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Show clients issues and opportunities in the current process. By Domenick J. Esposito 8 Steps to Great Go PRO for members-only access to more Dom Esposito. View the full article

Show clients issues and opportunities in the current process. By Domenick J. Esposito 8 Steps to Great Go PRO for members-only access to more Dom Esposito. View the full article

Just when you think you’ve wrapped your mind around computers that can put your dog in front of the Eiffel Tower or chatbots that act like your best friend (or lover), the AI behemoths surprise you with a fully AI-powered TikTok or the ability to virtually bring back your dead relatives. I’ve worked in the AI space for 15 years. I served as an early beta tester for OpenAI in 2020, when I predicted that a little model called GPT-3 had world-changing potential. It was later released as something called “ChatGPT”–perhaps you’ve heard of it? I’ve also called several big AI trends correctly, including the rise of video generators and the “AI Wars” between Google and OpenAI. Based on my experience, here are my six AI predictions for 2026 and beyond. 1. OpenAI goes garlic In late 2025, Google’s Gemini model started to gain ground on OpenAI and its GPT-5.1 system. That apparently really irked Sam Altman and the OpenAI team. Altman reportedly called a “code red,” directing staff to focus all their efforts on besting Google. Rumor had it they were developing a new, fully re-trained thinking model, codenamed Garlic. When OpenAI did a surprise drop of a new GPT-5.2 model in mid December, lots of people thought it might be Garlic coming to market. Based on my own testing, it’s not. Or at least, it’s not the complete model. GPT-5.2 is indeed better than the previous model. It’s faster and more efficient, and makes fewer errors. It’s also notably better at scientific tasks, and practical ones like coding. But now it appears there will be a second new OpenAI release, which I expect to come out in January. That’s most likely the full Garlic model. This new model, I predict, will have a new knowledge cutoff sometime in 2025, a broader context window, and much better image generation capabilities. It will also be faster and more efficient to run, especially on “thinking” tasks. 2. Google’s Gemini continues its march toward domination Whenever it finally arrives, Garlic will enter the world with plenty of competition. Google was very slow to roll up to the generative AI table. For a company that’s been working in deep learning for decades and has some of the most intelligent people in the world working for it, that felt like a big miss. Google had reportedly developed its own ChatGPT years before OpenAI, but chickened out on releasing it. In the beginning of the AI race, that allowed OpenAI to very loudly and publicly eat Google’s lunch. The history of science, though, is littered with examples where early innovators weren’t the ones who successfully commercialized a new technology. Just ask Joseph Swan, the true inventor of the lightbulb. You’ve never heard of him. But you do know Thomas Edison, who made the lightbulb a widely available technology—and did a great job promoting his invention (and himself) in the process. Historically, first-mover advantage has proven surprisingly inconsequential in the tech space. And now that Google has woken up to the importance of AI, they’re aggressively building out their Gemini model and integrating it into almost all their products, including their core search experience. Google has more data, more resources (including its own custom AI chips), more people, and a much broader reach than OpenAI. In 2026, Google will continue to throw its weight around in generative AI. Gemini will go from being an also-ran to one of the most powerful models on the market. Because it will be broadly integrated into products that normal people use on a day-to-day basis, it will immediately have an audience in the billions. The struggle now isn’t for newer companies like OpenAI to create the best product. It’s to create a product better than Google’s. That will be very hard in 2026 and beyond. 3. Chatbots become therapy (and a bit more) Users have already realized that ChatGPT can take the place of a human therapist. In a recent poll by the Economist, 25% of people reported turning to chatbots for mental health support. As cases of AI psychosis and alleged suicides demonstrate, this can go very badly. But for people who can’t afford any kind of psychological support—or simply don’t have access to it in their language or country—using chatbots as cheap therapists is incredibly appealing. Without directly saying so, OpenAI has implied that they’re moving ChatGPT further into this space, with improvements to how the bot handles sensitive medical and mental health conversations. This could be a huge boon for mental health. Many people appear more comfortable discussing their problems with an unthinking bot than with a human. The fact that a session with ChatGPT doesn’t cost $300 per hour is also a big plus! ChatGPT’s capabilities will expand in other ways, too. A rumored “adult mode” will arrive in 2026, allowing ChatGPT to write risqué material. Prepare yourself for a wave of frenzied op-eds about how people are turning to these newly salacious for relationships instead of fellow humans. 4. AI-generated videos take over—and not just on Sora OpenAI’s AI-powered Sora video generator is incredibly powerful, and their Sora-based social network is incredibly fun to use. In 2026 and beyond, expect to see the reach and importance of AI-generated vertical video accelerate. Vertical video is the perfect format for AI. The clips tend to be short, which caters to AI’s ability to generate about 10 seconds of reliable video before things go off the rails. They also tend to be grabby and compelling. Again, AI excels at making videos of things like people falling into wedding cakes or having heated arguments with their roommates. In 2026, expect the reach of AI-powered social networks like Sora to grow dramatically. The biggest growth, though, will come from these videos migrating off the Sora platform and onto other social media. Already, my Facebook Reels feed is dominated by clearly AI-generated videos of things like a cat saving her kittens from a flood or grandmothers fighting grizzly bears. In 2026, AI videos won’t stay put. They’ll travel into every vertical video space on the web—from TikTok to Nextdoor—further blurring the lines between what’s real and what’s imagined. 5. Electricity becomes the limiting factor I have friends who build data centers for a living. They tell me the only thing stopping them from building more data centers is finding enough electrical power to keep up with AI’s demands. Some companies are reportedly even going nuclear, building or recommissioning fully functional reactors to power their electricity-hungry AI chips. The need for more electrical power for AI will start to limit the tech’s growth in 2026. It will also rub up against society’s other needs. In 2026, I expect a populist backlash against the fact that data centers’ voracious energy demands are raising electricity rates for everyday people. Ultimately, the deficiencies of today’s grid–strained as it is by the rise of AI–will drive innovative, new models that are good for everybody. Cheap solar power at midday may be redirected toward data centers, for example, or stored in giant batteries to keep servers running overnight. This demand will create a huge market for green technologies, ultimately benefiting the planet and everyone on it. 6. AI invades the real world No, the robot uprising isn’t here just yet. But AI is increasingly invading the real world. Self-driving cars were once a novelty. In 2026, usage will explode, with Zoox, Waymo and their competitors–including entrants from China–serving more cities. The rise of self-driving vehicles and other physical manifestations of AI technology will surprise people. You’ll blink, and one day it will feel like nearly every car on the road is self-driving—as it currently does in my home city of San Francisco. I expect to see other experiments with physical AI in 2026, from robot baristas to caregiving machines, and plenty of military AI tech, too. Again, though, the self-driving car blitz coming in 2026 will be the most profound and surprising (to everyday people, anyway) implementation of the technology. It will arrive far sooner than you think. A pat on the back So that’s what I anticipate for the year ahead. As someone who’s been in the AI space for a long time, I’ve missed some things. But I also wrote, two years before ChatGPT, that “OpenAI and its founders could easily make billions (and likely challenge the advertising and content recommendation engines of rivals like Google) by throwing caution to the wind and throwing open the doors to GPT-3 to all comers.” I still pat myself on the back for that one. How will my 2026 predictions shape up? Ask me in a year! View the full article

When Spike Jonze's movie Her dropped back in 2013, I thought it was a great work of total fiction. Who would actually befriend an AI bot, let alone fall in love with them? Fast forward 12 years, and I couldn't have been more wrong. Not only do people love chatting with AI bots, they are actually developing deep connections with them. I still don't get it, but I can't deny it: People like these chatbots a lot. Part of what people like about conversations with generative AI is the "personality" of each bot—or, at least, its perceived personality. After all, ChatGPT isn't a monolith: You can adjust the bot to sound wildly different than it does on someone else's app, which raises some questions for me regarding these curated companions. But I digress: This article isn't necessarily a critique of how people are attaching themselves to ChatGPT; rather, I'm sharing the news that OpenAI is now giving you more control over how the bot sounds and responds in your conversations. Curate your perfect AI companion On Friday, OpenAI announced new controls for ChaGPT's "Personalization." In a post on X, the company revealed that users can now adjust their chatbot's "characteristics," or, in other words, its overall personality. These are adjustments to the personality types that OpenAI has already let you choose from, which include one of eight options: "Default" (preset style and tone); "Professional" (polished and precise); "Friendly" (warm and chatty); "Candid" (direct and encouraging); "Quirky" (playful and imaginative); "Efficient" (concise and plain); "Nerdy" (exploratory and enthusiastic); and "Cynical" (critical and sarcastic). But no matter which of these personalities you pick, you now have four "characteristics" to adjust to fine-tune the overall experience. There's "Warm," "Enthusiastic," "Headers & Lists," and "Emoji," with the option to have more or less of each, or the default amount, as OpenAI sees fit. For Warm, you can either have ChatGPT be friendlier and more personable, or more professional and factual. With Enthusiastic, you can choose the bot to have more energy and excitement, or be calmer and more neutral. "Headers & Lists" lets you choose between clear formatting and lists, or more paragraphs. And, of course, you can control whether ChatGPT uses more emoji, or fewer, depending on your sense of fun and joy. As usual, you can take advantage of custom instructions to guide ChatGPT's personality in a direction you like, especially when the presets don't give you those options. For example, if you'd like ChatGPT to talk to you like a pirate, or if you want it to end every response with a certain catchphrase, here's your chance to influence the bot. I'm really not someone who uses ChatGPT outside of testing it for coverage, so I can't speak to whether these additional controls are useful. But if you want to try making your version of ChatGPT your ideal "AI companion," the controls are at your disposal. You'll find these options wherever you access ChatGPT. You can either access it from Settings > Personalization, or from the Personalization shortcut in the ChatGPT menu. View the full article

