Business Builders

OWNERS POUR ENDLESS amounts of time and resources into growing their businesses. But, just like children, growing companies develop different needs as they expand. Sometimes it’s hard to see what a growing company may need to foster continued success. Conducting a...

THE TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT, signed into law at the end of last year, is set to have a significant impact on both businesses and individual Minnesotans. The changes are numerous and complex, and they’re no doubt going to affect businesses of all sizes — not to mention...

I’VE BEEN IN BANKING for over 30 years and, in my time, I’ve seen it all. My niche, though, is working with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs, helping business owners realize their dreams. The ability to dream big within the limitations of a...

“Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.” —Tom Landry, former coach, Dallas Cowboys If you are like many closely held businesses, you start the year with a plan. It may just be a budget or...

Minnesota is a job candidate’s market, and it’s been that way for the past few years. In fact, the state’s current 3.1 percent unemployment rate hasn’t been this low since July 2000. Good news for job seekers is bad news for business owners and managers, who know all...

No matter whether you’re the client or the consultant, Core principles apply to making consulting relationships work. Much like members of Congress must “reach across the aisle” to forge effective political partnerships, effective client-consultant relationships work...

Many successful storefront business owners receive inquiries about selling a franchise to someone wanting to operate a similar business across town or in another city. There are many success stories in franchising. Some Minnesota franchise companies, like Dairy Queen...

What started as a reaction to allegations against Hollywood heavyweight Harvey Weinstein in October has become more than a viral hashtag, and has left many employers anxious about how the #MeToo movement might manifest in their organizations. With new stories coming...

OVER THE LAST DECADE, there has been a steady increase in business leaders investing in wellness programs that are designed to improve workplace well-being. Yet, many of these programs are not targeting one of the biggest sources of employee stress: personal finance....

“If I only knew then, what I know now!” This wail of frustration from the corner office is typical after a mission critical event refocused company resources to address issues resulting in lost revenue - or worse - lost clients. Historically, small and medium-sized...