Category: wmckissock

/ June 22, 2026

When your motivation is off, everything else follows. Daymond John breaks down how aligning your goals with what actually matters can restore focus and energy.

[email protected] / June 17, 2026

“Isn’t 50% of something better than 100% of nothing?” With Schooley Mitchell, there are only two options: we reduce your expenses and save you money, or we give you the peace of mind in knowing you’re already getting the best deals. Either way, our clients never pay a dime.

/ June 15, 2026

As businesses have relied heavily on the internet for many years now, it’s always great to have a refresher on the dangers of e-commerce fraud.  With such a large quantity of sensitive information online, now more than ever it is imperative to stay vigilant to protect your company.

What is e-commerce fraud?

E-commerce fraud is “the use of stolen payment information, compromised accounts, or deceptive tactics to make unauthorized purchases or exploit online store policies.” This type of fraud has become a growing problem in the last 10 years as mobile transactions are at an all-time high. In 2025, a report done by LexisNexis showed that in the US merchants absorbed an average cost of $4.61 for every $1 of fraud, while Canadian businesses incurred $4.52.  Unfortunately, a substantial number of North American businesses do not have the fraud prevention systems put in place required to protect their enterprise, and many still rely on outdated methods which are not successful.

How will it affect my business?

The main concern most people associate fraud with is the obvious financial loss, which is completely valid, considering in 2023 e-commerce fraud was responsible for at least $48 billion in losses for businesses globally. Not only that, but it can put a strain on your current operations, forcing you to completely rethink your business plan. E-commerce fraud also affects customer to business relationships and company reputation. No matter what type of fraud was committed, your business’ ability to protect customer information will come into question.

Types of e-commerce fraud.

Cybercriminals have taken advantage of the last few years to become experts at fraud, so much so that there are now multiple types of e-commerce fraud. Here are some of the most common types happening today:

1. Payment fraud: fake or unlawful transactions including phishing scams, malicious links, and misleading phone calls.
2. Card-not-present (CNP) fraud: scams involving transactions when the credit card is not physically presented, often occurring via over the phone, online, or other forms of virtual payment.
3. Card testing fraud: when scammers ‘test” the credit card information of a stolen card, typically by making small purchases before moving on to make bigger ones.
4. Gift card fraud: this type of fraud refers to any illegitimate activity involving the theft, manipulation, or unauthorized use of gift cards for financial gain.
5. Account takeover (ATO) fraud: occurs when a scammer unlawfully acquires access to a legitimate customer’s account for any online store and makes any unauthorized purchases or transfers points to another account.
6. Triangulation fraud: this involves 3 steps to complete the fraud, the first is to create an illegitimate online store that sells well known brands at cheaper prices, luring customers to make a purchase where the scammer will steal their information. The second step is to use this stolen information to purchase the real item from the actual merchant which is then shipped to the customer, so they remain unsuspecting. The final step is using the stolen card information to make purchases.
7. Chargeback fraud: refers to when a legitimate customer succumbs to a fraudulent attack and files to receive the stolen money back. The issuer legally has no choice but to refund the money back. It could also refer to when an acquaintance of the card holder makes an unauthorized purchase with their card, when buyers forget they made a purchase, have buyer’s remorse, or intentionally using the chargeback process for financial gain.
8. Refund of return fraud: this type of fraud is when seemingly legitimate customers take advantage of the refund policy by claiming they did not receive an item, saying the item was not as described, or returning items after using them.
9. M-commerce fraud: typically classified as a subcategory of e-commerce, m-commerce fraud refers to fraud occurring from a mobile device; therefore the connections are rarely made through the same network. This additional exposure creates opportunities for scammers.

Tips on how you can protect your business.

