Business Cents

Business Cents S2E11: Remembering Jeremy Klibert

Welcome back to Business Cents. This episode is a little different. Melissa and Lloyd pause the usual playbook to share something personal: the unexpected passing of their partner and friend, Jeremy Klibert, and what the past couple of months have looked like for the team. No action items, no frameworks. Just an honest, vulnerable conversation about navigating grief as business owners and leaders, the emotional weight, the business responsibilities that don't stop, and what it actually looks like to lead a team through a crisis with no roadmap. They talk about the outpouring of support from clients, competitors, and the greater Baton Rouge community, why taking care of your people has to come before everything else, and what it means to work somewhere that truly feels like family. If you've ever had to lead through the unexpected, or if you just want a reminder that it's okay to not have all the answers, this one is for you. To everyone who reached out, sent food, checked in, or simply thought of the team: thank you. It meant more than words can say. Connect with us:Melissa Terito [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaterito/] Lloyd Johnson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljohnsoncpa/]

Business Cents S2E10: Are You Measuring the Right Things? A Guide to Leading Indicators

Welcome back to Business Cents. In this episode, Melissa and Lloyd tackle a topic that's been buzzing through business conferences and boardrooms alike: leading indicators, and why they matter just as much as the financial metrics you're already tracking. They break down the difference between lagging and leading indicators in plain terms, walk through real examples like sales pipeline, close rates, and NPS scores, and have an honest conversation about why checking a box is not the same as driving results. Lloyd also shares a simple but sharp question that helped him realize he did not have a sales problem at all. If you are a growth-minded business owner who wants to stop only looking in the rearview mirror and start tracking what actually predicts future success, this one is for you. Have a question or want us to cover a topic on a future episode? Drop a comment and let us know! Connect with us:Melissa Terito [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaterito/]Lloyd Johnson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljohnsoncpa/]

Business Cents S2 E9: Audit Readiness

Audits do not have to feel like interrogations, but "red flags" can still worry business owners. In this episode, Lloyd and Melissa explain what tends to draw auditor attention today, including a closer look at a company’s IT environment and internal controls. Melissa raises the common fear of being "in trouble" over a question, and Lloyd clarifies that unusual swings, like sudden revenue jumps or higher personnel costs, are usually prompts for follow-up to confirm there are no material misstatements. They also flag the "Susie" factor: relying too heavily on one trusted employee without oversight, paired with the reminder that "ignorance is not a defense" and that a strong "tone at the top" matters. Practical focus areas include stale accounts receivable and changes in gross profit margin. Their takeaway is to stay proactive with Q3 or Q4 check-ins so the 2025 audit is smoother and more collaborative in 2026.

Business Cents S2 E8: "The Ostrich Effect"

In this episode, our hosts explore how they’ve integrated AI into their own firm, from hiring expert consultants to drafting rigorous security policies that keep client data safe. During this process, they realized how tempting it can be to fall into the "ostrich effect," burying their heads in the sand and wishing AI would simply disappear. To stay competitive in today’s rapidly evolving market, businesses must embrace it. This means leveraging AI as a true "thought partner" that streamlines background operations and fuels innovation, while doubling down on what technology cannot replace: personal relationships and high-touch services that make clients feel valued and understood.

Business Cents S2E7: Does My Business Need an Audit?

Welcome back to Business Cents. In this episode, Melissa and Lloyd break down when a business actually needs an audit, who typically requires it, and what an audit does and does not do. They clear up common misconceptions about fraud detection, explain “reasonable assurance” and materiality in plain language, and walk through the difference between an audit, a review, and a compilation using a simple car analogy. They also share a more targeted option for business owners with specific concerns: agreed upon procedures. We hope you're ready to dive in! Have a question about audits or want us to cover a topic on a future episode? Drop a comment and let us know! Connect with us:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaterito/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠Melissa Terito⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaterito/] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissaterito/]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lloyd Johnson⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ljohnsoncpa/]