When you’re considering a commercial mortgage, it’s crucial to evaluate your options carefully. Lenders like Lendio offer connections to multiple funding sources, whereas RCN Capital provides flexible loan terms. U.S. Bank thrives in commercial real estate and SBA loans, and 1West accommodates borrowers with varying credit. Comprehending these lenders can help you make informed decisions. Let’s explore each option in detail to find the right fit for your investment needs. Key Takeaways Lendio connects borrowers with over 75 lenders, offering a quick online application process without affecting credit scores. RCN Capital specializes in non-owner-occupied properties, providing flexible terms and no upfront fees during preapproval. U.S. Bank offers competitive rates for CRE and SBA loans but requires established business qualifications and lacks an online application option. 1West has no minimum gross sales requirement and provides access to over 50 lenders, accommodating those with less-than-perfect credit. SBG Funding focuses on short-term SBA 7(a) financing with no prepayment penalties, catering to applicants with strong cash flow. Lendio: Best Overall for Multiple Options When you’re seeking commercial mortgage options, Lendio stands out as the best overall choice for multiple financing solutions. Acting as a marketplace, Lendio connects you with over 75 commercial mortgage lenders, simplifying the loan application process. You can complete the online application in under 15 minutes, and it won’t impact your credit score. Lendio offers a wide variety of commercial loan types, allowing you to compare options customized to your specific needs. As Lendio maintains general minimum qualification standards, it provides flexibility, accommodating various borrower profiles. Moreover, if you have questions or need assistance, Lendio’s support team is available via phone and email, ensuring you have guidance throughout your financing process, making it a reliable commercial mortgage broker. RCN Capital: Flexible Loan Terms RCN Capital stands out in the commercial mortgage arena by offering flexible loan terms customized to meet a variety of financing needs. They provide some of the lowest starting interest rates and longest repayment terms, ensuring you can find a solution that fits your budget. Furthermore, RCN specializes in loans backed by non-owner-occupied and commercial properties, which can cater to diverse projects, such as: Fix and flip projects Long-term rental investments New construction developments Other commercial ventures Moreover, RCN Capital doesn’t charge upfront lender fees during the preapproval or approval stages, though third-party costs may apply. With an easy online application process, you can conveniently initiate your loan request and explore your options with confidence. U.S. Bank: Best for CRE or SBA Loan Options If you’re considering a loan for commercial real estate or a small business, U.S. Bank offers competitive rates that could suit your needs. Nevertheless, keep in mind that their strict qualification criteria typically favor established businesses with good credit and solid financials. Whereas their flexible underwriting might accommodate various borrower profiles, you’ll need to schedule an appointment or make a call to discuss your options, as they don’t have an online application process. Competitive Rates Offered U.S. Bank stands out for its competitive rates on both Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, making it a prime choice for borrowers. Here’s what you can expect: Favorable Financing: Attractive rates help you manage costs effectively. Quick Funding Decisions: As an SBA Preferred Lender, U.S. Bank accelerates the loan process. Flexible Terms: Options cater to various property types, accommodating diverse business needs. Personalized Assistance: Although online applications aren’t available, you’ll receive customized support through in-person or phone consultations. These features enable you to make informed decisions as you steer through the financing environment, ensuring you find a solution that best fits your business objectives. U.S. Bank’s competitive offerings improve your chances of securing the funding you need. Strict Qualification Criteria When considering U.S. Bank for your commercial mortgage needs, be prepared for strict qualification criteria. The bank typically requires borrowers to demonstrate good credit and a robust financial profile, which guarantees a lower risk for them. As an SBA Preferred Lender, U.S. Bank can expedite funding decisions, benefiting those who need quicker access to capital. Nevertheless, it’s essential to acknowledge that there’s no online application process; you’ll need to schedule an appointment or call to discuss your options. Although the bank maintains strict guidelines, some flexibility in underwriting may exist for specific programs, allowing you to explore customized solutions that meet your unique financial situation. 1West: Flexible Credit Requirements When you consider financing options with 1West, you’ll find a loan marketplace that connects you with over 50 lenders, giving you the flexibility to choose what suits your needs. There’s no minimum gross sales requirement, which opens up opportunities for businesses seeking funds for purchasing, renovating, or broadening commercial properties. Plus, with interest-only payment options available, you can manage your monthly costs more effectively, even though your credit isn’t perfect. Loan Marketplace Advantages In the competitive terrain of commercial mortgage lending, 1West stands out by offering a loan marketplace that caters to a diverse range of borrowers, particularly those with flexible credit requirements. By connecting you with over 50 lenders, 1West guarantees you have many financing options available. Key advantages of this marketplace include: No minimum gross sales: This allows more businesses to qualify for loans. Diverse loan purposes: You can secure funding for purchasing, renovating, or broadening properties. Interest-only payment options: These can help reduce your monthly costs and improve cash flow management. Accessibility for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit: This feature opens doors to funding that might otherwise be unavailable. With these benefits, 1West simplifies the borrowing process for you. Varied Property Financing Options Varied property financing options are essential for businesses looking to adapt to their unique needs and circumstances. 1West offers a range of loans that cater to different objectives, whether you’re purchasing a new commercial property, renovating an existing one, or broadening your operations. As a loan marketplace, 1West connects you with over 50 lenders, ensuring flexible credit requirements. You won’t face minimum gross sales requirements, making it easier for various businesses to qualify. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for those with less-than-perfect credit, enhancing your financing opportunities. Loans can be used for different purposes, including expansions or upgrades, giving you the freedom to choose the best option for your business’s growth and development. Interest-Only Payment Flexibility How can interest-only payment options benefit your commercial financing strategy? 1West provides borrowers with the flexibility to choose interest-only payments during the initial repayment period, significantly reducing monthly expenses. This arrangement can be particularly advantageous for businesses looking to manage cash flow effectively. Here are key benefits of interest-only payment options: Lower monthly payments allow for better budget management. Flexibility to utilize saved funds for other business investments. No minimum gross sales requirement broadens eligibility for various businesses. Suitable for purchasing, renovating, or enlarging commercial properties. SBG Funding: Best for Short-Term SBA 7(a) Funding SBG Funding stands out as a premier option for those seeking short-term SBA 7(a) financing, particularly as it offers loan amounts that can reach up to $10 million, considerably higher than typical limits. This flexibility allows you to address various business needs, whether you’re acquiring real estate or covering working capital. One of the advantages of SBG is that there are no prepayment penalties, giving you the freedom to pay off or refinance your loan early without incurring extra costs. Their qualification criteria are likewise accommodating, focusing on applicants with strong cash flow and profitability, which improves your chances of approval. Plus, the online application process is efficient, taking less than 10 minutes to complete, making it accessible for you. JPMorgan Chase: Experienced Investors Recommended In regard to commercial mortgage lending, JPMorgan Chase is often recommended by experienced investors for its extensive range of financing options customized for various property types and investment needs. Here are some key reasons why you might consider them: They offer multifamily lending with loans from $500,000 to over $25 million for apartment buildings. Commercial mortgage lending starts at $1 million, particularly for stabilized industrial and retail properties. Small business financing options begin at $50,000, making them accessible for diverse business needs. Their strong reputation and expertise in the commercial mortgage sector are especially beneficial for larger transactions. Keep in mind that financing availability may be limited to certain states and markets, so checking regional lending options is crucial. How to Choose the Best Commercial Real Estate Lenders Choosing the best commercial real estate lender can greatly influence your financing experience and overall investment success. Start by prioritizing competitive pricing and flexible terms, as these directly affect your total financing costs. Evaluate the lender’s qualification criteria, including credit score and revenue requirements, to guarantee you meet their standards. Next, compare loan amounts and terms from various lenders to find a solution that aligns with your project’s size and goals. Don’t forget to reflect on associated costs like down payments and origination fees, which can vary considerably and impact your budget. Finally, research each lender’s reputation and customer service reviews to ensure you receive reliable support throughout the application and funding process. Frequently Asked Questions Which Bank Is Best for a Commercial Property Loan? When choosing a bank for a commercial property loan, consider your specific needs. JPMorgan Chase offers diverse financing options, whereas Bank of America specializes in SBA loans and veteran rewards. If competitive rates are a priority, U.S. Bank might be a fit, though they’ve stricter qualification criteria. Wells Fargo provides various loan types, and Lendio can simplify your search by connecting you with multiple lenders to compare options effectively. What Type of Loan Is Best for Commercial Property? The best type of loan for commercial property depends on your goals. If you’re purchasing, a traditional commercial mortgage might suit you. For renovations, consider an SBA loan, which can offer favorable terms. If you need quick funding, a bridge loan can provide short-term financing. Keep in mind that interest rates vary between 4% and 11%, influenced by your creditworthiness, and loan terms can range from 12 months to 30 years. Who Are the Big 6 Mortgage Lenders? The Big 6 mortgage lenders are the major players in the commercial mortgage market. They include JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and U.S. Bank. Each lender offers various products customized to different property types and borrower needs. For example, JPMorgan Chase specializes in multifamily loans, whereas Wells Fargo is known for strong commercial and multifamily support. Comprehending these lenders can help you choose the right financing option for your needs. What Is a Good Interest Rate for a Commercial Loan? A good interest rate for a commercial loan usually falls between 4% and 11%. If you have a strong credit profile, you might secure rates closer to 4%. Nonetheless, if your financial situation is riskier, expect higher rates. Loan terms matter; shorter loans typically offer lower rates. Furthermore, fixed-rate loans provide stability, whereas variable rates can change with market conditions, impacting your overall borrowing costs considerably. Always assess your options carefully. Conclusion In conclusion, when selecting a commercial mortgage lender, consider your specific needs and financial situation. Lendio offers diverse options, whereas RCN Capital provides flexibility. U.S. Bank is ideal for CRE and SBA loans, and 1West accommodates various credit scores. If you need short-term funding, SBG Funding is a strong choice, and JPMorgan Chase is suited for larger investments. Carefully evaluate these lenders to find the best fit for your investment goals and financing requirements. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Top Commercial Mortgage Lenders to Consider" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you’re considering a commercial mortgage, it’s crucial to evaluate your options carefully. Lenders like Lendio offer connections to multiple funding sources, whereas RCN Capital provides flexible loan terms. U.S. Bank thrives in commercial real estate and SBA loans, and 1West accommodates borrowers with varying credit. Comprehending these lenders can help you make informed decisions. Let’s explore each option in detail to find the right fit for your investment needs. Key Takeaways Lendio connects borrowers with over 75 lenders, offering a quick online application process without affecting credit scores. RCN Capital specializes in non-owner-occupied properties, providing flexible terms and no upfront fees during preapproval. U.S. Bank offers competitive rates for CRE and SBA loans but requires established business qualifications and lacks an online application option. 1West has no minimum gross sales requirement and provides access to over 50 lenders, accommodating those with less-than-perfect credit. SBG Funding focuses on short-term SBA 7(a) financing with no prepayment penalties, catering to applicants with strong cash flow. Lendio: Best Overall for Multiple Options When you’re seeking commercial mortgage options, Lendio stands out as the best overall choice for multiple financing solutions. Acting as a marketplace, Lendio connects you with over 75 commercial mortgage lenders, simplifying the loan application process. You can complete the online application in under 15 minutes, and it won’t impact your credit score. Lendio offers a wide variety of commercial loan types, allowing you to compare options customized to your specific needs. As Lendio maintains general minimum qualification standards, it provides flexibility, accommodating various borrower profiles. Moreover, if you have questions or need assistance, Lendio’s support team is available via phone and email, ensuring you have guidance throughout your financing process, making it a reliable commercial mortgage broker. RCN Capital: Flexible Loan Terms RCN Capital stands out in the commercial mortgage arena by offering flexible loan terms customized to meet a variety of financing needs. They provide some of the lowest starting interest rates and longest repayment terms, ensuring you can find a solution that fits your budget. Furthermore, RCN specializes in loans backed by non-owner-occupied and commercial properties, which can cater to diverse projects, such as: Fix and flip projects Long-term rental investments New construction developments Other commercial ventures Moreover, RCN Capital doesn’t charge upfront lender fees during the preapproval or approval stages, though third-party costs may apply. With an easy online application process, you can conveniently initiate your loan request and explore your options with confidence. U.S. Bank: Best for CRE or SBA Loan Options If you’re considering a loan for commercial real estate or a small business, U.S. Bank offers competitive rates that could suit your needs. Nevertheless, keep in mind that their strict qualification criteria typically favor established businesses with good credit and solid financials. Whereas their flexible underwriting might accommodate various borrower profiles, you’ll need to schedule an appointment or make a call to discuss your options, as they don’t have an online application process. Competitive Rates Offered U.S. Bank stands out for its competitive rates on both Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, making it a prime choice for borrowers. Here’s what you can expect: Favorable Financing: Attractive rates help you manage costs effectively. Quick Funding Decisions: As an SBA Preferred Lender, U.S. Bank accelerates the loan process. Flexible Terms: Options cater to various property types, accommodating diverse business needs. Personalized Assistance: Although online applications aren’t available, you’ll receive customized support through in-person or phone consultations. These features enable you to make informed decisions as you steer through the financing environment, ensuring you find a solution that best fits your business objectives. U.S. Bank’s competitive offerings improve your chances of securing the funding you need. Strict Qualification Criteria When considering U.S. Bank for your commercial mortgage needs, be prepared for strict qualification criteria. The bank typically requires borrowers to demonstrate good credit and a robust financial profile, which guarantees a lower risk for them. As an SBA Preferred Lender, U.S. Bank can expedite funding decisions, benefiting those who need quicker access to capital. Nevertheless, it’s essential to acknowledge that there’s no online application process; you’ll need to schedule an appointment or call to discuss your options. Although the bank maintains strict guidelines, some flexibility in underwriting may exist for specific programs, allowing you to explore customized solutions that meet your unique financial situation. 1West: Flexible Credit Requirements When you consider financing options with 1West, you’ll find a loan marketplace that connects you with over 50 lenders, giving you the flexibility to choose what suits your needs. There’s no minimum gross sales requirement, which opens up opportunities for businesses seeking funds for purchasing, renovating, or broadening commercial properties. Plus, with interest-only payment options available, you can manage your monthly costs more effectively, even though your credit isn’t perfect. Loan Marketplace Advantages In the competitive terrain of commercial mortgage lending, 1West stands out by offering a loan marketplace that caters to a diverse range of borrowers, particularly those with flexible credit requirements. By connecting you with over 50 lenders, 1West guarantees you have many financing options available. Key advantages of this marketplace include: No minimum gross sales: This allows more businesses to qualify for loans. Diverse loan purposes: You can secure funding for purchasing, renovating, or broadening properties. Interest-only payment options: These can help reduce your monthly costs and improve cash flow management. Accessibility for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit: This feature opens doors to funding that might otherwise be unavailable. With these benefits, 1West simplifies the borrowing process for you. Varied Property Financing Options Varied property financing options are essential for businesses looking to adapt to their unique needs and circumstances. 1West offers a range of loans that cater to different objectives, whether you’re purchasing a new commercial property, renovating an existing one, or broadening your operations. As a loan marketplace, 1West connects you with over 50 lenders, ensuring flexible credit requirements. You won’t face minimum gross sales requirements, making it easier for various businesses to qualify. This accessibility is particularly beneficial for those with less-than-perfect credit, enhancing your financing opportunities. Loans can be used for different purposes, including expansions or upgrades, giving you the freedom to choose the best option for your business’s growth and development. Interest-Only Payment Flexibility How can interest-only payment options benefit your commercial financing strategy? 