Category: wmckissock

Ian Nairn / February 26, 2026

Packing peanuts are a staple for businesses that need to send potentially fragile or breakable products to customers. They’re inexpensive, efficient, and lightweight. In today’s economic climate, those are some considerable pros. But what if the cost is customer satisfaction? In this article, we take a look.

People don’t like packing peanuts.

Whether it be the traditional kind or the newer, more eco-friendly versions, customers aren’t fans of packing peanuts. Below are a few reasons why:

They make a mess: They easily scatter and are difficult to clean up.

Hard to dispose of: Due to static cling, they stick to every surface, and their lack of recyclability makes disposal complicated.

Environmental impact: While some versions are biodegradable, the environmental cost is still significant. Non-biodegradable versions remain in the environment for a long time, generating a substantial amount of waste.

Health impact: Traditional foam peanuts production methods can release carcinogenic fumes that could be harmful to workers handling the material.

Increase in shipping costs: For businesses, the biodegradable option can also increase shipping costs since they have a higher weight than traditional packing peanuts.

The impact on customer experience

When a customer receives a package filled with packing peanuts, the unboxing experience, which for many is a highly satisfying moment, quickly turns into frustration. They may even need to spend more time than expected cleaning up the mess and getting rid of the peanuts. This doesn’t only affect the perception of the product but also the company’s image.
More than that, many businesses today are concerned about the environmental impact of their products and processes. If a customer encounters packaging that is harmful to the environment, it could affect their brand loyalty and even damage the company’s reputation.

Alternatives to packing peanuts.

The good news is, there are more modern, eco-friendly packaging alternatives available. Some options include:

• Recycled paper fill (Kraft Paper): Recycled paper fibers are a popular choice as they are easily recyclable and biodegradable. Plus, customers may feel more satisfied knowing the material doesn’t pose a threat to the planet and is easy to dispose of.
• Shredded paper: Another eco-friendly alternative, shredded paper is a good filler option that can be recycled and composted. It’s also easy to handle and dispose of.
• Cornstarch foam: A biodegradable alternative that dissolves easily in water. While more expensive than traditional packing peanuts, this option has grown in popularity due to its lower environmental impact.
• Air pillows: Some companies are opting for recyclable air bubbles or inflatable air bags. While lightweight and effective, they are also less likely to scatter or cause a mess.
• Cardboard inserts: Custom-cut cardboard inserts are another sustainable option, as they securely hold products in place without the need for filler material. They can be recycled easily and offer a more structured and neat solution for packaging.
• Custom fit solutions: Packaging made to measure for products ensures that the item doesn’t shift and doesn’t require extra filler material. Although they require a higher initial investment, custom solutions can be more efficient and provide a better unboxing experience.

The shift in consumer mindset.

As consumers become more aware of their purchasing choices, the demand for sustainable (and easy-to-handle) packaging is growing. They want to know their purchases aren’t contributing to a larger environmental problem. Companies that adopt eco-friendly practices not only gain in terms of brand image but can also stand out as leaders in innovation.
Furthermore, customer experience is becoming increasingly valued. Customers who have a positive unboxing experience are more likely to share their impressions on social media, influencing other potential buyers. A well-thought-out package can be an excellent competitive differentiator.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, while packing peanuts may be cheap and functional, the hidden costs to customer satisfaction and the environment are significant. Businesses that prioritize eco-friendly and user-friendly packaging not only reduce waste but also create a better experience, strengthen their brand, and show they care about the planet. Choosing smarter alternatives is an investment that pays off in happier customers and a stronger reputation.

/ February 23, 2026

In the past decade, fiber optic connections have become the norm, growing increasingly popular and replacing copper wire cable internet connectivity across the continent. This has resulted in improved connection speeds and reliability for many; allowing for better access to remote work, education, fewer outages or throttling, and other conveniences that accompany the technology.

With fiber optic being the superior option for internet connectivity, it’s no wonder that most providers have made the switch wherever possible. But not everyone across the United States and Canada have access to this better connection. In this blog, we take a look at how many people really have fiber optic internet connections.

