Whenever you walk into the Habitat for Humanity of Berks County ReStore in Temple, PA, you know you’re going to find high quality products at amazing prices. Better yet, every purchase goes towards Habitat’s mission to create home ownership opportunities for hardworking families in the community. Check out their September sales.
In this episode, William and Mike Knaggs have a conversation about his company, RedLED. Mike explains how RedLED can help clients with all their point of sale solutions from installation, to maintenance, to management.
If youâre a casual internet user in your personal life, you may not feel the need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in your day-to-day use. However, for business purposes, a VPN might be a critical tool you could be missing out on. In this article, we take a look at VPNs and why you may want to consider investing in one if you havenât already.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) establishes an âencrypted tunnel between a device or endpoint (like a laptop, mobile phone, or desktop) and one or more internet-facing servers.â This technology has been around since 1996, when it was created by a Microsoft employee. It assures businesses extra privacy and security when their employees connect to their Wi-Fi.
How do they work? As one security software developer explains it, when connected to the VPN âtunnel,â âan end user sends their data through that tunnel where itâs encrypted, and at the end of the tunnel, the data is picked up and metaphorically wrapped in a blanket of an organizationâs security measures (e.g., a firewall). Once the data is safely nestled in that blanket (a security blanket, if you will), itâs rerouted to wherever it needs to go.â
A business VPN differs from a VPN you might subscribe to for your personal devices at home. Though they both work by creating an encrypted connection between your devices and a remote network, there are some key differences to be aware of:
A business VPN:
Why are VPNs critical for businesses?
Cybersecurity is no small consideration in the increasing digital age. With ransomware and malware posing a real threat to many organizations, a VPN is an extra, often necessary step to protect your data.
A VPN helps secure your companyâs data by:
Providers often offer customized solutions.
This isnât just a solution for large enterprises. Organizations of all sizes, across all industries, should consider investing in a VPN, if they have any sensitive financial or client data that needs protecting. Some larger organizations can host VPN infrastructure themselves. However, providers also offer solutions and pricing models to fit different budgets and capabilities. For very small operations, there are limited, free or cost-effective VPNs out there that might suffice.
Things to keep in mind with business VPNs.
Not all VPN solutions are built equal, and the cost of employing a below standard option can be considerable. Not just in the monetary cost, but in employee productivity as well. A VPN that isnât running with modern, expected speeds can create significant lag and frustration for users. In some cases, employees will resort to abandoning the VPN for productivity, which then compromises security.
Are you looking for cybersecurity insurance?
As mentioned, ransomware and malware are a rising threat. Many organizations are considering cybersecurity insurance to protect themselves, financially, in the case of an attack. However, many of these insurance providers will require your business to be using a VPN.
In conclusionâŠ
A VPN, when using the right solution, is a critical tool for a businessâ cybersecurity. Investing in one should be a serious consideration for any organization with sensitive data to protect or with employees who work remotely.
Originally Posted: Texas Today
By: Martin Morales
âRather than being reactive, I decided to take the wheel.â
Thatâs how Mario Robles, a longtime Austin resident and experienced consultant, describes his shift from a corporate career to franchise ownership.
After years in tax consulting and client success roles, Robles is placing his confidence in himself. And heâs supported by the strength of Schooley Mitchell, one of North Americaâs largest independent cost-reduction consulting firms.
For Robles, this decision wasnât impulsive. It was the result of several months of planning, thoughtful research, and personal reflection. He saw a growing need in his community. Many businesses were unknowingly overspending in critical operational areas such as telecom, shipping, utilities, and waste management.
These cost categories often go unnoticed, yet they can account for a significant portion of a companyâs expenses, sometimes around 20â30%. With Schooley Mitchellâs contingency-based model, Robles offers a no-risk audit to help clients uncover potential savings.
âIf we donât find you savings,â he says, âthe audit comes at no cost.â
This model aligns with his professional values of transparency, integrity, and long-term trust.
Roblesâ journey into franchising began with FranNet, a franchise consulting firm known for helping aspiring entrepreneurs make informed decisions about business ownership. He connected with Merri Cronk, a FranNet consultant who helped him evaluate his goals, options, and personal values.
âMerri consulted me the way Iâve always consulted my clients,â Robles says. âShe asked the right questions and built trust without pressure.â
That approach worked. Robles found in Schooley Mitchell not just a franchise, but a business framework that resonated with his client-first mindset.
Before franchising, Robles worked in financial technology and client success management, primarily with community banks and credit unions. He also began his career in tax consulting. These roles sharpened his skills in client service, relationship building, and delivering value.
âIâve always had a passion for helping clients succeed,â he explains. âNow I get to deliver âgood newsâ â real savings â with every successful engagement.â
The final push came when he witnessed rising layoffs in the fintech sector. Instead of waiting for uncertainty to affect his career, he decided to pursue business ownership with the stability and scalability of a proven franchise model.
Schooley Mitchellâs track record played a significant role in his decision. The company has served over 31,000 clients and offers benchmark data across 17 cost categories. That data-driven foundation gave Robles confidence in the businessâs potential.
Robles isnât driven by revenue alone. His franchise work offers him a way to impact the Austin business community in meaningful ways.
âI want to create awareness,â he says. âBusinesses can often reduce costs without compromising quality. Most just donât know where to begin.â
His goal is to establish himself as a trusted local partner who offers solutions, not pressure. Whether that means saving a business thousands or connecting them with other helpful resources, Robles keeps service at the core.
