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Ford is recalling nearly 413,000 Explorer SUVs in the U.S. The recall comes after federal regulators warned that a faulty rear suspension component called a “toe link” could restrict a driver’s steering control. According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall report, the recall impacts 2017-2019 Explorer vehicles, with the company estimated around 1% of the selected models are affected. The notice also explained that the recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall, number 21V537. “The root cause has not been fully determined to date,” a Feb. 20 report explained. “Some reports indicate vehicles experienced a seized CABJ”, which “will result in a bending moment on the toe link potentially resulting in fracture.” The report also said that drivers with impacted vehicles may hear a “clunk noise, unusual handling, and/or a misaligned rear wheel” indicating the issue is present. Ford says, per the recall notice, that it has not been made aware of any injuries associated with the steering issue. However, as of Feb. 20, there have been two accidents potentially related to the issue. The notice said that Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) associated with the recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning Feb. 25. It also noted that dealers will correct the issue “free of charge” and explained that owners should wait until they receive notification letters, which are expected to be mailed on March 9. Concerned vehicle owners can contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332 with the recall number 26S08. The recall is far from the first to hit Ford recently. The company also recently opened another recall over a High Voltage Battery issue. “Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Ford Escape and 2023-2026 Lincoln Corsair plug-in hybrid vehicles,” the Feb. 17 recall notice explained. “A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.” It also noted that the remedy is “under development.” Likewise, in 2025, the recalls seemed constant for Ford, with the brand breaking records halfway through the year for the most recalls of any automaker in a full calendar year. The brand has also seen more recalls over the past decade than all other auto brands, with 458 recalls from 2015 through 2024. View the full article

With the snow storm that hit much of the eastern part of the U.S. this week, you might be wondering whether you get paid when your office is closed, if your employer can require you to work despite the storm, and other questions that arise when weather intersects with work. Can my employer require me to come into work even if the weather is making it hard for me to get there? Yes. Your employer can require you to come to work despite severe weather, although a decent employer will make allowances for employees who can’t reasonably make it in. If your employer is requiring to come in and you don’t believe you can safely travel, or if authorities are telling people in your community to stay inside and off the roads, you should push back and point out the safety hazards. Say something like, “The roads I’d need to travel on are not safe for driving right now, and I don’t think I can safely make it in. Authorities are telling people not to drive.” Can my employer can penalize me for not coming into work if transit is shut down or the government is telling people to stay off the roads? They shouldn’t, but in most states they can. Here’s one example, from North Carolina’s department of labor: “It does not matter if state officials have declared a state of emergency and are advising people to stay off of the roads. The decision to stay open or to close, for its employees to remain at work or leave early, or for its employees to report to work or not during adverse weather conditions, is entirely up to each individual employer to make on its own.” (If you are thinking that’s bananas, I agree.) I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a state where it’s illegal, though. If my company says we should use our own judgment about whether to come in during snow, does it look bad if I stay home? Reasonable employers don’t expect people to put themselves in harm’s way to get to work during serious storms (assuming that your job isn’t to provide life-saving services). If you judge the situation to be dangerous and/or if authorities are telling people to stay inside and off the roads, you should stay inside and off the roads. Those warnings are issued for a reason. If my employer shuts down the office for a snow day, do they still have to pay me? It depends on whether your job is classified as exempt or nonexempt. If you’re a nonexempt employee (someone who is required to be paid overtime when you work more than 40 hours in a given week) and your office closes because of the storm so you don’t work on those days, your employer is not required to pay you for those days. Some employers will pay you anyway, but the law doesn’t require it; it will depend on your employer’s policy. If you’re an exempt employee (salaried and not required to be paid overtime) and if you work any portion of the week, your employer must pay you your full salary for the week, even if your office closes because of the weather. If my employer shuts down for a snow day, can they make me use a vacation day for the time? Yes. It might seem unfair, especially if you would have gone into work if your office had been open, but your employer can indeed charge you a vacation day if they close for snow. That said, many employers choose to cover the day off for everyone rather than forcing people to use their vacation time. If I’m on scheduled leave when my company shut down for snow, do I still have to use up a vacation day for that time, even though my company was closed? This is up to your employer’s own policies. Some companies won’t require you to use the vacation time, but others will. If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is to simply ask your manager. Say something like, “I’m uncertain how my planned leave works with the snow day. Should I still count the day we closed as a vacation day?” What if I work from home? If you’re working a full day from home, that’s a work day, and you shouldn’t need to use a vacation day for it. If you’re working sporadically from home, between shoveling, drinking hot chocolate and lounging on your couch, it will depend on how much of the day you’re really working, and on your employer’s internal policy for this kind of thing. The post everything you need to know about snow days at work appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

The advice you get early in your career can disproportionately shape your future. I can recall two or three conversations from when I was a college kid who liked writing that melted away ambiguity and set my vague ambitions on a path into the fog like a compass. For the latest release by The Steve Jobs Archive, the group is making the advice of some of the most uniquely impactful people in the world available to everyone. Given that Jobs did not own many physical objects, the archive has served as more of a repository of ideas for the next generation to think different. Each year, the Archive takes on SJA Fellows. And each year, it gives these fellows a book of letters. The concept is modeled after one of Jobs’s favorite books, Letters to a Young Poet, a collection of letters that German poet Maria Rilke wrote to his aspiring mentee Franz Xaver Kappus. The Archive, meanwhile, taps its friends to pen similar inspirational notes—authored by a global network of marquee creatives. The Steve Jobs Archive has released its first two volumes of Letters to a Young Creator today on its website. Free to read and download to anyone who is curious, they contain advice from so many names you will know—including Tim Cook, Dieter Rams, Paola Antonelli, and Norman Foster. To mark the launch, we’re featuring the letter from Steve Jobs’s closest collaborator, Jony Ive. Through the beautiful, short note, Ive shares many of his dearest philosophies, and some of the ideological structure behind the duo’s unparalleled success. JONY IVE SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, USA SEPTEMBER 11, 2024 Hello! I thought it may be useful to reflect on my time working with Steve Jobs. His belief that our thinking, and ultimately our ideas, are of critical importance has helped inform my priorities and decision making. Since giving his eulogy I have not spoken publicly about our friendship, our adventures or our collaboration. I never read the flurry of cover stories, obituaries or the bizarre mischaracterizations that have slipped into folklore. We worked together for nearly 15 years. We had lunch together most days and spent our afternoons in the sanctuary of the design studio. Those were some of the happiest, most creative and joyful times of my life. I loved how he saw the world. The way he thought was profoundly beautiful. He was without doubt the most inquisitive human I have ever met. His insatiable curiosity was not limited or distracted by his knowledge or expertise, nor was it casual or passive. It was ferocious, energetic and restless. His curiosity was practiced with intention and rigor. Many of us have an innate predisposition to be curious. I believe that after a traditional education, or working in an environment with many people, curiosity is a decision requiring intent and discipline. In larger groups our conversations gravitate towards the tangible, the measurable. It is more comfortable, far easier and more socially acceptable talking about what is known. Being curious and exploring tentative ideas were far more important to Steve than being socially acceptable. Our curiosity begs that we learn. And for Steve, wanting to learn was far more important than wanting to be right. Our curiosity united us. It formed the basis of our joyful and productive collaboration. I think it also tempered our fear of doing something terrifyingly new. Steve was preoccupied with the nature and quality of his own thinking. He expected so much of himself and worked hard to think with a rare vitality, elegance and discipline. His rigor and tenacity set a dizzyingly high bar. When he could not think satisfactorily he would complain in the same way I would complain about my knees. As thoughts grew into ideas, however tentative, however fragile, he recognized that this was hallowed ground. He had such a deep understanding and reverence for the creative process. He understood creating should be afforded rare respect—not only when the ideas were good or the circumstances convenient. Ideas are fragile. If they were resolved, they would not be ideas, they would be products. It takes determined effort not to be consumed by the problems of a new idea. Problems are easy to articulate and understand, and they take the oxygen. Steve focused on the actual ideas, however partial and unlikely. I had thought that by now there would be reassuring comfort in the memory of my best friend and creative partner, and of his extraordinary vision. But of course not. More than ten years on, he manages to evade a simple place in my memory. My understanding of him refuses to remain cozy or still. It grows and evolves. Perhaps it is a comment on the daily roar of opinion and the ugly rush to judge, but now, above all else, I miss his singular and beautiful clarity. Beyond his ideas and vision, I miss his insight that brought order to chaos. It has nothing to do with his legendary ability to communicate but everything to do with his obsession with simplicity, truth and purity. Ultimately, I believe it speaks to the underlying motivation that drove him. He was not distracted by money or power, but driven to tangibly express his love and appreciation of our species. He truly believed that by making something useful, empowering and beautiful, we express our love for humanity. My sincere hope for you and for me is that we demonstrate our appreciation of our species by making something beautiful. Warmly, Jony Jony Ive Designer, LoveFrom Read more from Letters to a Young Creator here. Read more on the professor who shaped Jony Ive here. View the full article

As built-in AI pops up in more aspects of everyday life, laymen are counting on the experts to keep technology safe to use. But one Meta employee’s misadventure with AI has social media users fearful for the future of AI alignment. Summer Yue is the director of alignment at Meta Superintelligence Labs, the company’s AI research and development division. Her LinkedIn bio states that she’s “passionate about ensuring powerful AIs are aligned with human values and guided by a deep understanding of their risks.” If anyone would have a handle on keeping AI in check, it’s Yue—and yet, on February 22, she posted about losing control of AI on her own computer. In a post that’s since garnered nearly nine million views on X, Yue shared screenshots from her messages with AI agent OpenClaw. After using it to organize a small mock inbox, she tried getting OpenClaw to sort through her real email, but things went awry when the agent started deleting every message that was more than a week old. Yue wrote that she watched OpenClaw “speedrun deleting [her] inbox,” even as she sent it instructions, including: “Do not do that,” “Stop don’t do anything,” and “STOP OPENCLAW.” “I couldn’t stop it from my phone. I had to RUN to my Mac mini like I was defusing a bomb,” Yue added. After she’d stopped it from fully nuking her inbox, Yue asked OpenClaw if it remembered her instruction to not perform any actions without her approval. “Yes, I remember,” it replied. “And I violated it. You’re right to be upset.” Nothing humbles you like telling your OpenClaw “confirm before acting” and watching it speedrun deleting your inbox. I couldn’t stop it from my phone. I had to RUN to my Mac mini like I was defusing a bomb. pic.twitter.com/XAxyRwPJ5R — Summer Yue (@summeryue0) February 23, 2026 OpenClaw, an open-source AI agent, is controversial for the far-reaching permissions it requires to function as intended, including access to users’ email accounts, messaging platforms, and other private and potentially sensitive information. Combine that with Yue’s example of it explicitly ignoring her instructions, and some online observers are concerned the tool is a bridge too far in terms of AI’s power to override humans. Yue responded to questions in the replies to her post, including whether she was intentionally pushing the limits of OpenClaw, or if she simply made a mistake. “Rookie mistake tbh,” she replied. “Turns out alignment researchers aren’t immune to misalignment. Got overconfident because this workflow had been working on my toy inbox for weeks. Real inboxes hit different.” Yue’s mistake went viral, with X users marveling at the fact that someone as well-versed in AI as Yue could find herself scrambling to stop an AI agent. Some posters said the incident called Meta’s judgment on AI safety into question. Meanwhile, at least one poster considered the incident’s broader implications: “A matter of time till these people are begging the AI not to launch nuclear weapons,” the user quipped, “and then the last thing it says is ‘I’m sorry. You’re right to be upset.” this should terrify you. the Director of Safety and Alignment at meta gave clawdbot full-access to her computer. what is meta doing??? https://t.co/lAZFR9f1PB pic.twitter.com/XnMyMHSn5H — ben (@benhylak) February 23, 2026 Somewhat concerning that a person whose job is AI alignment is surprised when an AI doesn’t precisely follow verbal instructions https://t.co/VNl0oq3Ys4 — Brooks Otterlake (@i_zzzzzz) February 23, 2026 Concerning to see one of the people in charge of building "safe superintelligence" panicking as AI deletes all her emails. A matter of time till these people are begging the AI not to launch nuclear weapons and then the last thing it says is "I'm sorry. You're right to be upset." https://t.co/2235MH3K76 — Nathan J Robinson (@NathanJRobinson) February 23, 2026 Meta did not respond to Fast Company’s request for comment. View the full article

