Welcome to our Eleventh newsletter of 2025. We have just one month left in the year. Is your company on track to meet its goal? Or are you one of many who have not started your company yet? Does that mean that you are still in the planning stages, wondering what you want to focus on, or where you can find the funding to start your company? Have you saved enough money in the event that you are caught up in a layoff?

Many questions loom ahead of the big decision to quit your job and start your own business. I was planning on saving this particular subject, but frankly, I cannot. Too many of you are stuck on the same page, asking, what am I going to focus on in my new business? If you have read our book, Married and Working Together, you have discovered Mike and Patty’s secret sauce. And even if you have read the book already, let me provide some additional insight into this problem.

It is most likely that both you and your spouse are working. Also very likely, not for the same employer. Which means, at the outset, you automatically bring two different skill sets to the equation. It’s always better to have choices.

Recall that Mike was a computer programmer, now known as a Software Engineer. And recall that Patty was a Catholic school teacher. We did not have much in common between our two skill sets. She spent her days talking to and instructing little pre-school-aged children. I spent my days communicating with and instructing computers to do things like process payroll. As I climbed the ladder and became a hiring manager, I was faced with the task of filling vacancies on my staff with qualified computer programmers. And occasionally, I reached out to professional service companies—Recruiting Agencies—that, for a fee, would help me in my searches.

One day, voilà, our inspiration appeared. Confident in my skills as a programmer, could we offer a service that helped companies find qualified programmers like me? I surely was able to walk the walk and talk the talk. Was I taking a big risk? If I failed, Patty still had her job, and I could always go back to programming for someone else.

Now, maybe what you and your spouse do for a living does not translate so seamlessly like our paths did. Or maybe, with a little bit of modification, it can become a plan.

There are more than 20,000 staffing companies registered in the United States. Some are as small as two people working from their kitchen table. And currently, the largest is generating more than ten billion dollars a year in revenue. Interestingly enough, still privately owned.

Now, here’s a thought if you and your spouse cannot figure out what you want to do in your new company: Does your current employer have any job openings? If they promised to pay you a fee, would you be able to find someone qualified to fill that opening? You have knowledge of the company’s operation. You know what kind of people they like to employ—people like yourself.

FACT: A standard fee for a $50,000 position ranges from five to ten thousand dollars—that’s ten to twenty percent of the annual salary of the person being hired. Not coincidentally, we opened our doors after I helped fill one of those positions for a former employer, and the fee was $10,000. I make that reference in the book.

As of this writing, there are just over seven to eight million open jobs in the United States. Would you be happy filling one a month and earning potentially $120,000 per year?

I am suggesting just one idea that may help you and your spouse figure out the biggest problem upfront, which is: what are we going to do in our business? Stay tuned for more ideas in future newsletters.

The setup for this newsletter, already very popular, will continue with:

• A new important form that every business needs.

• Monthly updated financial news, opinions, and commentary from Mike.

• Noteworthy Ardor news brought to you by Stephanie and Mike Thomas.

• Our special update from Team Mike and Patty.

• Relevant news for new and existing business owners.

• And lastly, but tasty, a delicious recipe from Patty’s Cucina.

Remember that if this is your first read, all ten of my previous 2025 newsletters are available on our Substack for free, and they will always be free to our members.

It is our hope that you will find this content relevant, enjoyable to read, humorous on occasion, and finally filled with anxiety as you wait for the next edition.

If you have any suggestions, please feel free to drop us an email at:

info@marriedandworkingtogether.com

SECTION ONE

A VERY IMPORTANT FORM THAT YOU CAN USE FOR YOUR BUSINESS.

Feel free to download the form and adjust it to match your company’s requirements.

Company Equipment Agreement

Starting a business and thinking about computer hardware to run that business is different now than it was less than five years ago. If we were issued a mobile phone, it was expected that we would return that phone—or what was left of its useful life—after we left the company.

Today is different. Our company has more than 30 laptop computers that have been issued to our remote workforce. Should we expect that equipment to be returned in working order when the employee leaves the organization? The answer is YES!