How connected are we?

The advocacy group Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) found that in 2025 fiber deployment hit around 60% of the United States and 75% of Canada. That is a record high for accessibility to this technology. However, accessibility does not mean adoption.

According to FBA, “take rates are in the mid-40% range… and they continue to trend upward despite aggressive new construction. Markets with two fiber providers reach combined take rates of roughly 60% or more.”

Their prediction is that fiber will be “the leading fixed-internet delivery method as early as 2028.”

Why does this matter to businesses and organizations?

While studies of connectivity are looking at households across the continent, this is no less important for businesses and other consumer or public-facing entities. The internet your customers, clients, patients, or public you serve utilizes makes a difference when interacting with your services.

Services like home security, telehealth, and more are reliant on the speeds provided by fiber internet to work properly, especially with the rise of AI, as AI features are incorporated into virtual services, these connectivity speeds are critical. Likewise, any business that employs remote workers stands to benefit from the conferencing and multi-device benefits of fiber connections.

Overall, the more consumers and members of the workforce have access to fiber connections, the more your business or organization can utilize technology to serve or work with them.

Cal Wilson / February 17, 2026

To be successful in the world of business, it is critical to be aware of the current trends that are at the forefront. Even if your operation is thriving, being in the know could be prevalent for any future market demands. In this week’s issue of The Pulse, we will be talking specifically about four trends to keep an eye on.

1. E-Commerce

Even though E-commerce has been around for several years, this digital channel has expanded to become crucial within in the current business climate.  According to industry leader Novatize, “globally, online sales already account for just over 20% of total retail sales, and that share is expected to reach approximately 21.5% in 2026”. This digital channel is no longer in the experimentation stage but has quickly become critical for business operations and growth.

2. Sustainable practices

ESG (Economic, Social, and Governance), is the structure in which companies use to measure sustainability, ethical impact, and risk management in addition to conventional financial benchmarks. This practice is no longer considered a voluntary obligation, but a necessary responsibility in terms of a sustainable future. Companies looking for investors in 2026 may find themselves scrutinized on this topic.

3. Brand Partnerships

This marketing technique has exploded in the last few years as a result of the increase of digital marketing.  It entails strategic partnerships with select brands that enable companies to expand their reach and elevate their brand image. By teaming up with well considered, like-minded partners, companies can develop new products and services while gaining access to new audiences through cross-promotion.

4. Marketing targeting Generation Z

Generation Z, or Gen Z, has become a huge presence in the current workforce, and therefore businesses have pivoted their marketing techniques to reach Gen Z consumers successfully. If your business is hoping to reach more of this demographic in 2026, consider the following criteria for your marketing strategy:

• Digital fluency
• Preference for short-form content
• Preference for authenticity and transparency behind brands
• Passion for cause-based marketing and social impact
• Tendency to shop, search the internet, and seek entertainment on mobile devices

 In conclusion…

These four trends are only a small portion of the ever-evolving direction of the current business world.  Keeping these top-of-mind as well as researching the multitude of other emerging business trends will keep your organization current and allow for room to achieve your future targets.

Ian Nairn / February 9, 2026

In this episode, William and Luke Cardillo have a conversation about his company, Atlas Professional Services. They handle clients IT support solutions and technology needs so they can focus on the things that make them successful. They provide scalable and innovative IT services in Tampa and surrounding cities to a variety of industries.

Ian Nairn / February 9, 2026

In this episode, William and Mark Stein have a conversation about his company, OutMarket Pro. They assist companies with multiple projects covering services such as marketing, lead generation, social media posting, email marketing, advertising, websites, artificial intelligence and bookkeeping. They take lean startup principles and extend them to the marketing world, develop a plausible theory and test it on a small scale.

Ian Nairn / February 9, 2026

In this episode, William and Fernanda Read have a conversation about her company, B.Hive Travel. They help companies, families and individuals create moments that build stronger teams, deeper friendships, and unforgettable memories. Whether it’s building a home in Mexico, supporting a school in Africa, or empowering a community in Brazil, our experiences connect people through purpose and leave an imprint that lasts long after the trip ends. At B.Hive, every trip blends luxury and adventure with purpose and impact, reminding us that the most unforgettable journeys are the ones that touch both hearts and communities.