While Robles leads client engagement, he isnât working alone. Schooley Mitchell provides a team of expert analysts to help him evaluate cost categories and uncover opportunities. This structure allows Robles to focus on what he does best: building relationships, earning trust, and creating satisfied clients.
âIâm an avid learner,â he adds. âEvery client teaches me something new about their business. Thatâs what makes this work engaging.â
The franchiseâs structure also offers him flexibility. Without the need for a physical office, Robles can work remotely, meeting clients wherever they areâvirtually or in person.
Robles isnât new to entrepreneurship. Heâs guided tours, managed side projects, and led initiatives inside other companies. But this franchise represents his first full-scale business ownership.
âThis time, I decided to bet on myself,â he says.
He brings to that bet the dedication of a family manâbalancing work with time spent outdoors with his wife and four-year-old sonâand the discipline of someone who hits the gym four to five times a week.
Heâs committed to showing up for his clients and his community.
Robles doesnât dwell on what could have been. He says he did his due diligence and entered the franchise with clarity. What excites him most now is the chance to grow the business through trust, service, and long-term value.
âMy main goal is to serve,â he says. âWhether itâs through savings or connecting people to what they need. I want to help businesses move forward.â
In Austin, where innovation and small business are key to the economy, Robles sees room to make a lasting difference.
And with Schooley Mitchellâs system, FranNetâs support, and his own client-centered approach, heâs well-positioned to do just that.
Every detail matters. The first bathroom at Grace House is sponsored by Patrick Eggleston a Saving Grace Board Member âand it’s more than tile and towels. Itâs a space for self-care, reflection, and renewal.
When you work with an attorney, you are likely already in a vulnerable position (or at least you feel as such). Having one that educates you on your situation can make you feel much more comfortable and at ease. This is what Darren does for his clients, and it comes across very clearly when reading what they have to say about him.
Depending on what industry you work in, your waste removal expenses are potentially a significant burden on your bottom line. Sure, you can reduce waste â but compromising the quality of this service isnât really an option. Finding savings is possible, but first you must understand what goes into the cost.
It may be hard to imagine the price breakdown of waste removal, when most of the process happens away from your facility.
Your bill is most likely composed of four main cost types:
Understanding your options among these four categories can go a long way in helping you reduce your bill.
Containers are the aspect of waste removal that youâre probably most familiar with, and an area where you have a fair amount of control. Commercial waste containers come in an array of sizes and are typically available for purchase or rent.
Pricing is based on the cubic yard sizing of a container. On average, a 4yd3 container costs $15 a month to rent, and $350 to purchase outright. Prices increase incrementally as size increases.
Knowing what size you need might come with trial and error. Come collection time, the optimized container is the one that is filled, but not to the brim or overflowing. Excess waste is often subject to excess fees.
Whether renting or purchasing is more effective for you is going to depend on what you need. Depending on your line of work, a permanent container might not make sense. For example, temporary construction or landscaping projects are more likely to require a rental, compared to a residential building or school.
Expert Market advises that purchasing a container is more efficient if that bin will be in use for at least 23 months.
Waste collection fees are going to be the most variant depending on your location, container size, and collection frequency. This could be as little as $30 a week, or as high as $3,000. Figuring out your needs can include some trial and error and industry research. A restaurant is likely to require more frequent collection than an office building.
The kind of waste your business generates, as well as local health codes and in-person traffic throughout your premises, is going to determine your collection frequency.
Factored into your waste removal fees are the fuel and other transportation costs of moving your waste to a landfill.
Transfer can be arranged in two ways, direct or indirect:
Based on your premisesâ location, your transfer method may be out of your control. Businesses located far from landfill sites must rely on transfer stations to dispose of waste, which inevitably increases costs.
Many waste management providers have discounted rates with transfer stations and commercial landfills that are worth investigating.
Every time waste is disposed of at a landfill a landfill tipping fee is charged. On average, for commercial landfills, these range from $25-150 per ton.
As with transfer costs, many commercial waste management providers have preferential rates for customers at landfills.
Even when youâve accounted for the four main cost categories of your waste removal bill, you may notice that there are some extra, unexpected charges on your bill. Keep these potential fees in mind when budgeting:
One way to avoid many of these charges is to evaluate the container situation on your premises and see if you can optimize the location to make it easier for haulers to collect your waste.
This information might seem overwhelming. Waste expenses can really add up. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to optimize your services and reduce your expenses.
Start by considering an internal or external audit of your waste removal system. Are your bins being emptied too often, or not often enough? Could you be paying transport fees for a closer station or landfill? Are your prices increasing multiple times a year? Are your containers the right size for your waste output?
Ask yourself these questions and pay close attention to your waste removal bills. You might be spending more than you need to.
This article was originally published in July, 2021
When you think about storied, championship-winning sports teams in the state of Texas, your mind probably doesnât jump directly to hockey. But that is exactly what the Allen Americans organization is built on. Since the founding season in 2009, the Americans have captured four league championships: 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. In addition, they will host the 2026 ECHL All-Star Classic. Now is the time to get involved in what is sure to be an amazing season in the Lone Star State.
When you started your business, chances are you were thinking about the good you can do for your prospective clients and how your product/service has the extra something that will make it stand out among your competitors. What you likely were not considering was all of the measures you needed to put in place to protect yours and your clientsâ data from being stolen online. Klipsys Technologies will ensure that your cyber operations remain functional and protected at all times, so you can stay focused on what makes your company great.
