OUR LATEST INSIGHTS

Up to date, high-level business information that is relevant to our clients and contacts, helping keep up to date on the ver-changing business world of today.

Ian Nairn / October 21, 2025

Keep an eye on your ELDs as device approvals are subject to continuous change

If your business operates a fleet that is subject to electronic logging device (ELD) usage, it’s important to keep an eye on regulatory updates and changes that may impact the solutions you’re using. To ensure you remain compliant with federal law, staying on top of all changes, or working with a third-party expert who can keep track for you, is key.

Changes to approved devices are frequent.

In September, 2025 alone, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) removed four ELDs from its list of approved devices. Fleets were given a tight window of sixty days, during which time they were instructed to “discontinue using the revoked ELD and revert to paper logs or logging software to record required hours of service data,” and “replace the revoked ELD with a compliant ELD from the Registered Devices list.”

Sixty days may seem like a big window, but for large fleets and when approaching a busy season for many operations, this is a huge change that needs to be made quickly. Changing devices, contacting your provider, educating drivers, and potentially sorting through paper logs – these are all time-consuming feats. And that’s if you’re made aware of the device revocation right away. If you miss the memo, you might be racing to implement the necessary changes in time.

Why do devices get revoked?

The FMCSA doesn’t revoke devices to make life difficult for fleets. In September, the four devices removed – Robinhood ELD, TT ELD PT30, ELOG42 and RENAISSANCE ELD – were done so because they failed to meet technical requirements. They’re not the only devices to face this penalty. Eight other ELDs have also been revoked in 2025. The technical requirements are extensive but readily available, and all the device developers will have the opportunity to revise their ELDs to meet standards. However, that could be a time-consuming fix, and in the meantime, fleets must switch ELDs – and potentially service providers – to remain compliant.

In conclusion…

As a fleet manager, you have to be on top of current ELD regulations. Revoked devices can have a real consequence for your operations, and there may be less time than you’d like to make any changes. Working with an expert on current regulations can save a lot of headaches and buy you time when facing this sort of challenge.

Ian Nairn / October 20, 2025

Featured on “The Garlic Marketing Show” Podcast

Schooley Mitchell’s Robyn Bowles was recently featured on Ian Garlic’s podcast – The Garlic Marketing Show. Robyn and Ian sit down as she pulls back the curtain on the hidden expenses draining your profits. She also shares how to reclaim them risk-free. Robyn reveals how she helps companies uncover hidden savings in shipping, credit card processing, telecom, and more, often slashing costs by 26–30%.

From busting the “best price” myth to showing why loyalty to a vendor can cost you, Robyn shares real client stories (including shipping cost reduction and credit card processing savings) and explains her zero-risk approach to cost optimization.

Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or marketing professional looking to free up budget, this conversation will change how you think about expenses. It will also show you how to keep more of your hard-earned revenue starting today.

Ian Nairn / October 20, 2025

Featured on “Unveiling Journeys” Podcast

Schooley Mitchell’s Robyn Bowles was recently featured on Tiffany Alexander’s podcast – Unveiling Journeys. Tiffany and Robyn discuss how she helps companies find money they didn’t even know they were losing—without sacrificing people or culture. Key points include:
• Why traditional corporate loyalty is broken
• What it really takes to walk away from a 25-year career
• The truth about business expenses most leaders overlook
• How cost-saving strategies can protect jobs and fuel growth
• Why community and purpose matter more than ever

Ian Nairn / October 20, 2025

Featured on “The Revenue Game” Podcast

Schooley Mitchell’s Robyn Bowles was recently featured on Rick McPartlin’s podcast – The Revenue Game. Many businesses try to DIY their way to success, but as Robyn explains, that approach often leads to wasted money, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities. From overpaying for services to duplicate expenses and ineffective strategies, this episode is packed with real-world insights on how to stop leaking revenue and start scaling smart.

Ian Nairn / October 20, 2025

Featured on “Pathways to Profitability” Podcast

Schooley Mitchell’s Robyn Bowles was recently featured on Cheryl Mucha’s podcast – Pathways to Profitability. Cheryl and Robyn discuss the benefits and advantages of Schooley Mitchell’s services and how she got into the franchise.

Ian Nairn / October 20, 2025

Featured on “Take the Leap” Podcast

Schooley Mitchell’s Robyn Bowles was recently featured on Meg Schmitz’s podcast – Take the Leap. They discuss Robyn’s move across the country and her journey into franchising with Schooley Mitchell.

Ian Nairn / October 20, 2025

Featured on “My Biz Coaches” Podcast

Schooley Mitchell’s Robyn Bowles was recently featured on David Macon and Eric Whitmoyer’s podcast – My Biz Coaches. In this episode, Eric, David and Robyn discuss Cost Consciousness. Key points include:
• Determine where to focus cost management efforts.
• Do your research and due diligence when making purchasing decisions.
• Prioritize solutions that increase flexibility and choice.
• Stay up to day with technological advances in your industry.

Ian Nairn / October 20, 2025

Featured on “Doing Business with a Servant’s Heart” Podcast

Schooley Mitchell’s Robyn Bowles was recently featured on Steve Ramona’s podcast – Doing Business with a Servant’s Heart. Robyn explains how she became her own boss after feeling burnt out in her previous role. She shares her business model of providing cost reduction solutions to companies, without charging any upfront fees, and talks about becoming a representative for businesses in the telecom industry. Robyn emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships, which results in positive outcomes for businesses amid a complex and ever-changing telecom environment.

Ian Nairn / October 20, 2025

Economies of Scale

We would all agree that one of the main benefits of a merger or acquisition activity is the economies of scale that can lead to increased profitability and competitiveness.

The area that often gets the most attention in the quest for economies of scale is reduced headcount.  In the newly formed business, there will often be a duplication of effort that will need to be addressed…2 CEO’s, 2 VP’s of Sales, 2 COO’s etc.  Personnel expenses, such as salaries and employee health benefit costs are often the greatest expense for any business.   

But don’t forget about the economies of scale for the indirect costs.  When trying to bring together the various indirect costs for both organizations, you will probably have vendors with differing:

  • Pricing Structures
  • Technology/hardware
  • Contract expirations
  • Contract terms
  • Early Termination Fees
  • Geographic Footprints
  • Longevity with the business

How do we best capture the new economies of scale with these indirect costs?

How do you decide which of the current vendors to utilize for the new organization?  

What if neither of the current vendors is the best option for a now larger and more complex business?  

By utilizing an outside resource like Schooley Mitchell, you can remove the subjectivity of both “parties” from the decision-making process and find a solution that takes into account all the factors noted above.

Ian Nairn / October 20, 2025

Exit Planning and Cost Reduction

For business owners looking to exit, there are a number of ways to increase the valuation of their company. But many of the options involve additional resources (such as hiring additional salespeople) and thus, increased costs.

One way to increase business valuations that is not only cost-free, but more sustainable in nature is to reduce expenses. Most businesses spend more than they should on their various business expenses – up to 35% more and finding savings on these expenses directly helps the bottom line.

At Schooley Mitchell, we offer a risk-free analysis that results in an average savings of 26-28% with very little upfront time investment. We consult to common business expenses, such as: telecom, merchant services, shipping, packaging supplies, waste, facility supplies, office supplies, uniforms and linens, fuel, e-Signature, etc.

Reach out and schedule a time to discuss!