UBCNews - Business

Have you ever noticed how fashion can tell stories without saying a word? You know, I was thinking about this the other day when I saw someone wearing this absolutely stunning shirt with traditional Latin American symbols on it.

“Hmm, it seems to be a roof of some kind.” “How about the hail damage?” “What hail damage?” Sadly, not all roofing contractors are up to the standards you expect. In a hailstorm-prone area like Thornton, you need a professional who knows exactly how your shingles got cracked… and how to repair them. That’s why it’s always best to go with a local crew such as Apex Restoration & Roofing - you want a company that’s familiar with Colorado hailstorms and their destructive impact.

We’re in the midst of Thornton’s storm season, which means a reliable roofer should be your number-one call. When your roof has been hit by hail, you expect a fast response - and Apex Restoration & Roofing can share insights on how to choose a contractor who can provide it.

Make sure they understand Colorado’s climate. Between the months of April and September, damaging hailstorms are a common sight in your neck of the woods. Roofs with pre-existing defects are especially vulnerable to heavy hailstones, but such storms can even wreak havoc on newer roofing materials. A local contractor will understand that. A fly-by-night roofer probably won’t.

Make sure they're experienced in dealing with hail damage. The level of repairs your roof might need could be exhaustive. Here are just some of the issues that hail can cause:

Granule loss. Damaged gutters. Dented flashing. Cracked shingles. Leaks. And you’ll want a roofer who can do more than just look at these problems; they should also be able to do something about them! Ask around for a company that offers on-site inspections, allowing their roofers to figure out the best steps, going forward.

Make sure they can handle insurance claims. The best roofers will be able to help you through the insurance claims process, ensuring that your roof is restored properly. After all, claim filing is rarely simple. Insurance providers will need documentation submitted in a timely manner - and you already have enough to worry about.

That’s exactly why reliable roofers should be ready to walk you through the process step by step - ensuring that your insurance provider is in receipt of the evidence they need.

By checking those three boxes, you can be confident that your company of choice can provide the roof repair and replacement services you need. What’s more, don’t be afraid to ask about estimates. Most will be willing to provide these upfront - and they should be free.

Choose reliability. A quality roofer will put hailstorm damage where it belongs - in the past. Teams like Apex Restoration & Roofing provide expert roofing repairs throughout Thornton to the level that you deserve as a local resident. Click the link in the description to learn more!

If someone mentions silk, you probably think about smoothness and luxury, but there’s much more to this ancient material that makes it a superior option for pillowcases. In addition to causing less friction, silk has scientifically proven benefits for your hair and skin, as well as helping regulate your body temperature.

But, before you rush out to splurge on some silk sheets and pillowcases, it’s important to understand that there are different types and grades of silk. London-based Mayfairsilk explains that mulberry silk offers superior texture, softness, and durability, and pillowcases made with 25 momme silk have more silk fibres.

A recent report in the Journal of Scientific Agriculture highlighted the advantageous natural properties of fibroin and sericin, the two proteins that make up silk. The piece states that both proteins are anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, and have excellent absorption and release of moisture, which can result in improved softness and lustre of hair, as well as rejuvenation of body and skin cells.

Mayfairsilk points out that silk is also an excellent thermoregulator, meaning it can absorb or release heat depending on conditions, helping to regulate your body temperature. In addition, the smoothness of silk compared to other materials, such as cotton, reduces surface friction.

“Experiencing the remarkable benefits of silk on my hair, skin, and sleep for years, I found myself longing for higher quality and more visually captivating designs,” company co-founder Darshana Ubl explained. “That led us to create a unique range of high-quality products, starting with the finest grade 6A long fibre Mulberry Silk.”

A multi-award-winning company, Mayfairsilk is headquartered in London and offers its innovative products via a global webstore. In addition to 25 momme pillowcases, the firm offers an extensive line of 22 and 25 momme bedsheets, along with a variety of accessories, such as silk eye masks, silk scrunchies, silk face coverings, and silk cushion covers.

Check out the description to learn more!

You can't out-hustle a broken system. If you're still chasing cold Medicare leads, the odds are stacked against you.

Agents who are getting ahead don’t chase; they let the leads come to them—that’s what experts at Hablyte Media, a senior-focused marketing firm, have seen across hundreds of Medicare campaigns. With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day and most searching for Medicare answers long before they're ready to talk, agencies that consistently appear with useful, trustworthy answers are the ones who win.

Shared lists and cold outreach used to work when competition was lower and attention was easier to buy. Today, not so much.

Seniors are more informed and selective than ever. They ask questions, compare options, and make decisions based on who they trust, not who calls first.

That’s why top agencies are shifting from “chase mode” to attract mode.