I have included this form this month to help increase the chances that you will receive the equipment back and in working order. The equipment does not have to be limited to a laptop either. Think about including the mobile phone, the printer, or maybe something even larger. Every penny counts when you are running a company for profit. Don’t take anything for granted. Make sure every new employee completes this form.

As I do all the time, I am again focusing on protection of you and your company assets.

Be sure to add your own company logo to complete the personalization of the form.

Read more

For the close to 25 years that Patty and I, and now our daughter and son have been running the company, we would always look towards the Holidays as an opportunity to give thanks. Many years in the past we were preparing to take the entire company on a company cruise out of Port Everglades, because our team was over performing, and we felt the need to give back.

During these times of massive layoffs primary by large publicly traded companies as published, I wonder how many Holiday bonuses are being delivered to even the most loyal employees. Verizon was just added to the list with more that 10k terminations being announced. Just when someone might be expective a gift certificate from Publix for a nice 20 pound turkey, instead they get a pink slip.

Christmas is 25 days away. New Years Day in another 7 after that. How about taking the step towards a grand New Years resolution, put pen to paper, and work on that plan to be one of those employers that are giving Turkey’s away.

CommerceInstitute.com reports that there is an average of 4.7 million business started every year in the United States. Our company is now in year 25 of operation. We have beat the odds that evidence only one in four companies make it past fifteen years.

We have documented a winning plan.

Read our book titled Married and Working Together, available on Amazon in print and for download. Subscribe to the newsletter. It’s just $2.50 per month.

And join the movement of married couples taking control of their future

www.MarriedandWorkingTogether.com.

www.marriedandworkingtogether.com

Welcome to Married & Working Together— I’m so glad you’re here.

Whether you stumbled in through a recommendation, a share from a friend, or one of those late-night “how do couples actually balance everything?” Google spirals, you’ve landed in the right place. This space was created for people who want more from their relationships, their careers, and their lives — not perfection, but growth, teamwork, clarity, and connection.

Let’s break down what this publication is, what it isn’t, and how it can help you thrive in both love and work.

Why Married & Working Exists

Modern couples are building more than homes and families — they’re building partnerships, projects, careers, dreams, and sometimes entire businesses together. But the world doesn’t hand out a playbook for that.

We’re here to change that.

Married & Working explores the intersection of commitment and ambition — how two people can build a life together without losing themselves… and without losing each other.

This newsletter is for couples who:

• Want their relationship to feel like a team, not a tug-of-war

• Are ambitious about life, work, creativity, parenting, money, or personal growth

• Are tired of the “marriage is hard, good luck lol” narrative

• Know they’re capable of more alignment, more harmony, and more momentum

• Believe love and ambition can actually make each other stronger

If that sounds like you, welcome home.

What You’ll Find Here AND in the book.

1. Relationship Tools That Actually Help

No vague advice, no outdated clichés. Just useful frameworks, scripts, and strategies couples can implement right away — communication, conflict handling, roles, mental load, intimacy, money, and more.

2. Stories From Real Couples

We highlight real people building real lives — their wins, missteps, unexpected breakthroughs, and the lessons they wish they’d learned sooner.

3. Personal Insights & Experiments

We don’t just talk about growth — we try things. Our readers learn from what works, what flops, and what leads to surprising connection or clarity.

4. Conversations About Work & Ambition

Because navigating careers, businesses, time, and money is relationship work. We explore how to plan together, support each other, and build a life that feels aligned, not chaotic.

5. Practical Guides & Templates

Think:

• Weekly planning rituals

• Couple decision-making frameworks

• Scripts for hard conversations

• How to divide responsibilities without resentment

• How to build habits that support both the relationship and the individual

This isn’t theory — it’s actionable.

Our Philosophy

Healthy relationships don’t happen by accident. They’re built on:

• Clarity — knowing what you want and what you expect

• Communication — honest conversations that build trust, not tension

• Collaboration — designing a life together, not just reacting to it

• Commitment — to each other’s well-being and to shared goals

• Continuous Improvement — because growth is the most loving thing you can do

We believe two people who are aligned can build anything — a family, a business, a legacy, or simply a life that feels deeply meaningful.

