The Moss HR Minute

Nicole Moss
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The Moss HR Minute brings real conversations about building and managing teams to you — one Moss Minute at a time!Hosted by Nicole Moss, this podcast features entrepreneurs and subject matter experts from Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Phoenix, and beyond. What started as local conversations in Easton Park has evolved alongside Moss Consulting into a broader discussion focused on the people side of business.Each episode is fast, focused, and practical. Industry leaders answer five timely questions in one Moss Minute, sharing real-world insight on leadership, culture, compliance, growth, and the challenges business owners are navigating right now.Same energy. Same solutions-focused approach. Expanded reach.Whether you’re a founder, operator, or business leader, The Moss HR Minute is your place for clear perspective, actionable ideas, and conversations that get straight to the point — with no fluff.Tune in, subscribe, and build better teams one Moss Minute at a time 🎧✨

  1. LLC vs. Trust: The $900 Document That Saves Your Business from Probate with Carly Whiteside

    23H AGO

    LLC vs. Trust: The $900 Document That Saves Your Business from Probate with Carly Whiteside

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Carly Whiteside, owner of Copper Wren Law, joined by Preslie Deusenbery, Moss Consulting’s Phoenix Area HR Manager. Based in Mesa, Arizona, Carly’s boutique firm focuses on estate planning, probate, and business legal services, helping founders navigate the complex intersection of personal legacy and professional continuity. Carly reveals a critical blind spot that many entrepreneurs overlook: the risk of business paralysis. She explains that without proper contingency provisions in an LLC agreement, a sudden incapacity or death can cause business accounts to freeze, leaving employees unpaid and operations at a standstill for six to nine months while the courts appoint a representative . The conversation clarifies that legal protection is an investment in your team, ensuring their lives aren't derailed by an unforeseen crisis.  Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Incapacity Gap: Why your estate plan must account for more than just death, including accidents or temporary inability to make decisions. LLC Agreement vs. Estate Plan: Why the operating agreement is the single most important document for governing your business during a transition. Arizona Probate Myths: Understanding why a will isn't enough to stay out of probate in Arizona and how a properly funded trust provides the ultimate protection. The Cost of Neglect: How a nominal investment of roughly $900 can prevent thousands of dollars in future litigation and loss. Documenting Evolution: The dangers of letting legal ownership fall out of sync with actual business operations. The Non-Attorney Firm Model: Carly’s journey building a firm within Arizona’s unique legal landscape to provide high-touch client experiences .  This episode is a vital resource for operators who want to move estate planning from the bottom of the "to-do" list to the top of their strategic priorities. Carly delivers her expert advice on how to secure your business future—all explained within one Moss Minute.  Guest Information  Carly Whiteside, Copper Wren Law  Email: carly@copperwrenlaw.com  Phone: 602-679-3956  Website: www.copperwrenlaw.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-whiteside-89740319a/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copperwrenlaw/ Contact Moss Consulting  Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show   @TheMossHRMinute

    23 min
  2. 8 Out of 10 Businesses Never Sell—Is Yours One of Them? Find Out with John Franklin Wiley

    3D AGO

    8 Out of 10 Businesses Never Sell—Is Yours One of Them? Find Out with John Franklin Wiley

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with John Franklin Wiley, a CEPA certified exit strategist and value acceleration advisor based in Scottsdale. Joined by Preslie Deusenbery, Moss Consulting’s Phoenix Area HR Manager, this conversation tackles the high-stakes reality of business transitions and why most owners wait too long to prepare for a sale. John reveals a staggering statistic: 8 out of 10 businesses in the United States that go on the market fail to transact. He explains that this is often because owners build "lifestyle businesses" rather than "value acceleration businesses," leaving them with little to sell when they are ready to exit. The discussion provides a roadmap for shifting from founder-dependency to a scalable organization, using John’s signature "fire drill" analogy to measure readiness. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Maturity Question: Why the percentage of the business that depends on the owner’s presence is the ultimate indicator of valuation.4 Forms of Intangible Capital: The hidden assets that do not appear on a balance sheet but determine the quality of a deal.The "Fire Drill" Assessment: Why every business owner needs an annual readiness drill to identify "cracks" before a buyer’s lender finds them.90-Day Value Sprints: How to systematically "de-risk" a company in manageable increments to increase the multiplier.The Identity Trap: Navigating the emotional and spiritual challenge of extracting a founder’s identity from their company.Fractional Depth: Utilizing experts to provide "wraparound care" for businesses valued under $50 million, allowing them to compete with the "big boys".This episode is essential for any founder or operator who wants to reclaim their time, increase their profitability, and ensure they don’t become part of the 80% that fail to sell. John provides clear, actionable steps for building a business that can thrive without you—delivered within one Moss Minute. Guest Information  John Franklin Wiley, Exit Strategist & Value Acceleration Advisor  Website: www.johnfranklinwiley.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfranklinwiley/  Phone: 602-550-3175  Contact Moss Consulting  Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show  @TheMossHRMinute