And, here's what that shift looks like:

Appearing in search results when seniors look for Medicare information

Publishing trustworthy content across Google, YouTube, podcasts, and news platforms

Engaging only with qualified, interested seniors via real-time, warm transfers

One example of a system designed to incorporate this new approach is Hablyte Media's TARGET Acquisition System, which combines targeted multimedia content campaigns with compliant warm transfers.

The strategy is simple: build trust before ever making the first call. When you've already answered someone's questions, the call becomes merely a follow-up and not a cold pitch.

Why This Approach Converts Better

Think about it, when someone finds your article, video, or explainer answering their exact Medicare question, you’ve already earned attention and, most importantly, credibility.

That makes any lead generated from that engagement more informed, less skeptical, and further along in the decision process.

Pair that with a warm transfer model, where every prospect is pre-qualified and routed in real time based on readiness, and you have a system that filters out noise and delivers leads worth your time.

And it's no wonder that agencies using this blended strategy often report conversion rates three to five times higher than those relying on cold lists.

Using inbound strategies means you get leads that are CMS- and TCPA-compliant, fully opted-in, and exclusive to your agency.

Plus, these leads are filtered based on zip code, enrollment timeline, and health status, so you're only speaking to people who are ready.

Less Prospecting, More Closing If you’re spending most of your time dialing, chasing, or explaining, the issue probably isn’t your sales skills; it’s your system.

The agencies pulling ahead right now are the ones building brand visibility, answering Medicare questions early, and engaging leads only when they’re ready to move.

If you’re looking for a better way to grow, a strategy call with the team at Hablyte Media is a solid first step. Find out more by visiting the link in the description!

It’s great that companies like Square offer simple and easy-to-use payment processing systems for small businesses, but there comes a point when they’re no longer the best option. If your business is processing more than $50,000 per month, the flat-rate pricing model may be eating into your profits.

Once your business crosses that $50,000+ threshold, it’s best to look for a payment processing solution that offers greater flexibility, New Jersey-based Seaview Merchant Services explains. It can also help to find a vendor that offers multiple hardware options, as Square limits you to their proprietary equipment.

Small business payment processing services offer fast and simple initial set-up, all-in-one capabilities, and a flat-rate pricing structure. These attributes are especially relevant if you’re a very small operation seeking a convenient way to accept credit cards without the complexity and cost of enterprise-grade systems.

Seaview Merchant Services agrees that such systems offer greater convenience, but the company points out that the fixed pricing model can become less efficient as your company grows. For that reason, the team recommends that you look for a solution that offers a more adaptable pricing model, such as the interchange-plus concept that it uses.

“When your business reaches a certain scale, particularly that $50,000+ monthly processing threshold, the limitations of some payment processing services can significantly impact your profitability,” a company representative explained. “As a family-owned merchant services provider, we aim to address these limitations while providing the personalized attention growing businesses deserve.”

A family-owned and operated business based in New Jersey, Seaview Merchant Services has over 20 years’ experience in the payment processing space. The company stays abreast of the latest industry developments, including cryptocurrency payments, virtual terminals, and fraud protection.

“Seaview Merchant Services has helped us save thousands of dollars per year,” one client recently stated. “They are friendly and always willing to help.”

Check out the description to learn more!

Have you ever wondered why some small businesses seem to dominate online while others struggle to get noticed? Today, we're taking an in-depth look at content marketing and how it's changing the way small businesses connect with their audiences in 2025. With me is an expert who's assisted countless businesses in boosting their online presence. Welcome!

Have you ever wondered why some businesses seem to be everywhere online while others struggle to get noticed? Today, we're discussing how Idaho businesses can boost their revenue through omnichannel marketing in 2025. I'm excited to welcome our guest, who's an expert in multi-channel marketing strategies.

Energy efficiency is a super important consideration for the majority of US homeowners, but replacing all your windows can be a super-expensive prospect. If you live in Kansas City or another part of Johnson County, Inside Solutions offers a much more cost-effective approach: Cellular Shades.

Inside Solutions’ cellular shades come in a wide variety of textures and colors, and their unique design offers excellent insulation when compared to older window treatments. In addition, motorization allows you to raise or lower your shades at specific times of the day, and this function can even be automated.

Recent research from the National Association of Home Builders revealed that over 80% of home buyers rated energy efficiency as either ‘essential’ or ‘desirable,’ with windows being more important than appliances or lighting. Of more than 200 features listed, energy-efficient windows ranked number four, while energy-efficient appliances ranked number nine.

Of course, that survey was more relevant for new builds, but what do you do if you want to make your existing home more energy efficient? With the latest range of cellular window shades, Inside Solutions offers a more affordable way to improve the efficiency of your window openings, while also adding style and elegance to your interior spaces.

“Cellular shades are a great way to enhance your windows without overshadowing your home’s décor,” a company representative explained. “Also referred to as honeycomb shades, they have a variety of textures and colors, as well as top-down or bottom-up options, along with automation and many other advanced features.”