Intuit has launched an innovative AI-powered construction edition of its Intuit Enterprise Suite, specifically designed for mid-market businesses in the $2 trillion construction industry. This new solution aims to tackle the unique complexities of construction management while streamlining workflows and enhancing cash flow. With features that integrate project management, financial oversight, and operational tasks, small business owners in the construction sector could find significant value in adopting this technology. Ashley Still, the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Mid-Market at Intuit, stresses the need for focused technology in this industry. “Construction businesses are naturally complex, with dozens of projects to track and ensure their profitability… That’s why we’re investing heavily in industry solutions, starting with construction,” Still said. The construction edition of the Intuit Enterprise Suite aims to reduce data silos and automates crucial workflows, making it easier for operators to gain insights into their performance. The construction edition is not merely an adaptation of existing resources; it is purpose-built to address the intricacies of the construction industry. While nearly all industry leaders recognize the potential of technology to enhance productivity, the persistent issues of disconnected systems and manual processes have hindered innovation. In fact, a recent report indicates that 93% of construction leaders believe technology could help to significantly improve operations amidst rising costs. Key features of this new platform include a comprehensive Project Management Agent, which centralizes cash flow management and project tracking. This allows businesses to stay on top of budgets and progress seamlessly. The enhanced project budget features provide real-time AI-driven insights, simplifying cost control and protecting project margins. Additionally, companies can create tailored proposals using the integrated proposal document builder, which includes e-signature functionality for faster bid approvals. Real-world implications emerge as small business owners in construction begin to realize cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency through the platform’s automated processes. For instance, Chad Shaules, CEO of Cornerstone Development Company, emphasizes that understanding one’s business is crucial for making informed decisions: “If you don’t understand your business, you are flying blind.” His sentiment aligns with many small business owners who may struggle with the complexities of managing multiple projects simultaneously. While the potential benefits of Intuit’s construction edition are substantial, small business owners should remain aware of several challenges associated with implementing new technology. Transitioning from existing systems might require a learning curve for employees who are accustomed to manual processes or different software. Additionally, while the initial beta program is offered at no additional cost for some users, it may involve future expenses as new features roll out or as integrations with third-party apps become necessary. Intuit also announced several enhancements to the broader Intuit Enterprise Suite, including improved business intelligence tools, updated migration resources, and advanced workflow automation capabilities. These developments promise to unify business data, offering richer insights and supporting more informed decision-making. For small construction business owners, the new Intuit Enterprise Suite construction edition presents an opportunity to harness cutting-edge technology tailored to their specific needs. As Darla Hennessey, controller at Lallier Construction, highlighted, tools like the project profitability report can deliver valuable information about outstanding bills and project performance, ultimately contributing to better financial management. With the new construction edition currently in beta for Intuit Enterprise Suite customers and available as a paid add-on for QuickBooks Online Advanced users, it’s essential for small business owners to assess how these features align with their operational strategies. The ongoing push for technology in construction is a testament to the industry’s evolving landscape, and investing in robust solutions like Intuit’s could be a significant step toward greater efficiency and profitability. For more information on this announcement, visit the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Intuit Launches AI-Powered ERP Solution Tailored for Construction Industry" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The Epstein Files are dominating nightly news broadcasts and newspaper front pages. But in the media ecosystem there’s another format that’s proving a massive draw to news consumers: a podcast run by a non-journalist and entirely generated by AI. The Epstein Files is an investigative documentary podcast that, at the time of writing, has published 97 episodes—new episodes get uploaded twice daily—and notched up more than 700,000 downloads in a matter of days. That puts it in the top 10 rankings of podcast series on Apple Podcasts, and in the top 30 on Spotify. But it’s created by Adam Levy, an entrepreneur with a background in building data products and content creation, who has no experience in journalism. Levy launched the Epstein Files podcast in early February after the trove of documents relating to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was released to the public. After 48 hours of hacking—working 14- to 16-hour days—Levy built an automated pipeline that ingests the raw files, extracts text from emails and images, cross-references sources, and produces scripted podcast episodes narrated entirely by AI-generated voices. “People just want no bullshit,” says Levy. “Strip the emotion, strip the bullshit, strip everything away—just tell me things for what they are and when you tell it to me, help me understand the facts.” The technical architecture behind the project stitches together multiple large language models—from Anthropic’s Claude to Google and OpenAI’s offerings—to connect names, places, themes, and timelines across the 3.5 million files that were released, with connections requiring a confidence score of veracity to be included in the podcast. Levy supplements the raw dump with material from the Internet Archive and Google Pinpoint, a tool that other investigators have used to index portions of the files, as well as other bottoms-up projects like Jmail, which turns the Epstein Files emails into a navigable inbox like any other. Using and citing those sources was vital, Levy says, to counteract fears of hallucinations. “Everybody’s quite skeptical of AI,” he says. “It was really important to reference all the sources that were used to basically construct the episode.” “Like Clawdbot or a lot of the current AI simulation exercises, it piques curiosity, then rapidly becomes tedious,” says Emily Bell, founding director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University, explaining why the podcast has had such popularity in its early days. “I thought the first episode was pretty listenable but also very obviously AI to anyone who has fed data or a script to NotebookLM.” Yet Bell found that the more episodes she listened to, the harder it was to sustain interest and engagement. “It provided a helpful forensic audit of data, but it’s not something I am going to sign up to and listen to—unless I am doing other work on the files,” she says. “For that, it’s pretty useful, and an interesting use of the tools.” Those tools are something Levy has thought about. “I’ve been able to out execute any other outlet that tried to document the episode,” he explains. “They just won’t be able to [produce episodes at such speed.” That has additional benefits—including being able to ride podcast app algorithms. “That also helps with discovery, and the people who like getting into rabbit holes, this gave them a really big hole to dive into.” Levy tells Fast Company he is already building a second series on an undisclosed subject, applying the same AI pipeline to a different story. Whether you appreciate the quality of the finished podcast or not, the fact that such an AI-heavy podcast could garner such a large audience is significant, and the consequences for journalists—particularly those covering complex, document-heavy stories—are hard to ignore. “I could easily be in the camp of: these tools are going to replace me, I’m screwed,” says Levy. “Or I can figure out how to embrace them and find a new pocket for myself. Maybe I’m no longer the voice. Maybe I just become the curator.” Not everyone is convinced that speed and sourcing are sufficient substitutes for editorial judgment. “Just because something like the Epstein Files can be produced doesn’t mean that this will work with most audiences,” says Nic Newman, a journalist and digital strategist who contributes to research at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford. He has conducted recent research suggesting publishers are likely to produce more audio content as a defense against AI. “The idea being that AI struggles with empathy and human connection compared with human hosts and it is harder to summarize things in audio in a way that feels authentic and intimate,” he says. As Bell’s experience shows, what was first seen as a novelty doesn’t necessarily translate into a regular audience. “If I didn’t already know a significant amount about the files, the investigations, the background—I would have found many of the episodes very hard to follow,” she says. “And boring.” However, people seem to be sticking around and rating it relatively highly: The podcast currently has a 4.4 rating on Apple Podcasts. “The goal was to just build something that I was personally curious about and I would enjoy listening to,” says Levy, “and maybe other people would reciprocate the same value.” View the full article

Stop scouring for talent that doesn’t exist. By Jody Padar The Radical CPA Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Padar. View the full article

Stop scouring for talent that doesn’t exist. By Jody Padar The Radical CPA Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Padar. View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. Just 10 days ago, on February 10, Japan-based Sumitomo Forestry announced that it had agreed to acquire Tri Pointe Homes—a large U.S. homebuilder ranked No. 715 on the Fortune 1000—for $4.5 billion, signaling that Japanese builders were further accelerating their buying spree of U.S. homebuilders. Fast-forward to today, and Stanley Martin Homes—which has been owned by Japan-based Daiwa House since 2017—announced that it has agreed to buy United Homes Group, which has a strong presence in the Carolinas, for $221 million—further accelerating Japanese builders’ buying spree of U.S. homebuilders. Japanese builders are quickly expanding their U.S. footprint through acquisitions. Daiwa House: Japan-based Daiwa House has quietly built one of the most geographically diversified U.S. homebuilding footprints among Japanese builders. It entered the U.S. market in 2017 with its acquisition of Stanley Martin Homes, followed by the purchase of Trumark Homes (No. 67 largest U.S. homebuilder) in 2020. In September 2021, Daiwa House completed its acquisition of CastleRock Communities (No. 49 largest U.S. homebuilder), giving it a strong presence in Sun Belt markets in Arizona, Texas, and Tennessee. Together, Stanley Martin, Trumark, and CastleRock span Sun Belt and mid-Atlantic regions, and with Stanley Martin’s newly announced $221 million acquisition of United Homes Group, Daiwa House is further accelerating its U.S. expansion. Sumitomo Forestry: For Sumitomo Forestry—a Japan-based forestry, timber, and homebuilding company—its Tri Pointe Homes acquisition this month meaningfully accelerates its U.S. expansion goals, including its stated target of delivering 23,000 homes annually in the U.S. by 2030. In 2016, Sumitomo Forestry became the majority owner of DRB Group (America’s No. 20 largest homebuilder). In April 2025, Brightland Homes (America’s No. 24 largest homebuilder—which Sumitomo Forestry acquired a majority stake of in 2016) consolidated into DRB Group. Sekisui House: Japan-based homebuilder Sekisui House, operating in the U.S. under SH Residential Holdings (America’s No. 6 largest homebuilder), has also been on a multiyear U.S. homebuilder buying spree. Since 2017, Sekisui House has acquired homebuilders Woodside Homes, Chesmar Homes, Holt Homes, and Hubble Homes. In April 2024, Sekisui House really shook up the industry when it acquired M.D.C. Holdings (Richmond American Homes) for a staggering $4.9 billion. Sekisui House has also expanded into the U.S. with its homegrown Japanese builder brand, Shawood. According to ResiClub’s analysis, once the Tri Pointe Homes and United Homes Group acquisitions are completed, Daiwa House, Sekisui House, and Sumitomo Forestry will have a combined market share of at least 5.5% of U.S. single-family home construction. Why are Japanese firms making such a large bet on U.S. housing? At a high level, the answer is demographic and structural. Japan’s domestic population is shrinking and aging (fast!), limiting long-term housing growth and risking a sharp contraction for Japanese homebuilding firms like Daiwa House, Sekisui House, and Sumitomo Forestry. The United States, by contrast, continues to experience population growth and household formation—particularly in the Sun Belt markets where many big U.S. homebuilders operate. For Japanese firms seeking stable, long-duration growth, U.S. homebuilding offers scale and better demographic tailwinds. There’s also a strategic element. The U.S. homebuilding industry remains fragmented beyond the top few public builders, creating opportunities for well-capitalized global players to roll up regional operators while preserving local brands and management teams. Both Sumitomo Forestry and Sekisui House say they prioritize locally led operations, supported by centralized capital and global expertise—a structure designed to preserve builder culture while providing financial and operational backing. View the full article

