UBCNews - Business

Hey everyone, did you know that approximately about 11 percent of veterans who've sought help at VA health facilities do so for a substance use disorder? And that's just the tip of the iceberg when we look at the challenges our military personnel face.

Did you know that electricity moves through your home at nearly 186,000 miles per second? That's almost the speed of light! And yet, despite this incredible power that runs our daily lives, many people don't recognize the warning signs of electrical emergencies until it's too late.

Getting people to discover and visit your website is only half the battle. Once they arrive, you want them to purchase something or, at the very least, submit an inquiry form. That’s why content marketing is such a powerful tool: it not only makes your business more visible, it can also make potential clients interested enough to seek more information.

“At the heart of our service is our proprietary Create, Repurpose, and Distribute model,” a company representative explained. “Our team creates high-quality original content, that we then repurpose across multiple formats. By publishing on an extensive network of 300+ high-authority website, we create a level of organic visibility that even Google can’t ignore.”

For example, if you see that several hundred people are visiting your website each day, but you’re receiving few or no inquiry form submissions, you know something isn’t right. Publishing content on high-traffic websites acts as a warm-up before people visit your website, increasing the chance they’ll seek more information, MORE Associates explains.

Check out the description to learn more!

This week marks the release of a timely and much-needed episode from Franchise Now AI Radio, the popular podcast at the intersection of franchising and innovation. Hosted by synthetic AI voices—Gemma and the AI voice clone of Rob Gandley—the show takes a fresh look at how franchisors can move past the confusion surrounding AI and start implementing smarter workflows that actually drive growth.

The episode, titled “The Franchisor’s Challenge: Navigating AI Overwhelm,” is especially relevant as franchise brands of all sizes are increasingly bombarded by new technology, tools, and trends. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. What sets this conversation apart is how it simplifies the topic and provides a clear, manageable path forward for operators who are ready to take the first step—but don’t know where to start.

Gemma and Rob kick off the discussion with a question many franchisors are quietly asking: how do you deal with the flood of AI tools without losing focus? The solution, as they explain, isn’t to master everything at once. It’s to start with one pain point—such as lead qualification—and solve it using automation.

The episode illustrates how an AI-powered lead workflow can completely transform the franchise development process. By handling inquiries in real time, evaluating leads on the spot, and even scheduling appointments automatically, franchisors can reduce response time and improve conversion rates—without overwhelming their team.

Check out the full episode at Franchise Now.media.

Throughout the 30-minute segment, Rob’s AI voice clone delivers strategic advice based on real-world scenarios, while Gemma adds perspective from the franchisee and startup world. Together, they make the case that modern AI tools aren’t just smart—they’re accessible, cost-effective, and surprisingly simple to implement when focused on one workflow at a time.

For franchisors who are new to automation, this episode is both a confidence boost and a tactical guide. And for those already testing AI, it offers a reminder: the goal isn’t to chase every shiny object, but to build a scalable system grounded in real franchise operations.

Discover their automation tools at franchisenow.ai.

As the episode wraps, listeners are encouraged to assess where their systems may be breaking down. Whether it’s slow follow-up, missed inquiries, or inefficient resource use, AI can help—but only if it’s applied with intention. Franchise Now offers a complimentary AI Opportunity Assessment to help brands identify those weak spots and recommend where to start.

Franchise Now AI Radio continues to serve as a go-to source for tech-savvy franchisors, and this latest release proves why: it’s not just about AI—it’s about making it work for real franchise growth.

You know, it's fascinating how ancient practices like Yoga and Qigong have found their way into modern wellness routines. Have you ever wondered what makes these practices so timeless and effective across all age groups?

Franchise Marketing Radio has released a captivating new episode spotlighting Yves Lamothe, a NASA project leader, Marine Corps veteran, and RockBox Fitness franchise owner. This episode highlights how an elite aerospace leader is applying mission-critical discipline and community-centered values to build a thriving local business.

Yves Lamothe is a dynamic force in both his professional and personal ventures. By day, he plays a key role in NASA’s Artemis program, overseeing complex, high-budget operations with precision and intent. Outside of NASA, Lamothe channels that same energy into RockBox Fitness in Rockledge, Florida, where he inspires transformation through fitness, coaching, and leadership.

The episode dives into Lamothe’s unique pathway into franchising. He shares how his love for training and coaching, developed during his time in the military, evolved into a business vision. For Lamothe, RockBox offered more than a business opportunity—it became a platform to foster mental clarity, physical health, and personal empowerment within his community.

Listeners will learn how Lamothe leverages the franchise model to maintain structure while focusing on what he does best: motivating people, building relationships, and leading by example. With a demanding role at NASA and multiple business ventures under his belt, he emphasizes the importance of balance and what he calls "intelligent selfishness"—taking care of yourself so you can show up fully for others.

Lamothe also shares how he incorporates automation and AI tools within his business operations. These systems help him streamline repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and stay focused on the human side of leadership. For Lamothe, technology is not a replacement for connection—it’s a means to strengthen it.

Throughout the episode, Lamothe shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and franchisees. From choosing the right brand to creating value through experience, his insights offer a clear roadmap for those considering the franchise path. He challenges listeners to pursue curiosity, to lead with integrity, and to view business as a tool for impact.

This episode is especially valuable for franchise professionals who value culture, service, and high-performance leadership. It offers a candid look at what it takes to thrive in business while staying aligned with purpose and community.

Check out the full episode at Franchise Marketing Radio.

