Scaling to between 50 and 149 employees is a critical growth phase that brings new challenges in HR, compliance, and company culture. In this episode of MTG, Mike Vannoy, Mary Simmons, and Brian Shenker explore the essential strategies businesses need to navigate this transition successfully. From training managers and establishing structured HR processes to ensuring compliance with FMLA, ACA, and EEO reporting, they break down what it takes to maintain efficiency and legal adherence as your wor...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 133
How can small businesses take advantage of Secure Act 2.0 tax credits to set up a 401k plan, attract and retain employees, and stay compliant with state mandates? In this episode, we’re diving into why 401k plans are a game-changer for small businesses. Many assume retirement plans are only for large corporations, but that’s no longer the case. With recent legislation like Secure Act 2.0 offering significant tax credits, setting up a 401k is more accessible and beneficial than ever. Joined by Ch...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 132
What does it take to scale a small business from 16 to 50 employees while maintaining compliance, culture, and efficiency? In this week’s episode of Mission To Grow, host Mike Vannoy leads a compelling panel discussion on scaling small businesses from 16 to 50 employees. Joined by HR experts Mary Simmons, Heather James, and Chris Cooley, the episode dives into the challenges and solutions of this pivotal growth phase. Topics include the importance of consistent processes, compliance with complex...
Jan 16, 2025•55 min•Ep. 131
How can small businesses with 1 to 15 employees avoid costly payroll errors, attract the right talent, and ensure compliance while building a strong company culture? In this week’s episode of Mission To Grow, host Mike Vannoy leads a panel discussion on essential HR practices for small businesses with 1 to 15 employees. Featuring insights from experts Jessica Small, Scott Petersen, and Mary Simmons, the conversation covers payroll accuracy, hiring strategies, compliance, employee engagement, and...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 130
What are the tax advantages and compliance challenges of switching to an S Corporation, and how can business owners decide if it's the right move for their company? This week on Mission to Grow, Mike Vannoy sits down with Jason Blumer, CEO of Blummer & Associates, for an insightful discussion on S Corporations. Together, they explore the advantages of S Corp classification, including significant tax savings, while unpacking the complexities of compliance, payroll, and legal considerations. W...
Dec 19, 2024•56 min•Ep. 129
As the year comes to a close, what steps can small businesses take to ensure FLSA compliance, maximize tax credits, and position themselves for growth in the new year? This week on Mission to Grow, Mike Vannoy brings together an all-star lineup of experts, including Mary Simmons, Richard Tatum, Shannon Scott, and Janel Weinke, for the Best of 2024 Compilation. In this special episode, they delve into pivotal business topics like Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) compliance, employee recruitment an...
Dec 12, 2024•42 min•Ep. 128
What are the key strategies employers can adopt to navigate employee classifications effectively while ensuring compliance with the ever-changing FLSA minimum salary rules and fostering trust? This week on Mission to Grow, Mike Vannoy engages in an in-depth discussion with Mary Simmons and Brian Shenker on the significant implications of the 5th Circuit's ruling on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) minimum salary rule. Mike, Mary, and Brian dissect the complexities surrounding the recent court...
Dec 05, 2024•57 min•Ep. 127
In this episode, we dive into the latest updates in employment law and their implications for both business owners and employees in 2025. Our guest, Mary Simmons, explores how these changes will affect HR practices, including immigration enforcement, FLSA changes, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, I-9 updates, minimum wage increases, and evolving sick leave policies. We discuss the proactive steps business owners must take to stay compliant, such as conducting audits, updating handbooks, and tr...
Nov 21, 2024•52 min•Ep. 126
How can employers leverage the benefits of offering earned wage access to not only enhance recruitment and retention but also to significantly improve employee productivity and engagement? In this episode, we delve into the transformative shift from traditional payday loans to on-demand pay models. We explore how digital advancements have led to new, cost-effective solutions that empower employees to access their earned wages without stigma or significant fees. This shift is facilitated by innov...
Nov 14, 2024•53 min•Ep. 125
In this episode, we dive into the complexities surrounding garnishments in the workplace, including the differences between wage garnishments and wage assignments, how employers should handle multiple garnishments and the legal implications of terminating an employee due to garnishment. Our guest Brian Shenker shares expert advice on how to navigate these situations while ensuring compliance with federal and state laws. Takeaways: Employers must follow the garnishment order carefully to avoid le...
