Employee Benefits & Insurance: Building Competitive Packages Without Breaking the Bank

Leadership That Works: How Great Leaders Build Stronger Businesses

What separates a skilled entrepreneur from a truly effective business leader? In this episode of INcorporate, we sit down with Dr. Jim Lemoine and Althea Luehrsen to explore how leadership becomes the defining factor in long-term business success.  Topics discussed: * Why leadership becomes critical as businesses scale * The difference between technical expertise and leading people * Common leadership mistakes entrepreneurs make * How company culture impacts employee retention and performance * Leadership styles that help businesses thrive * Real-world lessons from entrepreneurship and management experience * Building trust, accountability, and motivation within teams Whether you’re leading a small team or scaling a growing company, this episode offers practical insights to help you become a more intentional and effective leader. Listen now and discover how better leadership can strengthen your business from the inside out. Check out Dr. Jim Lemoine [https://management.buffalo.edu/faculty/academic-departments/organization-human-resources/faculty/g-james-lemoine.html] and August Moon Consulting [https://www.augustmoonconsulting.com/] Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership [https://management.buffalo.edu/entrepreneurship/center-for-entrepreneurial-leadership-cel.html] and Lemur Studios [http://lemurstudios.com/]

Employee Benefits & Insurance: Building Competitive Packages Without Breaking the Bank

Employee benefits can feel like one of the most confusing—and costly—parts of running a business. In this episode we discuss how small business owners can approach benefits more strategically.  Topics Discussed: * Why health insurance premiums keep rising * How to think strategically about benefits beyond just health insurance * The role of benefits in recruiting and retaining top talent * Affordable ways small businesses can stay competitive with larger employers * Breaking down confusing options like HSAs, HRAs, and FSAs * How workplace perks (flexibility, PTO, culture) factor into total compensation * What to expect from a benefits broker—and how to get real value from the relationship * Practical steps to evaluate and improve your current benefits strategy   If you’re a business owner trying to make smarter decisions about your team and your bottom line, this episode is a must-listen. Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who could benefit from a clearer, more strategic approach to employee benefits. Check out Higgins Agency Group [https://higginsagencygroup.com/]Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership [https://management.buffalo.edu/entrepreneurship/center-for-entrepreneurial-leadership-cel.html] and Lemur Studios [http://lemurstudios.com/]

Acquisition Entrepreneurship: Buying a Business as a Path to Ownership and Growth

What if the fastest path to business ownership isn’t starting from scratch—but buying something that already works? In this episode, we explore acquisition entrepreneurship and why it’s gaining traction among professionals looking for a smarter, lower-risk entry into ownership. Featuring insights from experienced operators and educators, the conversation breaks down how to evaluate, finance, and grow businesses through acquisition.   Topics Discussed * What acquisition entrepreneurship is and why it’s on the rise * Buying vs. building: key advantages and trade-offs * How to evaluate a business before acquiring it * Financing options and deal structures * Common pitfalls and how to avoid them * Using acquisitions as a growth and scaling strategy * Real-world lessons from experienced buyers and mentors Thinking about buying a business or expanding through acquisition? Tune in, take notes, and start exploring how this approach could accelerate your path to ownership and long-term growth. Check out Tim Delaney [https://powerofbiz.com/] and Bob Neubert [https://management.buffalo.edu/faculty/academic-departments/operations-management-strategy/faculty/robert-neubert.html]! Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership [https://management.buffalo.edu/entrepreneurship/center-for-entrepreneurial-leadership-cel.html] and Lemur Studios [http://lemurstudios.com/]

HR for Small Business: Avoiding Legal Landmines & Building a Strong Workforce

Navigating HR and employment law isn’t just a compliance exercise, it’s a critical part of building a resilient, high-performing business. In this episode, we break down the evolving legal landscape for small business owners, especially in New York, and share practical strategies for reducing risk while strengthening your workforce. In this episode, we cover: * The shifting employment law landscape and what it means for small businesses * Common HR compliance mistakes (and how to avoid them) * Employee classification: exempt vs. non-exempt and contractor vs. employee * The impact of pay transparency laws on hiring and internal equity * Legal risks in screening, interviewing, and onboarding employees * Paid leave laws, PTO confusion, and policy pitfalls * The importance of documentation, handbooks, and HR systems * How to proactively reduce risk with insurance and expert support If you want to protect your business and build a stronger team, start by taking one step today—review your HR practices or create an employee handbook. Then follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with another business owner who needs to stay ahead of today’s workforce challenges. Check out The Coppola Firm [https://coppolalegal.com/] and TripleTrack HR Partners [https://tripletrackhrpartners.com/]Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership [https://management.buffalo.edu/entrepreneurship/center-for-entrepreneurial-leadership-cel.html] and Lemur Studios [http://lemurstudios.com/]

AI for Small Business: From Experimentation to Real Business Advantage

AI is reshaping how businesses operate. But for many owners, it still feels overwhelming. In this episode, we break down what AI actually is (and isn’t), and explore practical ways small businesses can start using it today. From automating repetitive tasks to building custom tools without coding, this conversation cuts through the hype and focuses on how AI can save time and drive smarter decisions, without replacing the human touch. Topics Discussed * Common misconceptions about AI and why it’s not “thinking” like humans * How to identify the best starting point for AI in your business * Practical use cases: automation, data analysis, and workflow optimization * Building simple, custom tools with AI * Risks to watch for: data privacy, hallucinations, and context limits * Moving from experimentation to a strategic AI approach Ready to take the first step with AI? Start by identifying one task that slows you down—and explore how AI could simplify it. Then share this episode with a fellow business owner and start the conversation about working smarter, not harder. Presented by UB School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership [https://management.buffalo.edu/entrepreneurship/center-for-entrepreneurial-leadership-cel.html] and Lemur Studios [http://lemurstudios.com/]