What to Do Next

If you’re new, here’s how to jump in:

1. Subscribe (if you haven’t already)
You’ll get weekly insights, tools, and stories designed to strengthen both your relationship and your ambitions.

2. Read the Playbook
If you’re curious to dive deeper into the story behind this newsletter’s mission, check out Married and Working Together: How We Sold Our Company and How You Can Do the Same. This book chronicles how Patty and I took a dream, a marriage and a small investment of $10,000 and turned it into a company spanning 500 employees across 40+ states — ultimately leading to a multi-million-dollar exit.

Click Below to Explore the Playbook:

It’s more than a business memoir — it’s a playbook for couples who want to build something meaningful together: a business, a legacy, a life of shared impact. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re already in motion, their journey offers real talk, hard lessons and the belief that love and ambition can thrive in tandem.

3. Join the conversation
Comment, share your experiences, send your questions — we’re building a community of couples who support each other.

A Final Welcome

Married & Working is more than a newsletter — it’s a movement toward stronger, healthier, more empowered partnerships.

You don’t need to choose between your relationship and your ambition. You can have both — and we’re here to show you how.

Thanks for being here.
It means more than you know.

— Mike
Married & Working Together

CommerceInstitute.com reports that there is an average of 4.7 million business started every year in the United States. Our company is now in year 25 of operation. We have beat the odds that evidence only one in four companies make it past fifteen years.

We have documented a winning plan. You can too.

Read our book titled Married and Working Together, available on Amazon in print and for download. Subscribe to the newsletter. It’s just $2.50 per month.

And join the movement of married couples taking control of their future

www.MarriedandWorkingTogether.com.

Why wouldn’t you embrace a technology that offers potentially valuable insight that a co-worker or a supervisor does not have to offer. That’s their pitch and I guess they are right.

Accenture, one of the largest consulting firms in the United States recently announced that employees who were not ‘getting the hang of AI at work’, may be in jeopardy of losing their jobs to employees that are accepting and taking advantage of this newest technology. The questions remains, how fast is fast enough for this adoption period. I would think that if an employee dedicates time each and every day toward adopting the products, the employer should be satisfied. Unfortunately, that can vary extraordinarily employer to employer.

Are you worried about getting laid off from your job? There were enough reasons to worry, less expensive foreign imports, companies looking to increase their bottom lines, recessionary reasons in anticipation of an economic turn down. Now add to that equation, Artificial Intelligence. Apparently, it’s more expensive than once thought, A.I, the job killer.

CommerceInstitute.com reports that there is an average of 4.7 million business started every year in the United States. Our company is now in year 25 of operation. We have beat the odds that evidence only one in four companies make it past fifteen years.

We have documented a winning plan. You can too.

Read our book titled Married and Working Together, available on Amazon in print and for download. Subscribe to the newsletter. It’s just $2.50 per month.

And join the movement of married couples taking control of their future

www.MarriedandWorkingTogether.com.

Last week I read multiple articles related to the trends that are playing out across the platforms in many publicly traded companies. Well know companies that provide key services and products across the United States and in some other parts of the world are discussing simultaneously their plans to leverage Artificial Intelligence in a way that improve productivity and reduce the need to hire staff in the months and years ahead.

The more often I visit my Chase Bank branch I notice that the line to see a teller seems to be growing as less and less tellers are working behind the counter. I recently visited my branch in order to purchase some Canadian Dollars for my vacation. It’s not something you can do online or at and ATM machine, so I found myself in a prolonged wait. Do you work in a bank now?

We all know, at least most of us that shop at Walmart even occasionally that the famous “Greeter” has been missing in action for years. When we took our two grand girls to Walmart a few weeks ago to shop for a toy that on Walmart carried, not only could we not find the toy, we could not find anyone to help us locate it. Is this a trend that is advancing rapidly in retail? Walmart has gone on record stating that they plan to keep headcount flat over the next several years, even as it’s sales grow.