In addition to cellular shades, Inside Solutions offers roller shades, window shutters, curtains and drapery, blinds, woven woods, and more. The company’s no-obligation consultations are free, so the best way to understand all your options is to arrange an appointment with the team.

“Our new shades have transformed our living room and bedroom spaces, and Inside Solutions showed us several options that we didn’t even know existed,” one client recently stated. “The look is elegant and classy, and we can raise or lower them with a touch of a remote. From start to finish, each step in the process was handled with professionalism and utmost courtesy. We’re now in the process of getting several additional rooms done.”

Check out the description to learn more!

If you’re among the almost 9 million small US businesses that don’t have a website, you might be asking what’s the best way to establish yourself in the digital space. Combining a simple, well-designed webpage with an online business listing covers many of the bases, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Some local agencies offer specialized packages to help businesses like yours establish an online footprint quickly and without breaking the bank. Brownsville-based MARZ Web Solutions is one example, offering an affordable solution that combines a custom 1-page website with a listing on Brownsville Life.

According to research from Zippia, 27% of small businesses in the US don’t have a website, accounting for almost 9 million companies. Of those businesses that didn’t have a website, almost 90% said they planned to get one in the near future, Zippia reports.

A website acts as a ‘digital reception’ for your business, presenting your brand, your products or services, and what you stand for. While you can easily get an off-the-shelf webpage, engaging a professional company like MARZ Web Solutions will ensure that your website has maximum impact.

“We specialize in crafting stunning web designs in Brownsville and implementing effective local SEO strategies that drive results for small businesses,” a company representative explained. “Our latest comprehensive package is designed to give your local business the ultimate online advantage.”

Combining local listings and great website design is a good start, but to really boost your online presence, you need to focus your efforts on other areas too, like social media, SEO, and Google Business Profile optimization.

In the digital era, you literally can't afford to have no - or poor - online presence. With professional solutions, you can easily make your business visible and well-known.

Check out the description to learn more!

If the thought of having to find a new pharmacy to supply your long-term care facility feels overwhelming and you’re tempted to just stick with your current arrangements even if there’s better deals to be had, working with a third-party company that can gather bids and handle all of the transition arrangements could be just what you need.

In today's episode, we get insights from LTCRFP on how you can improve both patient and business outcomes with the right pharmacy partner.

Are you hoping to reduce the costs of acquiring medication and streamline the delivery of essential drugs? LTCRFP suggests an all-inclusive solution to changing suppliers and managing orders.

The company recommends finding a dedicated LTC pharmacy with experience in handling high volumes of prescriptions and an ability to negotiate more favorable prices for medications.

A spokesperson says, “They typically offer generic alternatives and therapeutic interchange programs that can further drive down costs. But it’s not just about cheaper drugs; LTC pharmacies streamline the entire medication delivery process, which can lead to fewer errors and less waste.”

LTCRFP explains how a pharmacy selection consultancy can evaluate your current supplier arrangements, checking contracts to identify potential areas for improvements to reduce costs and enhance terms. In addition, they can provide a breakdown of projected savings from a possible supplier switch.

Invoices should also be reviewed to ensure that billing tallies with the terms of your contracts. A spokesperson adds, “This audit will also provide an estimate of the potential savings a new contract could bring and evaluate whether the pharmacy is sourcing from the lowest-cost manufacturer.”

If it’s time for a change, you’ll need to find a new supplier but that’s easier said than done and wading through the options is time-consuming. To ensure a better deal for its clients, LTCRFP gathers bids from multiple pharmacies as part of its Request-For-Proposal (RFP) process which accounts for operational, service, financial, clinical, and technological factors.

An experienced LTC pharmacy consultancy specializes in finding pharmacies best suited to the needs of your long-term care patients and the specific medication requirements you typically need.

The company highlights the importance of specialized services such as on-site consultations and customized medication packaging in helping facility managers deliver higher standards of care.

You also need to find a pharmacy supplier that is proactive in implementing the latest regulatory guidelines. Compliance within the medical sector is always evolving. Failure to keep up to date with changing protocols can jeopardize your care facility’s entire operation.

Once a provider has been selected, companies such as LTCRFP facilitate a contractual agreement, making sure that all elements of the RFP are reflected in your final contract.

The company acts as a neutral third-party account manager on an ongoing basis so you can focus on delivering better care instead of getting bogged down by the admin of managing your supply arrangements. LTCRFP adds, “We provide a direct point of contact between your facility and the pharmacy, ensuring that all levels of service are maintained as outlined in the pharmacy agreement.”

For better outcomes for your patients and for your business, consider working with an independent LTC pharmacy consultancy like LTCRFP.

Click the link in the description for more details.