First and foremost, educate yourself and your staff on the warning signs of e-commerce fraud, so that you can be prepared if it does occur. Additionally, stay informed on the local and global fraud trends and secure fraud risk and prevention technology for your business. Let’s take a look at some other tips you can use to combat ecommerce fraud:

1. Secure payment gateways and encryption: this payment method shifts the transactions to a more secure app, bank, or processor using encryption, bank verification, and approval.
2. Card verification value (CVV) and address verification system (AVS): this is system is designed to alert to any potential sign of fraud by monitoring the CVV number on the back of your card.
3. Strong customer authentication (SCA): this security measure originated in the UK and requires consumers to submit a 2-factor verification on all payments.
4. Chargeback monitoring and dispute automation:  this entails investigating into chargebacks suspected to be fraudulent to prove that they are in fact unwarranted as chargeback fraud accounts for almost half of all chargebacks.
5. Machine learning fraud prevention solutions: you can be proactive in your fight against e-commerce fraud by using automatic machine learning features such as chargeback guarantee, rules-based solutions, scoring engines, and manual review.
6. Making sure all software and systems are up to date: because e-commerce fraud is a relatively new issue to the business world, it is imperative that you keep all systems within your business up to date with the latest software as the newest updates will more likely include fraud detection/prevention applications.
7. Having internal fraud training for employees: as previously mentioned, being informed on the signs and prevention of fraud is one of the first steps in combatting it. Enlisting training for yourself and your employees will keep your business equipped if anything happens.
8. Network with other businesses and organizations within your industry: by connecting with peers within your business industry, you can secure and exchange experiences and tips on fraud within your profession.

Let’s put it into perspective.

Less than 5% of retail sales were online in 2010. Experts now estimate that global online sales will reach $8 trillion by 2027. Even though by some standards e-commerce sales is a fairly new concept, that has not slowed down the scammers and their techniques. AI has significantly revamped the landscape of e-commerce fraud, changing both how it is carried out and how frequently it occurs. This means taking businesses are constantly having to update and often reframe how they tackle fraud prevention. As frustrating and taxing as this can be, being prepared and staying alert will protect your business and keep your bottom-line firm.

Bria Murray / June 9, 2026

Your work set up, whether it be at a public office or out of your home, may be something you don’t really take into consideration on daily basis. It might just simply be a means to an end for you. However, it might be affecting your workday more than you think. The way your workspace is set up may not only influence your productivity but also impact your mental wellness without you even realizing it.

Why does this matter?

It may seem obvious to some, but optimizing your workspace in a way that benefits the flow of your day will only make you more successful within your chosen profession. Not only can doing so improve speed and efficiency, but staying organized can also have a positive impact on your mindset and overall mental well-being. Experts have found that clutter has a negative impact on your mental health.

Studies from Princeton University and others have provided evidence that clutter may have a negative influence on the body as it can contribute to anxiety, depression, and higher levels of cortisol. In the report it states, “Evidence suggests that having a messy, cluttered environment can create stress and interfere with your ability to concentrate, at least for some people. The actual act of cleaning and decluttering can boost your mood, help you move your body more, improve focus, and help you feel more in control of your surroundings”.

To be clear, this is not the case for everyone, but there is no harm in knowing evidence-based tips that could help you further your career.

Organizational tips from the professionals.

To successfully implement organizational habits into your daily routine, you need to find out what works best depending on what you use your desk/workspace for. For example, if you require tools or materials regularly, you may need space for a functional shelf to keep everything organized.  On the other hand, if you hold a more creative position where you need open space, than it might be best to keep your workspace free of clutter and other items that might get in the way.

No matter what career path you’re on, here are some general desk organization tips from professionals:

• Declutter – this is the obvious first step as you can’t begin to have an organized space if your desk is in disarray
• Smart storage tools – as mentioned above, depending on what your workspace is used for, most likely you will have items in your space you use daily. Invest in space-saving shelves or storage solutions to keep the items in arms reach while also tucked away.
• Multipurpose accessories – find products that hold more than one function to save space. Items such as a laptop riser with drawers or a filing system that also has compartments for pens, paperclips, and/or a calculator.
• Incorporate daily routines – be sure to take time each day to put everything back where it’s supposed to go, even if it’s only a quick tidy. The more organized your space is, the less time this should take.
• Make use of labels – label items such as drawers, bins, folders, and/or files. This will save you time and the burden of not being able to locate an item in an efficient manner.
• Reset your desk – if you notice you are not using an item on a regular basis, store the item

In conclusion..