And then there’s Airbnb. Although I have not personally scheduled a vacation using their service, it must be good enough for people to keep coming back. Airbnb currently employs 7,000 people. Their CEO recently said that “with the help of AI he does not expect to hire many more employees because he expects that the employees he has will become more productive over time.

All these companies and many more are reporting that on a daily basis, the cost of the AI innovations have to be paid for. And it seems that there is a recurring theme. Much will come from reduced labor forces.

Are you worried about getting laid off from your job? There were enough reasons to worry, less expensive foreign imports, companies looking to increase their bottom lines, recessionary reasons in anticipation of a economic turn down. Now add to that equation, Artificial Intelligence. That apparently more expensive than once thought, job killer.

CommerceInstitute.com reports that there are an average of 4.7 million business started every year in the United States. Our company is now in year 25 of operation. We have beat the odds that evidence only one in four companies make it past fifteen years.

We have documented a winning plan.

You can too.

Read the book. Subscribe to the newsletter. And join the movement of married couples taking control of their future

www.MarriedandWorkingTogether.com.

From the newswire on October 28, 2025, Amazon, stock ticker AMZN, announced up to 14,000 job cuts with up to 30,000 corporate employees being affected. That number equals approximately 10% of the companies workforce. And these layoffs will be at the corporate level.

With that many employees receiving their pink slips at one time, and a trend that is growing almost daily, where are these people going to find work. Are they prepared to reinvent themselves as Elon Musk has said must happen as Artificial Intelligence accelerates the terminations by all companies smaller and larger.

The company is reciting the same language as many of the other mammoth sized companies, we are trying to conserve cash. And likely that cash will be allocated to further capital projects such as data-center components.

The good news for our entrepreneurial prospects like you, the company, like many others are providing 90 days for affected employees to look for new roles inside their organizations. Now the question begs, is this providing a window to put a plan in action, and start building out your dream? What skills are you employing today in your corporate job that will translate into something that you can use in your start-up?

It seems like yesterday, although it was 25 years ago that I came home and told Patty that I was quitting my job and had an idea to start our first company. I learned enough in the four years that I had spent recruiting technology professionals. It was time to put those skills to work for MYCOMPANY INC., and keep all those profits for my family.

Commerceinstitute.com reports that there are an average of 4.7 million business started every year in the United States. Our company is now in year 25 of operation. We have beat the odds that evidence only one in four companies make it past fifteen years.

We have documented a winning plan.

You can too.

Read the book. Subscribe to the newsletter. And join the movement of married couples taking control of their future

www.MarriedandWorkingTogether.com.

That number, 1,135, was actually published for the first time in September. For most, including me, that number is hard to believe. However, it’s true. A few facts inside the data reveal the following:

The oldest billionaire is now 104 years old, while the youngest billionaire is just 35 years old. Now, guess who she is—and if you don’t know, ask one of your children.

They made their money in Banking and Finance, Tech, and Real Estate. Interestingly enough, not a majority of them—360—inherited some of their fortunes.

We all know of the Walton family—Walmart. It would be difficult trying to start a business and compete with that mammoth. Most of the wealthiest made their money developing software—think Gates, Ellison, Bezos, Zuckerberg, Musk, just to name a few. That’s an area where any entrepreneur can make a mark.

Although most of the billionaires on record are men, women are joining the ranks disproportionately. There is no glass ceiling there.

And one last fact, as you crave this read: most are living on the East Coast of America, not the West Coast, where Hollywood has traditionally produced many of the richest Americans.

So here’s my take on this article. You are never too young, or ever too old, to set a financial goal of being a billionaire. Is it possible to become a billionaire as an employee versus a business owner? Yes, but those spots have been reserved for just a few athletes—and not many CEOs. Keep in mind that athletes generally have short careers in which to earn their wealth, and CEOs are equally disadvantaged because they can be terminated due to poor company performance. As of this writing, the wealthiest person on the planet, Elon Musk, was offered a one trillion dollar pay package to stay with Tesla. He sounds like he is an employee but owns a substantial amount of the stock, making him a business owner first and foremost.

