UBCNews - Business

Hold on, before we get into the facts today, let me take a guess.... you have asphalt shingles on your house! Am I right? If I am, it's not magic, it's just statistics.

For decades, asphalt shingles have been the go-to solution and it's only in the last 20 years that metal roofing has really become as cost effective. Today I want to show you what that means, using this new guide from Apex Restoration & Roofing that explores the most popular residential roofing materials, and how they compare in terms of installation, repairs, and lifetime costs. You can check out the full guide yourself, for free, at the link I left in the podcast description.

Installation Is Only The First Step.

This isn't to say that metal is always a better option, but if you're looking for the longest lifespan with the lowest overall costs, it might be. While a metal roof can cost up to twice as much to install as asphalt shingles, they are also known to last more than twice as long, and to require less maintenance.

Of course, if you're more concerned with the hefty cost of installation - asphalt shingles are still a great option. They look fantastic, work well, and can still last up to 30 years.

The full guide explores the entire range of factors that can affect the cost of a new roof installation, such as the slope of the roof, the total square footage, and the complexity of the job as a whole. It's not as easy as just multiplying your square footage by a dollar amount - though that's not a bad way to get a rough estimate to start.

To get a real, accurate estimate, just ask.

Apex roofing specialists are available to provide free estimates for new installations, anywhere throughout Colorado. It doesn't matter if you're looking for shingles, metal sheeting, or something else entirely - if it's a roof, they probably do that.

Just remember to ask about the long-term costs, as well as the installation.

While the cost and style of new roofs can vary widely, all experts agree on one thing, no matter what type of roof you have.

It's a lot more cost-effective to get regular inspections and repairs, rather than letting your roof fall apart and having to replace it early.

This is particularly important in Colorado, where hail, extreme winds, tornadoes, heavy rainstorms, and blizzards are all common occurrences. These extreme weather events will cause damage to roofing, the question is when, not if.

Your best defense is to get your roof checked regularly, and get the damage fixed promptly.

That's because one bent shingle or missing screw isn't a major issue - but they lead to major issues. Even a small amount of damage can let in water, let wind get underneath your parts, and loosen them up or damage them.

To maximize the lifespan of any roof, commercial or residential, roofing experts recommend at least two professional inspections per year. These inspections will check for the earliest signs of wear, damage, or leaks throughout the roof and drainage system, so small problems can be corrected before they can grow into major concerns.

It's like getting the oil changed in your car, or putting a new filter in the furnace - a few dollars in preventative maintenance today, can save a bucket load of cash later.

A little blurb I stole from the Apex website explains, “At Apex Restoration & Roofing, we’ve been serving Colorado homeowners for over 27 years. We’re roofing experts, offering replacements, repairs, and restoration for storm damage. Our expert team will make sure your roof is installed correctly, using only the best materials for Colorado’s unique climate.”

Your roof, and everything underneath it, is important. So act like it.

Get a top-tier roof, and keep it in peak condition with regular inspections and repairs. It's worth it.

If you want to book an inspection, talk to an expert about your options, or learn more about the estimated costs, click the link in the description.

Suggesting that business today is not the same as it was 20 years ago would be a bit of a truism. And yet, here we are, staring down a near-unrecognizable economic landscape dominated by automation tools that did not exist at this time even 2 years ago. Things are moving fast and getting faster, but don't panic! This isn't the first time a massive technological shift has reshaped business, and it won't be the last. The important thing is that you watch the experts and follow their lead.

But how, I hear you asking, are we supposed to watch anything when so many of the business world's biggest names keep their secrets so close to the chest? That is exactly the problem that freedom dot com set out to solve!

This innovative new platform was established to expand access to leading business strategies in a big way, all in the interest of helping up-and-coming professionals like yourself succeed in the face of increasingly challenging circumstances.

The ultimate goal of the program is to promote a healthier, more efficient work culture among entrepreneurs. As they joke on their website, independent professionals often spend 100 hours a week building their businesses, all in an effort to avoid working 40 hours a week at a traditional job.

To accomplish this, they are sharing stories and actionable advice from real experts who have succeeded in achieving financial freedom without succumbing to toxic work culture. The courses include strategies on how to build, protect, and grow wealth regardless of economic conditions—a set of skills particularly relevant in 2025.

Among the presenters featured in the most recently added courses, freedom dot com is introducing author and ecommerce expert Roland Frasier. Frasier offers an overview of how he built a wealth generation system that incorporated his passions, in turn allowing him to spend more time working on projects that he enjoyed, rather than those necessary to his business future.

Outside of the course content, when you join, you will become a part of a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, coming together across a wide range of disciplines to brainstorm strategies and share resources.

The program has earned endorsements from a number of notable names in the business world, including one of the entrepreneurs from the television show Shark Tank, and other names that will be revealed in the coming weeks and months.