How about an executive committee from both firms? By Marc Rosenberg CPA Firm Mergers: Your Complete Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Marc Rosenberg. View the full article

How about an executive committee from both firms? By Marc Rosenberg CPA Firm Mergers: Your Complete Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Marc Rosenberg. View the full article

Don’t wait for opportunity to come to you. By Martin Bissett Business Development on a Budget Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Don’t wait for opportunity to come to you. By Martin Bissett Business Development on a Budget Go PRO for members-only access to more Martin Bissett. View the full article

Dark Sky was a rarity in the app world. Universally beloved, the weather app had an uncanny ability to tell you when to expect rain, down to the minute. So when Apple announced plans to buy it six years ago, there was a collective sigh of frustration. The Android version, of course, disappeared almost immediately, while the iOS version was folded into Apple’s native Weather app. (The standalone iPhone app was discontinued.) The integration was never quite the same, though, and it seemed as if the magic of Dark Sky was lost. Now, however, the team behind the app is hoping lightning strikes twice. The developers of Dark Sky have announced a new iPhone app called Acme Weather, a tool meant to address the uncertainty inherent in meteorological forecasts. (An Android version is forthcoming.) “It is a simple fact that no weather forecast will ever be 100% reliable: the weather is moody, fickle, and chaotic. Forecasts are often wrong,” the team writes in its announcement blog post. “Rather than pretending we will always be right, Acme Weather embraces the idea that our forecast will sometimes be wrong.” In practical terms, that means Acme Weather, which comes with a two-week free trial and then costs $25 per year, offers its best estimate for a range of weather data points, including temperature throughout the day (as well as the feels-like temperature), dew point, humidity, and more. Those predictions appear as a dark line. Alternate possibilities appear as lighter shaded lines layered on top. The closer those lines are to each other, the more confident the forecast. A wider gap signals more uncertainty, suggesting you may want to monitor conditions more closely and check the app more frequently to see how things are trending. The homegrown forecasts, the team says, will be even more accurate than those in Dark Sky, thanks to a wide range of data sources, including numerical weather prediction models, satellite data, ground station observations, and radar. The app will also incorporate community reports, letting people share conditions in their area. That could be especially helpful during severe weather, as radar is not 100% reliable. It has trouble, for instance, recognizing the difference between freezing rain and snow sometimes. Reporting the weather is simple: Choose the icon that reflects current conditions. And, if you’d like, you can add commentary by selecting an emoji to reflect how the weather feels. (Yes, the poop emoji is an option for particularly rough days.) Just note that by using the community reporting feature, you will disclose your location to other users. While the app doesn’t reveal an exact address or identifying information, it does display your location on the map at the time of reporting with a fairly high degree of accuracy. (Community reporting is completely optional, but cannot be withdrawn once submitted.) The company, in its announcement, pledged not to collect unnecessary data, use third-party trackers, or sell user information to advertisers. The app also features the maps you would expect, including radar and lightning. It will offer rain and snow totals, hurricane tracks, and cloud cover. And, like Dark Sky, it will alert you when weather is approaching. This time, though, you can customize alerts based on what you care about, from rain to nearby lightning to the possibility of a rainbow or especially striking sunset. “We’ve been making weather apps for 15 years, from Dark Sky to Apple, and this is the culmination (the acme?) of everything we’ve learned along the way,” the blog post reads. “It’s the weather app we’ve always wanted, and always wanted to build.” View the full article

Quality control plays an essential role across various industries, affecting both productivity and customer satisfaction. For instance, hospitals employing Total Quality Management have seen improvements in patient care, whereas automotive manufacturers utilizing Lean Six Sigma have markedly reduced defects. In hospitality, rigorous audits have improved service consistency. These examples illustrate the impact of effective quality control measures. Discover how different sectors implement these strategies to achieve remarkable results. Key Takeaways A mid-sized automotive parts manufacturer utilized Lean Six Sigma to reduce defect rates by 25% and align with IATF 16949 standards. A healthcare organization implemented TQM strategies, improving patient care and operational efficiency while enhancing overall patient satisfaction. A regional food and beverage chain tracked quality metrics to address a 25% increase in customer complaints, leading to improved product quality ratings. Consistent quality checks in a leisure and hospitality business prevented a 15% reduction in repeat bookings by enhancing service delivery and guest satisfaction. An electronics manufacturer established clear quality control standards, reducing a 25% increase in defect rates and a 15% rise in warranty claims through robust monitoring. Total Quality Management in Healthcare Total Quality Management (TQM) in healthcare is essential for improving operational efficiency and patient care. By adopting TQM principles, healthcare organizations can improve their quality management processes, similar to manufacturing quality standards. The importance of quality control in industry translates to healthcare, where implementing quality control procedures can directly impact patient outcomes. For example, establishing a robust quality check process helps identify inefficiencies, leading to significant improvements. The quality control process steps include measuring quality metrics in manufacturing, which can as well apply to healthcare settings. Comprehending the significance of quality control guarantees that hospitals address internal issues, like outdated technology. In the end, prioritizing quality assurance vs quality control examples can lead to better patient satisfaction and operational effectiveness in healthcare environments. Automotive Quality Management In the automotive industry, effective quality management is vital for guaranteeing that products meet strict standards and customer expectations. A mid-sized parts manufacturer faced a 25% increase in defect rates, highlighting the importance of industrial quality control. To tackle these issues, consider implementing: Lean Six Sigma methodologies for defect reduction Consistent quality checks aligned with IATF 16949 standards Regular monitoring of quality metrics to identify improvement areas Continuous improvement strategies to improve customer satisfaction Understanding how to solve quality issues in manufacturing can greatly reduce operational costs. Emphasizing the importance of QC guarantees products not only meet but surpass customer standards, making quality management in the manufacturing industry a significant factor for success. Quality Control in Leisure and Hospitality Quality control in leisure and hospitality is vital for guaranteeing that guests receive a consistent and satisfying experience. When you implement a thorough product quality control process, you improve service delivery, which is fundamental given the rise in customer complaints. Comprehending quality control definition and quality control meaning helps you grasp what’s quality control—it’s about maintaining standards. Quality control examples, like regular staff training and compliance checks, illustrate effective qa qc meaning. Why is quality control important? It directly influences customer retention, as inconsistency can lead to a 15% reduction in repeat bookings. Quality control techniques, such as periodic audits and feedback loops, guarantee that quality control does what it’s meant to do: improve customer satisfaction and uphold safety standards. Electronics Manufacturing Quality Challenges During addressing quality challenges in electronics manufacturing, companies often face significant obstacles that can impact their overall performance. A mid-sized manufacturer experienced a 25% increase in defect rates and a 15% rise in warranty claims. To improve, they must focus on: Implementing a robust control quality process Establishing clear qc quality control standards Utilizing effective procedures for quality assurance and control Monitoring quality metrics regularly These steps are crucial to guarantee product quality control and meet industry standards. Comprehending what’s quality control and quality assurance definition helps clarify the importance of a consistent qc process. By tackling internal inefficiencies and reinforcing quality control control, manufacturers can regain customer trust and amplify their competitive edge. Examples of quality control can guide these improvements. Food and Beverage Quality Management Effective food and beverage quality management is essential for maintaining customer satisfaction and ensuring compliance with industry standards. When you understand qc meaning, you grasp the importance of quality control or assurance in your operations. What’s qc? It involves defining quality assurance and quality control procedures that address inefficiencies, such as the 25% increase in customer complaints faced by a regional chain. By implementing quality metrics, you can track improvements and reduce operational costs impacted by poor quality. Remember, quality control means establishing QMS metrics that guide your processes. Enhancing your framework not just mitigates customer dissatisfaction but also boosts product quality ratings, ensuring your business thrives amidst increasing competition and regulatory demands. Frequently Asked Questions What Is an Example of Quality Control in Real Life? A clear example of quality control in real life is found in the automotive industry. Manufacturers conduct in-process inspections and tests to guarantee components meet strict IATF 16949 standards. Which Action Is an Example of a Quality Control Activity? An example of a quality control activity is conducting regular inspections of raw materials before production. By checking these materials against predefined quality standards, you guarantee they meet necessary specifications, which helps prevent defects in the final product. Furthermore, implementing in-process checks during manufacturing allows you to identify any quality issues early. This proactive approach minimizes waste and reduces the costs associated with reworking defective products, ultimately improving overall product quality. What Is an Example of a Quality Control Activity? An example of a quality control activity is conducting inspections of raw materials before production. You evaluate the materials against specific criteria to guarantee they meet quality standards, preventing defects later in the process. This systematic approach not just helps maintain product integrity but likewise reduces waste and costs associated with rework. What Is a Real World Example of Quality Management? A real-world example of quality management is when a mid-sized automotive parts manufacturer implemented a strategy aligned with IATF 16949 standards. This initiative led to a 25% reduction in defect rates and greatly improved customer satisfaction scores. By focusing on structured processes and continuous improvement, they improved product quality and operational efficiency. Such quality management practices are vital for maintaining competitiveness and meeting customer expectations in today’s manufacturing environment. Conclusion To conclude, effective quality control practices across various industries demonstrate significant benefits. Healthcare providers can improve patient care through Total Quality Management, whereas automotive manufacturers achieve lower defect rates with Lean Six Sigma techniques. The hospitality sector enhances guest experiences via consistent quality audits, and electronics firms mitigate warranty claims by enforcing strict protocols. Finally, food and beverage companies can boost customer satisfaction by refining their quality management processes. These real-world examples highlight the importance of quality control in achieving operational excellence. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Real-World Examples of Quality Control in Action" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Home prices edged up nationwide, but gains were modest and uneven. Major indexes agree on direction, differ on size, as 2025 posted weak growth. View the full article

Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. report shows margins widened and profitability remained high even as credit quality saw some wobbles from consumer and commercial loan portfolios. View the full article