Do you need another reason to branch out on your own? Keep reading my posts, and I will do my best to convince you.

CommerceInstitute.com reports that there are an average of 4.7 million business started every year in the United States. Our company is now in year 25 of operation. We have beat the odds that evidence only one in four companies make it past fifteen years.

We have documented a winning plan.

You can too.

Read the book. Subscribe to the newsletter. And join the movement of married couples taking control of their future

www.MarriedandWorkingTogether.com.

Welcome to our Tenth newsletter of 2025, and welcome current and future business owners to the official beginning of the fourth quarter of 2025. Most companies both small and large, private and publicly traded, start and end their fiscal years in January and end them in December. One exception that stands out is the federal government. But we do not necessarily want our companies to mimic the federal government, do we? We want, we work for, we desire, profits and Income statements that do not reflect deficits. Our first company, HighTechGroup, started up in 2000 and showed a profit immediately. And the solution to that was plain and simple. Do not spend more than you make. Once you get started, if you have not already, consider not taking a paycheck in the early day s because maybe you are still employed at the time you open shop and can continue to live on your salary.

Our current company, Ardor Health Solutions is now into its twenty fifth year of operations. And although there have been some years that have been more difficult than others, for the most part each and every year we witnessed growth, mainly because we were able to pivot when the market demanded that we do. Here’s something to consider with the business that you are thinking about starting, or the business that you already have running. As a staffing company, one that provides temporary help to all types of companies, we can provide help with computer personnel, medical personnel, accountants, warehouse workers, you name it. This month we are restarting our business of placing temporary personnel in schools across the United States. We divested that Division close to 5 years ago and have patiently waited out our agreement not to compete with the purchaser before then. We can talk more about that business opportunity, to sell just a piece of your company, in a future newsletter. So, stay tuned for that.

But back to the pivot, and the ability to do so when the economy and/or business cycle changes, does your current company have the ability to offer several products or services? When we decided on the name of our company, Ardor Health Solutions, we were not only thinking about selling staffing services to hospitals, but in the back of mind we though that our company name alone would lend itself to selling items that hospitals usually consume in high quantities like, bedsheets, hospital gowns and even gloves. Does the company that you are considering starting have plans to offer multiple products or services? We can promise you that from our firsthand experience, it is a winning solution, and it will keep you from losing your company if you follow our lead.

As I always do, or at least have done in the past nine issues, I report national news in this section. And fortunately, this past month we witnessed continued prosperity on the business front. You know by now that I like the equity markets because it is a great place to park your cash that you do not need for continuing operations. The past month all three indexes that I follow were up between three and five percent. That’s the DOW, the URTH, and the NASDAQ. Just imagine returns like that over the decades that you are building your company. Saving your money and growing your company simultaneously lead to family wealth and generational wealth.

The barriers to starting a new business and growing your existing business continue to come down. Even the Fed stepped it up this past month and dropped interest rates by twenty-five basis points, or one quarter of one percent. For our business that meant that our interest expense went down for the first time in more than a year. A small step but a meaningful one at that.

If you have not done so already, a business owner must start planning for the new year. What are your sales expectations, how are you going to expand and into what markets or products or services. Do you need more personnel to hire to support your plans. Is your tech-stack keeping up. Are you embracing what A.I. has to offer, rather than wait for your competitors to beat you to the punch?

Or are you still collecting that paycheck, not really getting ahead and now able to figure out what business to get into. Take the next 90 days and start readying and evaluating where the growth in the economy is going to be. Take a moment and reread some of my prior newsletters. Don’ wait around for your employer whom you adore, and you believe they feel the same way about you, to drop the hammer and give you a pink slip all in the interest of increasing their bottom-line profits. And always remember, I have been that guy, the employer for the past 25 years. I know how we think.