1West provides borrowers with the flexibility to choose interest-only payments during the initial repayment period, significantly reducing monthly expenses. This arrangement can be particularly advantageous for businesses looking to manage cash flow effectively. Here are key benefits of interest-only payment options: Lower monthly payments allow for better budget management. Flexibility to utilize saved funds for other business investments. No minimum gross sales requirement broadens eligibility for various businesses. Suitable for purchasing, renovating, or enlarging commercial properties. SBG Funding: Best for Short-Term SBA 7(a) Funding SBG Funding stands out as a premier option for those seeking short-term SBA 7(a) financing, particularly as it offers loan amounts that can reach up to $10 million, considerably higher than typical limits. This flexibility allows you to address various business needs, whether you’re acquiring real estate or covering working capital. One of the advantages of SBG is that there are no prepayment penalties, giving you the freedom to pay off or refinance your loan early without incurring extra costs. Their qualification criteria are likewise accommodating, focusing on applicants with strong cash flow and profitability, which improves your chances of approval. Plus, the online application process is efficient, taking less than 10 minutes to complete, making it accessible for you. JPMorgan Chase: Experienced Investors Recommended In regard to commercial mortgage lending, JPMorgan Chase is often recommended by experienced investors for its extensive range of financing options customized for various property types and investment needs. Here are some key reasons why you might consider them: They offer multifamily lending with loans from $500,000 to over $25 million for apartment buildings. Commercial mortgage lending starts at $1 million, particularly for stabilized industrial and retail properties. Small business financing options begin at $50,000, making them accessible for diverse business needs. Their strong reputation and expertise in the commercial mortgage sector are especially beneficial for larger transactions. Keep in mind that financing availability may be limited to certain states and markets, so checking regional lending options is crucial. How to Choose the Best Commercial Real Estate Lenders Choosing the best commercial real estate lender can greatly influence your financing experience and overall investment success. Start by prioritizing competitive pricing and flexible terms, as these directly affect your total financing costs. Evaluate the lender’s qualification criteria, including credit score and revenue requirements, to guarantee you meet their standards. Next, compare loan amounts and terms from various lenders to find a solution that aligns with your project’s size and goals. Don’t forget to reflect on associated costs like down payments and origination fees, which can vary considerably and impact your budget. Finally, research each lender’s reputation and customer service reviews to ensure you receive reliable support throughout the application and funding process. Frequently Asked Questions Which Bank Is Best for a Commercial Property Loan? When choosing a bank for a commercial property loan, consider your specific needs. JPMorgan Chase offers diverse financing options, whereas Bank of America specializes in SBA loans and veteran rewards. If competitive rates are a priority, U.S. Bank might be a fit, though they’ve stricter qualification criteria. Wells Fargo provides various loan types, and Lendio can simplify your search by connecting you with multiple lenders to compare options effectively. What Type of Loan Is Best for Commercial Property? The best type of loan for commercial property depends on your goals. If you’re purchasing, a traditional commercial mortgage might suit you. For renovations, consider an SBA loan, which can offer favorable terms. If you need quick funding, a bridge loan can provide short-term financing. Keep in mind that interest rates vary between 4% and 11%, influenced by your creditworthiness, and loan terms can range from 12 months to 30 years. Who Are the Big 6 Mortgage Lenders? The Big 6 mortgage lenders are the major players in the commercial mortgage market. They include JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and U.S. Bank. Each lender offers various products customized to different property types and borrower needs. For example, JPMorgan Chase specializes in multifamily loans, whereas Wells Fargo is known for strong commercial and multifamily support. Comprehending these lenders can help you choose the right financing option for your needs. What Is a Good Interest Rate for a Commercial Loan? A good interest rate for a commercial loan usually falls between 4% and 11%. If you have a strong credit profile, you might secure rates closer to 4%. Nonetheless, if your financial situation is riskier, expect higher rates. Loan terms matter; shorter loans typically offer lower rates. Furthermore, fixed-rate loans provide stability, whereas variable rates can change with market conditions, impacting your overall borrowing costs considerably. Always assess your options carefully. Conclusion In conclusion, when selecting a commercial mortgage lender, consider your specific needs and financial situation. Lendio offers diverse options, whereas RCN Capital provides flexibility. U.S. Bank is ideal for CRE and SBA loans, and 1West accommodates various credit scores. If you need short-term funding, SBG Funding is a strong choice, and JPMorgan Chase is suited for larger investments. Carefully evaluate these lenders to find the best fit for your investment goals and financing requirements. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Top Commercial Mortgage Lenders to Consider" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Construction teams rely on clear updates to keep projects moving forward. A solid construction progress report helps track work completed, flag issues early and align teams and stakeholders. With effective construction progress reporting, you gain visibility into schedules, costs and performance so everyone knows where the project stands and what comes next. Let’s explore this topic so you and your team can generate more effective reports. What Is a Construction Progress Report? A construction progress report is a structured update that tracks how a construction project is performing against its plan. It documents completed work, current activities, upcoming tasks and any issues affecting schedule, cost or scope. Effective construction progress reporting gives stakeholders clear visibility into timelines, budgets and risks so project managers can make informed decisions and keep work moving forward. What Is the Purpose of a Construction Progress Report? The purpose of a construction progress report is to clearly communicate how a project is advancing compared to the plan. It documents completed work, ongoing activities, upcoming tasks and any issues affecting schedule, cost or quality. Construction progress reporting helps project managers identify risks early, support better decision-making and keep stakeholders aligned. These reports also create a historical record that supports accountability, change orders and future planning across the full project lifecycle. To make the reporting process even easier, utilize ProjectManager. In addition to project views like the Gantt chart, kanban board, calendar and task list, we also have dashboards and reports that automatically collect live project data. In a few clicks, utilize AI Project Insights for in-depth analyses on your projects and generate a custom progress report to share with stakeholders. Get started with a free 30-day trial. /wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Light-mode-reporting-CTA-e1711992940366.pngLearn more Who Makes the Construction Progress Report? The construction project manager, site superintendent or construction manager usually creates the construction progress report. In some cases, engineers, inspectors or project controls teams contribute data related to schedule, costs or quality. While one person usually owns the report, accurate construction progress reporting relies on input from multiple team members, including subcontractors and field crews. This collaboration ensures the report reflects real-time conditions rather than assumptions or outdated information. When to Make a Construction Progress Report Construction progress reports are most often created on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on project size and contract requirements. Weekly reports help track short-term progress, labor productivity and site issues, while monthly reports support higher-level reviews of schedule, budget and milestones. Additional construction progress reporting may be required after major project phases, change events or delays. Consistent timing helps teams compare performance over time and address issues before they escalate. What Should Be Included in a Construction Progress Report? A strong construction progress report gives stakeholders a clear snapshot of where the project stands, what has been completed and what comes next. These sections help standardize construction progress reporting so updates are easy to review, compare and act on throughout the project lifecycle. Executive Summary The executive summary provides a high-level overview of the current project status. It highlights major accomplishments, schedule or budget impacts and key risks without going into excessive detail. This section allows owners, executives and project sponsors to quickly understand overall progress and identify areas that may need attention. Work Completed This section documents all tasks and activities finished during the reporting period. It should reference completed milestones, closed work orders and approved inspections. Clear documentation of completed work supports accurate billing, confirms scope progress and creates a reliable historical record for future construction progress reporting. Work In Progress Work in progress outlines active tasks that are underway but not yet complete. It should describe current phases, percent complete and any coordination between trades. This section helps project managers track momentum, identify potential delays and ensure team members stay aligned on daily and weekly priorities. /wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-construction-ebook-banner-ad.jpg Look-Ahead Schedule The look-ahead schedule focuses on upcoming work over the next one to four weeks. It highlights planned activities, required resources and upcoming dependencies. Including this section improves short-term planning, supports coordination across teams and helps prevent schedule conflicts before they impact construction progress. Related: 25 Free Excel Construction Templates Construction Schedule Status This section compares planned timelines against actual performance. It identifies tasks ahead of schedule, behind schedule or at risk. Clear schedule status reporting supports better decision-making and allows construction project managers to make adjustments before delays escalate into larger project issues. Issues, Risks and Constraints Here, teams document current issues, potential risks and known constraints affecting progress. This may include material delays, labor shortages or permitting challenges. Capturing these items in a construction progress report promotes transparency and helps leadership prioritize problem-solving efforts early. /wp-content/uploads/2025/05/risk-management-hero.pngLearn more Change Events Change events track pending and approved changes that impact scope, cost or schedule. This section should summarize change requests, their status and potential impacts. Consistent documentation protects project teams, supports claims management and keeps construction progress reporting accurate and defensible. Quality Inspections This section summarizes inspections completed, results and any corrective actions required. Tracking quality inspections ensures work meets specifications and standards. It also helps prevent rework, supports compliance audits and reinforces accountability across contractors and subcontractors. Safety Summary The safety summary reports incidents, near misses and safety observations from the reporting period. It may also note toolbox talks or corrective actions taken. Including safety data reinforces its importance and helps construction managers proactively address hazards before they escalate. Photos and Documentation Photos and supporting documents provide visual confirmation of progress and site conditions. This section strengthens the construction progress report by adding context and clarity. Well-organized documentation also creates a reliable audit trail and improves communication with stakeholders who are not onsite regularly. Related: 39 Construction Documents (Templates Included) Construction Progress Report Example This construction progress report example documents the current status of a five-story residential building project. It summarizes work completed during the reporting period, ongoing construction activities and overall execution status to provide stakeholders with a clear and factual view of on-site progress. Reporting Period & Project Snapshot Project name Five-Story Residential Building Location 456 Residential Avenue Reporting period 01/08/2025 – 07/08/2025 Project phase Structural framing – Levels 2 and 3 Prepared by Project Manager Executive Summary Construction activities progressed as planned during the reporting period. Structural framing for Levels 2 and 3 continued without major disruptions, and concrete curing for Level 2 slabs was completed. No safety incidents were reported. Minor weather delays were experienced, but did not affect the critical path. Work Completed During This Period Trade / Area Completed activity Status Completion date Concrete works Pouring and curing of Level 2 floor slab Complete 03/08/2025 Structural framing Column and beam installation – Level 2 Complete 05/08/2025 Site logistics Material staging and crane repositioning Complete 06/08/2025 Work Currently in Progress Trade Activity Level / Area Current status Structural framing Beam and slab formwork installation Level 3 In progress Reinforcement Rebar placement for Level 3 slab Level 3 In progress Overall Progress Summary As of the end of the reporting period, structural works are progressing in accordance with the baseline schedule. Levels 1 and 2 structural elements are complete, and Level 3 construction activities are actively underway with no critical delays identified. Look-Ahead (Next Reporting Period) The following activities are planned for the next reporting period to maintain momentum and support upcoming structural milestones. Planned activity Trade Level / Area Planned start Planned finish Concrete pour for Level 3 slab Concrete Level 3 09/08/2025 10/08/2025 Formwork installation for Level 4 Structural framing Level 4 11/08/2025 14/08/2025 MEP rough-in layout Mechanical / Electrical Levels 1–2 12/08/2025 16/08/2025 Schedule Status Overall schedule performance remains aligned with the approved baseline. Structural activities are tracking on plan, with minor weather-related disruptions absorbed through built-in float. Milestone Planned date Actual / forecast date Status Level 2 structural completion 05/08/2025 05/08/2025 Completed Level 3 slab pour 10/08/2025 10/08/2025 On track Level 4 framing start 11/08/2025 11/08/2025 On track Issues and Constraints The following items were identified during the reporting period. None currently pose a critical risk to schedule or execution. Issue ID Description Impact Action/owner I-01 High winds temporarily halted crane operations Minor productivity loss Resequence activities – Site superintendent I-02 Delayed delivery of rebar accessories No schedule impact Expedited shipment confirmed – Procurement Change Events Impacting Progress No approved scope changes affected construction progress during this reporting period. One potential design clarification is under review but has not resulted in work stoppage. Change reference Description Status Impact on progress CE-01 Balcony edge detail clarification Under review None to date Quality Control and Inspections Quality assurance activities during the reporting period focused on verifying structural work compliance and readiness for upcoming concrete pours. All completed inspections met design and code requirements. Inspection type Level / Area Date Result Remarks Structural inspection Level 2 04/08/2025 Passed No deficiencies noted Formwork inspection Level 3 06/08/2025 Passed Approved for concrete placement Safety Summary Site safety performance remained strong during the reporting period. All personnel adhered to established safety protocols, and no incidents or near misses were recorded. Safety metric Value Notes Man-hours worked 1,120 All trades combined Recordable incidents 0 — Toolbox talks conducted 3 Fall protection and crane safety Benefits of Thorough Construction Progress Reporting Consistent construction progress reporting keeps everyone aligned, informed and accountable throughout the project lifecycle. Clear reports improve decision-making by highlighting schedule status, budget impacts and emerging risks before they become costly problems. They also create a reliable record of work completed, changes and approvals, which supports compliance audits and dispute resolution. For construction teams, thorough reporting reduces time spent chasing updates, strengthens communication with stakeholders and helps projects stay on track, on budget and built to plan. Free Construction Project Management Templates We have hundreds of free project management templates on our site; they are a mixture of templates for Word, Excel, Google Sheets and more. Below are a few examples related to construction project management. Construction Scope of Work Template A construction scope of work template defines what tasks are included, who’s responsible and how success is measured. It supports accurate construction progress reporting by setting clear expectations upfront, reducing scope creep and making it easier to track completed work against planned deliverables throughout the project lifecycle. Construction Management Plan Template This template outlines the process for executing, monitoring, and controlling a construction project. It supports a strong construction progress report by documenting processes for scheduling, communication, quality and risk management, giving stakeholders a clear reference point for evaluating progress and decision making. Construction Schedule Template A construction schedule template maps tasks, timelines and dependencies in one place. It plays a critical role in construction progress reporting by showing planned versus actual progress, identifying delays early and helping teams adjust resources and sequencing to keep the project moving forward. How ProjectManager Helps with Construction Progress Reporting ProjectManager makes construction progress reporting easier, faster and more accurate by giving teams a central platform to track, update and share status in real time. With customizable dashboards and reports, construction managers can visualize progress against baseline schedules, highlight work completed and communicate updates to stakeholders without manual spreadsheets. Track Construction Schedules in Real Time Integrated task lists and Gantt charts allow teams to link actual progress directly to the construction schedule, making look-ahead forecasting and status reporting simple. Mobile access lets crews upload photos, log issues and update work in progress right from the jobsite. Built-in document management and version control ensure that all photos, inspection reports and safety summaries are organized and attached to the right report. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Gantt-Light-Mode-Timeline-Focus.jpg Oversee Project Health with Dashboards Because data updates in real time, your construction progress report always reflects the latest information, helping improve communication, reduce errors and support data-driven decisions throughout the project lifecycle. Use the AI-powered dashboard alongside powerful reports to ensure quality at every stage. /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/AI-Insights-Light-Mode-Dashboard-GPT5.png Related Construction Project Management Content 8 Free Construction Forms for Excel and Word 14 Types of Construction Contracts: Pros, Cons & Best Practices How to Manage a Construction Project Step by Step 10 Types of Construction Projects with Examples The Construction Process Explained Step-by-Step The post What Is a Construction Progress Report? Example Included appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