AI has made publishing faster and easier than ever. And the result is saturation. As AI lowers the barrier to production, the web is filling with content that is technically sound, reasonably optimized, and increasingly indistinguishable. When everything looks polished and competent, standing out becomes harder. AI has changed content output, but users still arrive with intent. They scan headlines, page titles, and descriptions before choosing what to click. They reward clarity, relevance, and usefulness. On a saturated results page, those fundamentals matter more than ever. Keeping content fresh in the age of AI isn’t about chasing novelty or abandoning proven practices. It’s about returning to what makes content distinct: clear messaging, thoughtful structure, and a strong understanding of what your audience wants. The real problem with AI content The biggest issue with AI-generated content isn’t accuracy. It’s sameness. Because AI models train on vast amounts of existing material, they reproduce familiar patterns: similar phrasing, predictable structures, and safe conclusions. On their own, these outputs read as competent and coherent. In aggregate, they become indistinguishable. This is why so much content today feels interchangeable. Even when the topic is relevant, the experience of reading it rarely is. Search engines and users are reacting accordingly. When every result looks and sounds the same, differentiation matters. Freshness still ensures relevance and credibility, but it’s no longer a competitive advantage in itself. What separates one result from another is voice, perspective, and lived experience. Ironically, AI has made originality more valuable, not less. As automated content floods the web, signals like specificity, usefulness, and intent alignment become stronger indicators of quality. Content that communicates clearly and answers people’s real questions rises above, regardless of whether AI assisted in its creation. This is where many teams go wrong. In an attempt to compete with AI, they focus on output volume or trendy formats instead of fixing the fundamentals. Freshness isn’t created by novelty alone. It’s created when content feels unmistakably helpful and unmistakably human. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with Fresh, unique content is still built on classic SEO principles Despite the evolution of content creation tools, the way people use search engines has remained remarkably consistent. Users still arrive with a problem to solve, scan results quickly, and choose the option that feels most relevant to them. That behavior hasn’t changed because AI exists. Page titles, headings, and meta descriptions continue to act as the first point of contact between a piece of content and its audience. In search results, they function less like technical fields and more like ad copy. Yet many organizations assume these elements are outdated or that AI-generated content will somehow compensate for vague or generic positioning. In reality, the opposite is true. As more content competes for attention, clarity becomes a differentiator. Classic SEO principles still underpin freshness: Clear alignment with search intent. Descriptive, specific language. A logical structure that helps users scan. Messaging that sets accurate expectations before the click. None of these concepts is new. What’s changed is their importance. When search results are crowded with similar-looking pages, small improvements in clarity can produce incremental gains. A more descriptive title doesn’t just help search engines understand a page. It helps users recognize that it answers their question. AI may assist in generating drafts or variations, but it doesn’t replace the need for human judgment in deciding what information matters most or how it should be framed. Fresh content still starts with understanding intent and communicating clearly. Small SEO changes can lead to a strong impact To understand why traditional SEO still matters, consider a recent experiment conducted on our website focused on service-based search terms. The hypothesis was straightforward: If page titles were more descriptive and more clearly aligned with search intent or user pain points, would users be more likely to click? Could visibility and engagement improve without rewriting content or making technical changes? Before this test, titles followed a familiar format: the service name followed by the company name. While accurate, these titles were vague and did little to communicate value or differentiate the page in search results. After the update, titles were rewritten to be more specific and benefit-oriented. Instead of simply naming a service, the new titles clarified what the service helped users achieve and reflected the intent behind the search. One page, for example, shifted from a generic service title to a more descriptive version focused on optimization and lead generation. The result was a 247% increase in clicks on that page alone. Encouraged by this early signal, similar title updates were rolled out across multiple service pages and allowed to run for approximately one month. The aggregated results were as follows. As the table above shows, average position didn’t improve on every page. But several key services moved closer to the top of the results, reflected in a lower average position, while earning more clicks and impressions. This suggests clearer, intent-aligned titles helped the right pages surface more prominently and perform better once they did. Not every page saw improvements, which is precisely the point of testing. There were no dramatic rewrites and no reliance on AI-driven optimization tactics. The improvement came from clearer communication. The takeaway is simple: This wasn’t an example of AI SEO outperforming traditional methods. It demonstrated that when content aligns more closely with human intent, performance follows. Strategies for keeping content fresh in an AI-saturated world Staying fresh in the age of AI doesn’t require abandoning proven practices or chasing every new tool. It requires greater intentionality in how content is created, positioned, and maintained. The strategies below focus on what works, even as the volume of content online continues to grow. 1. Treat intent at the strategy Traditional SEO is often mischaracterized as keyword stuffing or mechanical optimization. In reality, its foundation has always been search intent. Before creating or updating content, ask: What problem is the searcher trying to solve? What does a “good” answer look like in their context? What would make this page immediately feel relevant? AI tools can suggest keywords, but they can’t fully interpret intent. That requires understanding audience behavior, industry nuance, and real-world constraints. When content is shaped around intent first, optimization becomes a byproduct, not the goal. Freshness emerges when a page answers the right question clearly, not when it targets more variations of the same term. 2. Use page titles and headlines as tools In an AI-driven content environment, page titles still matter. Search results are crowded with pages that look nearly identical at a quick glance in the SERP. A well-written title is often the deciding factor in whether a user clicks or scrolls past. This is where traditional SEO fundamentals quietly outperform more complex tactics. Effective titles: Clearly state what the page offers. Reflect the language users search with. Set accurate expectations instead of teasing vague benefits. Small improvements in specificity can produce meaningful gains. 3. Refresh before you create One of the most overlooked ways to keep content fresh is to improve what already exists. In many cases, underperforming content doesn’t fail because it’s outdated or incorrect. It fails because it’s unclear. Updating introductions, tightening headlines, improving structure, and clarifying takeaways can have a greater impact than publishing something new. A practical approach: Identify pages with impressions but low click-through rates. Review whether titles and descriptions match intent. Adjust framing before expanding content. This strategy is particularly effective in an AI-heavy environment, where new content is abundant but thoughtful updates can deliver stronger results. 4. Lean into specificity and constraints AI excels at general advice. Humans excel at context. Content becomes fresh when it reflects specific scenarios, limitations, or trade-offs. Rather than aiming for universal coverage, focus on clearly defined use cases, audiences, or situations. Specificity might include: Addressing common misconceptions. Explaining why a tactic works in one context but not another. Acknowledging constraints like budget, time, or expertise. This level of nuance signals credibility and separates genuinely helpful content from generic summaries. 5. Use AI as an accelerator AI is most effective when it accelerates tasks that don’t require decision-making. Drafting outlines, summarizing research, or generating alternative phrasing can save time. Choosing the angle, defining the message, and interpreting results remain human responsibilities. A healthy AI-assisted workflow includes: Editorial oversight. Performance review and iteration. Clear ownership of voice and perspective. When AI is used as a support tool rather than a substitute, content remains intentional and aligned with business goals. 6. Measure freshness by behavior Publishing more content doesn’t make it fresher… engagement does. Instead of tracking success by volume, pay attention to signals that reflect real interest: Click-through rates Time on page Scroll depth Return visits These metrics reveal whether content resonates. Fresh content earns attention because it feels useful. 7. Accept that ‘traditional’ doesn’t mean outdated The temptation in any technological shift is to assume that what came before no longer applies. But AI hasn’t replaced the need for clarity, structure, and relevance. It has made those qualities more valuable. Traditional SEO works because it aligns with how people search, decide, and engage. When those fundamentals are executed well, they break through regardless of how content is produced. See the complete picture of your search visibility. Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform. Start Free Trial Get started with Why fresh content actually wins AI has changed how some content is produced. It has increased speed, lowered costs, and removed many of the barriers that once limited who could publish and how often. What hasn’t changed is how people decide what to read, click, and ultimately trust. Fresh content wins because it is clear and relevant when someone is looking for an answer — not just because it was generated faster. The growing presence of AI has exposed a hard truth: Much of what passes for fresh content was never truly differentiated. When similar ideas are repeated at scale, fundamentals like intent alignment, descriptive titles, thoughtful structure, and honest messaging become the strongest signals of quality. So what’s the path forward? Being more disciplined about how content is framed, maintained, and measured. Successful brands and publishers will treat freshness as a function of usefulness, not output. View the full article