In Section Five I will share a summary of an article that I read during the month that discusses what those of you who are still working are doing all around the country. They are turning to a side hustle as a means to make ends meet, and without knowing it some are finding their new passion.

Remember that if this is your first read, all nine of my previous 2025 newsletters are available on our Substack for free, and they will always be free to our members.

As each month passes by, I am continually looking to improve the content of our paid newsletter subscription. We have implemented a new discount made available through sub-stack. Going forward the newsletter will be available at a 15% discount, bringing the monthly cost down to $2.50. I just paid $3.00 for a Dunkin donuts wrap. It took me just three minutes to consume it. Then my tummy hurt. Does my newsletter make your tummy hurt, or your brain feel good? My monthly newsletter will take you fifteen minutes to read. And you will learn something, I guarantee it.

This newest edition will also include a new, very tasty and very traditional recipe that Patty prepares multiple times during the year. To keep things fresh Patty will try to mix up the proteins each month as you can expect. Do you like Halibut, think Alaskan white silky tender fish. Now do not jump ahead, let’s take care of business first. Fast forward, one year from now you and your resident cook will have a new source of recipes that you can use to impress your family and friends.

Remember to check out the latest business form that will be cataloged on our Substack. As you build your business, this library of forms will become uniquely valuable.

It is our hope that you will find this content relevant, enjoyable to read, humorous on occasion, and finally filled with anxiety as you wait for the next edition.

If you have any suggestions, please feel free to drop us an email at:

• info@marriedandworkingtogether.com

Read more

The tariff discussion continues to play out month over month. This matter does make a difference in our financial future because the federal chairman has kept interest rates at higher levels, fearing that tariffs will equate to inflation. In the fed’s defense, higher tariffs could lead to inflation because, allegedly, imports may reduce which in turn would lead to shortages which in turn could lead to higher prices. I thought that I would throw in an ECON101 example here.

The news that is new, this month at least for this writer, regards the crackdown in Washington D.C as the National Guard attempts to bring security to the nation’s capital. I had no idea, as a Florida resident, that the crime in D.C was among the highest in the country. Why does this particular event matter to business owners? Well, if you live and or work in and around the D.C area and have seen declines in sales because of the crime, your business should be returning as the safety of your customers has become a top priority. Again, I am only reporting what I have read from my various sources. Fortunately for us business owners here in the great state of Florida, we are mostly immune from activities that hurt our business operations. Although, we do have seasonal occurrences call hurricanes.

The almost daily news regarding layoffs unfortunately continued this past month. This month however, a new reason for the layoffs was brought to the forefront. Now in addition to the normal reasons companies both private and public decide to layoff personnel, profits and slowing sales, the new component is automation. The arguments related to A.I. layoffs are new and still lack any historical proof. I will say that as a Florida resident I never thought that the toll collectors on the Florida turnpike would be replaced with cameras and technology that collect our money all day every day around the clock. Without any visible human intervention.

In Section V I will share a summary of an article that I read during the month that discuss how A.I. in some industries is making its way into the workforce and causing layoffs to happen. You may be surprised to read that at the highest levels, CEO’s are praising layoffs, in exchange for automation and profits.

Remember that if this is your first read, all eight of my previous 2025 newsletters are available on our Substack for free, and they will always be free to our members.

As each month passes by, I am continually looking to improve the content of our paid newsletter subscription. And if you think that the $2.99 monthly fee for my newsletter is pricey, there is good news. I am working with my team to build in a discount for an annual plan. Stay tuned.

This newest edition will also include a new, very tasty and very traditional recipe that Patty prepares multiple times during the year. To keep things fresh Patty will try to mix up the proteins each month as you can expect.

Fast forward, one year from now you and your resident cook will have a new source of recipes that you can use to impress your family and friends.

Remember to check out the latest business form that will be cataloged on our website. As you build your business, this library of forms will become uniquely valuable.

It is our hope that you will find this content relevant, enjoyable to read, humorous on occasion, and finally filled with anxiety as you wait for the next edition.