It is none of our business if strangers choose to display their private affairs at a Coldplay concertView the full article

Here are the posts that interested people the most in 2025, via two lists: the most viewed posts and the most commented on posts. Most viewed posts of 2025: 10. my employee keeps insisting he looks much younger than he is (but he doesn’t) 9. I rejected a student’s advances, but his parents are mad at me 8. my coworkers have way more money than me … and they constantly expect me to shell out cash for meals and gifts 7. I don’t want to babysit my brother in my office 6. updates: martial arts at work, coworker hates me, and more 5. our Gen Z employees want to be coddled and are struggling with the realities of work 4. I manage a terrible slob — how can I convince her upset coworker that I’m handling it? 3. my boss said I’m threatened by his “masculine energy” 2. questions from federal workers who are currently under attack 1. my vegan coworker is upset about getting non-vegan gifts three years in a row Most commented on posts of 2025: (doesn’t include open threads or “ask the readers” posts, which otherwise would hold many of the top 10 places) 10. I still have to work if I don’t attend team-building, boss has hired my replacement but I’m not ready to leave, and more 9. I won a work lottery but used a fake name, can a company strand you if you’re fired on a work trip, and more 8. I overheard a horrible phone call, will I be unhireable if I do a naked bike ride, and more 7. job candidate’s name is a slur, exec is marketing a job as a “roommate opportunity,” and more 6. our Gen Z employees want to be coddled and are struggling with the realities of work 5. can I tell a coworker I dislike him, we upset our boss by organizing stuff, and more 4. an inappropriate song in children’s theater, coworker won’t stop insisting everything is fine, and more 3. coworkers want our office breakfasts to be vegan, how to back out of a job, and more 2. employee is afraid to fly, the office poopfoot, and more 1. my vegan coworker is upset about getting non-vegan gifts three years in a row The post most popular posts of 2025 appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