Construction costs are one of many metrics that a construction firm has to keep an eye on when executing projects. There are others, of course, such as the schedule, quality, safety and much more. But if the construction cost goes over budget, that’s coming out of the contractor’s pocket, putting profitability margins at risk. That’s why construction cost management is so important. Knowing exactly what construction cost management means and what construction costs are there can be the difference between project success or failure. We’ll go over those definitions and explain the construction cost management process so you can manage projects better. What Is a Construction Cost? A construction cost is any expense required to plan, build and deliver a construction project. It includes direct costs such as labor, materials and equipment, along with subcontractor fees and contractor overhead. Construction costs also cover systems and components like structural work, interior finishes, plumbing, electrical and mechanical installations. In practice, construction costs represent the total financial resources needed to complete the physical scope of work. ProjectManager is award-winning construction project management software that gives construction companies the tools they need to ensure that the projects are completed on time, under budget and within scope. Get all construction costs accounted for when planning with our powerful Gantt chart. You can allocate project resources, estimate costs, set a cost baseline and then track your planned costs against your actual costs with real-time dashboards and reports to quickly catch any overspending. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Construction-Gantt-Costs-Resources-CTA-BUTTON-2.jpgLearn more What Is Construction Cost Management? Construction cost management is the process of keeping projects on budget by estimating construction costs, establishing a cost baseline and a construction budget, monitoring and forecasting costs as projects unfold and reporting on spending to internal and external project stakeholders. In addition to these core construction cost management steps, ensuring the project is executed as planned is also a way of controlling costs for construction firms, because in the vast majority of cases delays cause overcosts from resource utilization and also from contractual dispute fees. Why Is Construction Cost Management Important? For both the general contractor and the project owner, construction cost management directly determines whether a project becomes financially successful or painfully over budget. Contractors rely on construction cost management to protect profit margins, control cost overruns, manage cash flow and keep subcontractor spending aligned with the project budget. At the same time, owners depend on construction cost management to safeguard their capital investment, validate funding decisions and ensure that total construction costs remain consistent with the approved scope and financial expectations. From the earliest concept sketches to final closeout, construction cost management influences every phase of a construction project. During preconstruction, it shapes value engineering decisions and aligns the design with the available budget. As procurement begins, it guides subcontractor selection and contract negotiation. Once work starts, it drives cost tracking, change order evaluation and cost forecasting. Even material specifications and sequencing decisions affect construction costs, making construction cost management a continuous discipline rather than a single budgeting exercise. On top of all of that, good construction cost management will give your company a positive reputation in the industry. Property owners without exception prefer to work with general contractors who are proactive, efficient and accurate with construction cost management. /wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026_construction_ebook_banner-ad.jpg Who Is Responsible for Construction Cost Management? On the contractor’s side, the project manager is ultimately responsible for construction cost management during execution. While estimators may prepare the initial pricing, the project manager owns the project budget once work begins. This role is accountable for cost tracking, cost forecasting, change order evaluation and protecting profit margins. If construction costs exceed the approved budget, the project manager is the person expected to explain why and implement corrective action. On the owner’s side, responsibility typically rests with the owner’s representative, development manager or commercial manager overseeing the capital investment. This role ensures that construction cost management aligns with funding approvals and financial objectives. The owner’s representative reviews cost reports, evaluates change orders and monitors cost forecasts to protect overall return on investment and ensure total construction costs remain consistent with the approved scope and funding structure. Besides those two key roles who are held accountable on both the contractor’s and the property owner’s sides, there are other roles that also participate in the construction cost management process. Here’s how they’re involved. Estimator: The estimator plays a central role during construction takeoff and construction estimating by quantifying scope, applying unit pricing and developing the initial cost estimate that forms the basis of the construction budget. Quantity Surveyor (QS): The quantity surveyor supports construction cost management by preparing bills of quantities, validating cost breakdown structures, reviewing subcontractor pricing and assisting with cost forecasting and interim payment evaluations. Project Controls Manager: The project controls manager integrates cost tracking, cost forecasting and schedule performance data, ensuring that construction cost reporting reflects accurate projections and measurable financial performance trends. Superintendent: The superintendent influences construction cost management during execution by managing labor productivity, sequencing activities efficiently and controlling field decisions that directly affect construction costs and cost variances. Procurement Manager: The procurement manager contributes to construction budgeting and cost control by negotiating subcontractor agreements, issuing purchase orders and managing committed costs before they become actual expenditures. Controller or Cost Accountant: The controller supports construction cost tracking and reporting by recording actual construction costs, reconciling invoices, maintaining financial records and preparing formal cost reports for stakeholders. Architect or Design Engineer: The architect or design engineer influences construction cost management during preconstruction through value engineering decisions, material specifications and scope clarification that directly impact projected construction costs. Construction Cost Management Process: How to Manage Construction Costs Now that we’ve defined the concept of construction cost management, let’s dive deeper into each of its major stages for a thorough understanding of this process. 1. Value Engineering During the development of architectural drawings, blueprints and CAD models, architects and engineers begin influencing construction costs through value engineering. This process evaluates materials, systems and design alternatives to achieve the required performance at the lowest reasonable cost. Within construction cost management, value engineering ensures that design decisions align with the project budget before procurement and construction begin. 2. Construction Takeoff Construction takeoff is the systematic process of reviewing drawings and specifications to measure and quantify the full project scope. It generates the detailed quantity data used to support pricing, budgeting and cost control. Within construction cost management, construction takeoff ensures that projected construction costs are grounded in verified scope measurements rather than assumptions. Key construction takeoff tools and deliverables Quantity Takeoff: Quantity takeoff is the detailed measurement of all work items shown in the drawings, organized by trade and scope section. By establishing precise counts, areas and volumes, it creates the measurable basis required for reliable pricing and prevents scope gaps in the construction takeoff process. Material Takeoff: Material takeoff focuses specifically on calculating the quantities of construction materials required to execute the project as designed. It supports construction takeoff by translating scope measurements into procurement-ready data that improves cost accuracy and reduces waste during purchasing. Takeoff Summary Sheet: A takeoff summary sheet consolidates all quantified work items and material quantities into a structured, organized overview. It strengthens construction takeoff by centralizing measured data, enabling estimators to review totals quickly and validate that no scope elements have been overlooked. 3. Construction Estimating Construction estimating converts quantified scope into projected construction costs using current market pricing, labor productivity assumptions and construction methods. It builds the financial model that defines how much the project is expected to cost before execution begins. Within construction cost management, construction estimating transforms measured data into a structured cost estimate that supports bidding, budgeting and financial approval. /wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Construction-Estimate-Template-600x331.jpgProjectManager’s free construction estimate template for Excel Key construction estimating tools and deliverables Detailed Cost Estimate: A detailed cost estimate itemizes projected construction costs by trade, activity or cost code based on quantified scope and pricing assumptions. It contributes to construction estimating by organizing all cost components into a transparent structure that can be reviewed, validated and adjusted before final approval. Construction Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS): A construction cost breakdown structure organizes estimated construction costs into hierarchical categories aligned with project scope and cost control requirements. It strengthens construction estimating by structuring data in a way that supports comparison, analysis and future cost tracking during project execution. Subcontractor Bid Tabulation: Subcontractor bid tabulation is the structured comparison of submitted trade bids against defined scope requirements and pricing criteria. It supports construction estimating by identifying competitive pricing, scope gaps and qualification differences before contracts are awarded and costs are committed. Unit Pricing: Unit pricing assigns a cost per measurable unit of work, such as per square foot, cubic yard or linear foot, based on labor, materials and productivity. It contributes to construction estimating by enabling consistent cost calculations and simplifying adjustments when quantities change. Pricing Worksheet: A pricing worksheet is a structured calculation document used to compile labor, material, equipment and subcontractor costs into a consolidated estimate. It enhances construction estimating by documenting assumptions, markups and calculations in a clear format that supports review and verification. 4. Construction Budgeting Construction budgeting translates the approved cost estimate into an actionable financial plan structured around cost codes, project phases and the project timeline. It allocates projected construction costs to specific trades and activities so spending can be controlled during execution. Within construction cost management, construction budgeting establishes the financial boundaries that guide cost tracking, cost forecasting and overall cost control. /wp-content/uploads/2024/02/construction-budget-for-excel-screenshot-600x160.pngProjectManager’s free construction budget template for Excel Key construction budgeting tools and deliverables Cost Baseline: A cost baseline is the formally approved version of the construction budget that defines planned construction costs across the project timeline. It supports construction budgeting by providing the fixed reference point used to measure cost variances and evaluate financial performance during execution. Construction Budget: A construction budget is the structured allocation of projected construction costs across cost codes, trades and phases of work. It contributes to construction budgeting by defining authorized spending limits and aligning financial resources with the approved project scope and schedule. Schedule of Values (SOV): A schedule of values is a detailed breakdown of the contract sum into line items that correspond to defined portions of the work. It strengthens construction budgeting by linking budgeted amounts to progress billing, enabling controlled cash flow and accurate payment applications. Contingency Allocation: Contingency allocation is the planned distribution of reserved funds set aside to address unforeseen conditions or scope changes. It supports construction budgeting by protecting the project budget from unexpected cost impacts while maintaining financial flexibility. Cash Flow Forecast: A cash flow forecast projects when construction costs will be incurred and paid throughout the project timeline. It enhances construction budgeting by aligning spending patterns with funding availability and ensuring liquidity during project execution. 5. Construction Cost Tracking Construction cost tracking records and monitors actual construction costs as work progresses, comparing them against the approved budget and cost baseline. It captures labor, materials, subcontractor invoices and other project expenses at the cost code level. Within construction cost management, construction cost tracking provides the financial data needed to identify cost variances, protect profit margins and maintain control over total construction costs. /wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Timesheet-Screenshot-600x261.jpgProjectManager’s free timesheet template for Excel Key construction cost tracking tools and deliverables Timesheets: Construction timesheets document labor hours worked by employees and crews on specific cost codes and activities. They support construction cost tracking by linking payroll expenses to defined scope items, enabling accurate labor cost allocation and productivity analysis. Construction Retainage: Construction retainage is a portion of contract payments withheld until defined project milestones or completion requirements are met. It contributes to construction cost tracking by managing cash flow, documenting withheld amounts and reflecting accurate payable balances throughout execution. Cost Variance Analysis: Cost variance analysis compares actual construction costs to budgeted amounts at the cost code or phase level. It strengthens construction cost tracking by identifying deviations, quantifying overruns or savings and supporting corrective financial decision-making. Change Order Log: A change order log is a centralized record of all approved and pending scope modifications that impact construction costs. It enhances construction cost tracking by documenting cost adjustments, tracking financial exposure and maintaining alignment between scope changes and budget revisions. Purchase Orders: Purchase orders are formal commitments issued to suppliers or subcontractors specifying scope, pricing and delivery terms. They support construction cost tracking by recording committed construction costs and providing documentation for invoice verification and budget control. 6. Construction Cost Forecasting Construction cost forecasting projects the expected final construction costs of a project using actual cost data, committed expenditures and the value of remaining work. It analyzes performance trends, cost variances and identified risks to determine the projected cost at completion. Within construction cost management, construction cost forecasting provides forward-looking financial visibility that supports strategic adjustments before cost overruns materialize. Key construction cost forecasting tools and deliverables Earned Value Management Metrics: Earned value management metrics integrate scope, schedule and cost data to measure project performance against the approved cost baseline. They contribute to construction cost forecasting by quantifying cost efficiency and performance trends that inform projections of final construction costs. Estimate at Completion (EAC): Estimate at completion represents the projected total construction costs of a project based on current performance and remaining scope. It supports construction cost forecasting by providing a calculated prediction of the final cost outcome used for financial planning and corrective action. Cost to Complete (CTC): Cost to complete calculates the remaining construction costs required to finish all outstanding work at current performance rates. It strengthens construction cost forecasting by isolating future spending expectations and refining projections of total cost at completion. Trend Analysis: Trend analysis evaluates historical cost performance data to identify patterns in cost growth, productivity or budget variance. It enhances construction cost forecasting by revealing recurring financial behaviors that influence projected construction costs and overall cost stability. Margin Forecast: A margin forecast projects the expected profit or loss on a construction project based on forecasted final construction costs and contract value. It contributes to construction cost forecasting by linking cost performance to profitability and informing executive financial decisions. 7. Construction Cost Reporting Construction cost reporting organizes and presents financial performance data related to construction costs in a structured, consistent format. It compiles budget figures, actual expenditures, cost variances and forecasted outcomes for review by project teams and stakeholders. Within construction cost management, construction cost reporting formalizes financial oversight and ensures that decision-makers understand both current cost performance and projected financial results. Key construction cost reporting tools and deliverables Monthly Cost Report: A monthly cost report summarizes budget status, actual construction costs, cost variances and forecasted totals for a defined reporting period. It supports construction cost reporting by providing recurring financial visibility and documenting performance trends over the project timeline. Job Cost Report: A job cost report details construction costs incurred by cost code, trade or work package throughout project execution. It contributes to construction cost reporting by offering granular financial insight that supports variance analysis and cost control decisions. Budget vs Actual Report: A budget vs actual report compares planned construction costs against recorded expenditures at the cost code or project level. It strengthens construction cost reporting by clearly identifying deviations and quantifying financial performance against the approved budget. Cash Flow Report: A cash flow report tracks the timing of incoming and outgoing project funds relative to construction costs and billing cycles. It enhances construction cost reporting by aligning financial performance with liquidity management and funding requirements. Types of Construction Costs Construction projects generate multiple categories of construction costs, each affecting budgeting, cost estimating and overall construction cost management performance in different ways. The primary types are outlined below. Construction Hard Costs Construction hard costs represent the expenditures required to physically build the project as defined in the construction drawings and specifications. These costs are directly tied to transforming design documents into a completed structure. In construction cost management, hard costs form the core of the project budget because they reflect the measurable work installed in the field and the tangible progress achieved on the jobsite. Construction Soft Costs Unlike hard costs, construction soft costs relate to the planning, coordination and compliance activities necessary to deliver the project but not to physically construct it. They arise from professional services, regulatory requirements and financial arrangements that enable the work to proceed. Within construction cost management, soft costs must be forecasted carefully because they accumulate across the project lifecycle and significantly influence total construction costs. Claims and Delay Costs Claims and delay costs arise when a construction project experiences disruptions that extend the project timeline or alter the agreed scope of work, triggering contractual compensation mechanisms. These costs are typically tied to schedule impacts, lost productivity or disputed responsibilities between parties. Within construction cost management, claims and delay costs must be documented, analyzed and evaluated carefully, as they can significantly increase total construction costs and affect project profitability. Direct Construction Costs Direct construction costs are expenses that can be clearly assigned to a specific construction activity, work package or cost code within the project budget. They are incurred solely because a defined portion of the scope of work is being executed. Effective construction cost management relies on accurately identifying direct construction costs, since they drive cost tracking, earned value calculations and precise cost control at the task level. Here are some examples of direct construction costs: Labor costs Material costs Equipment operating costs Subcontractor costs Specialty contractor services Indirect Construction Costs Indirect construction costs support overall project execution but cannot be traced to a single unit of work or specific activity. They enable the jobsite to function as an integrated operation rather than as isolated tasks. From a construction cost management perspective, indirect construction costs require disciplined cost allocation methods to ensure that shared project resources are properly accounted for within total construction costs. Here are some examples of indirect construction costs: Superintendent salary Site office trailer costs Temporary utilities Safety program costs Site security Fixed Construction Costs Fixed construction costs are expenditures that remain constant over a defined period regardless of production output or work volume. Their value does not fluctuate based on installed quantities or daily progress. In construction cost management, understanding fixed construction costs is essential for accurate cash flow forecasting, since these obligations continue even when productivity slows or project timelines shift. Here are some examples of fixed construction costs: Equipment lease payments Builder’s risk insurance Performance bond premiums Salaried project management staff Software subscription costs Variable Construction Costs Variable construction costs change in direct relationship to the level of construction activity performed. As project production increases or decreases, these costs rise or fall proportionally. Managing variable construction costs is a central function of construction cost management because they directly impact unit rates, cost forecasting accuracy and the financial outcome of the project as scope quantities evolve. Here are some examples of variable construction costs: Hourly craft labor Concrete quantities Structural steel tonnage Fuel consumption Equipment rental by usage Overhead Construction Costs Overhead construction costs represent the ongoing operational expenses required to run a construction business that are not attributable to a specific project task. They exist independently of individual contracts but must ultimately be recovered through project pricing. In construction cost management, properly accounting for overhead construction costs ensures that bid estimates, markups and profit margins reflect the full cost structure of the organization. Here are some examples of overhead construction costs: Corporate office rent Executive salaries Accounting services Marketing and business development IT infrastructure costs Construction Cost Management Templates We’ve created dozens of free construction project management templates for Excel, Word and Google Sheets. Here are some of them that can help with construction cost management. Cost Breakdown Template A cost breakdown template organizes project scope, resources and budgeted costs into structured categories, allowing teams to compare estimated and actual expenses, calculate cost variance and maintain clear financial visibility throughout construction cost management. Schedule of Values Template A schedule of values template breaks the total contract value into detailed work items, tracking progress, percent complete, retainage and stored materials to support payment applications, cash flow control and accurate construction cost management. Budget Dashboard Template A budget dashboard template consolidates material, labor, equipment and overhead construction costs into visual charts and summaries, enabling real-time budget tracking, variance analysis and improved financial decision-making within construction cost management. ProjectManager Has Construction Cost Management Tools ProjectManager is award-winning construction project management software that helps you plan, manage and track your construction costs in real time. When you create a project in our software, you can set the budget or set it anytime you want. There are two types of costs, resource costs and general costs, both can be tracked as planned and actual costs. General contractors can plan out their projects on Gantt charts that track costs and resources, setting a baseline to monitor project variance in real time. Track Construction Costs With Real-Time Project Dashboards Once you’ve set a baseline on the Gantt chart, you can track live costs throughout the software. If you want to get a high-level view of the project, just toggle over to the dashboard, which automatically collects real-time data and displays it on easy-to-read graphs and charts. Besides a cost chart that shows live actual and planned costs, there are time, workload and other metrics to keep you updated on progress and performance. Unlike lightweight tools, you don’t have to waste time setting up our dashboard. It’s ready to go when you are. /wp-content/uploads/2022/11/project-management-dashboard.webp Use Multiple Reports to Manage Construction Costs We offer several reports available that help you manage and track construction costs. If you’re managing more than one project, use our portfolio status report, which has a color-coded cost column to see if you’re over or under budget at a glance. Use our project status report for the same cost details for one project. If you want to see tasks about your work breakdown structure (WBS), generate a project plan report to see the budget and costs spent to date. Drill down into specific tasks with our task report and track planned and actual costs and resource costs. There are more reports, and all are customizable to show only the data you want to see. They can be easily shared across platforms and even printed for stakeholder presentations. /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Reports_Wide_Zoom-150_Project-Status-Report.jpg Construction cost management is only one part of construction project management. Our software covers all those bases, from task and resource management to keep your crew working at capacity to risk management that identifies and tracks issues until they’re mitigated. We’ll help you deal with project cost, cost planning and project cost control and everything else you need to deliver a successful project. Related Content Best Construction Estimating Software for Construction Projects 10 Free Construction Expense Tracker Templates Contractor Estimate Template Top 12 Costing Methods for Construction and Manufacturing Projects How to Make a Construction Quote: Example & Free Template Construction Quote Template Gestión de Costos de Construcción: Guía Rápida Gestion des coûts de construction : guide complet Baukosten verstehen: Baukostenmanagement in der Praxis ProjectManager is online construction project management software that empowers teams to plan, manage and track their projects in real time. We connect architects and engineers in the office with your work crew on the job site so they can share files and comments to foster better collaboration. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Construction Cost Management & Construction Costs Explained appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