Nov 07, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 124
In this insightful episode, our guest Mary and host Mike dive into the critical role of Harassment training in fostering a respectful, productive, and legally protected workplace. Through real-life examples, Mary explains how training can proactively prevent issues, support team dynamics, and save companies from costly legal troubles. They also discuss the importance of culture in aligning employees with organizational values, promoting trust, and maximizing engagement. Takeaways: The Importance...
Oct 31, 2024•54 min•Ep. 123
In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of personal branding, authentic marketing, and creating a human connection between businesses and their audiences. Our guest Philip VanDusen Founder and CCO at Verhaal Brand Design, emphasizes how companies, whether large corporations or small businesses, can engage more effectively with customers by showcasing a relatable, human side. We also discuss the role of personal branding for leaders, the effectiveness of behind-the-scenes content, and t...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 122
What are the key challenges businesses face when scaling from $1 million to $5 million in revenue, and how can understanding the concept of the 'black hole' help entrepreneurs navigate these growth plateaus? In this episode, our guest Greg Crabtree, Partner at Carr, Riggs & Ingram, delves into the intricate dynamics of business growth, staffing strategies, and labor efficiency. Our discussion highlights the challenges companies face when scaling, particularly between the critical revenue thr...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 121
What strategies can organizations adopt to address the ongoing labor shortage and attract the right talent in today’s competitive job market? In this episode, we explore the future of work by rethinking job roles, hiring strategies, and the importance of creativity in the modern workforce with Anita Lettink Partner & Founder at hrtechradar. With labor shortages affecting businesses worldwide, it's essential to adapt by considering flexible work hours, outsourcing, and new technologies. Our g...
Oct 10, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 120
How can implementing an unlimited PTO policy empower employees and foster autonomy, while ensuring managers maintain productivity and set clear expectations for team success? In this episode, we dive into the evolving concept of unlimited PTO and its implications for both employees and employers. Our guest explores how this policy can empower employees, foster autonomy, and enhance work-life balance. At the same time, we address the challenges managers face in implementing and managing this poli...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 119
How can employers navigate the complexities of accommodating pregnant workers while balancing operational needs and legal compliance under the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)? In this episode, we dive into the complexities of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and its implications for employers. Our guest expert unpacks the law's key aspects, including temporary removal of essential job functions, accommodating pregnant employees, the importance of documentation, and understanding...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 118
In this episode, we look back at the 8 chapters of the HR Benchmark Report. Mary Simmons and Mike Vannoy spent 8 weeks discussing the results from the Report and breaking down the importance of each segment in fast-growth vs no-growth companies. In this recap, we take the best segments from each section and bring you a brief look into the series. Check out each episode: Recruiting & Hiring: Why fast-growth small businesses are more effective and compliant https://youtu.be/OJogTFXKbWc?si=UvX3...
Sep 05, 2024•54 min•Ep. 117
In this episode, we dive into the often-overlooked strategies that business owners can implement to control workers' compensation costs. Rob Campbell, an industry expert, breaks down the three big buckets of cost control: risk management, claims management, and insurance policy management. We discuss the importance of HR infrastructure, company culture, and the surprising impact of 1099 contractors on workers' compensation. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you better manag...
Aug 29, 2024•59 min•Ep. 116
In this episode, we sit back down with Mary Simmons to explore the significance of the employment brand and how post-employment practices can influence a company's revenue growth. Our hosts discuss key survey findings, showing the stark differences between fast-growing companies and zero-growth firms, particularly around how they manage termination processes, exit interviews, and employment brand perception. Takeaways: Employment Brand Matters: Companies with strong employment brands tend to att...
Aug 22, 2024•45 min•Ep. 115
In this episode, we dive deep into Performance and everything that goes along with it. We explore how productivity is often more about the quality of work rather than quantity and discuss best practices for communicating job performance expectations. We also touch on the importance of formal performance reviews, the value of 360 reviews, and the role of documented performance improvement plans in managing underperforming employees. Takeaways: Quality Over Quantity: A few highly skilled engineers...