The author of The Art of the Deal always likes to claim he’s a big winner when it comes to any business arrangement he makes. And in some ways, Donald The President appears to have won big by finalizing a deal that will see Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX take part-ownership of a new joint venture designed to oversee operations in the United States of TikTok, the wildly popular social video appl. But dig into the details and you’ll see that what The President’s White House is keen to present as a big win for national security looks more like a standard business deal—or more cynically, a shakedown. Concerns around TikTok first bubbled up at the end of The President’s first term, when the 45th president, running unsuccessfully for re-election in 2020, presented the app, owned by the Chinese tech champion ByteDance, as a national-security concern. On both sides of the aisle, China hawks worry that TikTok’s algorithm could be used to catalyze opposition to the American way of life, and indoctrinate U.S. teens into Chinese ways of thinking—or nudge public opinion to be more favorable to the Chinese regime. The President tried unsuccessfully to ban the app outright from the United States, a gambit that didn’t stand up in court. He has continued to try and alter its ownership even as he appears to have changed tack about whether the platform ought to be banned outright. The President has claimed that TikTok’s purported Chinese links still gave him pause, but that he was willing to allow the app to continue existing in the U.S. provided that it was brought under American control. With this finalized deal, even that’s not guaranteed—which could suggest this is little more than a shakedown and carve-out to ensure the U.S. capitalizes on the only non-American social network that has managed to gain a mass global foothold in the last 20 years. “The leaked details of this deal seem to imply that the public debate and concerns were a red herring,” says Catalina Goanta, associate professor in private law and technology at Utrecht University. The U.S. “just wanted in on a profitable business model that has been growing faster and with more potential than any of its competitors,” she argues. The terms of the agreement suggest that the joint venture will own between 45%and 50% of the new U.S.-Tiktok entity (reports differ on the precise percentages involved). Around one-third of the entity will be owned by ByteDance’s current investors, with the remainder—an estimated 20% or so—still under ByteDances control. The deal is due to close by January 22. Others are equally uncertain that the deal matches up to what The President claimed was the core concern. “Will the sale enrich the new investors or protect American interests?” asks Hussein Kanji, founder of Hoxton Ventures. “Let’s see if the algorithm changes in the new leadership to support a particular political viewpoint.” So far, there’s no suggestion that the app’s algorithm will change in any way, beyond being fed U.S. user data to “ensure the content is free from outside manipulation,” said an internal memo sent by TikTok CEO Shou Chew to staff last week. That isn’t significantly different from what already happens, except it draws slightly stronger fences around U.S-only users. The terms of the deal are believed to adopt the current TikTok algorithm, while the storage of user data within the United States will remain within the country and overseen by a local partner. In this case, that partner will be Oracle, under terms similar to those TikTok has already instigated elsewhere voluntarily, including in Europe (U.K. cybersecurity firm NCC Group oversees data access) where TikTok has built dedicated data centers for local users. ByteDance will reportedly still have control of the app’s ecommerce, advertising, and marketing arms, all of which are core components of the business. In short, basically nothing has changed, except several U.S. firms get a part of the new company—and presumably, a share of its income. It’s no surprise, then, that China has nodded the deal through: Little changes for them, except for homegrown champion ByteDance losing a proportion of its income from the app. “Chinese state media sees this deal as a win for China, and it emphasized retaining ‘global connectivity’, which can also affect what kind of content is seen from outside of the U.S.,” says Goanta. Of course, the app could still change. It certainly would be easier to do so when U.S. companies control the data, the algorithm, and any decisions are overseen by a U.S. board. But it’d be highly unusual—some might say self-defeating—for TikTok in the United States to try and diverge from what made its global product successful. Instead, it looks like a classic The President deal: Plenty of sound and fury, and a whole lot of hyperbole to justify very few changes that actually address the underlying issue that caused the brouhaha in the first place. The deal allows the president to portray action on a politically potent issue while avoiding a total ban that could alienate younger voters or provoke corporate backlash. For China, the arrangement shows it can be flexible without surrendering, allowing ByteDance to preserve that global reach for its flagship app. But as often happens under The President’s America First policy, American entities get a cut of the deal—whether they’re deserving of it or not. 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If you’re considering investing in a franchise, now’s a great time to explore your options. With a variety of franchises available, you can find opportunities that suit different budgets and interests. From low-cost education franchises like Kumon to high-profit food brands like Dunkin’ Donuts, the choices are diverse. Furthermore, service-oriented franchises in plumbing and cleaning continue to show steady demand. Comprehending the key factors and steps involved will help you make an informed decision. Key Takeaways Consider low startup cost franchises like Kumon ($2,000) or Ace Hardware ($5,000) for budget-conscious entrepreneurs. High profit potential franchises such as Dunkin’ Donuts and Chick-Fil-A offer lucrative revenue models despite higher initial fees. Popular food franchises like Jersey Mike’s and McDonald’s attract customers due to their established brand recognition and proven business models. Service-oriented franchises in plumbing and cleaning sectors have steady demand, lower failure rates, and strong growth potential. Evaluate franchisee support, training programs, and brand reputation to ensure a successful investment decision. Top Franchises With Low Startup Costs If you’re looking to invest in a franchise without breaking the bank, there are several options with low startup costs that can be appealing to new entrepreneurs. For instance, Kumon offers a franchise fee as low as $2,000, making it a great entry point. Anytime Fitness ranges from $3,150 to $42,500, with manageable monthly fees around $700, whereas Ace Hardware charges only $5,000 and has no royalty fees. These can be excellent choices for those exploring b2b franchise opportunities. If you’re interested in a food franchise under 50k, consider Jersey Mike’s with an initial fee of $18,500. High Profit Potential Franchises When considering franchises with high profit potential, it’s essential to evaluate both the initial investment and the ongoing costs associated with each option. Here’s a breakdown of some franchises that stand out for their profitability: Franchise Initial Franchise Fee Dunkin’ Donuts $40,000 – $90,000 Anytime Fitness $3,150 – $42,500 Supercuts $39,500 Ace Hardware $5,000 (waived for veterans) Dunkin’ Donuts offers high profit margins with low ongoing costs. Anytime Fitness provides low startup costs, making it attractive in the health sector. Supercuts and Ace Hardware likewise present solid opportunities. What are some franchises you might consider? Chick-Fil-A features a unique profit-sharing model that can lead to substantial earnings, further enhancing your investment options. Popular Food and Beverage Franchises As you explore franchise opportunities with high profit potential, popular food and beverage franchises stand out due to their established brand recognition and proven business models. Dunkin’ Donuts offers a franchise fee between $40,000 and $90,000, known for high profit margins and low long-term costs. Chick-Fil-A requires only a $10,000 initial fee, but franchisees share 50% of the pre-tax margin with the corporation, reflecting a unique profit-sharing model. Jersey Mike’s has an initial fee of $18,500, with startup costs ranging from $140,000 to $750,000, indicating profitability potential in the sandwich sector. McDonald’s leads the industry, providing extensive operational support, but demands a significant investment that varies by location, showcasing its strong market presence. Service-Oriented Franchise Opportunities When you consider franchise opportunities, service-oriented businesses are worth a look since they meet crucial household needs. With sectors like plumbing, cleaning, and maintenance experiencing high demand, these franchises can offer steady revenue streams. Plus, many of them come with thorough training and support, making it easier for you to succeed in a competitive market. Essential Household Services In today’s market, investing in fundamental household services can be a smart move for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking stability and growth. The home services sector, which includes plumbing, cleaning, and maintenance, is thriving because of increased homeownership and demand for reliable service providers. Franchises like Mr. Rooter are recognized for their strong growth potential and support systems. Here are some benefits of investing in vital household services: High demand for consistent service offerings Extensive training programs for franchisees Ongoing operational support to manage your business Lower failure rates and higher profitability High Demand Opportunities Service-oriented franchises are becoming increasingly attractive to investors due to their consistent demand and low failure rates. With rising homeownership, services like home maintenance and cleaning are in high demand, making these franchises a solid investment. Critical services such as plumbing and electrical work likewise see steady demand, as consumers prefer professional assistance for household needs. Franchise Type Key Benefits Home Maintenance High demand, recurring revenue Cleaning Services Low overhead, scalable Critical Repairs Vital service, high trust Many of these franchises offer thorough training and ongoing support, equipping you to meet customer needs effectively. The growing trend of consumers prioritizing convenience positions these franchises for long-term success. Retail Franchises Worth Considering When considering retail franchises, you’ll find that established brands often come with strong market demand and proven business models. These franchises benefit from brand recognition, which helps you attract customers more easily. With various investment options available, you can choose a franchise that fits your budget during receiving the support necessary to succeed. Established Brand Recognition Established retail franchises present a compelling opportunity for potential franchisees, as their strong brand recognition often translates into customer loyalty and trust. Investing in a well-known franchise can improve your chances of success in a competitive market. Consider the following benefits: Established Customer Base: Brands like Dunkin’ Donuts attract diverse customers through extensive marketing strategies. Comprehensive Support: Franchises often provide training and ongoing marketing assistance, aiding your success. Proven Business Models: Companies like McDonald’s offer operational support that has been effective over time. Increased Foot Traffic: Familiar brands like Kumon draw more customers, boosting your profitability in high-demand areas. Choosing a franchise with established brand recognition can greatly influence your potential for success. 2. Strong Market Demand Retail franchises are thriving in today’s market, driven by strong consumer demand for reliable products and services. Many retail franchises consistently rank high on the Franchise 500 list, a clear indicator of robust market performance. The home services sector, in particular, is experiencing increased demand because of rising homeownership and a growing reliance on dependable service providers. You’ll find numerous franchise opportunities, especially with established brands that offer thorough training programs and ongoing support. Economic trends and seasonal fluctuations impact consumer spending, making strategic planning crucial for success. Franchises that adapt to shifts in consumer behavior, such as integrating eco-friendly practices and technology, are well-positioned for growth in the changing retail terrain. 3. Proven Business Models During exploring franchise opportunities, you’ll find that many successful retail franchises operate on proven business models that offer franchisees a solid foundation for success. Brands like Dunkin’ Donuts and Jersey Mike’s exemplify this, providing you with established recognition and loyal customers. Here are some key points to evaluate: Initial franchise fees vary, ranging from $18,500 for Jersey Mike’s to $90,000 for Dunkin’ Donuts. High profit margins are common, with Dunkin’ benefiting from low long-term costs owing to manageable royalty fees of 2-6%. Extensive support is often provided, including training, marketing assistance, and operational guidance. The retail sector shows strong performance, driven by consumer demand for convenience, indicating sustainable growth potential. These factors make retail franchises a compelling investment option. Emerging Industry Franchises Emerging industry franchises are quickly becoming a focal point for investors seeking opportunities in sectors that align with modern consumer values. These franchises thrive in health and wellness, technology integration, and eco-friendly services, reflecting current trends. Health-focused franchises like fitness centers are booming owing to rising health consciousness. Meanwhile, tech-driven franchises capitalize on digital transformation, meeting the increasing demand for online services. Eco-friendly franchises attract consumers prioritizing sustainability, offering green products and services. Sector Characteristics Growth Potential Health & Wellness Fitness centers, organic foods High owing to health trends Technology Integration Digital marketing, e-commerce Significant in digital era Eco-Friendly Services Green products and services Rising interest in sustainability The adaptability of these franchises makes them attractive investment opportunities. Established Franchises With Strong Support Systems Franchises with established brands often stand out due to their robust support systems, which play a crucial role in the success of new franchisees. These systems provide the necessary tools and guidance to help you thrive in a competitive marketplace. Extensive training programs guarantee you have the skills needed to operate successfully from day one. Ongoing assistance addresses operational challenges and marketing strategies, keeping you on track. Strong peer networking allows you to connect with other franchise owners for shared insights and experiences. Established brands, like Dunkin’ Donuts and McDonald’s, offer marketing support that leverages brand recognition to attract customers. With these advantages, you can improve your profitability and achieve long-term success in your franchise venture. Franchises With Proven Business Models When you’re considering franchises with proven business models, established brand recognition plays a key role in your potential success. Brands like McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts not only attract loyal customers but additionally provide thorough training programs that prepare you for running your franchise effectively. These elements, combined with a track record of revenue growth and low failure rates, make such franchises a smart choice for new owners looking for stability and support. Established Brand Recognition Established brand recognition plays a crucial role in the success of franchises, as it allows franchisees to tap into a loyal customer base right from the start. When you choose a franchise with an established reputation, you benefit from proven business models that improve operational consistency and minimize risks. Some key advantages include: Higher initial sales potential from brands like McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts. Lower marketing costs owing to existing consumer trust, as seen with Chick-Fil-A. Strong franchisor support, exemplified by franchises like Kumon, which aids in maneuvering challenges. Operational guidance, ensuring you’re equipped to manage your franchise effectively. Comprehensive Training Programs One of the key factors that can set a successful franchise apart is its thorough training program. Extensive training equips you with the operational knowledge and skills needed for effective business management. Many top franchises don’t just stop at initial training; they offer ongoing education and resources to keep you updated with industry best practices and operational improvements. Structured training schedules often encompass critical areas like marketing, customer service, and financial management, which facilitate your success as a franchisee. High levels of franchisee satisfaction frequently correlate with the quality of these programs, as effective training boosts operational efficiency and profitability. Franchises with established training frameworks typically enjoy lower failure rates, making you better prepared to navigate challenges and seize growth opportunities. Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Franchise Buying a franchise involves careful consideration of several key factors that can greatly impact your investment’s success. To make an informed decision, you should evaluate the following: Financial Performance: Assess initial investment costs, ongoing fees, and potential returns to guarantee viability. Franchisee Support: Look for extensive training, ongoing assistance, and marketing resources that improve long-term success. Brand Reputation: Research the franchise’s market presence, as established brands with consumer trust often yield higher sales. Owner Satisfaction: Analyze metrics from franchise surveys; high satisfaction correlates with profitability and indicates a supportive culture. Steps to Get Started With Franchising Starting your expedition into franchising involves a series of strategic steps that lay the groundwork for your future business. First, research various franchises that match your interests and financial capacity, focusing on their support systems and training programs. Next, complete the application process to meet the franchisor’s qualifications, including financial requirements. Explore financing options like SBA loans or franchisor financing to cover your initial investment, which can range from $10,000 to several hundred thousand dollars. Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for vital information about financial performance and operational requirements. Finally, attend the franchisor’s training program to acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills you’ll need to successfully operate your franchise before launching your business. Frequently Asked Questions Which Franchise Is Most Profitable? When evaluating which franchise is most profitable, consider factors like initial investment, ongoing costs, and market demand. Food and beverage franchises, such as Dunkin’ Donuts, typically offer high profit margins but require significant startup fees. Conversely, businesses like Anytime Fitness or Kumon have low initial costs and steady revenue streams. In the end, your choice should align with your interests and financial goals, ensuring you assess each franchise’s potential profitability thoroughly. What Is the Cheapest Most Profitable Franchise to Own? When considering the cheapest and most profitable franchise, Kumon stands out with its low franchise fee of just $2,000 and high profit margins from affordable ongoing fees per student. Anytime Fitness likewise offers a reasonable franchise fee, ranging from $3,150 to $42,500, at the same time providing low monthly expenses. Furthermore, Ace Hardware’s low franchise fee of $5,000 and no royalty fees can yield strong profitability. Evaluating these options can help you identify a suitable investment. What Franchise Can I Buy for $10,000? If you’re looking to invest around $10,000 in a franchise, consider options like Kumon, which has a low franchise fee of $2,000. Ace Hardware likewise appeals, with a $5,000 fee and no ongoing royalties, especially for veterans. Furthermore, many mobile or home-based service franchises operate with startup costs under $10,000. Exploring emerging franchises can reveal even more opportunities that fit your budget and market interests, allowing for a potentially profitable investment. Why Is It Only $10,000 to Open a Chick-Fil-A? Chick-Fil-A’s initial franchise fee is only $10,000 because of its unique business model. This low fee attracts many potential franchisees in spite of the higher operational and real estate investments required, which can range considerably. The company retains a 15% royalty on sales, but extensive training and support help franchisees succeed. Furthermore, Chick-Fil-A emphasizes community involvement and customer service, nurturing strong brand loyalty that can lead to rapid profitability for your franchise. Conclusion In conclusion, exploring franchise opportunities can lead to rewarding business ventures. By considering factors such as startup costs, profit potential, and support systems, you can make informed decisions. Whether you lean in the direction of food and beverage, retail, or service-oriented franchises, each option has unique advantages. Taking the time to research and understand the franchise environment will set you on a path to successful entrepreneurship, ensuring you choose a franchise that aligns with your goals and resources. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Franchises to Buy Right Now" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re considering investing in a franchise, now’s a great time to explore your options. With a variety of franchises available, you can find opportunities that suit different budgets and interests. From low-cost education franchises like Kumon to high-profit food brands like Dunkin’ Donuts, the choices are diverse. Furthermore, service-oriented franchises in plumbing and cleaning continue to show steady demand. Comprehending the key factors and steps involved will help you make an informed decision. Key Takeaways Consider low startup cost franchises like Kumon ($2,000) or Ace Hardware ($5,000) for budget-conscious entrepreneurs. High profit potential franchises such as Dunkin’ Donuts and Chick-Fil-A offer lucrative revenue models despite higher initial fees. Popular food franchises like Jersey Mike’s and McDonald’s attract customers due to their established brand recognition and proven business models. Service-oriented franchises in plumbing and cleaning sectors have steady demand, lower failure rates, and strong growth potential. Evaluate franchisee support, training programs, and brand reputation to ensure a successful investment decision. Top Franchises With Low Startup Costs If you’re looking to invest in a franchise without breaking the bank, there are several options with low startup costs that can be appealing to new entrepreneurs. For instance, Kumon offers a franchise fee as low as $2,000, making it a great entry point. Anytime Fitness ranges from $3,150 to $42,500, with manageable monthly fees around $700, whereas Ace Hardware charges only $5,000 and has no royalty fees. These can be excellent choices for those exploring b2b franchise opportunities. If you’re interested in a food franchise under 50k, consider Jersey Mike’s with an initial fee of $18,500. High Profit Potential Franchises When considering franchises with high profit potential, it’s essential to evaluate both the initial investment and the ongoing costs associated with each option. Here’s a breakdown of some franchises that stand out for their profitability: Franchise Initial Franchise Fee Dunkin’ Donuts $40,000 – $90,000 Anytime Fitness $3,150 – $42,500 Supercuts $39,500 Ace Hardware $5,000 (waived for veterans) Dunkin’ Donuts offers high profit margins with low ongoing costs. Anytime Fitness provides low startup costs, making it attractive in the health sector. Supercuts and Ace Hardware likewise present solid opportunities. What are some franchises you might consider? Chick-Fil-A features a unique profit-sharing model that can lead to substantial earnings, further enhancing your investment options. Popular Food and Beverage Franchises As you explore franchise opportunities with high profit potential, popular food and beverage franchises stand out due to their established brand recognition and proven business models. Dunkin’ Donuts offers a franchise fee between $40,000 and $90,000, known for high profit margins and low long-term costs. Chick-Fil-A requires only a $10,000 initial fee, but franchisees share 50% of the pre-tax margin with the corporation, reflecting a unique profit-sharing model. Jersey Mike’s has an initial fee of $18,500, with startup costs ranging from $140,000 to $750,000, indicating profitability potential in the sandwich sector. McDonald’s leads the industry, providing extensive operational support, but demands a significant investment that varies by location, showcasing its strong market presence. Service-Oriented Franchise Opportunities When you consider franchise opportunities, service-oriented businesses are worth a look since they meet crucial household needs. With sectors like plumbing, cleaning, and maintenance experiencing high demand, these franchises can offer steady revenue streams. Plus, many of them come with thorough training and support, making it easier for you to succeed in a competitive market. Essential Household Services In today’s market, investing in fundamental household services can be a smart move for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking stability and growth. The home services sector, which includes plumbing, cleaning, and maintenance, is thriving because of increased homeownership and demand for reliable service providers. Franchises like Mr. Rooter are recognized for their strong growth potential and support systems. Here are some benefits of investing in vital household services: High demand for consistent service offerings Extensive training programs for franchisees Ongoing operational support to manage your business Lower failure rates and higher profitability High Demand Opportunities Service-oriented franchises are becoming increasingly attractive to investors due to their consistent demand and low failure rates. With rising homeownership, services like home maintenance and cleaning are in high demand, making these franchises a solid investment. Critical services such as plumbing and electrical work likewise see steady demand, as consumers prefer professional assistance for household needs. Franchise Type Key Benefits Home Maintenance High demand, recurring revenue Cleaning Services Low overhead, scalable Critical Repairs Vital service, high trust Many of these franchises offer thorough training and ongoing support, equipping you to meet customer needs effectively. The growing trend of consumers prioritizing convenience positions these franchises for long-term success. Retail Franchises Worth Considering When considering retail franchises, you’ll find that established brands often come with strong market demand and proven business models. These franchises benefit from brand recognition, which helps you attract customers more easily. With various investment options available, you can choose a franchise that fits your budget during receiving the support necessary to succeed. Established Brand Recognition Established retail franchises present a compelling opportunity for potential franchisees, as their strong brand recognition often translates into customer loyalty and trust. Investing in a well-known franchise can improve your chances of success in a competitive market. Consider the following benefits: Established Customer Base: Brands like Dunkin’ Donuts attract diverse customers through extensive marketing strategies. Comprehensive Support: Franchises often provide training and ongoing marketing assistance, aiding your success. Proven Business Models: Companies like McDonald’s offer operational support that has been effective over time. Increased Foot Traffic: Familiar brands like Kumon draw more customers, boosting your profitability in high-demand areas. Choosing a franchise with established brand recognition can greatly influence your potential for success. 2. Strong Market Demand Retail franchises are thriving in today’s market, driven by strong consumer demand for reliable products and services. Many retail franchises consistently rank high on the Franchise 500 list, a clear indicator of robust market performance. The home services sector, in particular, is experiencing increased demand because of rising homeownership and a growing reliance on dependable service providers. You’ll find numerous franchise opportunities, especially with established brands that offer thorough training programs and ongoing support. Economic trends and seasonal fluctuations impact consumer spending, making strategic planning crucial for success. Franchises that adapt to shifts in consumer behavior, such as integrating eco-friendly practices and technology, are well-positioned for growth in the changing retail terrain. 3. Proven Business Models During exploring franchise opportunities, you’ll find that many successful retail franchises operate on proven business models that offer franchisees a solid foundation for success. Brands like Dunkin’ Donuts and Jersey Mike’s exemplify this, providing you with established recognition and loyal customers. Here are some key points to evaluate: Initial franchise fees vary, ranging from $18,500 for Jersey Mike’s to $90,000 for Dunkin’ Donuts. High profit margins are common, with Dunkin’ benefiting from low long-term costs owing to manageable royalty fees of 2-6%. Extensive support is often provided, including training, marketing assistance, and operational guidance. The retail sector shows strong performance, driven by consumer demand for convenience, indicating sustainable growth potential. These factors make retail franchises a compelling investment option. Emerging Industry Franchises Emerging industry franchises are quickly becoming a focal point for investors seeking opportunities in sectors that align with modern consumer values. These franchises thrive in health and wellness, technology integration, and eco-friendly services, reflecting current trends. Health-focused franchises like fitness centers are booming owing to rising health consciousness. Meanwhile, tech-driven franchises capitalize on digital transformation, meeting the increasing demand for online services. Eco-friendly franchises attract consumers prioritizing sustainability, offering green products and services. Sector Characteristics Growth Potential Health & Wellness Fitness centers, organic foods High owing to health trends Technology Integration Digital marketing, e-commerce Significant in digital era Eco-Friendly Services Green products and services Rising interest in sustainability The adaptability of these franchises makes them attractive investment opportunities. Established Franchises With Strong Support Systems Franchises with established brands often stand out due to their robust support systems, which play a crucial role in the success of new franchisees. These systems provide the necessary tools and guidance to help you thrive in a competitive marketplace. Extensive training programs guarantee you have the skills needed to operate successfully from day one. Ongoing assistance addresses operational challenges and marketing strategies, keeping you on track. Strong peer networking allows you to connect with other franchise owners for shared insights and experiences. Established brands, like Dunkin’ Donuts and McDonald’s, offer marketing support that leverages brand recognition to attract customers. With these advantages, you can improve your profitability and achieve long-term success in your franchise venture. Franchises With Proven Business Models When you’re considering franchises with proven business models, established brand recognition plays a key role in your potential success. Brands like McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts not only attract loyal customers but additionally provide thorough training programs that prepare you for running your franchise effectively. These elements, combined with a track record of revenue growth and low failure rates, make such franchises a smart choice for new owners looking for stability and support. Established Brand Recognition Established brand recognition plays a crucial role in the success of franchises, as it allows franchisees to tap into a loyal customer base right from the start. When you choose a franchise with an established reputation, you benefit from proven business models that improve operational consistency and minimize risks. Some key advantages include: Higher initial sales potential from brands like McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts. Lower marketing costs owing to existing consumer trust, as seen with Chick-Fil-A. Strong franchisor support, exemplified by franchises like Kumon, which aids in maneuvering challenges. Operational guidance, ensuring you’re equipped to manage your franchise effectively. Comprehensive Training Programs One of the key factors that can set a successful franchise apart is its thorough training program. Extensive training equips you with the operational knowledge and skills needed for effective business management. Many top franchises don’t just stop at initial training; they offer ongoing education and resources to keep you updated with industry best practices and operational improvements. Structured training schedules often encompass critical areas like marketing, customer service, and financial management, which facilitate your success as a franchisee. High levels of franchisee satisfaction frequently correlate with the quality of these programs, as effective training boosts operational efficiency and profitability. Franchises with established training frameworks typically enjoy lower failure rates, making you better prepared to navigate challenges and seize growth opportunities. Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Franchise Buying a franchise involves careful consideration of several key factors that can greatly impact your investment’s success. To make an informed decision, you should evaluate the following: Financial Performance: Assess initial investment costs, ongoing fees, and potential returns to guarantee viability. Franchisee Support: Look for extensive training, ongoing assistance, and marketing resources that improve long-term success. Brand Reputation: Research the franchise’s market presence, as established brands with consumer trust often yield higher sales. Owner Satisfaction: Analyze metrics from franchise surveys; high satisfaction correlates with profitability and indicates a supportive culture. Steps to Get Started With Franchising Starting your expedition into franchising involves a series of strategic steps that lay the groundwork for your future business. First, research various franchises that match your interests and financial capacity, focusing on their support systems and training programs. Next, complete the application process to meet the franchisor’s qualifications, including financial requirements. Explore financing options like SBA loans or franchisor financing to cover your initial investment, which can range from $10,000 to several hundred thousand dollars. Carefully review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for vital information about financial performance and operational requirements. Finally, attend the franchisor’s training program to acquire the fundamental knowledge and skills you’ll need to successfully operate your franchise before launching your business. Frequently Asked Questions Which Franchise Is Most Profitable? When evaluating which franchise is most profitable, consider factors like initial investment, ongoing costs, and market demand. Food and beverage franchises, such as Dunkin’ Donuts, typically offer high profit margins but require significant startup fees. Conversely, businesses like Anytime Fitness or Kumon have low initial costs and steady revenue streams. In the end, your choice should align with your interests and financial goals, ensuring you assess each franchise’s potential profitability thoroughly. What Is the Cheapest Most Profitable Franchise to Own? When considering the cheapest and most profitable franchise, Kumon stands out with its low franchise fee of just $2,000 and high profit margins from affordable ongoing fees per student. Anytime Fitness likewise offers a reasonable franchise fee, ranging from $3,150 to $42,500, at the same time providing low monthly expenses. Furthermore, Ace Hardware’s low franchise fee of $5,000 and no royalty fees can yield strong profitability. Evaluating these options can help you identify a suitable investment. What Franchise Can I Buy for $10,000? If you’re looking to invest around $10,000 in a franchise, consider options like Kumon, which has a low franchise fee of $2,000. Ace Hardware likewise appeals, with a $5,000 fee and no ongoing royalties, especially for veterans. Furthermore, many mobile or home-based service franchises operate with startup costs under $10,000. Exploring emerging franchises can reveal even more opportunities that fit your budget and market interests, allowing for a potentially profitable investment. Why Is It Only $10,000 to Open a Chick-Fil-A? Chick-Fil-A’s initial franchise fee is only $10,000 because of its unique business model. This low fee attracts many potential franchisees in spite of the higher operational and real estate investments required, which can range considerably. The company retains a 15% royalty on sales, but extensive training and support help franchisees succeed. Furthermore, Chick-Fil-A emphasizes community involvement and customer service, nurturing strong brand loyalty that can lead to rapid profitability for your franchise. Conclusion In conclusion, exploring franchise opportunities can lead to rewarding business ventures. By considering factors such as startup costs, profit potential, and support systems, you can make informed decisions. Whether you lean in the direction of food and beverage, retail, or service-oriented franchises, each option has unique advantages. Taking the time to research and understand the franchise environment will set you on a path to successful entrepreneurship, ensuring you choose a franchise that aligns with your goals and resources. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Franchises to Buy Right Now" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