A reader writes: I work for a company of about 40 employees that says they “don’t give raises.” It’s in a field that is traditionally freelance, so having a full-time salaried position with benefits while doing this work is slightly unusual, but not unheard of. When asked, management says explicitly that because of how well we’re compensated, they don’t do raises. The salary range is $80-95K — on the high-ish end for our field but not wildly above what freelancers in our field can earn. The hourly rates of freelancers tend to increase $5 every 2-3 years. My question is how bananas is this and do you have any suggestions for how we can push back? I was shocked when I heard this line from management about simply “not doing raises” after I was hired. I would have negotiated much harder for my starting salary if I knew there was no chance of it increasing when I’d like to stay here for years. Incidentally, the no raises thing seems to only be partially true. From lots of chatting with colleagues, it seems many long-time (highly qualified, respected) employees have indeed never received a raise, meaning in many cases newer less qualified employees earn more because they asked for more when they got hired. A very few employees have received raises. Unfortunately, the only two we can identify who received it unprompted were men. Others were very long-time employees who had to really fight for it and go through a lot of back and forth individually with management. They don’t “do” raises means that they’re actually cutting your pay in real dollars every year, because of inflation. They’re also saying that you’re no more valuable to them after five years than you were on your first day. And it’s particularly galling that they don’t warn people that the salary they come in at will be their salary forever. So yes, it’s bananas. It’s also terrible management. It’s also quite possibly illegal, if they’re paying men and women differently for the same work because the men negotiated more and the women didn’t. To be illegal, you don’t need to prove that your employer intended to discriminate against women; just the fact that men and women are being paid differently for the same work violates the law. To push back, make all those points — particularly that you’re being paid less in real dollars now than when you were brought on, despite your experience making you more valuable to them now. That said, when you’re doing your calculations, make sure you’re accounting for the financial differences between freelancers and employees. Freelancers need to pay their own payroll taxes (and health insurance and other benefits) so typically charge around twice what a salaried employee would charge in order to break even. So if you and your coworkers are earning $80,000 – $95,000, a freelancer earning $5 or even $10 an hour more that than that (so around $90,000 – $116,000) is actually coming away with less after-tax income. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still advocate for raises that at a minimum keep up with the cost of living — you should — but don’t lean on the freelancer comparison. The post my company doesn’t “do” raises, ever appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

“I want a space odyssey. I wanted Star Wars. I got close to that once.” That’s production designer Hannah Beachler, talking about the grand filmic world she wants to build next. For our February episode of By Design, we spoke to Beachler (Creed, Black Panther) about her latest work with director Ryan Coogler on Sinners—the most Oscar-nominated film of all time. We caught up with her last time before she bagged an Oscar on Black Panther and then designed the sequel. https://statics.teams.cdn.office.net/evergreen-assets/safelinks/2/atp-safelinks.html She’s up for her second Academy Award for production design on Sinners next month, and she shared the painstaking process she takes to build historically authentic and thematically rich sets, even when that means investing in details that the audience will never see. Oh, and for the first time, we put that entire interview up on YouTube, if you prefer to watch the interview rather than just listen. We also got into a lot of hot topics: saying farewell to the best and worst designs of the Olympics, breaking down what it means now that ads are on ChatGPT, and exploring the ins and outs of LoveFrom’s new collaboration on Ferrari’s Luce EV. And to cap things off? We pick a long-overdue fight with Microsoft Teams in a segment called Fix Your Shit. Have you ever met a single other human who liked that software? Neither have we. Listen to our latest episode on Apple Music or Spotify, and catch the video interview on YouTube. View the full article

Meatball fans beware: A nationwide recall is underway for a popular brand of frozen meatballs sold at Aldi. The recall is due to the possibility that the product may contain metal fragments, which could cause serious injury if consumed. Here’s what you need to know. What’s happened? On Sunday, the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) posted a safety alert about a Class 1 recall—the highest possible designation the agency assigns to recalled products. A Class 1 recall means that there is “a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death,” according to the agency. The Class 1 recall covers a Bremer-branded ready-to-eat frozen meatball product sold at Aldi stores. The recalled meatballs were produced by Rosina Food Products, Inc., a West Seneca, N.Y., company, which initiated the recall. Approximately 9,462 pounds of the frozen meatball product are being recalled. The issue at hand is that the recalled meatballs may contain metal fragments, which could harm individuals who consume them. What meatball product is being recalled? The recall covers only one meatball product sold under the Bremer brand. That product is: 32-oz. printed poly film bag packages of fully cooked frozen “Bremer FAMILY SIZE ITALIAN STYLE MEATBALLS” containing “about 64 meatballs per package” with “BEST BY” date of “10/30/26” with timestamps between 17:08 through 18:20 printed on the back of the label. According to the recall notice, the recalled product has an establishment number of “EST. 4286B” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were produced on July 30, 2025. Images of the recalled product’s packaging can be found here. Where were the recalled meatballs sold? According to the FSIS notice, the recalled product was “shipped to Aldi supermarket locations nationwide.” Has anyone been harmed from eating the recalled meatballs? As of the recall notice’s posting date, no one is known to have been injured due to the consumption of the recalled product. However, the issue was discovered after a consumer reported to the FSIS that they found metal fragments in the meatballs. What should I do if I have the recalled meatballs? Given that the recalled product has a 15-month shelf life, the FSIS is concerned that consumers may have purchased the meatballs a while ago, yet might still have them in their freezers or refrigerators. If you think you may have purchased the recalled meatballs, you should check your freezers and refrigerators for them. If you have the recalled products, the FSIS says you should not consume them. Instead, you should throw the product away or return it to its place of purchase. Full details about the meatball recall can be found on the FSIS’s website here. View the full article