Many people underestimate how much small daily habits influence productivity, focus, and mental clarity. In the workplace, there are often multiple stressors adding to either a disruption in workplace routine or creating unnecessary mental strain. Why not try the tips above? After all, when your space is organized, your mind can be too.

[email protected] / June 5, 2026

I recently spoke with Brad Morrow, Insurance Advisor with Shepherd Insurance. In this interview, Brad discusses his time as a professional golfer, and how a career in the golfing world led him to a new chapter with Shepherd Insurance.

Shepherd Insurance has been providing risk management solutions for over 45 years. As one of the top 50 largest independent insurance agencies in the country, Shepherd has access to over 200 insurance carriers that will build custom insurance coverages meet your current and future needs.

[email protected] / June 3, 2026

“When we negotiate your prices, it will be for equal or better services — it’s a guarantee.”

Our contract assures that all clients receive equal or superior services and products as a result of our negotiations. The vast majority of Schooley Mitchell clients see their expenses lowered and their service quality improved.

/ June 1, 2026

Depending on the industry, uniforms and/or linens might be an expense your business needs to account for.  Businesses within the restaurant, hospitality, and healthcare industries, among others, are big contributors towards the uniform and linen industry. Companies like these usually need to budget a large amount towards items like employee uniforms, bedding linens, table linens, hospital gowns, etc.  Due to that fact, many businesses question what the best, cost-effective method is when obtaining this service. 

What are my options? 

Like all aspects of owning a business, you need to do your research on what is required when building your company and the cost that goes along with it. In terms of uniforms and linens, there are normally two routes you can take: you can outsource this service and acquire a vendor to rent them to you, or you can purchase the materials you require outright. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of both. 

Using a rental company 

Most businesses that use linens on a daily basis depend on a high volume of product in order to successfully function. This means you will need the staff available to wash, organize, and distribute the product, industrial sized (in most cases) washing/drying machines, detergent/cleaning supplies to maintain the linens, and also the room to store everything. When using a rental company, all of these tasks are done for you.  

Here are some pros to using a rental company: 

• No large cost upfront: when you use a rental company, for the most part it will be a monthly fee versus the large initial sum if you purchase. Having a standard monthly payment that you can fit into your budget will help you keep control of finances. Using a third party company to assist in getting the best rate is your best bet. 

• Regular linen maintenance included: this means no need to pay an employee to wash/organize the linen, and you also have access to repairs and replacements as needed. 

• More options: when you purchase you are limited to the linen types/quantities you own, however if you rent you are privy to make changes to your linen order depending on customer needs, seasonal changes, or business demands. 

• High quality product: most reliable linen rental companies hold a high standard when it comes to linen quality and go through strict quality control, resulting in your company receiving good quality product. 

• Less storage required: when you rent, you should, in theory, be able to be selective about how much stock you have on hand at all times, without having to store any surplus on site. Sometimes it takes reviewing invoices and deliveries to find the right balance. 

Now for some cons:  

• Continuous costs: with any rental, not owning means you’ll always have ongoing costs, especially if the company does an annual price increase. 

• Fees and other hidden/extra charges: if you aren’t careful, you may find the rental company charging you extra for fees such as service/delivery, damage/replacement, and/or shelf charges. Tip: consider a consulting company to negotiate these fees on your behalf. 

• Restrictions on branding/customization: if you are in an industry that would benefit from linens with certain designs or branding, or if your business wants a certain look, you may find yourself limited on the choices you have when renting. 

Owning your own linens 

 If you have a bigger company(a substantial hospitality business for example) with lots of room for storage, a large staff listing, and require specific branding for your uniforms and linens, owning your own linens might be an option for you.  

Some pros of owning linens are: 

• Reduced long-term cost: when you own your own uniforms and linens, you will likely need to initially provide a larger one-time fee to acquire the product, however this means no monthly payment is required. 