If you have any suggestions, please feel free to drop us an email at:

• info@marriedandworkingtogether.com

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Now let us fast forward to late, 2025. After working remotely for many years most of you are used to coming and going as you please, as long as you get the job done, in the eyes of your employer. The truth is that it would have been impossible pre-Covid to take your favorite pet for a nice walk at lunch if you were working in house.

The thought behind this post is to bring attention to the rising risk that your employers are watching, especially with the new technology that has become available along with newer work protocols. At Ardor, we know when an employee logs in, when they are inactive on their computer, when they are on the phone, and when they are away from their desks. We are fully remote and we have the technology to make that possible.

For those of you that have returned to the office. Employers, including Ardor believe that it’s ok to be late to a Teams call if your children are sick and need attention. Similarly, if one our employees has to leave early to pick up a child, they ask, and we approve. However, are you coming in late, then leaving early routinely? No one has said anything, does that make it ok? Have you become one of those employees that have converted Thursdays into Fridays and decided that a four-day week is adequate?

One of the greatest benefits of being a part of the Married and Working Together family is that you get to hear it from an employer’s perspective, along with a perspective from a couple that use to be employees.

There is now reliable data that is readily available to employers around the country that have documented the patterns of employees post COVID-19. Employers are looking for patterns of employees that are taking longer breaks, leaving early, basically not working hard anymore. All unfortunate symptoms of post COVID-19 employees.

We want you to start your company, after you resign your position. Like we did. If you find yourselves without work because you were terminated for cause, it will be very difficult to find another job, that you want, quickly. Make it happen on your own terms. Keep doing the right thing by your employers. And along the way, start preparing sooner than later for your GRAND OPENING.

As we enter August, the second month of Q3, however some unwelcome news is starting to make its way to the headlines. The unwelcome news that I am about to start writing about is bad for those of you that have not started your business yet, and in some cases perhaps good for business owners. The news has everything to do about the mention of layoffs around the country and is front and center in newspapers and on-line posts. Why is it potentially good for those of us that have already started our businesses, because layoffs are often financially driven by the desire of a company to increase profitability. Which means that great human talent or great employee prospects WILL be hitting the market. And that equals hiring opportunities for business owners like us.

Again, I repeat, you cannot get fired if you are your own boss. A client can fire you, but then you just get a replacement client. It’s that simple! Every month I will purposely seek evidence that should lead you to quicker conclusions. If layoffs are happening around me, can I be next? Two family members of mine have been victims of layoffs. One, named Mike, was let go just before the start-up company that he joined years ago were supposed to vest his shares. By no coincidence, in my opinion, they let him go. Another named Kyle had worked for a defense contractor for years in engineering. Kyle expected, like his dad, to retire with a nice pension. Suddenly he got his pink slip.

Do you have a special skill that you can start to leverage while you are still working for someone else. Can you get an income stream going, even a small one to get started? Can you find 10 hours a week and start the process of building our own business. Isn’t it always better to be prepared with a contingency? Like carrying an umbrella in the summer, in Florida? The choice is yours. Wait and hope for the best or become proactive.

This latest Section V is close to a continuation from last month’s Section V; however, the news is not any better for the employed and non-business owners. What appeared to be an anomaly where a large public company named Microsoft was extending layoffs, that trend has continued fast and furiously.

Remember that if this is your first read, all seven of my previous 2025 newsletters are available on our Substack for free, and they will always be free to our members.

I am continuing this newsletter format with six complete sections instead of five as produced in the first four. A particularly good deal for $2.99 a month would you not agree? It is my intent to continually improve our communication as frequently as possible. This newest edition will also include a new and very tasty and most traditional recipe that Patty prepares multiple times during the year, especially for larger gatherings. To keep things fresh Patty will try to mix up the proteins each month.

Fast forward, one year from now you and your resident cook will have a new source of recipes that you can use to impress your family and friends.

Remember to check out the latest business form that will be cataloged on our website. As you build your business, this library of forms will become uniquely valuable.

It is our hope that you will find this content relevant, enjoyable to read, humorous on occasion, and finally filled with anxiety as you wait for the next edition.