I've been getting relentless Instagram ads for AI-powered home gyms lately. You've probably seen them, too—sleek wall-mounted screens with impossibly toned instructors, testimonials promising "the future of fitness," and before-and-after transformations that make it all look effortless. The smart home gym equipment market is booming. According to Business Wire, the industry was valued at $3.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $4 billion by 2030. The numbers show plenty of people are investing in fitness technology that offers personalized, convenient, and effective home workouts. Fitness is yet another way to feed the AI beast, transforming boring old equipment into highly sophisticated systems capable of delivering real-time feedback, tracking performance, and adjusting workouts to each user's needs. It all sounds impressive—revolutionary, even. But here's the thing about fitness trends: It takes a lot more than the latest technology to make them stick. After months of watching these ads follow me around the internet, I got curious enough to actually dig into what these things are and whether they're worth the hype, and if the math really adds up for most people. Fitness trends rarely have staying powerWhatever your fitness goal is, the way to get it done is going to be time-tested and probably not too glamorous. Look at Tae Bo, Zumba, shake weights, even the world of Crossfit—most fitness fads don't have staying power once the novelty wears off. Sure, exercise science evolves, but not nearly as fast as whatever trendy gadget cycles through the cultural zeitgeist. In this way, we see “fitness” get reduced to a consumer product—something to be purchased, used briefly, and then tossed aside when something shinier comes along. In 2025, spin classes are out, while Pilates and strength training are in, and that Bowflex is probably collecting dust in your mom’s basement. In fact, in 2024 both Bowflex and American Home Fitness, two companies that bet big on the home fitness boom, filed for bankruptcy. In more recent history, Peloton once seemed unstoppable. Now, Peloton's revenue declined 2.8% in 2024 to $2.71 billion, marking its third consecutive year of declining revenue. What was once a cultural phenomenon now struggles to retain members and justify its premium pricing. For something to stick in fitness, three questions matter: Is it affordable? Does it work? Will you personally keep coming back to it? AI home gyms might work, and you might keep coming back, but that first question is where things get complicated. What exactly is an AI home gym?AI home gyms are digital fitness systems that combine hardware with software to create a personalized workout experience at home. The most well-known is probably Tonal, but there's also Tempo, Speediance, Amp, and others. Here's how they typically work: Tonal, for instance, is a wall-mounted unit about the size of a large TV that uses electromagnetic resistance instead of traditional weights. You pull cables attached to adjustable arms, and the system can provide up to 200 pounds of resistance digitally. Built-in cameras and sensors track your movements, and the AI adjusts the weight in real-time based on your form and performance. A screen displays instructors leading classes, tracks your reps and sets, and the system learns your strength patterns over time to suggest when you should increase weight or modify exercises. Other systems work differently—Tempo uses free weights with 3D sensors that watch your form, while some use smart cables or connected dumbbells—but the core promise is the same: sophisticated technology that monitors your workout, corrects your form, tracks your progress, and adapts to your fitness level, all from your living room. The benefits of an AI-powered home gymSmart home gyms do offer legitimate benefits, including compact convenience, personalization, time savings, structured workouts, and potentially better injury prevention through form monitoring. And for many, devices like Tonal, Amp, and others are here to stay. “As a professional home gym equipment tester,” says Jose Guevara of ShreddedDad, “I've seen more of these continue to pop up not only in full training stations, but also in specific equipment, like cable machines, dumbbells, and sometimes a combination of both. They'll never have the longevity of weight plates or barbells, but there is an audience for them." According to Guevera, these systems appeal to "those people who need guidance and want a done-for-you system where they can choose on-demand workouts where they can just follow along and not have to think about what to do for their workout.” There is an audience for these products, just as there's an audience for Peloton bikes and high-end boutique fitness studios. But to me, the relevant question isn't whether they work for some people—it's whether they're the revolutionary solution to home fitness they're marketed as, or just another expensive piece of equipment that most people will use enthusiastically for a few months before the novelty wears off. Still, another Tonal user told me that comparing these AI systems to a Bowflex machine from the 1990s is like comparing a surgical robot to using a rusty scalpel. But this analogy assumes your body is a machine where the logic of “endless innovation” holds up. A smart gym isn’t exactly a medical solution. It's an accessory, a luxury good that depends on who can afford it. I don’t think the problem with working out at home has never been that we lacked sophisticated enough technology. The problem is that working out is hard, consistency is harder, and no amount of AI can fundamentally change that human reality. There are some things you just can’t hack. Running the numbers on an AI home gymThere are hefty upfront costs for these products. Take Tonal, one of the leading AI home gym systems. It's around $4,300 for the unit itself, $295+ for mandatory professional installation, plus bundled smart accessories. Then comes the recurring monthly membership fee of around $60 for full access to classes and features. All told, you're looking at roughly $5,300 in the first year, followed by $720 annually for the subscription. Compare that to traditional gym memberships. According to a 2023 report, the average monthly cost of a gym membership is $58, which works out to about $696 per year. Budget options like Planet Fitness run as low as $15 to $23 per month, or $180 to $276 annually. Even mid-tier gyms like LA Fitness typically cost $40 to 56 per month. So, to break even on a Tonal, compared to a mid-range gym membership at $50/month: Year 1: Tonal costs $5,300. A gym membership costs $600. You're already $4,700 in the hole. Year 2: You pay $720 for Tonal's subscription. The gym still costs $600. You're now $4,820 behind. Year 3: Another $720 vs. $600. Now you're $4,940 in deficit. By Year 5: You've spent $8,180 on Tonal versus $3,000 at a gym. It would take roughly eight years of consistent use before Tonal becomes cost-competitive with a traditional gym membership. Eight years. That's assuming the hardware doesn't malfunction, the company doesn't go under (remember, Bowflex and Peloton couldn't sustain their models), and you actually use it consistently for nearly a decade. And the subscription costs are real. Unlike traditional weights that work whether or not you're paying a monthly fee, many digital fitness products require a subscription as long as you want to access workouts. "I've seen some of these companies also go out of business," Guevara says, "so if that happens, you're stuck with a product that doesn't function if their software is not kept up with." We've watched other companies’ subscription traps effectively brick your hardware. Now, proponents will argue that you save on commute time and costs. Fair enough. But for the Tonal investment to be "worth it" financially, you'd need to use it at least three to four times per week for those eight years straight. If you weren’t driving to a gym you pay $50/month for, are you sure you’ll consistently use your smart gym for years and years once the novelty wears off? There’s another unspoken cost to at-home convenience, akin to people who struggle with WFH setups: the absence of gym culture. Don’t underestimate the power of casual human interaction, personal trainers who can physically adjust your form, accountability from workout buddies, the ritual of leaving your house to exercise, or maybe even the silent camaraderie of shared suffering. If you’re like me, that separation between home and workout space is a major psychological boost. The bottom lineThe best exercise is the one you'll actually keep doing. If you run the numbers and a Tonal makes sense for your budget and workout habits, great. Personally, as AI creeps into every other corner of my life, I find a lot of comfort in my workouts as a rare screen-free activity. My gripe with AI home gyms is when they’re marketed as must-have solutions, instead of what they are: luxury goods, something available only to those with disposable income and spare square footage. On a grand scale, given their current costs, AI home gyms look like a passing trend to me. And two years from now, when the next fitness innovation promises to finally solve at-home workouts, I bet someone will write this same article all over again. View the full article

