Located in Huntsville, Alabama, Johnston Moore & Weston is a legal practice that provides representation across a broad range of legal matters. It offers services including personal injury, business law, family law, estate planning, criminal defense, bankruptcy, workers’ compensation, real estate law, insurance claims, landlord and tenant disputes, and more.
Located in Huntsville, Alabama, OLD Inc Business Brokers is a firm that facilitates the buying and selling of privately held businesses. It provides services such as business valuation, market analysis, buyer screening, negotiation support, and transaction management. It also assists clients with maintaining confidentiality and navigating the legal and financial aspects of business transfers.
Alabama Closing and Title, located in Huntsville, Alabama, is a provider of title and closing services for residential, commercial, new construction, and For Sale by Owner real estate transactions. It performs title examinations, manages escrow accounts, and coordinates the closing process to ensure accurate and legally sound property transfers.
Warehouses and distribution centers are designed for efficiency, but energy isn’t always part of the equation. Their large size, fluctuating activity, and energy-intensive equipment create unique challenges, often driving costs that feel unavoidable. High ceilings, open layouts, and large bay doors mean energy is spent heating rising air, cooling underused spaces, and lighting massive areas, even when they’re unused. Spread across such large spaces, these inefficiencies quietly inflate energy usage without immediate notice.
The Scale Problem: Heating, Cooling, and Lighting Massive Spaces
Unlike office buildings, warehouses rarely have consistent occupancy throughout the building. Yet heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) as well as lighting systems are often designed to treat the entire facility as one uniform space. Considering 17% of commercial buildings in the U.S. are warehouse and storage buildings, that adds up to a significant amount of wasted energy.
Picking areas or shipping lanes may see constant activity, while storage aisles or overflow areas are used sporadically, so energy is used to condition and light areas that may often be unoccupied. Without controls that take into account different zones and occupancies, businesses end up paying to light, heat, and cool areas that aren’t actively supporting daily operations. Over time, this “one-size-fits-all” approach leads to ongoing waste that’s difficult to detect without a closer look at when and where energy is being consumed.
Equipment That Runs Around the Clock
Warehouses and distribution centers rely on energy-intensive equipment like conveyors, charging stations, automated systems, and material-handling machinery. This heavy-duty equipment requires a substantial power source. Even when not in active use, much of this equipment continues drawing power. Extended operating hours, overnight charging, and idle systems add to energy consumption. This creates a situation where energy usage remains high regardless of actual productivity.
Seasonal Spikes That Become Permanent Costs
Every industry has its peak season, which likely requires longer hours, added shifts, and increased output. Energy usage rises accordingly, but the problem begins when those temporary changes aren’t reversed back.
Lighting schedules, HVAC settings, and equipment run times adjusted for peak demand frequently remain in place long after volumes return to normal. As a result, businesses can find themselves paying peak-level energy costs year-round without realizing it.
Aging Infrastructure and Deferred Upgrades
Many warehouses operate in older buildings with outdated lighting, HVAC systems, or insulation. While these systems may still function, they are rarely efficient by modern standards. Upgrades are often postponed in favor of seemingly more essential operational spending. Unfortunately, the longer these inefficient systems remain in place, the more they quietly drain budgets over time through higher energy consumption and maintenance costs.
How Can It Be Combatted?
Addressing warehouse energy challenges doesn’t require a total overhauling of operations. Small, targeted changes can make a measurable difference, such as implementing zone-based lighting and motion sensors to limit energy use to active areas, or scheduling equipment more efficiently to reduce idle power draw.
Get To Know Usage Patterns
Regularly reviewing energy usage patterns will help to identify hidden inefficiencies and ensures that the energy being used supports operations rather than running independently of them. For a busy warehouse manager, this can be a daunting task. Partnering with a third-party consultant to provide expert analysis and actionable recommendations allows them to focus on day-to-day operations instead.
Energy Control Is an Operational Advantage
Warehouses and distribution centers will always require energy, but wasted energy is not inevitable. By understanding the unique challenges these facilities face and regularly reviewing how energy is used, businesses can turn energy from an uncontrollable overhead cost into a managed operational expense.
The most efficient facilities aren’t just moving faster; they’re ensuring every dollar spent on energy supports real productivity.
Have you ever gone to a store to grab something quickly and realized you forgot your wallet? That’s where contactless payments come in. Contactless payments let customers tap their card or mobile device on the terminal to pay instantly, without inserting a card or entering a PIN. This payment method gained rapid popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic due to its health and hygiene benefits. On top of that, it offers speed, convenience, and strong security, making it easy to see why so many people continue to use it. This trend is only growing, and as a business owner, here’s what you need to know and how it can help your business stay ahead.