Aug 15, 2024•56 min•Ep. 114
In this episode, we explore the significant differences between zero-growth and fast-growth firms concerning employee engagement and retention strategies. Our host delves into key questions to uncover what practices successful companies implement to foster a thriving workforce. We discuss the importance of career path coaching, employee recognition programs, and company-wide meetings in driving growth and retaining talent. Takeaways: Only 44% of zero-growth firms conduct employee engagement surv...
Aug 08, 2024•43 min•Ep. 113
In today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Mary Simmons, the VP of HR Compliance and Learning and Development at Asure. Mary shares her insights on why compliance is not just an option, but a crucial aspect of any successful organization. She dives into common misconceptions, shares real-world examples, and provides actionable advice for ensuring your organization adheres to essential compliance standards. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to stay updated, or a newcom...
Aug 01, 2024•49 min•Ep. 112
The new HR Benchmark Report is in! With over 1,000 businesses surveyed, the report aims to correlate HR best practices and revenue growth by asking binary questions about whether or not firms follow certain HR practices. Here to share insights is VP HR Compliance and Learning and Development at Asure Software, Mary Simmons! Today, we’re diving deep into why employee development and training can be the game-changer for your business’s growth. With insights from Mary, an experienced HR generalist,...
Jul 25, 2024•46 min•Ep. 111
The new HR Benchmark Report is in! With over 1,000 businesses surveyed, the report aims to correlate HR best practices and revenue growth by asking binary questions about whether or not firms follow certain HR practices. Here to share insights is VP HR Compliance and Learning and Development at Asure Software, Mary Simmons! The conversation revolves around optimizing new hire onboarding processes, emphasizing the critical elements of compliance, culture, and consistency. Discussing the importanc...
Jul 18, 2024•51 min•Ep. 110
The new HR Benchmark Report is in! With over 1,000 businesses surveyed, the report aims to correlate HR best practices and revenue growth by asking binary questions about whether or not firms follow certain HR practices. Here to share insights is VP HR Compliance and Learning and Development at Asure Software, Mary Simmons! Mary joins Mike Vannoy to dive into chapter 2 of HR benchmark. Mary explains the different qualifying events, the regulations for notifying an employee, and who COBRA applies...
Jul 11, 2024•57 min•Ep. 109
The episode features a cybersecurity professional who helps keep businesses safe. Please welcome Vice President of Information Security at Asure, Josh Gohman. Josh joins the show to share what things businesses need to be looking out for. Josh shares why being smaller doesn’t necessarily mean you are safer, how to implement best practices, and some of the common methods attackers will use. Takeaways: There are various phishing tactics, such as manipulating urgency to prompt immediate action and ...
Jul 04, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 108
The new HR Benchmark Report is in! With over 1,000 businesses surveyed, the report aims to correlate HR best practices and revenue growth by asking binary questions about whether or not firms follow certain HR practices. Here to share insights is VP HR Compliance and Learning and Development at Asure Software, Mary Simmons! Mary joins host Mike Vannoy to discuss recruitment and hiring processes, such as job descriptions, background checks, job postings, and interview practices. Mary emphasizes t...
Jun 27, 2024•55 min•Ep. 107
Joining the show this week is a retirement processional with over 20 years of experience who helps people save for their futures. Please welcome to the show, Director of Plan Design Consulting at Vestwell, Kevin Gaston. Kevin joins Host Mike Vannoy to dive into the benefits and effects of Secure Act 2.0. Kevin shares the different types of tax credits available to employers, the way to use vesting periods to your advantage, and why benefits are better for retention than pure salary alone. Takeaw...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 106
In this episode, we welcome Mary Simmons to discuss the latest developments in workplace violence prevention laws in California. Mary and Mike sit down to discuss the impacts of the law, and how businesses can best prepare. Mary gives advice on how employers should best construct their plans, the need to get feedback from employees, and the risks employers face by not complying with the new law. Takeaways: To ensure effective employee engagement and adherence to safety policies, it's crucial to ...
Jun 13, 2024•48 min•Ep. 105
On this episode of Mission To Grow, we’re featuring a presentation delivered by Mike Vannoy at the 32nd SHRM Long Island annual conference. The presentation dives into the transformative impact of AI on the HR landscape and how HR professionals can adapt. Key topics include the intersection of AI and revenue growth, labor supply shifts, evolving HR laws, and the rapid technological advancements reshaping HR. The episode also addresses the profound demographic changes affecting the workforce and ...
Jun 06, 2024•51 min•Ep. 104