The freedom platform was created after its founder suffered a health scare, an event which offered him some perspective on the timescale that entrepreneurship typically operates on. As he explains, given that no one knows how much time they have to build their legacy, prioritizing efficiency is the only true path to success.

To read more about the genesis of the freedom program, and about the many courses included in the VIP program, you should visit the link in the description. They're not always accepting new members, but are currently enrolling a new cohort at the time of writing, so get in while you still can!

Starting and running a small business is no easy feat. As an entrepreneur, you’re juggling everything from managing daily tasks to figuring out how to market your brand, build an audience, and ensure your business thrives. But here’s the thing: You don’t have to do it alone. Freedom dot com is here to help entrepreneurs like you with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate the ups and downs of business growth.

Their brand-new digital hub offers masterclasses and educational resources designed specifically for small business owners. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale, Freedom dot com provides you with the support and resources you need to take your business to the next level.

According to Fundera, 80% of small businesses fail within the first 18 months, often due to things like poor planning, ineffective marketing, or a lack of resources. These are the challenges Freedom dot com aims to solve. Their platform offers expert-led masterclasses, step-by-step guides, and actionable tools to help business owners navigate common obstacles and achieve long-term success.

The platform's goal is simple: to provide entrepreneurs with a comprehensive toolkit for sustained business growth. Their resources are designed to help you tackle everything from marketing and branding to financial management and scaling your business.

Freedom dot com’s masterclasses cover some of the most critical areas for business success. These actionable, expert-led courses will guide you through everything you need to know about building a thriving business:

Marketing strategies: Learn how to effectively reach your target audience and convert them into loyal customers.

Freedom dot com knows that growing a business is an ongoing journey. That’s why they provide coaching sessions, workshops, and even a community of peers where you can connect with other entrepreneurs, share experiences, and learn from one another. This isn’t just about taking a course and moving on—it’s about providing you with consistent support throughout your entrepreneurial journey.

Whether you're working through challenges or celebrating wins, Freedom dot com's resources and community will be there to guide you.

If you’re looking to increase your visibility, grow your brand, and drive traffic without relying on expensive ads or guesswork, Freedom dot com has the tools and strategies you need. Their approach focuses on long-term success, so you can feel confident that the strategies you’re using today will continue to pay off in the future.

With Freedom dot com, you have access to a wealth of resources to help you create a business that not only survives but thrives. If you’re ready to scale your business and build a brand that lasts, Freedom dot com is the platform you need. You can also enjoy the "Shortcuts" section, a collection of the team's favorite tools and business models.

For more information or to get started with their masterclasses, head over to the link in the description today.

The numbers from 2024-2025 studies tell us that small businesses with mentors show a 70% five-year survival rate—double that of non-mentored ventures. Even more striking, recent surveys show that 84% of CEOs attribute mentor guidance to avoiding major strategic mistakes.

Here's what's different in 2025: mentoring isn't just about one-to-one guidance anymore; it takes the proverbial village, and now the village comes with AI, done-for-you systems, and future-ready financial wisdom. Platforms like Freedom dot com are betting on this community-driven approach to better entrepreneurship.

Business communities are helping entrepreneurs learn and adapt—without making sizeable investments. While 93% of small and medium-sized businesses acknowledge the value of business mentoring, only 25% have formal mentors—a significant opportunity gap.

Structured mentoring programs and access to business communities have advantages: businesses report 67% productivity increases after implementing a mentoring culture. 92% of mentored business owners directly link their growth to mentor relationships.

Nick Apollo, discussing the launch of freedom dot com, points out: "We've created an entrepreneurial ecosystem that provides what we believe to be a genuine shortcut to building a lifestyle freedom business." This approach combines AI automation with traditional fundamentals - a critical fusion for 2025's market demands.

Designed as an alternative to Skool, Mighty Networks, and Circle, freedom dot com encourages the community-led adoption of processes, technologies, and implementation strategies to accelerate business growth and address common startup challenges. The most successful startup communities now integrate AI tools directly into their mentoring frameworks. Instead of replacing human wisdom, freedom dot com aims to amplify and codify it in new ways. One of these ways is based on the idea that when AI handles routine operations, founders like you can focus on strategic decisions where mentoring matters most.

Key resources in Freedom dot com include specialized training programs from industry leaders, including courses on AI-powered business automation, strategic partnerships, and wealth preservation through private equity. Members gain access to 'done-for-you' business systems, implementation tools, and proven resources designed to support both digital and traditional business models.

Courses by top business leaders cover tax strategies used by high net worth individuals, crypto investments, e-commerce entrepreneurship, multi-income hub strategy, joint venture setups, and other B2B and B2C topics.

A key feature of the platform is its AI-driven B2B service suite, which helps automate routine business operations. The system includes tools for digital marketing, customer acquisition, and business process automation, supported by advisory calls for members who need additional guidance.