Customers now expect contactless payments
Customers now expect contactless payment options more than ever. In fact, a study found that 63% of consumers find it irritating to enter a PIN, and 42% don’t even remember their PIN because they’re so used to contactless payments. If your business isn’t offering this option, you could be losing sales to competitors who do. Providing a fast, frictionless payment experience not only keeps customers happy but also encourages repeat purchases.
Speeding up your checkout process
Contactless payments can help speed up your checkout times. In fact, contactless transactions are up to two times faster than traditional chip card payments. That extra speed means that your team spends less time handling cash or manually entering payment information, creating a smoother experience for everyone. Overall, the faster flow helps your business run more smoothly, serve more people, and make the most of your staff.
Making loyalty programs easier to use
Contactless payments can also boost engagement with loyalty programs. When customers already have their devices out, it only takes one extra click to open your loyalty app. Some loyalty programs can even link directly to contactless payments, automatically applying rewards at checkout. This convenience makes it easy for customers to participate more often, driving repeat business and increased customer loyalty.
No additional fees for accepting contactless payments
A common concern for businesses is whether contactless payments come with higher fees. The good news is that services like Apple Pay treat contactless transactions the same as the traditional card-present (CP) payments you’re already accepting. The only exception is online purchases, which are considered card-not-present (CNP) due to higher fraud risk. However, that is the same standard applied to all online payments.
Strong security built into each transaction
While no payment method is perfect, contactless payments are highly secure. They use Near Field Communication (NFC) to transmit encrypted data between the customer’s device and the terminal, so no actual card information is sent; only a one-time, encrypted code. On top of that, these transactions are protected by the same fraud prevention systems banks use, helping protect your business from fraudulent charges. This means fewer disputes and less time spent resolving payment issues.
In conclusion…
Contactless payments are more than a convenience for customers; they can help your business run more efficiently behind the scenes. From faster checkout times to strong security features, this payment option can make a real difference to your business. Offering contactless payments can help you stay ahead of customer expectations while keeping your business competitive.
Depending on your industry – and area of focus – the holiday season can be slow for business. In fact, November to January might bring with it a looming sense of doom, not just related to shorter days and cooler weather, but instead, about your business’ bottom line.
In this article, we take a look at the holiday slowdown that impacts some businesses around this time of year, and some strategies for combatting any potential fiscal consequences it may have.
As many professionals know, this phenomenon happens when businesses or industries experience a decrease in activity or a slowdown in operations during the holiday season which can make an already tight time of year even more nerve-wracking.
Of course, not all industries are impacted, some sectors thrive during the holiday season. These include:
Some of the industries most affected by the holiday slowdown season are:
There are a lot of reasons your business might slowdown during the holiday season. Some that might be impacting your business include:
For these reasons, you might find your suppliers take longer to deliver, your clients and contacts don’t return calls or emails, and, altogether, things are just harder to get done. If you’re trying to accomplish work as normal during the holiday season, it might feel like the rest of the world is plotting against you.
Businesses often need to adapt their strategies to navigate the holiday slowdown. Having a plan for this season can often make the difference between starting the new year off strong, or in a deficit. Depending on your industry, there are many tactics worth considering:
Of course, depending on what your business specializes in , these might not be viable options.
There is a lot of advice out there that will tell you to put money and time into marketing campaigns, revamped customer service training, new product or service offerings, and other investments to survive the holiday slowdown season.
In general, spending money to make money makes sense. However sometimes it’s just another added worry during an already stressful season, and it’s not guaranteed to make the slowdown period any more lucrative. Having a plan to ensure your budget isn’t overextended during the holiday slowdown is the best tool available to guarantee a successful holiday season, and an even better new year.
What does this “plan” look like?
We’ve found that it’s not uncommon for businesses to be overspending on expenses like telecom, payment processing fees, and waste disposal by around 25-30%. Maybe that’s not a huge problem during your peak season, but during a holiday slowdown, that could pose some real consequences. The best thing your business can do to survive slow periods , is make sure all your costs are optimized, all the time.
Depending on your industry, holiday slowdowns may become unavoidable. While there’s lots of advice out there encouraging you to spend money on shiny new initiatives or campaigns, one of the best things you can do is look for ways to ensure you’re not overspending throughout the entire year.
To whom it may concern,
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for One Tribe Combat Training Collective. Located in Madison, Alabama, it has created a fitness space that empowers confidence while crafting a community where everyone has a place!
One Tribe Combat Training Collective offers over 9,000 square feet of space dedicated to expert-led martial arts programs that are perfect for anyone. From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai to Wrestling, Karate, Krav Maga, Taekwondo, Judo, and more, there is something for all skill levels. It has created a place where fitness and community come together to empower individuals on their personal journeys.