    33 min
  3. Is Your Technology Working for You? Why 70% of Small Business AI Fails with JC Lukens

    5D AGO

    Is Your Technology Working for You? Why 70% of Small Business AI Fails with JC Lukens

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with JC Lukens, CEO and CFO of Summit National Advisors, to discuss the silent leaks that drain profitability from healthy businesses. Joined by Preslie Deusenbery, Phoenix Area HR Manager, the conversation highlights how everyday operational costs—specifically credit card processing and inefficient technology—can quietly erode a company's margins. JC reveals that credit card processing is often the second-largest operating expense for businesses behind labor, yet most owners treat it as a fixed, unavoidable cost. He explains the "Edge" program, a dual-pricing model that allows merchants to reach zero-fee processing legally and compliantly while maintaining a positive customer experience. The discussion also explores why approximately 70% of small businesses using AI are failing to see an ROI because they lack the proper guidance to make these tools work efficiently for them. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Reality of Profit Leaks: Why sales aren't always the solution to profitability problems and how to find cash "leaking out the back door" through poor technology implementation.The Interchange Trap: Understanding why Visa and Mastercard fees have quite literally never gone down in 50 years and why standard processing contracts allow for sudden rate increases.Zero-Fee Processing Explained: How the dual-price model removes convenience fees from the receipt to provide the most profitable way to accept payments in the US today.Broker vs. Representative: The value of a personal, tailored approach where advisors audit multiple systems rather than pushing a single out-of-the-box solution like Square or Toast.Technology as a Lever: How overworked founders can use efficient software to off-board tasks and reclaim their time.This episode provides a clear roadmap for founders to take control of their recurring expenses and stop paying what JC describes as an "additional rent payment" in processing fees. JC shares his best advice for protecting margins—delivered within one Moss Minute. Guest Information  JC Lukens, CEO/CFO of Summit National Advisors  Email: Jcl@summitnationaladvisors.com  Website: summitnationaladvisors.com Instagram: @summit_national_advisors  About: summitnationaladvisors.com/about/ Contact Moss Consulting  Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show  @TheMossHRMinute

    22 min
  4. How to Build a Recession-Resistant Business with Phil Guinouard

    APR 21

    How to Build a Recession-Resistant Business with Phil Guinouard

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Phil Guinouard, a seasoned business leader, speaker, and founder of the Empowerment Networking Organization (ENO). Joined by Preslie Deusenbery, Moss Consulting’s Phoenix HR Area Manager, the discussion focuses on how entrepreneurs can move from reactive scrambling to building a recession-resistant life and business. Phil draws on decades of experience—including turning around over 80 restaurants—to explain why networking must be a permanent strategy rather than a temporary fix used only when the "funnel" is empty. He challenges leaders to examine their own personal sustainability, sharing his personal journey of losing 110 pounds and how leadership energy directly ripples down to influence team performance and morale. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The "Sales Breath" Trap: Why leading with a sales pitch instead of a relationship kills credibility in networking.Leading Through Uncertainty: Why employees need consistency and increased communication from leaders when the economy feels unstable.The Chameleon Manager: Learning to adapt your leadership colors to motivate different personalities without losing your core identity.Diversification vs. Shiny Objects: How to build side revenue streams without diluting your primary brand or losing focus.The FOCUS Framework: A specific strategy for solopreneurs to stay on one course of action until successful.Collaborative Mindsets: Why viewing "competitors" as potential collaborators can lead to better outcomes and even exit strategy opportunities.This episode provides a roadmap for founders who want more control over their income and health. Phil wraps up by providing his best advice for staying focused in a cluttered market—all delivered within one Moss Minute. Guest Information  Phil Guinouard, ENO (Empowerment Networking Organization)  Website: www.philguinouard.com  ENO Website: https://www.enosuccess.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-guinouard/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philguinouard/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Philhealthiswealth/ Contact Moss Consulting  Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show @TheMossHRMinute