/ February 9, 2026

Many businesses rely on gas for their operations. It’s a critical expense, but often unpredictable and costly. The good news for businesses who may dread seeing this particular invoice is that some experts are predicting lower gas prices in the coming year.

U.S. gas prices set to drop.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts a retail gasoline price decrease of 6% in 2026. They also predict that prices will climb 1% again in 2027, but likely remain lower than what was seen in 2025, with some regional exceptions. For example, refinery capacity limitations on the West Coast are likely to cause higher comparative prices to the rest of the country. On the other hand, businesses along the Gulf Coast can expect lower than average prices.

Why are gas prices dropping?

In the United States, the drop in gas prices is largely due to a decline in the cost of crude oil, “which has historically accounted for about 50% of the retail price. Now, that percentage is expected to fall below 45% in the coming years.” There has been a global increase in crude oil supply, but not as significant of an increase in demand, which explains this difference.

Will Canadians also see a decrease in gas prices?

It’s not as clear whether Canadians will enjoy the same lowered prices. While the global market indicates lower prices overall, a more competitive market may impact prices from Canadian producers, meaning Canadian businesses could see a drop, but less of a drop than their U.S. counterparts.

In conclusion…

Changes in the global oil market in 2026 may lead to lower gasoline prices. How much of a drop consumers and businesses alike are set to see is largely regionally dependent. Ensuring your business has a strategy to stay on top of fuel prices is still imperative.

/ February 3, 2026

While we’re used to suspicious emails being filtered into spam in our personal lives, it can be more confusing when you receive a fraudulent or phishing email on your secured work account. However, in 2026, this sort of scam is going to be happening at an increasing rate.

In this issue of The Pulse, we’re looking at Business Email Compromise (BEC); what it is, how cybercriminals practice it, and what your organization can do to mitigate the risk.

What is Business Email Compromise (BEC)?

Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a tactic spammers use to target your organization’s money or data. It happens when a scammer, under the guise of fake or stolen credentials, tricks employees into giving financial or other sensitive information. It sounds easy to avoid, like any other phishing email scam, but they’re becoming more and more sophisticated.

How does it work?

According to SentinelOne, BEC scam usually “begins with a compromised or spoofed email account. Under the guise of a trusted vendor, or a company executive, scammers typically use stolen or false credentials to trick employees into giving up financial authorization or confidential information permissions.”

What sort of financial scams do these entail? Sometimes, it’s instructions for a wire transfer that may look legitimate. Sometimes, it’s requests for a gift card to be sent to an email address. Essentially, any action that leads an employee to “unknowingly commit fraud by sending funds directly to the attacker.” Once those funds are sent, they’re unrecoverable.

This can be an expensive problem.

A 2023 report by the FBI found that “a single successful BEC attack costs a business an average of $137,132.” As scam attempts have only increased since then, the cost has likely only grown as well. For most businesses, this sort of loss is devastating.

BEC is a form of social engineering.

Any time a cybercriminal has to use manipulation to exploit human error, it’s a form of social engineering. According to cybersecurity company KasperSky, “these ‘human hacking’ scams tend to lure unsuspecting users into exposing data, spreading malware infections, or giving access to restricted systems. Attacks can happen online, in-person, and via other interactions.”

Because the whole point of these scams is to take advantage of an employee’s lack of knoweldge, the best way your business can fight BEC attacks is by arming your staff with information. You can do this by:

• Educating them about BEC scams
• Implementing a policy to follow in the case of receiving fraudulent emails
• Educating them about the actual process for financial authorization, so they’re aware it would never happen over email
• Educating them about how to flag an email as suspicious

In conclusion…

Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a social engineering scam targetting business employees’ emails. It can be extremely costly, with little recourse for the victim. Educating yourself and your organization will go a long way in defending against this method of fraud.

Ian Nairn / January 26, 2026

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.