! Gene Marks sits down with Paychex experts to tackle your pressing questions on no tax on tips and overtime, multi-state paid leave requirements, worker classification rules, and mandatory Roth catch-up contributions under SECURE 2.0. From understanding R&D deductions to managing retirement plan updates, this episode breaks down complex regulations into actionable insights. Whether you’re an HR leader, payroll professional, or business owner, discover what you need to know to keep your company compliant and your employees informed in the year ahead. Watch the full webinar: https://bit.ly/4afnAD9 Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview 01:16 – Meet the tax expert 01:51 – No tax on tips and overtime 11:40 – Research and development tax credits 16:09 – Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) updates 18:45 – Tax segment wrap-up 20:13 – Meet the HR expert 20:52 – Paid family and medical leave changes 30:11 – Paid sick leave requirements 37:06 – Worker classification rules 42:03 – Overtime overview 46:00 – HR segment wrap-up 47:32 – Meet the retirement expert 48:05 – What is a Roth 401(k)? 51:01 – SECURE 2.0 and “Rothification” 57:01 – Retirement and employer responsibilities 66:50 – Tax credits under SECURE 2.0 69:20 – 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.

As the deadline arrives this week for the credit card industry to implement White House demands to cap credit card interest rates, Gene Marks shares that there is no outline of a plan of how this might be handled. He also says there are mixed reviews as to how this could impact small businesses, especially around cash flow. A report about workplace flexibility shows mothers taking the brunt, but Gene suggests businesses need transparency and to work with employees to find a balance. Also, consumer prices are up 2.7% year over year, but inflation remains moderate. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs 2026 benefit trends: https://bit.ly/benefit-trends-2026 On-demand webinar on top regulatory issues: https://bit.ly/2026-top-regs-webinar Top Regulatory Issues of 2026 article: https://bit.ly/top-regs-2026 No Tax on Tips and OT webinar registration: https://bit.ly/no-tax-on-tips-ot No Tax on Tips article: https://bit.ly/no-tax-tips-ot 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 2025 closed, small business remained resilient with job growth showing very little variation throughout the year, while hourly wage growth finished close to inflation, according to Paychex Small Business Employment Watch. Manufacturing didn’t fare well last year and is in contraction, according to the Purchasing Manager’s Index. Some industries such as computer and electronic products have seen expansion, but eyes are on what impact tariffs will continue to have. Gene Marks offers insights on these topics, as well as details on a lawsuit in NYC on predictive scheduling that cost Starbucks $39 million to settle. Businesses need to be aware of similar laws in their states. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs On-demand webinar on top regulatory issues: https://bit.ly/2026-top-regs-webinar Top Regulatory Issues of 2026 article: https://bit.ly/top-regs-2026 No Tax on Tips and OT webinar registration: https://bit.ly/no-tax-on-tips-ot No Tax on Tips article: https://bit.ly/no-tax-tips-ot 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.

Think no tax on tips and overtime means taxes disappear from your employees’ paychecks? Think again. Host Gene Marks sits down with Paychex Senior Federal Compliance Analyst Andy Gargana to unpack the truth behind these widely misunderstood provisions from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. Discover why employees are still seeing taxes deducted, how the deductions actually work, critical income limits to know, and what reporting headaches may await you. Whether you’re managing a business or earning tips yourself, this conversation will save you from costly mistakes and angry phone calls. Join us for this deep-dive webinar to master no tax on tips and overtime: https://bit.ly/3Nw1JhR Need help managing payroll compliance? See how we do it: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and guest introduction 01:52 – What no tax on tips and overtime is and how it works 04:01 – Overtime deduction explained 06:12 – What happens when employees file 2025 taxes? 07:22 – Changes expected in 2026 and beyond 08:34 – How should employers report no tax on tips and overtime? 10:23 – Biggest misperception: “Why am I still paying tax?” 11:16 – Limits and phaseouts 13:18 – What can payroll providers and HR teams do? 15:05 – Why employees must still verify their numbers 16:08 – 2026 and beyond: More structure, then expiration 18:03 – Avoiding IRS red flags 20:10 – 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.

Some major analysts are throwing the sluggish job market on the backburner, saying the 2026 economy will rapidly grow. Goldman Sachs also said the expected tax refunds will stimulate spending. Gene Marks points out that the American Trucking Association doesn’t see it that way based on the truck tonnage index. Companies might also benefit from a phased retirement approach to ease transition to the next generation in the workforce. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Top Regulatory Issues webinar: https://bit.ly/2026-top-regs-webinar Top Regulatory Issues of 2026 article: https://bit.ly/top-regs-2026 No Tax on Tips and OT webinar: https://bit.ly/no-tax-on-tips-ot No Tax on Tips article: https://bit.ly/no-tax-tips-ot 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.