As many families are preparing to gather for the holidays, influenza (flu) cases are spiking across the country. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), positive test results have reached the highest levels seen so far this season. ​The most frequently reported influenza virus this season is the influenza A H3N2 virus. Last week, Fast Company reported on a new mutated strain of influenza A H3N2, known as the subclade K flu variant, which emerged after multiple mutations. Here’s what you need to know. Recent data shows positive cases are spiking According to CDC data for the week ending December 13, 14.8% of samples tested positive for influenza. This is the highest level of positive cases so far this season. A total of 927 influenza viruses were reported by public health laboratories. Of those, 911 were influenza A and 16 were influenza B. Of the 706 influenza A viruses that were subtyped, 89.9% were influenza A H3N2. For the week ending December 13, states with the highest flu activity include: Colorado Louisiana New Jersey New York Rhode Island Tracking data from the New York State Department of Health shows cases at their highest for the season, with over 5,300 hospitalizations so far. In New York City, flu cases have spiked significantly. Holiday season means data will lag this week Unfortunately, the CDC won’t provide further updates on the spread of the virus until the very end of the year. Data reporting will be delayed due to the Christmas holiday. According to the CDC, data for the week ending December 20 will be posted on December 30. What are symptoms of the flu? Typical symptoms of the flu vary from mild to severe. The CDC says these are the main symptoms to watch out for: fever or feeling feverish/chills cough sore throat runny or stuffy nose muscle or body aches headaches fatigue (tiredness) possible vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults) The agency notes that not everyone with the flu gets a fever. Total flu illnesses reach 4.6 million nationwide ​So far this season, the CDC estimates that at least 4.6 million flu illnesses have occurred. The agency estimates that there have been 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths from the flu. If you’re feeling sick this holiday season, you should limit contact with others. ​The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older who has not yet been vaccinated this season receive an annual influenza vaccine. Approximately 130 million doses of the influenza vaccine have been distributed in the U.S. this season. View the full article

SoftBank Group is racing to close a $22.5 billion funding commitment to OpenAI by year-end through an array of cash-raising schemes, including a sale of some investments, and could tap its undrawn margin loans borrowed against its valuable ownership in chip firm Arm Holdings, sources said. The “all-in” bet on OpenAI is among the biggest yet by SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, as the Japanese billionaire seeks to improve his firm’s position in the race for artificial intelligence. To come up with the money, Son has already sold SoftBank’s entire $5.8 billion stake in AI chip leader Nvidia, offloaded $4.8 billion of its T-Mobile US stake, and slashed staff. Son has slowed most other dealmaking at SoftBank’s Vision Fund to a crawl, and any deal above $50 million now requires his explicit approval, two of the sources told Reuters. Son’s firm is working to take public its payments app operator, PayPay. The initial public offering, originally expected this month, was pushed back due to the 43-day-long U.S. government shutdown, which ended in November. PayPay’s market debut, likely to raise more than $20 billion, is now expected in the first quarter of next year, according to one direct source and another person familiar with the efforts. The Japanese conglomerate is also looking to cash out some of its holdings in Didi Global, the operator of China’s dominant ride-hailing platform, which is looking to list its shares in Hong Kong after a regulatory crackdown forced it to delist in the U.S. in 2021, a source with direct knowledge said. Investment managers at SoftBank’s Vision Fund are being directed toward the OpenAI deal, two of the above sources said. SoftBank’s scramble to marshal funds offers a window into the strain faced even by the world’s biggest dealmakers as they scramble to finance ambitious AI data center projects worth hundreds of billions of dollars. SoftBank declined to comment. SOFTBANK HAS OPTIONS OpenAI has not yet received the remaining funding, but expects the money to come in by the end of 2025, as stipulated in the contract, sources said. SoftBank has multiple sources of capital it could tap, including margin loans, cash on its balance sheet, stakes in listed companies, and corporate bonds or bridge loans, sources said. Son has strong reasons to draw on a range of funding mechanisms to fulfill those obligations. SoftBank secured a deal to invest in OpenAI at a $300 billion valuation in April. Since then, the valuation of OpenAI has risen dramatically and the company is in talks to raise additional funding from investors, including Amazon, tripling its valuation to close to $900 billion, one of the sources added, which would give SoftBank a significant paper gain once the transaction is completed. A major pool of capital for SoftBank is its undrawn capacity of margin loans borrowed against its ownership of British semiconductor and software design company Arm Holdings. SoftBank recently expanded its margin loan capacity by $6.5 billion, bringing the total undrawn capacity to $11.5 billion. Arm’s stock has since tripled from its IPO price, providing SoftBank with additional collateral headroom to expand its borrowing capacity. SoftBank reported parent-level cash of 4.2 trillion yen ($27.16 billion) as of September 30. The group still owns about 4% of T-Mobile US, remaining the wireless carrier’s second-largest shareholder, a stake worth roughly $11 billion at the end of September, according to LSEG data. Despite investing at a less active pace, it has continued to back AI startups such as Sierra and Skild AI. OPENAI NEEDS THE MONEY Both OpenAI and SoftBank are investors in Stargate, a $500 billion initiative to build AI data centers for training and inference that executives say is crucial to the U.S. government’s ambitions to keep ahead of China in AI. The rush to build data centers has also prompted tech giants including Meta Platforms to commit unprecedented sums to these buildouts – which need chips, power, cooling, and servers – and they have brought in deep-pocketed partners to spread the risk. Their hefty capital outlays have sparked concerns about what happens if the investments fail to bring commensurate returns, raising the specter of an “AI bubble” bursting. SoftBank promised in April to invest up to $30 billion in OpenAI – $10 billion of which the startup would receive the same month. The rest of the payment was contingent on the AI startup transitioning to a for-profit corporation by the end of the year, an ambitious feat that OpenAI achieved in October. The new funding is crucial for covering OpenAI’s rising costs to train and run its AI models as competition from Alphabet’s Google ratchets up. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told employees recently that the company is now entering a “code red” phase to improve ChatGPT — delaying other product rollouts to fend off the momentum behind Google’s Gemini. In October, Altman said OpenAI aimed to build 30 gigawatts of computing capacity for $1.4 trillion. He said he ultimately wants OpenAI to add 1 gigawatt of compute every week – an enormous target given that each gigawatt currently comes with a capital cost of more than $40 billion. (Reporting by Echo Wang in New York, Krystal Hu and Deepa Seetharaman in San Francisco and Miho Uranaka in Tokyo; Editing by Sayantani Ghosh and Matthew Lewis) —Echo Wang, Miho Uranaka and Krystal Hu, Reuters View the full article

Shares in Ørsted, the world’s largest offshore wind developer, fell by more than 14% after announcementView the full article

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to redefine the business landscape, small business owners may wonder how they can effectively harness its power to drive growth. A recent checklist released by a leading Chief Information Officer (CIO) outlines five critical steps that can help businesses maximize their return on investment (ROI) from AI technologies. The checklist provides a roadmap for small business owners who may feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of AI advancements. It emphasizes that a structured approach can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and productivity, ultimately translating to a better bottom line. Key takeaways from the CIO’s checklist include the importance of aligning AI initiatives with business goals, assessing current capabilities, educating the team, measuring success, and continuously refining processes. Each of these steps contributes to fostering a more strategic adoption of AI in business operations. Aligning AI initiatives with overarching business goals is the first step. This alignment ensures that any AI tool implemented serves a clear purpose and addresses specific challenges within the organization. Small business owners can ask themselves: “What do we hope to achieve with AI?” This question sets the stage for meaningful integration. Next, assessing current capabilities is crucial. Understanding existing resources, technical skills, and infrastructure allows business owners to identify gaps and opportunities. Acknowledging these areas helps businesses determine what kind of AI solution they need and whether it’s feasible to develop in-house or source externally. Education plays a vital role as well. The checklist emphasizes the need to invest in training for team members on how to effectively leverage AI tools. This not only enhances team capability but also fosters a culture of innovation. For small businesses with limited resources, free or low-cost training options are often available online and can equip teams with necessary skills. Measurement of success is another key focus. Establishing clear KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) allows businesses to evaluate the performance of their AI initiatives. Gathering and analyzing data related to these KPIs can reveal whether AI is driving the anticipated benefits and where adjustments might be necessary. Finally, continuous refinement suggests that adopting AI is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. Small business owners should be prepared to iterate their strategies based on real-world results. Regular reviews and adjustments can lead to improved efficiency and ensure that AI tools are being used to their fullest potential, thereby maximizing ROI. However, while these strategies present clear benefits, small business owners should also be aware of potential challenges. For instance, understanding AI technology and its best applications may require more financial investment up front, which can be a barrier for smaller companies. Additionally, the risk of failing to implement AI correctly may lead to wasted resources or missed opportunities. Moreover, as AI systems become more widespread, business owners must remain cognizant of data privacy and ethical considerations. Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations is paramount, as is understanding the implications of using AI in customer interactions. This checklist not only provides a practical framework for small businesses to engage with AI but also highlights that pursuing innovation requires careful planning and consideration. For owners ready to adopt AI or improve upon existing strategies, the checklist serves as a vital tool. “By following a structured approach, business owners can demystify AI and harness its potential to drive their businesses forward,” said the CIO, underscoring the value of the checklist. For further details and insights, business owners can refer to the original article at CIO. Embracing this transformative technology may lead to significant enhancements in small business operations, making it an essential area to explore in today’s competitive landscape. Image via Google Gemini This article, "CIOA Unveils 5-Key Checklist for Maximizing AI Returns" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to redefine the business landscape, small business owners may wonder how they can effectively harness its power to drive growth. A recent checklist released by a leading Chief Information Officer (CIO) outlines five critical steps that can help businesses maximize their return on investment (ROI) from AI technologies. The checklist provides a roadmap for small business owners who may feel overwhelmed by the rapid pace of AI advancements. It emphasizes that a structured approach can lead to significant improvements in efficiency and productivity, ultimately translating to a better bottom line. Key takeaways from the CIO’s checklist include the importance of aligning AI initiatives with business goals, assessing current capabilities, educating the team, measuring success, and continuously refining processes. Each of these steps contributes to fostering a more strategic adoption of AI in business operations. Aligning AI initiatives with overarching business goals is the first step. This alignment ensures that any AI tool implemented serves a clear purpose and addresses specific challenges within the organization. Small business owners can ask themselves: “What do we hope to achieve with AI?” This question sets the stage for meaningful integration. Next, assessing current capabilities is crucial. Understanding existing resources, technical skills, and infrastructure allows business owners to identify gaps and opportunities. Acknowledging these areas helps businesses determine what kind of AI solution they need and whether it’s feasible to develop in-house or source externally. Education plays a vital role as well. The checklist emphasizes the need to invest in training for team members on how to effectively leverage AI tools. This not only enhances team capability but also fosters a culture of innovation. For small businesses with limited resources, free or low-cost training options are often available online and can equip teams with necessary skills. Measurement of success is another key focus. Establishing clear KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) allows businesses to evaluate the performance of their AI initiatives. Gathering and analyzing data related to these KPIs can reveal whether AI is driving the anticipated benefits and where adjustments might be necessary. Finally, continuous refinement suggests that adopting AI is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. Small business owners should be prepared to iterate their strategies based on real-world results. Regular reviews and adjustments can lead to improved efficiency and ensure that AI tools are being used to their fullest potential, thereby maximizing ROI. However, while these strategies present clear benefits, small business owners should also be aware of potential challenges. For instance, understanding AI technology and its best applications may require more financial investment up front, which can be a barrier for smaller companies. Additionally, the risk of failing to implement AI correctly may lead to wasted resources or missed opportunities. Moreover, as AI systems become more widespread, business owners must remain cognizant of data privacy and ethical considerations. Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations is paramount, as is understanding the implications of using AI in customer interactions. This checklist not only provides a practical framework for small businesses to engage with AI but also highlights that pursuing innovation requires careful planning and consideration. For owners ready to adopt AI or improve upon existing strategies, the checklist serves as a vital tool. “By following a structured approach, business owners can demystify AI and harness its potential to drive their businesses forward,” said the CIO, underscoring the value of the checklist. For further details and insights, business owners can refer to the original article at CIO. Embracing this transformative technology may lead to significant enhancements in small business operations, making it an essential area to explore in today’s competitive landscape. Image via Google Gemini This article, "CIOA Unveils 5-Key Checklist for Maximizing AI Returns" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Google appears to be rolling out the Performance Max Channel Performance report at the MCC level, giving agencies and large advertisers a long-awaited view of channel-level performance across multiple accounts. What’s new: The Channel Performance report, previously limited to individual accounts, is now surfacing in some manager (MCC) accounts. Google had previously confirmed the feature was coming, but this marks one of the first confirmed sightings in live environments. Why we care. MCC-level visibility allows agencies to analyze how Performance Max allocates spend and drives results across channels—Search, Display, YouTube, Discover, Gmail, and Shopping—without logging into each account individually. That’s a major efficiency gain for teams managing large portfolios. What to watch. When and how quickly the feature becomes available across all MCCs, and whether Google expands the report with deeper metrics or export options. First seen. This update was first picked up by head of Ecommerce Insights at Smarter Ecommerce, Mike Ryan, who very recently published a guide on How to use Google’s Channel Performance reports. Bottom line. MCC-level Channel Performance reporting signals another step toward making Performance Max less of a black box—especially for agencies that need cross-account insight at scale. View the full article

