Eric Joern

Author profile for Eric Joern of Kaizen CPAs + Advisors. On this page you can see all the blog posts that Eric Joern has written.

A smiling team of automotive technicians wearing matching uniforms, representing a well-structured workforce. The image highlights the importance of proper worker classification for compliance, business success, and a happy team.

Subcontractor or Employee? Get Worker Classification Right Every Time

Let’s set the scene: you’re running a business, you’ve got a mountain of work, and you need help. You bring someone on board, thinking, “Great!...

Two auto repair shop professionals in navy blue polo shirts reviewing financial and operational data on a laptop. In the background, mechanics are working on vehicles in a clean and organized workshop. The image represents strategic planning, efficiency, and business growth—key elements for running a profitable auto repair shop.

Smart Moves to Make Your Auto Repair Shop More Profitable in 2025

Running an auto repair shop isn't just about turning wrenches—it’s about running a business that thrives. And guess what? The shops that dominate the...

A confident female small business owner stands in a warm, inviting restaurant, smiling with a sense of financial security and success. She wears a white blouse and blue jeans, embodying both professionalism and approachability. The softly lit background features wooden tables and modern decor, symbolizing a thriving, well-managed business. The image conveys empowerment, smart financial planning, and the ability to say ‘yes’ to growth opportunities in 2025.

5 Steps to Take Control of Your Finances: Smart Budgeting for 2025

Let’s be real—budgeting gets a bad rap. People hear the word and immediately think restrictions, cutbacks, and spreadsheets from hell. But a budget...

A male and female small business owner celebrate their financial success with a high-five in a bright, modern office. Both are smiling and engaged, with financial documents on the table in front of them. The well-lit space reflects successful tax planning, business growth, and smart financial strategies, reinforcing the importance of proactive bookkeeping and tax savings for small businesses.

Tax Strategies to Save Your Business Thousands

A new year is here, and for small business owners, that means new opportunities and challenges. Among the most important—and sometimes most...

A casually dressed professional sits at a bright, modern desk typing on a laptop displaying a financial growth chart labeled 'Health Savings Account.' The desk includes a coffee mug, papers, and a smartphone, with natural sunlight streaming through large windows and a vibrant green plant in the background. The image conveys themes of financial planning, HSA benefits, and productivity.

Maximize Your HSA: How to Get Triple Tax-Free Benefits

Did you know there’s a secret weapon for your finances that most people don’t fully use? Meet the Health Savings Account (HSA). It’s not just a way...

An AI accountant handles the repetitive tasks, like data entry, while an accountant gives strategic advice and guidance.

AI in Accounting: The Pros, Cons, and What It Means for Your Business

If you're a small or medium-sized business owner, you've probably wondered whether an AI accountant could help you manage your finances more easily....

A confident small business owner stands with arms crossed in front of a storefront with a sign reading

Bulletproof Your Business: How to Thrive in a Recession

Economic downturns are a natural part of the business cycle, and while it's impossible to predict exactly when the next recession will occur, savvy...

Confident small business owner standing on a quaint main street in a rural setting, wearing a casual suit jacket and jeans, symbolizing financial growth through real estate tax savings strategies like cost segregation.

Save BIG Money: Maximize Tax Benefits for Your Real Estate

Owning real estate for your small business isn't just a milestone—it’s a smart financial move. Beyond giving your business a stable location,...

Mechanic in a well-organized auto repair shop using a tablet to review a labor matrix on a digital interface, with shelves and tools in the background. Warm lighting highlights the mechanic's focus on efficient labor management.

How a Labor Matrix Can Boost Your Business's Profitability

As a small or medium-sized business owner, you’re always on the lookout for tools to enhance profitability and streamline operations. One underrated...

A smiling cashier handing a payment terminal to a customer using a credit card, with a visible 'Surcharge Notice' sign on the counter in a modern retail store setting, emphasizing Illinois surcharge laws compliance in 2024.

Illinois Credit Card Surcharge Laws: What Businesses Should Know for 2025

Illinois lets businesses add surcharges to credit card transactions, but the rules are a bit tighter here than in other states. Let’s dive into what...

With secure servers and updated technology, a team member works from home on a desktop computer. She uses AI occasionally to assist with data entry projects, allowing her to spend more time on strategic thinking.

How Remote Work, AI, and Data are Shaping the Future of Business

Key Takeaways: Flexible Work Models: Remote and hybrid setups are here to stay, offering employees more flexibility but also creating the need for...

Worried and frustrated over a business failure, a small business owner holds his face in his hands as two other team members look on. Business owners can learn valuable lessons from mistakes they've made.

7 Lessons Learned from Business Failures

As a CPA, I've witnessed the highs and lows of various businesses. Some soar to incredible heights, while others face the unfortunate reality of...