Freedom dot com founder and serial entrepreneur Nick Apollo expects this community-driven approach to strengthen the generational wisdom available to a new generation of entrepreneurs working with new business models and advancements in AI and other core technologies.

Want to explore how community mentoring and AI tools can support your startup journey? Visit the link in the podcast notes to learn more about joining a community of builders focused on sustainable business growth.

From SEO to having a high-converting website, effective digital marketing is a complex balancing act, and getting it right can give your business a competitive edge. If you’re a contractor based in Long Island, MaxAdvantage Media offers a comprehensive suite of services that will supercharge your online marketing efforts.

According to a recent study from BrightLocal, home service contractors are among the businesses most likely to be researched by consumers. The research also found that 87% of individuals use online searches to find local businesses, while 98% say that they read online reviews before deciding which company to use.

MaxAdvantage Media explains that content is a highly effective way of improving your search visibility and building the reputation of your business. As part of the latest service, the agency offers custom-developed content campaigns published on 300+ famous websites, like Business Insider, Bezinga, and Google News.

While content can improve your search visibility, MaxAdvantage points out that your website still plays a critical role in converting interest into sales. That’s why web design forms a central part of their service, ensuring that your website is not only optimized for SEO, but is also engaging and easy-to-use.

“We use the knowledge and connections that we have developed over the years to put together strategic online marketing, visibility, and ranking plans to grow your business,” a company representative explained. “Whether you’re a local startup or an established company, our team of experts is here to ensure you stand out in today’s competitive digital landscape.”

MaxAdvantage Media offers an initial consultation to help you form a comprehensive digital marketing strategy. As a Certified Google Business Digital Marketing agency, this can begin with the optimization of your Google business profile.

“We specialize in Google Business Profile optimization to ensure your business stands out in local searches,” the company continued. “By incorporating targeted keywords, high-quality images, and accurate business information, we help drive more traffic and increase customer engagement.”

Floodwaters swept across vast stretches of the Australian outback in late March 2025 - with more than a year's worth of rain falling in one week. The rains caused major flooding along multiple rivers - and Flood Emergency Services responded, helping local homeowners recover after the flooding. This has earned them positive reviews, with homeowners praising the company's ability to help property owners in crisis with fast response times and restorations to protect and preserve their investments.

It's heartbreaking to see your home ruined. For fast response to your domestic disaster, choose Flood Emergency Services – a specialist property restoration company based in Varsity Lakes, QLD!

Customer reviews highlight the company's expertise in providing state-of-the-art moisture detection and drying solutions to arrest further damage to water-logged properties. The testimonials underline Flood Emergency Services' ability to help you in your hour of need with fast response times and restorations to protect and preserve your investments.

The Flood Emergency Services team provide cool heads under pressure!

“I cannot recommend Bill and his team (Johnny & Bruno) enough for the assistance, service, and support they provided during what we considered to be a crisis. Bill responded immediately, it was refreshing to have people know their jobs and know it well,” says Cassie Gillespie from Queensland. “Our carpet came up brand new. You wouldn’t even know our place had been flooded. Flood Emergency Services is the company to go with.”

Such high praise from clients reflects the high standards set by the company for its team of IICRC-accredited professionals.

The staff receive regular training to keep up to date with insurance industry criteria to ensure all necessary claim evidence is gathered and that all remedial work is compliant and eligible for reimbursement. To make life easier for you, Flood Emergency Services can invoice your insurance company directly.

The company provides emergency flood repair assistance for both residential and commercial properties. Another satisfied client, Amanda Gilbert, writes, “Flood Emergency Services has proven to be a valuable partner for all our flood events. Their ability to handle jobs of all sizes has been invaluable. What they accomplished to restore our business following recent storm events was exceptional.”

Flood Emergency Services offers you on-site or off-site carpet and rug drying. Carpets can be relaid upon request and new ones supplied and installed if required. If you have furnishings that are stained and have suffered milder damage, the team provides stain removal, spot dyeing and colour repair and restoration.

And that's not all! Services also include odour control treatments, sewerage cleaning, and the safe removal and disposal of your soiled carpets.

The company supplies all necessary equipment including air movers, dehumidifiers, and air filtration systems.

Leo Jones recently enlisted Flood Emergency Services for urgent restorative work on his basement. He says, “Our basement flooded three days after we bought our home. They worked quickly and made sure our family was kept safe and healthy during the process. What impressed me the most was that they used hospital-grade air-purification devices to minimise dust during the drying process since my daughter suffers from asthma.”

Reach out to Flood Emergency Services today!

Click the link in the description for more details.

From the latest SEO strategies to high-performing websites, MaxAdvantage Media covers everything your swimming pool company needs to succeed in the digital era. The team even offers done-for-you multichannel content marketing campaigns to help you reach a much wider audience.