    22 min
  5. 40 Years of Finance Wisdom: The Real Reason Your Capital Raise Will Fail with Steven Plumb

    APR 18

    40 Years of Finance Wisdom: The Real Reason Your Capital Raise Will Fail with Steven Plumb

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Steven Plumb, CPA and Founder of Clear Financial Services. With over 40 years of experience in accounting, finance, and M&A, Steven brings a level of rigor usually reserved for $100 million revenue firms to the mid-market business owner. The conversation centers on Steven’s core philosophy: "The game is the same, but the rules have changed". In today’s global regulatory environment, owners can no longer afford to "fly straight" without expert guidance. Steven breaks down the transition from simple bookkeeping to strategic financial reporting, explaining why raw data from QuickBooks is often "garbage in, garbage out" if it isn't tied to volume-based metrics and key performance indicators. Key topics discussed in this episode include: The Global Regulatory Shift: Why business owners must now worry about multi-state and international compliance rather than just local rules.Metrics vs. Statements: How to use financial reporting to drive direction and identify historical trends rather than just checking a box.The Reality of Raising Capital: Why documentation, honesty, and a strong sales team are the real differentiators in a successful fundraise.SEC-Level Rigor: The intense operational changes required for public listings, including the strict 4-day window for reporting material events.Fractional CFO vs. Bookkeeper: Knowing when your business has outgrown its current structure and needs a partner focused on the "big picture" and capital flows.This episode is a masterclass for founders who want to align their people and their money to scale strategically. Steven concludes by answering five hard-hitting questions regarding financial discipline and investor confidence—all delivered within one Moss Minute. Guest Information Steven Plumb, Clear Financial Services Email: steven@clearfinancials.com Phone: (713) 780-0806 Website: clearfinancials.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-plumb-contract-cfo/ Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show @TheMossHRMinute

    20 min
  6. Sustainable Healthcare: Future-Proofing Your Business Against Rising Costs with Chris McIlroy

    APR 16

    Sustainable Healthcare: Future-Proofing Your Business Against Rising Costs with Chris McIlroy

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Chris McIlroy, Owner of McIlroy Insurance Group. Filmed in Houston—one of the country’s fastest-growing and most competitive business markets—this conversation addresses the "new norm" of skyrocketing insurance premiums and rising deductibles that are squeezing both employers and employees. Chris explains why simply increasing deductibles is a "band-aid" strategy that savvy employees can see right through. He shares how level-funded approaches and the use of underwriting data can actually drive down risk and lower premiums. The discussion highlights the critical difference between a broker who merely quotes rates and a strategic partner who builds a long-term roadmap for growth. Key topics discussed in this episode include: - The 90-Day Renewal Strategy: Why you should never just "accept" a renewal and how to use tier-one claims data to fight for lower rates. - Benefits as a Talent Magnet: Using a broad and affordable benefits package to turn a job into a career and attract key employees from competitors. - The Education Gap: How poor benefits communication costs businesses money and why your broker should be teaching employees about deductibles and networks in a common-sense way. - Compliance and Long-Term Strategy: Navigating ERISA, Section 125, COBRA, and state continuation to protect the company from hidden risks. - The Sustainability Shift: How to leverage health wellness and younger employee participation to stabilize rates over the next 5 to 10 years. Chris provides a roadmap for business owners to transform benefits from a stressful expense into a strategic financial and recruiting tool—all explained within one Moss Minute. Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show @TheMossHRMinute

    12 min
  7. The Roadmap to Scalable Team Success & ROI Secrets of Proactive HR with Tori Guevara

    APR 14

    The Roadmap to Scalable Team Success & ROI Secrets of Proactive HR with Tori Guevara