Charitable gift financing has been IRS-validated for decades, yet many still avoid it. The Concierge CPA With Jackie Meyer For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Jackie Meyer. View the full article

Charitable gift financing has been IRS-validated for decades, yet many still avoid it. The Concierge CPA With Jackie Meyer For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Jackie Meyer. View the full article

Scammers frequently target shoppers who are looking for a good deal or a rare find (or both). As holiday sale season winds down, the Better Business Bureau is warning buyers about a scheme in which fraudsters charge you for "out of stock" goods and fail to refund your money. The out-of-stock purchase scam is simple: After you buy a product online, scammers send you a notification that said item is no longer available, cancel your order, and tell you that you'll get your money back. Obviously, the refund never arrives, and no one ever responds to further inquiries. As the BBB points out, in most cases, the item you thought you bought probably never existed in the first place—rather, scammers are selling fake stock, charging customers, and vanishing in hopes you won't notice that you didn't receive your refund. Some consumers who submitted reports to the BBB Scam Tracker said that they did receive products, but items were of poor quality or not what they ordered, and no refund was ever issued. Spot out-of-stock purchase scamsThese fake purchase schemes may have the usual red flags, like prices that are too good to be true, especially those promoted on social media. Personalized items are ripe for scams, as are hard-to-find products or collectibles. If you find an amazing deal from a company or seller you don't recognize, search the name with "scam" and read reviews on Google and Reddit to identify patterns of suspicious activity (or poor-quality products). You should also be wary of websites that aren't secure—those that don't start with HTTPS or have a lock icon in the browser bar—as these are more vulnerable to hackers looking to intercept credit card info and other personal data. Legitimate vendors collect payment securely. Shop with a credit cardShopping scams are a good reason to use a credit card for online purchases, as they offer protection against fraudulent charges. If you don't receive a refund from a seller, you can file a chargeback—while this isn't as simple or swift a process, it is likely you'll get your money eventually. Always keep receipts, order confirmations, and any communication with sellers in case you need to make a claim for a scam purchase. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. We had big Google search ranking volatility over the weekend, likely from the end of the December core update...View the full article

This year delivered whiplash: geopolitics, tariffs, and technology all shifting at once. And heading into 2026, the disruption isn’t easing up. Bob Safian distills hard-won lessons from his Rapid Response podcast this year on how to lead when the ground won’t stop moving—featuring standout moments from Airbnb’s Brian Chesky, Runway’s Cristóbal Valenzuela, Meta’s Clara Shih, LinkedIn’s Aneesh Raman, Planned Parenthood’s Alexis McGill Johnson, and the NWSL’s Jessica Berman, with practical takeaways for turning uncertainty into advantage. This is an abridged transcript of an interview from Rapid Response, hosted by the former editor-in-chief of Fast Company Bob Safian. From the team behind the Masters of Scalepodcast, Rapid Response features candid conversations with today’s top business leaders navigating real-time challenges. Subscribe to Rapid Response wherever you get your podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode. Lesson number one: As tech moves fast, we need to move even faster Among the most challenging aspects for leaders is the speed of change and how it requires us to reset our expectations and practices. Here’s the CEO of AI video company Runway, Cris Valenzuela, talking with me about planning in the eye of the AI storm. How far out do you think of your product roadmap? Or is that something you’re reassessing all the time? Cris Valenzuela: Yeah, it’s a weekly thing, to be honest. If you’re planning on a quarterly basis, you’re not going to make it. You’re done. In four weeks, you’re going to get leapfrogged and things will change. We’ve historically taken this open-ended research approach. Instead of defining very specific goals you want to accomplish, you define the boundaries on which you want the team to play and experiment. And then setting the boundaries and the limits is kind of the hard thing because if it’s too open, then there’s nothing really directionally happening. If it’s too broad, then it’s just an objective that’s very clear. If it’s broad enough and has enough of the right incentives, then people are going to stumble on things that are new, that you’ve never thought of before, that have a great value. And those are the things that we care the most. Valenzuela’s approach is so different from traditional leadership, leaning into experimentation rather than specific goals, and reframing plans on a weekly basis. It’s an approach that could make a lot of people uneasy. I talked about this with Clara Shih, who’s led AI business at Salesforce and at Meta. She offered practical insights about navigating what’s hype and what’s imperative. Here’s me and Shih. How do leaders strike the balance between I got to be in this, versus it’s not really showing any measurable impact now yet? Clara Shih: I see this all the time from various leaders that I meet with. I think it’s first being hands-on and really getting in there and understanding the capabilities because I think with that judgment, with that firsthand experience, only then can leaders really know, “Okay, I want to apply it here, but not here.” Another really great success formula is splitting up the team, right? Having people focus on immediate use cases, what can I unlock today that will show me ROI this quarter, next quarter, versus what are the bigger bets where just I see the secular trend and we have to skate to where the puck is going. But just know that it’s going to take longer and more experiments to asymptotically hopefully get to the right answer. And then just having space and time to live in both time horizons simultaneously. What’s the day-to-day? What’s the quarter? How could I be completely screwed in six months or 12 months if I don’t have this tiger team that’s incubating experiments at startup speed? Lesson two: In an AI world, human connection is a competitive advantage AI technology is so powerful. But there’s an equally strong thread about emphasizing the human factor within enterprises, that that will truly differentiate the winners. Here’s Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb. Brian Chesky: The term AI, the important term is artificial. We’re going to live in a world where it’s not clear that what you’re seeing is real. And the opposite of artificial is real. The opposite of screen is the real world. People want real connections in the real world. Why are people feeling so lonely right now? Because they were connecting with people they don’t know, arguing with people on the internet and your Instagram followers aren’t coming to your funeral. No one changed someone else’s mind in YouTube comment section. And now pretty soon we’re going to have a situation where your friends are going to be AIs. So there has to be this movement to real. Chesky’s business at Airbnb, of course, relies on in-person interaction through home stays and experiences, but that doesn’t diminish the leadership implications of what he’s saying. The challenges and opportunities of this age come down to human choices. The choices we make about how we interact with each other defines leaders and organizations, especially because AI is changing how we’re interacting. Here’s LinkedIn’s Chief Economic Opportunity Officer, Aneesh Raman, talking about what he calls the five Cs, the core human skills for this era. Aneesh Raman: What you’ve got is sort of what I call the five Cs, this list I’ve developed with neuroscientists, courage, compassion, creativity, curiosity, and communication. Those are kind of the core skills I think that make us humans. Remember, our species until about 40,000 years ago wasn’t the only sapiens around. And we were never the biggest, we were never the fastest. What allowed us to emerge as the apex species on this planet is that we were able to adapt in really important ways by those five Cs in how we both told really complex stories through language and then how we organized to increase scale around things like nation states. So that’s going to come to the center of it all for us and we’ve got to shore those skills up. Lesson three: The most important decisions are simple and brave When uncertainty is high, clarity of mission matters more than ever. For some, new pressure served as a valuable reminder of what was most important. Here’s an exchange I had with Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood, who’s been in the crosshairs of the The President administration all year. Alexis McGill Johnson: I feel concern that a number of really critical institutions in our society are feeling a financial pressure to, I think in many ways, go against their core values. Your values are … That’s your integrity. That’s who you are. So I cannot actually stand here and say, “We’re going to walk away from the very communities that we have committed ourselves to providing care for.” It sounds like you wish maybe that there was a little more bravery from some other leaders whose, I don’t know, whose missions may not be as clearly values-based all the time. Two things come to mind here. One is watching people obey in advance, comply in advance before the actual directives come, which I think sends a signal that people are willing to kind of stand down. But I think we’re also missing the collective action here, that there is a logic of collective action that means that when we actually stay kind of arms linked and say, “You know what? We are going to stand with the rule of law and what we believe the Constitution says here.” I think it really is about linking arms and understanding that that is really the kind of strongest attack back in some ways to the kinds of things that we are facing. When it comes to decision making, I often think of a framework Brian Chesky has talked about, focusing on what he calls principle decisions versus business decisions, choices that you’ll be proud of even if things don’t go your way. It seems pretty simple, but then the most important decisions often are if boiled down to their essence. Jessica Berman, commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League, keeps a pile of children’s books on the coffee table in her office to remind her team to ground themselves in the basics. Here’s Berman. Jessica Berman: Every single leadership lesson you need in life, you learned when you were five… It’s such a great analog for people to humanize and boil down sometimes hard to talk about or complex concepts that are really interpersonal. Is there a book that right now, a children’s book that you find yourself going to more? I have one. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Guess what? You can’t go around it. You can’t go over it. You can’t go under it. You just have to go through it. And that is the story of challenges in life, and so we cite that in our office almost every single day. View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. According to our analysis of the Zillow Home Value Index, U.S. home prices are up +0.2% year-over-year between November 2024 and November 2025. While that pace has decelerated over the past year—back in November 2024, the national year-over-year home price growth rate was +2.3% —it has ticked up slightly from the recent low of -0.01% in August 2025. In the first half of 2025, the number of major metro area housing markets seeing year-over-year declines climbed. That count has since stopped ticking up. 31 of the nation’s 300 largest housing markets (i.e., 10% of markets) had a falling year-over-year reading in the January 2024 to January 2025 window. 42 of the nation’s 300 largest housing markets (i.e., 14% of markets) had a falling year-over-year reading in the February 2024 to February 2025 window. 60 of the nation’s 300 largest housing markets (i.e., 20% of markets) had a falling year-over-year reading in the March 2024 to March 2025 window. 80 of the nation’s 300 largest housing markets (i.e., 27% of markets) had a falling year-over-year reading in the April 2024 to April 2025 window. 96 of the nation’s 300 largest housing markets (i.e., 32% of markets) had a falling year-over-year reading in the May 2024 to May 2025 window. 110 of the nation’s 300 largest housing markets (i.e., 36% of markets) had a falling year-over-year reading in the June 2024 to June 2025 window. 105 of the nation’s 300 largest housing markets (i.e., 36% of markets) had a falling year-over-year reading in the July 2024 to July 2025 window. 109 of the nation’s 300 largest housing markets (i.e., 35% of markets) had a falling year-over-year reading in the August 2024 to August 2025 window. 105 of the nation’s 300 largest housing markets (i.e., 35% of markets) had a falling year-over-year reading in the September 2024 to September 2025 window. 105 of the nation’s 300 largest housing markets (i.e., 35% of markets) had a falling year-over-year reading in the October 2024 to October 2025 window. 98 of the nation’s 300 largest housing markets (i.e., 33% of markets) had a falling year-over-year reading in the November 2024 to November 2025 window. Earlier this year, an increasing number of housing markets slipped into year-over-year price declines as the supply-demand balance gradually tilted more toward buyers. But in recent months, the list of declining markets has begun to stabilize as inventory growth has decelerated. Home prices are still climbing in many regions where active inventory remains well below pre-pandemic 2019 levels, such as pockets of the Northeast and Midwest. In contrast, some pockets in states like Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Colorado—where active inventory exceeds pre-pandemic 2019 levels—are seeing modest home price pullbacks. Many of the housing markets seeing the most softness, where homebuyers have gained the most leverage, are primarily located in Sun Belt regions, particularly the Gulf Coast and Mountain West. Many of these areas saw major price surges during the Pandemic Housing Boom, with home price growth outpacing local income levels. As pandemic-driven domestic migration slowed and mortgage rates rose in 2022, markets like Tampa and Austin faced challenges, relying on local income levels to support frothy home prices. That Sun Belt softening was further compounded by an abundance of new home supply in the Sun Belt. Builders are often willing to lower prices or offer affordability incentives to maintain sales, which also has a cooling effect on the resale market. As a result, some buyers who might have previously opted for existing homes are instead choosing new construction with more attractive deals—adding further upward pressure to resale inventory growth over the past few years. Of course, while 98 of the nation’s 300 largest metro area housing markets are seeing year-over-year home price declines, another 202 are still seeing year-over-year home price increases. Where are home prices still up on a year-over-year basis? See the map below. View the full article