THRIVE, a Paychex Business Podcast
Designed for those who crave the inside scoop on everything from people to policy to profits, each THRIVE episode transforms complex business and HR topics into clear, actionable advice. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or an aspiring leader, this podcast is your go-to source for cutting through the noise and gaining a competitive advantage.
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No Tax on Tips & Overtime Explained: What Business Owners Actually Need to Know
<p>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.</p> <p>Join us for this deep-dive webinar to m...
Mixed Reviews on Economy’s Direction in 2026, Phased Retirement
<p>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. </p> <p> Additional Resources</p> <p>Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs</p> <p>Top Regulatory Issues webinar: https://bit.ly/2026-top-regs-webinar</p> <p>Top Regulatory Issues of 2026 article: http...
SBA 8(a) Loan Program, No Qualified Applicants, AI Executive Order
<p>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. </p> <p>Additional Resources</p> <p>Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3VtM6bs</p> <p>Top Regulatory Issues webinar: https://bit.ly/2026-top-regs-webinar</p> <p>AI-assist...
Public Speaking Lessons for Business Owners: The Keynote Curators Founder Seth Dechtman
<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>...
Hiring Increases and Wages Rise, Tariffs’ Impact, Cyber Monday Sales
<p>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.</p> <p>Additional Resources</p> <p>Meet Pa...
AI vs. People, Shopping Small This Holiday, Give Continued Recognition
<p>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...
Small Business YouTube Marketing Strategies: Logical Position’s Karly Scott
<p >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.</p> <p >Have a question for upcoming episodes or a topic you want covered? Let us know: https://payx.me/thrivetopics</p> <p >Topics include:<br> 00:00 – Ep...
Businesses Optimism and Uncertainty, Manager Training Lags, AI Job Swap
<p>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?</p> <p>Additional Resources</p> <p>Meet Paychex: https://bit.ly/3Vt...
5 Game-Changing California Laws Every Employer Must Know for 2026
<p>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...
Shutdown Headaches, Jobs Consistent and Hours Worked Up, Bank Preferences
<p>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.</p> <p>DISCLAIMER:<br> The info...