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Tori Guevara, HR Manager at Moss Consulting. As "employee number 9" on the Moss team, Tori brings extensive experience in process improvement and servant leadership to a conversation about the fundamental shift occurring within the HR profession. Tori explains why administrative HR is "going the way of the dodo" as AI and automation handle the transactional, day-to-day tasks that previously bogged down departments. She argues that this evolution allows HR professionals to pivot toward becoming subject matter experts who provide high-level strategic consultation and genuine human connection—areas where technology cannot compete. Key topics discussed in this episode include: - The Shrinking Admin Role: How AI is removing administrative hurdles and forcing HR to operate at a higher, more meaningful level. - HR as a Profitability Lever: Rethinking HR as a cost-saving investment rather than overhead, focusing on risk mitigation and strategy. - The Power of Process Clarity: Why documented SOPs and roadmaps are critical for companies that want to scale without losing operational integrity. - The Risk of "Trial by Fire": The danger of assuming high-level hires don't need culture-specific tools and the "tribal knowledge" required to succeed. - Servant Leadership in Practice: Leading by addressing needs over wants and fostering a culture where "people rise and fall together". - Future-Proofing HR: Why the next decade will be defined by strategic partnerships and a deeper focus on human capital as a company's greatest investment. Tori highlights that the methodologies of HR are changing, but the core mission—caring for the people who drive the business—remains the essential foundation for any successful entrepreneur. Tori delivers these insights with precision and heart, answering every question within one Moss Minute. Guest Information Tori Guevara, HR Manager at Moss Consulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-guevara/ Contact Moss Consulting Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show @TheMossHRMinute

    21 min
  8. Don't Let Hackers Steal Your Business Data! Learn about Cybersecurity with Mickey Brooks

    APR 11

    Don't Let Hackers Steal Your Business Data! Learn about Cybersecurity with Mickey Brooks

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Moss HR Minute, Nicole Moss, Co-Founder of Moss Consulting HR Services, sits down with Mickey Brooks, Owner and Regional Sales Director of Cinch I.T. of Denver. Mickey brings decades of experience in managed services and cybersecurity to a conversation every business owner needs to hear before they face a digital crisis. Cybersecurity is no longer a concern reserved for enterprise giants like Nike or Walmart; small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are now the primary targets for organized, overseas hacking industries. Mickey explains why it is no longer a question of "if," but "when," and how a single ransomware attack—averaging between $20,000 and $150,000—can effectively end a company that has not prepared. Key topics discussed in this episode include: - The True Cost of Reactive IT: Why waiting for something to break is significantly more expensive than proactive "car maintenance" for your technology.  - The Human Element of Security: Why the best vault in the world is useless if your team fails to lock the door, and how to train staff to be your first line of defense. - The 3-2-1 Data Protection Rule: The essential framework of using three locations, two media types, and one cloud backup to ensure your business survives a server crash or breach. - Password Hygiene in 2026: Why password length (16+ characters) beats complexity and how to implement passphrases to secure your accounts. - Compliance and Reporting: Navigating the legal obligations of a data breach and why "recycled" passwords are a hacker’s favorite entry point into your systems.  This episode serves as a roadmap for founders who want to reclaim their "mental real estate" and transition IT from a confusing cost center to a secure, foundation-level driver for growth. Mickey also shares a vital leadership lesson: building a circle of trusted experts so you can focus on what you do best while leaving the technology to the pros. Mickey delivers these high-stakes insights with clarity and speed—all within one Moss Minute. Guest Information  Mickey Brooks, Cinch I.T. Denver Website: https://denverco.cinchit.com/about-managed-it-support-denver/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickey-brooks-92066154/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DSC9CIHCtjg/ Contact Moss Consulting  Book time with Nicole to talk about your HR needs: https://mossconsulting.com/book-a-free-consultation Learn more about Moss Consulting HR Services: www.mossconsulting.com Follow the show @TheMossHRMinute

    20 min
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About

The Moss HR Minute brings real conversations about building and managing teams to you — one Moss Minute at a time!Hosted by Nicole Moss, this podcast features entrepreneurs and subject matter experts from Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Phoenix, and beyond. What started as local conversations in Easton Park has evolved alongside Moss Consulting into a broader discussion focused on the people side of business.Each episode is fast, focused, and practical. Industry leaders answer five timely questions in one Moss Minute, sharing real-world insight on leadership, culture, compliance, growth, and the challenges business owners are navigating right now.Same energy. Same solutions-focused approach. Expanded reach.Whether you’re a founder, operator, or business leader, The Moss HR Minute is your place for clear perspective, actionable ideas, and conversations that get straight to the point — with no fluff.Tune in, subscribe, and build better teams one Moss Minute at a time 🎧✨

Information

  • Creator
    Nicole Moss
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2024 Easton Park Talk
  • Show Website
    The Moss HR Minute