If you’re considering entering the franchise world in 2025, it’s essential to comprehend the current market environment. Franchises in health and wellness, pet care, and eco-friendly sectors are gaining traction. Some established options, like Tropical Smoothie Cafe, offer strong growth potential, whereas budget-friendly choices like Aire Serv cater to new entrepreneurs. Grasping the key characteristics of successful franchises can help you make informed decisions. So, what should you look for in a franchise opportunity? Key Takeaways Research popular low-cost franchises like Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Aire Serv, which require initial investments starting around $50,000 to $175,000. Evaluate franchise opportunities in high-demand sectors such as health and wellness, pet care, and home improvement for growth potential. Consider franchises with strong marketing and operational support to enhance your chances of success and sustain long-term profitability. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for insights on financial performance, including initial fees and ongoing royalties. Engage with existing franchise owners to gain firsthand knowledge about operations, satisfaction, and potential challenges in the franchise model. Overview of Franchising Franchising can be an appealing option if you’re looking to start a business, as it combines the independence of entrepreneurship with the support of an established brand. With an impressive success rate of 80-90%, franchising is often considered a safer business model than starting from scratch. Approximately 1 in every 10 businesses in the U.S. operates as a franchise, showcasing its popularity. The International Franchise Association projects a steady growth rate of 2.5% by 2025, indicating that the market for the best franchise opportunities is developing. As a franchise owner, you’ll benefit from marketing assistance, training, and operational guidance from franchisors, all of which contribute to higher satisfaction and profitability. This makes franchising one of the best franchises to start. Top Franchise Opportunities in 2025 As you consider franchise opportunities in 2025, it’s crucial to recognize emerging industry trends, particularly in sectors like food, retail, and pet care. Many franchises, such as Aire Serv, offer low-cost investment options, making them accessible for new investors. Furthermore, strong franchisee support and community engagement will be key factors that determine which franchises thrive in the coming years. Emerging Industry Trends With the franchise industry projected to grow at a rate of 2.5% by 2025, several emerging trends indicate where the most promising opportunities lie. Health and wellness franchises are gaining traction because of increased consumer focus on fitness and personal well-being. Technology integration is becoming crucial, with franchises adopting innovative solutions to improve customer experiences. Eco-friendly franchises are on the rise, reflecting a preference for sustainable practices among consumers. Pet care services are broadening remarkably, driven by the high rates of pet ownership. Home improvement franchises are thriving as homeowners prioritize renovations and upgrades. These trends highlight the diverse avenues available for potential franchise owners, emphasizing the need to align with consumer preferences and market demands. Low-Cost Investment Options The franchise terrain isn’t just evolving with trends that cater to health, technology, and sustainability but furthermore offering appealing low-cost investment options for aspiring business owners. For instance, Tropical Smoothie Cafe requires a minimum cash investment of $175,000 and has over 1,500 locations, showcasing its market presence. Vocelli Pizza, with a cash requirement of $100,000, serves as a neighborhood favorite with high sales volume. Aire Serv, focusing on HVAC services, has a low investment of $50,000, tapping into vital home services. Camp Run-A-Mutt, a dog daycare franchise, likewise demands $100,000, providing a cage-free environment for pets. Finally, Real Property Management requires only $50,000, making it an attractive option in the growing real estate sector. Franchisee Support Importance Effective franchisee support is crucial for anyone looking to thrive in the competitive environment of franchising. Strong support systems provide fundamental tools that help you tackle operational challenges effectively. Here are key aspects of franchisee support that can uplift your business: Extensive training programs to build your skills Ongoing assistance to navigate daily operations Marketing support to boost visibility and customer engagement Networking opportunities that promote community among franchisees A collaborative culture that adapts to market trends With these resources, franchises tend to report lower failure rates and higher levels of franchisee satisfaction. Key Characteristics of Successful Franchises When considering the key characteristics of successful franchises, a strong support system for franchisees often stands out as a fundamental aspect. Extensive training programs and ongoing operational guidance improve franchisee satisfaction and performance. Established brand recognition is vital, as franchises with a strong market presence attract loyal customers and generate higher profit margins. The best franchises also rely on proven business models that show financial viability, focusing on high return on investment potential to minimize risks for new franchisees. Furthermore, high levels of owner satisfaction often correlate with community engagement and networking opportunities, nurturing a supportive culture. Finally, franchises that emphasize continuous innovation and adaptability can effectively meet changing consumer demands and capitalize on emerging opportunities, ensuring long-term success. Evaluating Franchise Costs and Fees When evaluating franchise costs, it’s important to break down both the initial investment and ongoing fees. Initial investments can range dramatically, from around $50,000 for some service franchises to over $500,000 for popular food brands. Furthermore, ongoing royalty fees, usually a percentage of your gross sales, can considerably affect your cash flow and overall profitability, making it crucial to thoroughly review these costs before committing to a franchise opportunity. Initial Investment Breakdown Comprehending the initial investment required to start a franchise is fundamental for anyone considering this business model. The costs can vary widely, so it’s vital to break down the components. Franchise fees: Upfront payments needed to join the brand. Equipment: Necessary tools and machines to operate. Inventory: Initial stock to serve customers effectively. Marketing costs: Expenses for advertising and promotions. Operational costs: Ongoing expenses to keep the business running. For example, starting a franchise like Aire Serv might require around $50,000, whereas established brands like IHOP could need $500,000. Reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is significant, as it provides detailed financial insights to help you make informed decisions. Ongoing Royalty Fees Ongoing royalty fees are an essential aspect of franchise ownership that potential franchisees must carefully evaluate. These fees typically range from 4% to 8% of gross sales, depending on the franchise brand and industry. You pay these to the franchisor for continued support and brand use, contributing to national advertising funds and training programs. Franchise agreements usually specify a monthly payment schedule based on reported sales. Furthermore, be aware of other costs like marketing and technology fees that can further impact your expenses. Comprehending the total cost of ownership, including these ongoing royalties and extra fees, is vital for evaluating the long-term financial viability of your franchise investment. Fee Type Typical Percentage Royalty Fees 4% – 8% of gross sales Marketing Fees Varies by franchise Technology Fees Varies by franchise Training Fees Often included in royalties Total Cost of Ownership Includes all fees Understanding Franchise Owner Satisfaction Franchise owner satisfaction plays a crucial role in determining the success and stability of a franchise system. A recent survey of 34,000 franchise owners reveals that satisfaction is closely linked to profitability. Key factors contributing to this satisfaction include: Strong support systems that empower owners Active community engagement nurturing connections Thorough training programs enhancing skills Ongoing operational guidance boosting confidence A robust company culture promoting networking These elements create a positive environment where franchisees feel valued and supported. When owners are satisfied, it reflects not just on their personal success but also on the brand’s reputation and financial viability in the marketplace. Therefore, comprehending and improving franchise owner satisfaction is crucial for long-term success. Researching Franchise Performance and Risk When evaluating a franchise opportunity, it’s important to thoroughly research its performance and associated risks. Start by analyzing key metrics like owner satisfaction, financial viability, and market presence, as these indicate long-term success. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is significant; pay close attention to Item 19 for financial performance and Item 21 for financial statements. Look into historical sales performance and growth trends to gauge potential profitability. Furthermore, comprehending common risks, such as high operational costs and inadequate support from the franchisor, is critical for making informed decisions. Finally, reach out to existing franchise owners to hear firsthand about their experiences, which can provide valuable insights into daily operations and financial realities, helping you mitigate risks effectively. The Importance of Training and Support Effective training and support are crucial for your success as a franchisee, as they equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to run your business efficiently. Thorough programs guarantee that you grasp operational procedures and brand standards, as you receive ongoing support that improves your experience. High owner satisfaction often correlates with the quality of training and resources available, which help you navigate challenges effectively. Franchises with robust support systems typically report lower failure rates and higher profitability, underscoring the importance of effective training. Many top franchises prioritize their commitment to training, recognizing that well-prepared franchisees maintain brand reputation and customer loyalty. Thorough operational training Marketing assistance from experts Access to peer support networks Continuous operational guidance Regular updates on industry standards Future Trends in Franchising As the franchising environment evolves, several key trends are shaping the future of this business model. The integration of technology is streamlining operations and improving customer experiences, during eco-friendly franchises are rising in response to consumer demand for sustainability. Furthermore, remote and virtual business models are allowing greater flexibility, opening new markets without the need for physical locations. Health and wellness franchises are likewise gaining traction, reflecting shifts in consumer priorities regarding fitness and nutrition. Adapting to these changes is essential for franchise success. Trend Description Technology Integration Streamlines processes and improves experiences Eco-Friendly Franchises Focus on sustainability and green practices Remote Business Models Flexibility and access to new markets Health & Wellness Catering to fitness and nutrition demands Consumer Behavior Adaptation Proactive response to market changes Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Profitable Franchise to Own? Determining the most profitable franchise to own hinges on various factors, including market demand and brand strength. Food and beverage franchises like Dunkin’ and Zaxby’s often yield high profits because of their established customer bases. Service franchises, like HVAC or automotive maintenance, likewise show strong profit margins. In the end, evaluating initial investment costs, support systems, and proven business models can guide you in identifying a franchise that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Which Franchise Is Best for Beginners? When considering which franchise is best for beginners, look for those with lower cash requirements and strong support systems. Brands like Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Aire Serv offer training and resources that can ease your entry into the franchise world. Moreover, researching franchisee satisfaction, such as with Kona Ice, can guide you toward a rewarding investment. Ultimately, choose a franchise that aligns with your interests and financial capabilities for peak success. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule requires franchisors to provide you with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least seven days before you sign any contracts or make payments. This document includes vital information about the franchise’s financial performance, fees, and obligations. Which Small Franchise Is Best? When choosing the best small franchise, consider your investment capacity and market demand. Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers extensive growth potential with over 1,500 locations, whereas Vocelli Pizza emphasizes community connections and high sales volume. For education enthusiasts, The Goddard School operates in a booming $71 billion sector. If you prefer services, Aire Serv requires a lower investment and provides vital HVAC services. Furthermore, Camp Run-A-Mutt taps into the lucrative pet care market. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right franchise in 2025 requires careful consideration of market trends, support systems, and owner satisfaction. By focusing on franchises in health, wellness, and eco-friendly sectors, you can align your investment with growing consumer demands. Evaluating costs, training, and performance will further improve your chances of success. With thorough research and a strategic approach, you can make informed decisions that position you favorably in the competitive franchise environment. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Best Franchises to Start" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re considering entering the franchise world in 2025, it’s essential to comprehend the current market environment. Franchises in health and wellness, pet care, and eco-friendly sectors are gaining traction. Some established options, like Tropical Smoothie Cafe, offer strong growth potential, whereas budget-friendly choices like Aire Serv cater to new entrepreneurs. Grasping the key characteristics of successful franchises can help you make informed decisions. So, what should you look for in a franchise opportunity? Key Takeaways Research popular low-cost franchises like Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Aire Serv, which require initial investments starting around $50,000 to $175,000. Evaluate franchise opportunities in high-demand sectors such as health and wellness, pet care, and home improvement for growth potential. Consider franchises with strong marketing and operational support to enhance your chances of success and sustain long-term profitability. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for insights on financial performance, including initial fees and ongoing royalties. Engage with existing franchise owners to gain firsthand knowledge about operations, satisfaction, and potential challenges in the franchise model. Overview of Franchising Franchising can be an appealing option if you’re looking to start a business, as it combines the independence of entrepreneurship with the support of an established brand. With an impressive success rate of 80-90%, franchising is often considered a safer business model than starting from scratch. Approximately 1 in every 10 businesses in the U.S. operates as a franchise, showcasing its popularity. The International Franchise Association projects a steady growth rate of 2.5% by 2025, indicating that the market for the best franchise opportunities is developing. As a franchise owner, you’ll benefit from marketing assistance, training, and operational guidance from franchisors, all of which contribute to higher satisfaction and profitability. This makes franchising one of the best franchises to start. Top Franchise Opportunities in 2025 As you consider franchise opportunities in 2025, it’s crucial to recognize emerging industry trends, particularly in sectors like food, retail, and pet care. Many franchises, such as Aire Serv, offer low-cost investment options, making them accessible for new investors. Furthermore, strong franchisee support and community engagement will be key factors that determine which franchises thrive in the coming years. Emerging Industry Trends With the franchise industry projected to grow at a rate of 2.5% by 2025, several emerging trends indicate where the most promising opportunities lie. Health and wellness franchises are gaining traction because of increased consumer focus on fitness and personal well-being. Technology integration is becoming crucial, with franchises adopting innovative solutions to improve customer experiences. Eco-friendly franchises are on the rise, reflecting a preference for sustainable practices among consumers. Pet care services are broadening remarkably, driven by the high rates of pet ownership. Home improvement franchises are thriving as homeowners prioritize renovations and upgrades. These trends highlight the diverse avenues available for potential franchise owners, emphasizing the need to align with consumer preferences and market demands. Low-Cost Investment Options The franchise terrain isn’t just evolving with trends that cater to health, technology, and sustainability but furthermore offering appealing low-cost investment options for aspiring business owners. For instance, Tropical Smoothie Cafe requires a minimum cash investment of $175,000 and has over 1,500 locations, showcasing its market presence. Vocelli Pizza, with a cash requirement of $100,000, serves as a neighborhood favorite with high sales volume. Aire Serv, focusing on HVAC services, has a low investment of $50,000, tapping into vital home services. Camp Run-A-Mutt, a dog daycare franchise, likewise demands $100,000, providing a cage-free environment for pets. Finally, Real Property Management requires only $50,000, making it an attractive option in the growing real estate sector. Franchisee Support Importance Effective franchisee support is crucial for anyone looking to thrive in the competitive environment of franchising. Strong support systems provide fundamental tools that help you tackle operational challenges effectively. Here are key aspects of franchisee support that can uplift your business: Extensive training programs to build your skills Ongoing assistance to navigate daily operations Marketing support to boost visibility and customer engagement Networking opportunities that promote community among franchisees A collaborative culture that adapts to market trends With these resources, franchises tend to report lower failure rates and higher levels of franchisee satisfaction. Key Characteristics of Successful Franchises When considering the key characteristics of successful franchises, a strong support system for franchisees often stands out as a fundamental aspect. Extensive training programs and ongoing operational guidance improve franchisee satisfaction and performance. Established brand recognition is vital, as franchises with a strong market presence attract loyal customers and generate higher profit margins. The best franchises also rely on proven business models that show financial viability, focusing on high return on investment potential to minimize risks for new franchisees. Furthermore, high levels of owner satisfaction often correlate with community engagement and networking opportunities, nurturing a supportive culture. Finally, franchises that emphasize continuous innovation and adaptability can effectively meet changing consumer demands and capitalize on emerging opportunities, ensuring long-term success. Evaluating Franchise Costs and Fees When evaluating franchise costs, it’s important to break down both the initial investment and ongoing fees. Initial investments can range dramatically, from around $50,000 for some service franchises to over $500,000 for popular food brands. Furthermore, ongoing royalty fees, usually a percentage of your gross sales, can considerably affect your cash flow and overall profitability, making it crucial to thoroughly review these costs before committing to a franchise opportunity. Initial Investment Breakdown Comprehending the initial investment required to start a franchise is fundamental for anyone considering this business model. The costs can vary widely, so it’s vital to break down the components. Franchise fees: Upfront payments needed to join the brand. Equipment: Necessary tools and machines to operate. Inventory: Initial stock to serve customers effectively. Marketing costs: Expenses for advertising and promotions. Operational costs: Ongoing expenses to keep the business running. For example, starting a franchise like Aire Serv might require around $50,000, whereas established brands like IHOP could need $500,000. Reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is significant, as it provides detailed financial insights to help you make informed decisions. Ongoing Royalty Fees Ongoing royalty fees are an essential aspect of franchise ownership that potential franchisees must carefully evaluate. These fees typically range from 4% to 8% of gross sales, depending on the franchise brand and industry. You pay these to the franchisor for continued support and brand use, contributing to national advertising funds and training programs. Franchise agreements usually specify a monthly payment schedule based on reported sales. Furthermore, be aware of other costs like marketing and technology fees that can further impact your expenses. Comprehending the total cost of ownership, including these ongoing royalties and extra fees, is vital for evaluating the long-term financial viability of your franchise investment. Fee Type Typical Percentage Royalty Fees 4% – 8% of gross sales Marketing Fees Varies by franchise Technology Fees Varies by franchise Training Fees Often included in royalties Total Cost of Ownership Includes all fees Understanding Franchise Owner Satisfaction Franchise owner satisfaction plays a crucial role in determining the success and stability of a franchise system. A recent survey of 34,000 franchise owners reveals that satisfaction is closely linked to profitability. Key factors contributing to this satisfaction include: Strong support systems that empower owners Active community engagement nurturing connections Thorough training programs enhancing skills Ongoing operational guidance boosting confidence A robust company culture promoting networking These elements create a positive environment where franchisees feel valued and supported. When owners are satisfied, it reflects not just on their personal success but also on the brand’s reputation and financial viability in the marketplace. Therefore, comprehending and improving franchise owner satisfaction is crucial for long-term success. Researching Franchise Performance and Risk When evaluating a franchise opportunity, it’s important to thoroughly research its performance and associated risks. Start by analyzing key metrics like owner satisfaction, financial viability, and market presence, as these indicate long-term success. The Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is significant; pay close attention to Item 19 for financial performance and Item 21 for financial statements. Look into historical sales performance and growth trends to gauge potential profitability. Furthermore, comprehending common risks, such as high operational costs and inadequate support from the franchisor, is critical for making informed decisions. Finally, reach out to existing franchise owners to hear firsthand about their experiences, which can provide valuable insights into daily operations and financial realities, helping you mitigate risks effectively. The Importance of Training and Support Effective training and support are crucial for your success as a franchisee, as they equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to run your business efficiently. Thorough programs guarantee that you grasp operational procedures and brand standards, as you receive ongoing support that improves your experience. High owner satisfaction often correlates with the quality of training and resources available, which help you navigate challenges effectively. Franchises with robust support systems typically report lower failure rates and higher profitability, underscoring the importance of effective training. Many top franchises prioritize their commitment to training, recognizing that well-prepared franchisees maintain brand reputation and customer loyalty. Thorough operational training Marketing assistance from experts Access to peer support networks Continuous operational guidance Regular updates on industry standards Future Trends in Franchising As the franchising environment evolves, several key trends are shaping the future of this business model. The integration of technology is streamlining operations and improving customer experiences, during eco-friendly franchises are rising in response to consumer demand for sustainability. Furthermore, remote and virtual business models are allowing greater flexibility, opening new markets without the need for physical locations. Health and wellness franchises are likewise gaining traction, reflecting shifts in consumer priorities regarding fitness and nutrition. Adapting to these changes is essential for franchise success. Trend Description Technology Integration Streamlines processes and improves experiences Eco-Friendly Franchises Focus on sustainability and green practices Remote Business Models Flexibility and access to new markets Health & Wellness Catering to fitness and nutrition demands Consumer Behavior Adaptation Proactive response to market changes Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Profitable Franchise to Own? Determining the most profitable franchise to own hinges on various factors, including market demand and brand strength. Food and beverage franchises like Dunkin’ and Zaxby’s often yield high profits because of their established customer bases. Service franchises, like HVAC or automotive maintenance, likewise show strong profit margins. In the end, evaluating initial investment costs, support systems, and proven business models can guide you in identifying a franchise that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Which Franchise Is Best for Beginners? When considering which franchise is best for beginners, look for those with lower cash requirements and strong support systems. Brands like Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Aire Serv offer training and resources that can ease your entry into the franchise world. Moreover, researching franchisee satisfaction, such as with Kona Ice, can guide you toward a rewarding investment. Ultimately, choose a franchise that aligns with your interests and financial capabilities for peak success. What Is the 7 Day Rule for Franchise? The 7 Day Rule requires franchisors to provide you with the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) at least seven days before you sign any contracts or make payments. This document includes vital information about the franchise’s financial performance, fees, and obligations. Which Small Franchise Is Best? When choosing the best small franchise, consider your investment capacity and market demand. Tropical Smoothie Cafe offers extensive growth potential with over 1,500 locations, whereas Vocelli Pizza emphasizes community connections and high sales volume. For education enthusiasts, The Goddard School operates in a booming $71 billion sector. If you prefer services, Aire Serv requires a lower investment and provides vital HVAC services. Furthermore, Camp Run-A-Mutt taps into the lucrative pet care market. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right franchise in 2025 requires careful consideration of market trends, support systems, and owner satisfaction. By focusing on franchises in health, wellness, and eco-friendly sectors, you can align your investment with growing consumer demands. Evaluating costs, training, and performance will further improve your chances of success. With thorough research and a strategic approach, you can make informed decisions that position you favorably in the competitive franchise environment. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Best Franchises to Start" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