Did you know that your employees may be spending up to an hour per day on repetitive, non-productive, but nonetheless essential tasks? That's right, one recent study showed that, in some surveyed companies, employees spent over 250 hours each year on data entry alone! This is an unbelievable waste, but as Bridge Hiring explains, it can also be easily corrected.

The answer, as it turns out, is simple. Partnering with a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) service can allow you to secure real, capable talent at a vastly reduced cost. In doing so, you can eliminate the bulk of that repetitive work by delegating it to your remote team, freeing up your core workforce to tackle other, more vital matters.

However, not just any BPO service will do. Many such services provide unqualified talent, and may even expose companies to data security risks. Bridge Hiring, on the other hand, thoroughly vets every candidate and does not require the signing of any unfair contracts. But how exactly can their services help you? Let's find out!

BPO, or Business Process Outsourcing, can have a wide range of impacts depending on where in the organization it is deployed and at what scale. While technology firm ISG found that the average cost savings for businesses who use BPO is around 15%, some businesses are able to leverage these services much more effectively to reduce costs by up to 70%.

In the case of Bridge Hiring, they have made their services available on a per-hire basis, allowing you to secure talent at any scale and for virtually any purpose. They have previously worked with partners in a wide range of industries as well, including in the legal, medical, financial, and sales fields.

When you use this service, you will also maintain full control over the talent provided, as opposed to other business process outsourcing services that may require regular interactions with intermediaries. As they explain on their website, this hiring model will allow you to train these remote assistants as full-time, real employees, leading to better outcomes in the long-term.

The candidate selection process for those appointed by Bridge Hiring involves a full round of interviews and skill verification, saving you a significant chunk of time and money that would have otherwise been wasted on the hiring process.

Each new team member can also be replaced at no cost for 30 days after the initial hiring, allowing you to try the service risk-free.

One client in the construction industry stated, “After running my business for over three decades, I knew that sustainable growth required a new approach to staffing. That's when we partnered with Bridge Hiring. Their outsourcing expertise allowed us to access a pool of talent we wouldn't have reached otherwise, and their efficient processes freed up our internal resources to focus on core business activities.”

If you want to try this revolutionary service for yourself, simply schedule your discovery call with the Bridge Hiring team. They are ready and waiting to discuss your hiring goals and skill set requirements to ensure you are partnered with the best virtual assistant for your unique situation.

Get started today at the link in the description.

You know, it's fascinating how medical practices are transforming their marketing approaches in 2025. Did you know that healthcare content marketing actually generates three times more leads than traditional outbound marketing while costing 62% less?

You know, when we talk about alcohol use disorder in California, particularly in places like Yuba City, we're dealing with a health crisis that often stays in the shadows. Did you know that approximately one-third of all adults will meet the criteria for AUD at some point during their lives?

If you suffer from dry eyes and headaches on a daily basis, you may be getting tired of blowing all your money on eye drops and painkillers that stop working after a while. While these OTC options may relieve uncomfortable symptoms temporarily, they fail to address the root of the issue: eye misalignment. And if you happen to use screens a lot, your symptoms are going to feel that much worse. But that’s why experts like A2Z Eyecare recommend Neurolenses! These specialized lenses tackle the root of the problem, allowing your eyes to focus properly and helping you see clearly again!

First, let’s try to clear up why so many people experience discomfort, especially after using electronic devices for an extended period of time. It all has to do with a condition called digital vision syndrome (DVS), which is growing more prevalent with increasing computer and mobile device usage.

DVS, also known as computer vision syndrome, affects an estimated 69% of the global population, according to a literature review by Future Science OA. Eye misalignment is closely associated with DVS and is responsible for eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision.

Those with the condition also commonly experience persistent dry eyes and neck or shoulder pain, symptoms that A2Z Eyecare says can arise from even minor misalignments, which place stress on the eye muscles and trigeminal nerve. The latter is responsible for transmitting sensations felt in the head and neck to the brain, which is why you may experience pain in those areas if your eyes aren’t working properly.

And that’s where Neurolenses come in. But what makes them so special? Well, Neurolenses are the sole prescription lenses to contain contour prism technology. As A2Z Eyecare explains, unlike traditional prism lenses, which can only address misalignment at a single distance, Neurolenses use multiple contoured prisms that are customized to the patient’s eye alignment measurements, reducing the strain on the eyes.

This technology typically results in improved visual clarity and has been shown to alleviate the symptoms often associated with misalignment, improving the quality of life for those who must use electronic devices for long periods of time. In fact, more than 80% of patients have reported that Neurolenses relieved their symptoms after wearing them for at least 60 days!

If this sounds like something you need, all you have to do is find a Neurolens provider like A2Z Eyecare. Once you do, your optometrist will conduct a thorough eye examination to determine your prescription - that is, the exact extent of your misalignment - and use those measurements to produce customized contoured prisms that will suit your visual needs.

Better yet, Neurolenses can be slotted into virtually any frame you want. That means you can get a tailor-made solution for your eye problems, all without compromising your impeccable sense of style.

For the best results, most experts recommend that you wear your new glasses for the entire day, or at least while you’re using electronic devices. With consistent usage, you’re likely to experience clearer vision and a reduction of symptoms within the first week. Everyone’s eyes are unique, though, so it may take you longer. Some patients can take up to three weeks to notice any differences, so don’t panic if you don’t see any immediate improvements.

If you’re curious about Neurolenses, A2Z Eyecare can answer any other questions you have. Learn more by visiting the link in the description today!