Lawsuits and subsequent internal audits have put the SBA’s highly successful Section 8(a) loan program in jeopardy. The program helps small businesses owned by economically disadvantaged U.S. citizens gain access to federal contracts and training. Gene Marks also talks about the rise in occurrence – now 33% – of jobs that small businesses can’t find qualified applicants to fill. Plus, he points to the pros and cons of the administration’s executive order on AI. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Top Regulatory Issues webinar: https://bit.ly/2026-top-regs-webinar AI-assisted recruiting: https://bit.ly/ai-assisted-recruiting Alternative funding sources: https://bit.ly/alternative-funding 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.

Nervous about speaking in front of your team or at industry events? Seth Dechtman, founder of The Keynote Curators, shares essential public speaking advice from his 20+ years of experience. Learn why preparation beats memorization, how to handle unexpected disruptions, and why your message matters more than your performance. From conquering stage fright to mastering the room without a podium, Seth reveals the techniques that separate amateur presenters from confident communicators. Simplify your business operations: Visit paychex.com/MeetPaychex to learn how Paychex can handle your HR and payroll so you can focus on what counts. Have a topic idea? Share it at https://payx.me/thrivetopics Topics include: 00:00 – Episode preview and guest introduction 02:03 – What is The Keynote Curators? 05:49 – How the speaking industry has changed 06:52 – Why use a speakers bureau? 09:02 – What it takes to succeed as a speaker 12:45 – Everyday business speaking 15:23 – The power of preparation 18:28 – PowerPoints: Help or hindrance? 19:44 – Advice for speakers 24:00 – Style and stagecraft: Podium vs. movement 25:10 – 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.

Small businesses continue to experience stable job and hourly wage growth, according to the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch. Gene Marks says this is good news considering that small businesses contribute half of this country’s GDP. Gene also shares details about how tariffs are reportedly starting to impact businesses decisions regarding headcount, especially in manufacturing that is expecting to do layoffs in 2026. Cyber Monday Sales rose 7.1% year over year, but Gene warns that many of these sales were done on buy-now, pay-later plans, which have strict policies. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs Top Regulatory Issues webinar: https://bit.ly/2026-top-regs-webinar 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.

An MIT study reveals that AI can do the tasks equal to 11.7% of the U.S. workforce, but Gene Marks says AI isn’t ready to replace jobs, so employers should be looking to train their people on how to maximize AI usage. Here’s some holiday cheer: 77% of consumers surveyed would rather do their holiday shopping at small businesses. Plus, don’t be a Grinch with praise. Recognition improves morale and productivity, and although 99% of owners agree, less than half of that feel they have the resources to do it. Learn what Gene thinks about doing the small things that engage employees. Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs AI for Small Business: https://bit.ly/ai-sentiment Non-Traditional Benefits: https://bit.ly/affordable-benefits 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.

Discover how AI tools are reshaping the marketing landscape and how businesses can leverage these innovations to grow their brand presence online. Karly Scott, Manager of Client Services at Logical Position, joins us to discuss the evolving landscape of YouTube marketing, including organic and paid strategies for boosting visibility, engagement, and conversion rates. Karly shares insights into the significance of AI tools in enhancing video content and discusses strategies for optimizing YouTube ads. 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 01:04 – Guest introduction: Karly Scott 03:28 – AI tools and challenges 06:02 – Importance of human expertise in AI 08:04 – AI in creative strategy 12:04 – Tackling YouTube and AI 18:14 – Effective YouTube strategy and ROI 30:32 – Ad campaign tips 38:02 – 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.

Despite a dip on the Small Business Optimism Index, it’s the 12-point drop on the uncertainty index and a cooling of price hike intentions that has Gene Marks pointing to a potential brighter run in the new year. Gene also shares insights on why nobody wants to become a manager and sees this as an opportunity to make improvements in training. AI keeps marching through the workplace, with 30% of firms surveyed noting that they will use the tech to replace workers in 2026. What industries are most susceptible? Additional Resources Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs AI for Small Business: https://bit.ly/ai-sentiment 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.

California is rewriting the employment law playbook, and if you employ anyone in the Golden State, including remote workers, you need to pay attention. In this episode, Paychex HR expert Alex Papazis unpacks five critical employment laws hitting California in 2026: minimum wage increases, new exempt salary thresholds, stricter pay transparency rules, mandatory emergency contact updates, and the end of stay-or-pay agreements. Not in California? Don’t tune out. These regulations apply to any business with California-based employees, and history shows us that what starts in California often becomes the national standard. Get ahead of the curve — understand these changes now before they become your problem tomorrow. Need help navigating new employment laws where you do business? Let our experts help: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex 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 01:46 – Meet Alex Papazis: HR Risk and Response Partner 03:00 – Why California employment laws matter nationwide 04:34 – Minimum wage and exempt salaries 08:12 – The value of outsourcing HR compliance 08:54 – Workplace Know Your Rights Act 12:05 – How Paychex can help navigate compliance 13:29 – Personnel file and training record requirements 16:53 – Pay transparency regulations 20:07 – Stay or pay agreement changes 21:49 – Episode recap and key takeaways 24:22 – 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 government shutdown will leave lingering issues for businesses even after it ends. Gene Marks comments on the delayed payments from the government and slow service from agencies such as the IRS. Plus, another shutdown is looming. Gene takes a look at the mixed bag of data on job growth and hourly wage growth from the Paychex Small Business Employment Watch – one’s consistent and one’s consistently below 3%. And if businesses are looking for funding, the preference hasn’t been the big corporate banks but, rather, small banks that are local. Gene explains why. 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.