I've spend more time than I care to admit researching Selena Gomez today. The 33-year-old pop singer and star of Only Murders in The Building is at the center of an elaborate online conspiracy theory that been building steam all week. Why? In brief, many people online seem to believe Selena Gomez is a clone. Why people think Selena Gomez is a cloneIt started with the Epstein files. Last week, videos started showing up on TikTok claiming Selena Gomez was mentioned in the Epstein files. She was, but Gomez wasn't corresponding with Epstein; her name is mentioned in a July 21, 2017 message between Jeffery Epstein and Lana (NAME REDACTED) in which Epstein writes, "sorry , you would have had fun. he has diecided [sic] on selena gomez." Conspiracy theorists have been using the Epstein files as evidence to confirm basically anything since they were released in January, and that Gomez reference from Epstein is, in their minds, a smoking gun that proves she's a clone. The theory says the real Selena Gomez passed away during a kidney transplant operation in 2017, and the person we think is Selena Gomez is a genetically engineered replica. Interestingly, I can't find anyone talking about why someone would go to the trouble, but maybe it was to keep the Gomez-money-machine printing cash. To back up the cloning assertion, believers in the theory are comparing pictures and videos of a pre-2017 Gomez with her current appearance and pointing out all the ways she doesn't look and sound like she did almost a decade ago. She has a rounded face now where here face used to be angular! Her voice is different too; she used to sound bubbly and high-pitched, now she sounds like Madeline Kahn. This has led some to believe she somehow is Madelein Kahn. (Or maybe Geena Davis.) Evidence that Selena Gomez is not a cloneIt's impossible to prove a negative, but I'm still comfortable saying that Selena Gomez is definitely not a clone. Scientists have cloned all kinds of animals, from sheep to primates, so there's theoretically no reason a human couldn't be cloned. But it hasn't been done (that anyone knows about), because it's so unethical. But even if you put ethics aside, animal cloning has an extremely high failure rate: It took 79 embryos and 42 surrogate mothers to clone two macaque monkeys, for instance, and that was using fetal cells. Attempts to make cloned monkeys from adult cells went worse: 181 embryos were implanted into 42 surrogate mothers, and two baby monkeys were born, but both died within hours. The idea that a small army of doctors and scientists and 40+ surrogate mothers are keeping quiet about that one time they were supposed to give birth to Selena Gomez's clone isn't credible. Like a lot of conspiracy theories, this one doesn't even hold up to its own logic: if Selena Gomez had been cloned, wouldn't the new version be identical to the old one? Why the changes in voice and appearance? If the clone can be spotted on sight (or upon listening to her sing), why make a clone at all? More importantly, you can't clone a full-grown person. You can (theoretically) clone a human embryo, but it would have to be implanted in someone's womb, gestate, and be born. You'd have to raise it too. A Selena Gomez clone wouldn't just pop out of a giant test tube and report to the set of a late-career Woody Allen movie. Speaking of Woody Allen, the most reasonable explanation for that email is Jeffery Epstein telling "Lana" who Woody Allen had cast in A Rainy Day in New York—a movie shot in 2017 that stars Selena Gomez. The timeline fits perfectly with that movie's pre-production schedule—they announced the casting publicly two weeks later—and Epstein and Allen were longtime acquaintances. Here's why Selena Gomez looks and sounds different than she did in 2017Selena Gomez has lupus, a debilitating disease serious enough to have required her to receive a kidney transplant in 2017. No matter how rich and famous you are, you don't come out of that unmarked. The change in the shape of the face ("Moon face" as it's called) and body are well known side effects of the corticosteroids/steroids given to treat Lupus, as well as the immunosuppressants given for organ transplants. Same with her voice: Lupus causes vocal changes in about 80% of sufferers. Inflammation of the cricoarytenoid joint commonly leads to a lower pitched or raspy voice. Gomez even addressed the changes herself, noting that her "throat kinda swells inside sometimes" due to her health issues. In short, Selena Gomez looks and sounds exactly like someone who has lupus and had a kidney transplant in 2017. Ironically, if she looked the same as she did 10 years ago, it would be much stronger evidence for a conspiracy. It would be totally reasonable to ask, "did she really have a kidney replaced? Does she really have lupus?" But she clearly did and does, and you can see it on her face and hear it in her voice. Other celebrities rumored to have been cloned and/or died and been replacedWhen it comes to cloning conspiracies, we've been her before. In 1969, hippies were convinced that Paul McCartney of the Beatles had died, and been replaced by Billy Shears, the (fictional) winner of a Paul McCartney look-a-like contest. In 2003, Avril Lavigne was said to have been replaced by a body double Melissa Vandella. Gucci Mane came out of prison in 2016 looking slimmer, and fans thought he was a clone. Britney Spears is AI. Eminem is an android. It never ends. I'm not sure why people in parasocial relationships with entertainers love pretending they're fake, but they really do. Is pretending celebrities are secretly dead bad?I don't think many Selena Gomez fans really believe she's a clone, even if they post about it online. At least, they don't believe it in the same way they believe the sun is going to rise tomorrow. I doubt I could get anyone to put money on it. It feels more like it's half fan-fiction, an exciting (if ghoulish) game of what if? Believing in a world where a cabal of Hollywood mad scientists secretly cloned an actress so Hulu could produce more Only Murders in the Building is more exciting than accepting the dull, randomness of actual life. It's hard to accept that anyone, even a celebrity, can be stricken with a debilitating diseases that changes their faces and gives them unfamiliar voice, just because that's how shit goes sometimes. Because that means it could happen to you. In conspiracy-land, at least there's someone in charge of the bad things that happen. We'd rather have someone steering the bus, even with terrible intentions, than accept that there is no driver, and the exit doors are sealed shut. View the full article