The staff at One Tribe Combat Training Collective are exceptional, passionate, supportive, and deeply committed to everyone’s growth. The experts are not only highly skilled in their respective disciplines but also genuinely care about fostering an inclusive and motivating environment. With their unwavering enthusiasm and dedication, they go above and beyond to ensure that every member, regardless of age or skill level, feels empowered, confident, and supported every step of the way.
I wholeheartedly recommend One Tribe Combat Training Collective. It is more than a gym; it is a community dedicated to helping you feel confident and empowered on your fitness journey.
Sincerely,
Jason Fish
Strategic-Partner
Schooley Mitchell
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.
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.
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.
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.
For every payment your business processes by card, your business pays a series of fees. One of these is an interchange fee, which is collected by the payment’s issuing bank. While interchange fees aren’t necessarily flexible on your provider’s side, they are something you can take steps to reduce. In this article, we take a look at interchange fees and how you can optimize your payments to lower the cost of this component.
On each payment you accept, whether it’s in person, over the phone, or online, you pay the following fees:
Ultimately, these fees can amount around 2% of the total of every transaction.
Interchange fees are collected from you – the merchant – by the cardholder’s bank and cover the cost of the risk associated with approving a payment. While these fees are determined by the card brands and are non-negotiable, there are different levels of interchange fees based on key factors, including the information that you submit every time a payment is made. In fact, there are over 300 different interchange rate levels that could be applied to your payment processing.
Your interchange fees are going to be impacted by a variety of factors, not all of which are in your control. However, some decisions that you make, as a merchant, will determine what you’re charged.
Interchange fees can be determined by card type, and which types of cards carry more risk for the bank:
The fees are also determined by the way the card was used during the transaction:
In this example, a cardholder signature would be seen as the least risky transaction, whereas a purchase made with card-not-present (CNP) carries the most risk.
Finally, the fees are also determined by the data sent along with the transaction. The fewer details sent, the higher the fees typically are. This is where your business has room to make decisions that can lower your fees without taking measures to limit your customers, such as reducing the card types you accept.
Depending on the nature of your operations, your business can qualify for a lower interchange rate by working with your payment processor to optimize the data you send every time a transaction is made.
Many businesses that accept basic retail transactions, as well as other CNP transactions, will only be able to send what is known as Level 1 (L1) data. However, organizations with larger corporate or governmental clients can often optimize the information they send to secure the best rates.
Standard L1 transaction data includes very basic information, the amount paid, the card number, and the date. However, there are two additional levels; L2 and L3, that include more data and reduce fees. L2 adds data like customer codes and sales tax amounts for a discount around 0.50% lower. L3 data includes details such as product quantity and item descriptions for a discount of up to 1.0% lower. In order to optimize your interchange rates, you must be working under a payment processing structure that allows for the capture of this information.
Not every organization is eligible for submitting L2 and L3 three data. Unfortunately, these businesses may face higher merchant services fees than others. However, if your business is in the position to optimize your interchange rates, you can expect to save significantly. With payment processing fees eating up a considerable amount of every transaction, you need every advantage that you can get.
The dictionary defines punctuality as “the fact of arriving, doing something, or happening at the expected or correct time and not late”. But in the workplace, it means more than that. It says more about you than you realize.
Being punctual reflects discipline, responsibility, and respect for others’ time. It shows commitment not just to the task, but to the team and the company you are in. When you arrive on time, you signal that you value your colleagues’ time and the collective work. On the other hand, frequent lateness can give the impression of a lack of commitment and disrupt working dynamics.
Punctuality goes beyond just meeting a schedule. It shows reliability and a strong work ethic. While being punctual can set a positive tone for the day and build trust, tardiness can harm productivity, affect morale, and damage your professional relationships.
This is especially true for managers and leaders, as they must set the example for others. When a leader arrives late or doesn’t prioritize punctuality, it sends a message to the team that being on time isn’t that important. Leaders who model punctuality foster a culture of respect and professionalism, creating an environment where everyone understands the value of time.
Being tardy carries many risks, and appearing late to clients goes beyond a minor inconvenience. When a client is waiting for you, they trust that you value their time and are committed to the meeting. Arriving late, even by a few minutes, not only undermines that trust and damages your personal reputation, but it can also reflect poorly on the company as a whole, potentially jeopardizing deals or future opportunities. Punctuality demonstrates respect, reliability, and professionalism, all of which are essential for maintaining strong client relationships.
Improving punctuality can be simple:
Being on time is a simple way to show you’re professional. It means you respect your coworkers and care about your team. When you make punctuality a habit, people will see you as reliable and committed. Try waking up a bit earlier, you’ll be glad you did!