• Control over quality: owning linen means you have total control over the quality of product you purchase, the washing process, and maintenance of your linens. These aspects could be an issue if you go with an unreliable rental company. 

• Consistent availability: having all your linens already on site and available to you without having to worry about any delays or product shortages is another pro of owning.  

• Customizable branding: as opposed to renting, purchasing your linen allows you to choose the exact linen that will elevate your business. You have freedom to embroider your branding or choose a higher end product. 

On the other hand, here are some cons with owning linens: 

• Unexpected maintenance/replacement fees: regular wear-and-tear is expected when linens are used regularly, which means even though you had the initial purchase of the product, you will also need to spend more money on replacement items when there is damage or the quality has diminished due to use. 

• Staff and materials required to maintain linen: part of the initial investment when purchasing linen will need to be items like industrial grade washing machines/dryers, cleaning products, etc. Not only that, you will have to budget for hiring staff to maintain the linen. 

• Storing the linen: you will also need to have space to store the entire quantity of the linen you own. This means you may need to invest in storage solutions to maintain optimal production. 

In conclusion.. 

Whether you should choose to own or rent linens ultimately depends on the specific needs, budget, and priorities of your business. Renting provides flexibility, reduced maintenance, and lower upfront costs, while owning offers long-term control, customization, and convenience.  Both options come with their own advantages and challenges, making it important to carefully consider what works for your company. By understanding the differences between the two, you can make a decision that best supports your overall goals.  

[email protected] / May 27, 2026

I sat down with with Joe Citro, Chief Of Development & Marketing Officer at Ronald McDonald House Charities Tampa Bay. In this interview, Joe discusses his upbringing and following his fathers’ footsteps in nonprofit work, and how it led him back home to found the Tampa Bay chapter of the Ronald McDonald House.

Ronald McDonald House Tampa Bay’s mission is to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. With 5 houses across Tampa and St. Petersburg offering 91 bedrooms, they strive to provide every family with what they need to ensure the best health outcomes for their children.

/ May 25, 2026

When it comes to work, managers can really make it or break it for their employees. A bad manager can cause their employees to feel unsupported by leadership, unsatisfied in their current role, and ultimately, burnout. A good manager leaves their employees feeling supported by leadership, empowered to complete their work independently and inspired to strive for more.  

In this issue of the Pulse, we discuss what qualities make for a good manager and the impact they can have on their employees. 

They’re accessible to their team. 

A good manager is accessible to their employees, whether they need their time off approved, have questions, or need their work reviewed. Now, this doesn’t have to mean being constantly available to your employees, as you likely have your own work that you need focus time to complete, but setting dedicated one-on-one time with each of your employees and getting back to them within a reasonable timeframe can go a long way. 

They recognize when their employees do a good job.  

Praising your employees for their hard work makes them feel seen and like what they do matters, but many employees aren’t receiving the recognition or praise they feel they deserve. In fact, according to a report by Gallup, only 22% of employees strongly agree that they get the right amount of recognition for the work they do. Meanwhile, the same report shows that employees who believe they are getting the recognition they deserve are more likely to be engaged and less likely to leave their job. 

They genuinely care about the well-being of their employees. 

As nice as it would be if employees could keep their personal life separate from work, that’s not always possible. Throughout the span of their working career, your employees are likely to go through obstacles in their life that will, understandably, bleed into their professional life—the death of a loved one, unplanned home renovations, a sick child, etc. A good manager recognizes this and does their best to support their employees through these times, whether that’s allowing them to have extended time off, working from home, or simply lending an ear. 

They try to uplift their team members. 

A good manager cares about the career growth and advancement of their team members, not just their own. This looks like giving them opportunities to learn new skills, bringing them onto bigger projects with senior leadership, and promoting employees into new roles as they see fit.  

In conclusion … 

Having a good manager is crucial to the well-being of your employees and the company overall. Whether promoting internally or hiring externally, choosing who to make a manager is a decision that should not be taken lightly.