Large businesses are shedding workers, including 14,000 by Amazon. People are pointing at artificial intelligence and automation, but Gene Marks says it’s something different – at this point. He also says there is opportunity for small businesses now. Plus, health insurance is so convoluted that businesses are popping on Reddit to get firsthand accounts and advice from other businesses about what to do. And, if life knocks you down, get a lift from an advertising campaign. Learn how a German company turned the heist at the Louvre into a clever campaign about their machinery. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex 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 AI really living up to the hype, or just creating more work? Gene Marks sits down with Louis Gutierrez, director of AI at Constant Contact, for a conversation about AI’s sometimes messy reality and promising future. From “work slop” to data disasters, Louis reveals why adoption is only the first step — and shares what’s coming next. Plus, learn why your team shouldn’t fear AI, why AI governance matters, and how fine-tuning could turn C-student AI into an A-plus performer. Spending too much time on HR tasks? Discover how the right support can give you hours back in your week at https://bit.ly/meet-paychex 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 01:50 – Guest introduction: Louis Gutierrez 03:33 – Louis’s journey into AI 05:03 – AI’s role in business 07:16 – Challenges with AI accuracy 11:01 – How data and objectives can impact AI performance 13:48 – Creating your AI governance strategy 16:46 – The future of marketing automation 19:27 – Building customer trust in AI-powered tools 23:08 – Current and future AI capabilities 27:34 – Fine-tuning AI models for better results 29:37 – Will AI replace jobs? 32:24 – 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.

Many potential holiday shoppers and business owners who stand to benefit are showing preseason cheer, as they express their desire to buy gifts despite anxiety about the economy and inflation. Gene Marks shares details of the Intuit survey, as well as news about the AICPA pushing the IRS to deliver additional guidance on no tax on tips and overtime to clarify for business owners their responsibilities. He also talks about the Grinch-like behavior of predatory legal firms targeting small businesses with lawsuits over their website accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex 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 Congress continues its staring contest over how to open the federal government, impacts of the shutdown are starting to threaten more than just furloughed employees or the individuals being fired. Tax credits that help small businesses and regulations required to know how to stay compliant with laws are thrown into the murky water. Meanwhile, businesses trying to hire for the holiday season have plenty of applicants to pick from but might need to adjust their slow-moving process. Gene Marks also talks about a dip in small business optimism that doesn’t seem to push the needle beneath historic highs. Listen to the podcast to learn more. Additional resources Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex 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 week's episode of the Paychex THRIVE Week in Review, host Gene Marks dives into the ongoing government shutdown and its profound impact on small businesses, strategies to conserve cash during these turbulent times, and Google’s latest initiatives to help small businesses leverage AI in a rapidly digitalizing economy. Plus, a deep dive into how tariffs are challenging yet reshaping industries for the better. Additional resources Make Paychex an extension of your team: https://bit.ly/meet-paychex 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 economy has its cheerleaders and detractors, but one thing that is keeping it propped up is the small businesses of America. The Paychex Small Business Employment Watch shows that despite the hourly earnings growth coming in below 3% for 11 straight months, it has stayed consistent at about 2.7%. This is based on real payroll numbers, and with government job numbers not based on that – and missing last week because of the shutdown – it’s important to have reliable job and wage data. Gene Marks shares a new way to measure income data, plus he discusses how data doesn’t reflect AI taking people’s jobs in America as of yet. Listen to the podcast. Additional Resources Check out how Paychex helps businesses 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.

In this episode of THRIVE, Gene Marks sits down with Jason Rose, Senior Vice President of Digital Sales and Marketing at Paychex, to unpack what really drives marketing success. From his unlikely start as a CPA to leading marketing at publicly traded companies, Jason shares insights on building brands that turn customers into evangelists. Discover why “ruthless consistency” beats flashy campaigns, how AI-powered search is improving lead quality, and the one question Jason asks to measure marketing success (hint: it’s not about metrics). Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur crafting your first Google ad or a seasoned business owner building a marketing department, Jason delivers practical advice you can implement immediately. Year-end is just around corner! Get your payroll in order with this checklist: https://bit.ly/4nzDFb5 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 introduction 01:57 – Jason’s career journey from CPA to marketer 05:00 – Marketing strategy and data complexity 07:33 – Companies doing marketing right 10:27 – Beyond leads: Building your brand 13:33 – Why everyone is in marketing 15:37 – Scaling your marketing: Messaging and content strategy 19:15 – SEO in the AI era 24:17 – Paid advertising for small businesses 27:35 - Hiring marketing talent 29:55 - Evaluating marketing performance 32:36 - The future of marketing with AI 35:42 - Marketing as a service organization 37:17 - Jason’s dream business 38:03 - 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.