MaxAdvantage Media points out that the digital marketing space continues to evolve at a rapid pace, so having a simple website is no longer enough. That’s why the team developed an all-in-one solution that boosts the visibility of your website, and ensures that it impresses when potential clients visit.

The state of New York has over 500,000 residential swimming pools, and the market continues to grow, according to estimates from PoolResearch. However, given the relative maturity of the sector, contractors will have access to a relatively small number of new pool owners, so there is also a significant amount of competition.

The majority of homeowners use digital channels to find and research your swimming pool company, so having a strong online presence is critical. To that end, MaxAdvantage Media’s advanced SEO methods include Google profile optimization, high-authority listings, on-page SEO, link-building, and technical SEO, designed to boost the rankings of local contractors.

“At MaxAdvantage Media, our mission is simple: to provide Long Island businesses with the tools and strategies they need to succeed online,” a company representative explained. “We believe in delivering measurable results through custom-tailored digital marketing and SEO solutions that drive traffic, enhance visibility, and improve conversion rates.”

While SEO is super important, MaxAdvantage Media states that these efforts can be wasted if your website isn’t intuitive, informative, and visually appealing. To that end, the agency has introduced an affordable SEO and web design package, ensuring every stage of your sales funnel is effective.

Max Advantage Media has helped our luxury design and build business attract more high-quality leads,” one client recently stated. “We have much greater Google visibility for a variety of keyword searches, which is exactly what we were hoping to achieve.”

Check out the description to learn more!

Women are leading the way in franchise ownership, and Senior Care Authority is proud to be a part of that.

If you’ve been thinking about stepping away from corporate life and building something of your own, this might be the perfect opportunity. With a proven franchise model, full training, and ongoing support, you’ll have everything you need to turn your passion for helping others and your professional expertise into a meaningful business through Senior Care Authority.

For the second consecutive year, Senior Care Authority has been named a Top 100 Franchise for Women by Franchise Business Review (FBR), a leading market research firm focused on the franchise sector. The distinction follows an independent survey that polled insights from over 8,500 female franchise owners representing 350 different franchise brands.

Survey participants were asked to rate their experiences on 33 benchmarks, including training and support, leadership, financial opportunity, work-life balance, and overall satisfaction.

Senior Care Authority received high marks across the board, reflecting strong levels of satisfaction among its female franchisees and highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to providing women with the tools and guidance needed for rewarding business ownership.

Here's what Marcy Baskin, Vice President of Franchise Support and Training at Senior Care Authority said recently about the news:

“We are honored to be recognized as a Top Franchise for Women, a testament to the incredible dedication and talent of the women in our network. Women are natural leaders, problem-solvers, and compassionate advocates, making them especially well-suited for the senior care industry.”

Senior Care Authority now operates in over 100 locations across 34 states. Franchisees are professionally certified Senior Advisors who assist families struggling with finding the best solutions to help their aging loved ones. When you join Senior Care Authority, you can look forward to comprehensive training, your own exclusive territory, and ongoing mentorship, helping you build a meaningful, service-oriented business you can be proud of.

Senior Care Authority has earned several awards from Franchise Business Review over the last decade, including recognition in 2024 as:

Most Innovative Franchise, Top Culture Franchise, Top Franchise for Women, and Franchise Rock Star. All these accolades are a result of franchisee feedback, an excellent indication that business ownership with Senior Care Authority has been a positive, life-changing experience for many.

Michelle Rowan, president and COO of Franchise Business Review explains:

“Franchising is a terrific option for women seeking business ownership on a full- or part-time basis. When you look at the brands on this year’s list, 89% of women said they enjoy being part of their franchise organizations, and 88% said they enjoy operating the business.”

Senior Care Authority was founded in 2009 and began franchising in 2014. The network consists of professionally trained and experienced local advisors who assist families with the overwhelming challenges associated with selecting the best options in assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, and navigating a complex healthcare system. Senior Care Authority offers Eldercare Consulting services to families and is the exclusive provider of the Beyond Driving with Dignity program.

Franchise Business Review is a leading market research firm serving the franchise sector. FBR measures the satisfaction and engagement of franchisees and franchise employees and publishes various guides and reports for entrepreneurs considering an investment in a franchise business. Since 2005, FBR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of franchise owners and over 1,200 leading franchise companies.

If you’re someone who can picture themselves making a real difference in your community while building a thriving business, there’s never been a better time to join the franchise network at Senior Care Authority.

You know, I had an interesting experience last week that really opened my eyes about carpet maintenance. I accidentally spilled a full glass of red wine on my cream-colored carpet, and I can say that moment of panic was real!

You know, when we talk about addiction, particularly alcoholism, there's this shocking statistic that keeps me up at night. Have you ever wondered just how many lives are affected by alcohol use disorder in our communities?