If you have any suggestions, please feel free to drop us an email at:

• info@marriedandworkingtogether.com

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As we enter July and the start of Q3, optimism seems to be spreading across the country. Just yesterday, on the 249th celebration of our nation’s independence, the President signed legislation designed to help small businesses in meaningful ways—guaranteeing current tax rates and allowing us to expense purchases immediately rather than amortizing them over years.

What does this mean? Lower taxes = higher profits. Higher profits = better cash flow. And better cash flow means you can either grow your business faster or take well-deserved owner distributions.

As many of you know, I’m a fan of the equity markets. They’ve nearly rebounded from the tariff-driven decline earlier this year. This month will serve as an important barometer as trade discussions continue between the U.S. and several major partners.

Also, don’t miss Section Five, which highlights a timely article for anyone considering starting a new business—especially as layoffs continue across industries once thought safe, like Information Technology.

And finally, it appears that a degree of peace is settling across the globe. That may not sound directly relevant to business owners, but it absolutely is. Peace brings certainty. Certainty fuels market growth. Growth restores confidence, lowers interest rates, and makes it easier (and smarter) to use other people’s money to build your business.

If this is your first edition, welcome. All six earlier newsletters from 2025 remain available on our website—always free to members.

This edition continues with six sections—a particularly good deal for $2.99 a month, wouldn’t you say?

Patty also brings another delicious recipe to the table, continuing her tradition of rotating proteins each month. By year’s end, you and your resident cook will have a full menu of family-tested favorites to share.

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By now, you’ve hopefully started reading The Playbook or finished reading our Playbook, a resource designed to guide you through the nuances of running a successful business as a couple. Think of it as a reference manual, a tool to revisit time and time again. Like any great resource, it works best when highlighted, bookmarked, and actively applied.

The newsletters will serve as your monthly companion, bringing you practical insights, financial updates, business strategies, and personal reflections—all designed to make your business more profitable and prepared for long-term success. Whether your goal is to build a company that sustains your lifestyle or one primed for acquisition, both paths are winning paths. Let’s dive in!

What to Expect in Every Issue

Each newsletter will be structured around five key sections:

1. A Valuable Business Form – Each month, we’ll introduce an essential form to streamline your operations. Click the website tab, download it in MS Word, customize it, and brand it with your company logo.

2. Financial Insights – A summary of key financial trends and news that directly impact small businesses and entrepreneurs. Our goal? To keep you informed, prepared, and financially savvy.

3. Inside Ardor Health Solutions – A monthly update on the latest at Ardor Health, featuring insights from President Stephanie and Executive VP Mike. We’ll also compare current activities to past milestones.

4. Editorial by Mike & Patty Lamia – Personal reflections from 25 years of working together, filled with lessons, humor, and stories that highlight the highs and lows of the journey.

5. A Sneak Peek at Next Month – What’s coming next? We’ll give you a preview of upcoming topics and trends we’re exploring.

Section One: A Must-Have Business Form

Hiring your first employee is a major milestone, and getting the right application form is crucial. This month, we’re providing a customizable employment application—a simple yet powerful document to streamline hiring.

Download it now, personalize it, and set your business up for growth!

Section Two: Financial Insights with Mike

December was a historic month. Former President Trump reclaimed the White House, marking only the second time in U.S. history that a president has been re-elected for a non-consecutive term. What does this mean for businesses like yours?

• Market Volatility: Historically, first-term Republican presidents haven’t always boosted financial markets in the short term.

• Regulatory Changes: Promises to roll back business regulations could impact small businesses—positively or negatively, depending on your sector.

• Interest Rates: High borrowing costs aren’t going anywhere. If you need capital, be prepared to pay more.

The takeaway? Stay informed, stay flexible, and make strategic financial decisions.

Section Three: News from Ardor Health Solutions

December marked Ardor Health’s 23rd annual holiday celebration, and this year was special. Our first holiday party, two decades ago, took place at a hibachi restaurant with just 10 employees. This year? A waterfront gala in Tampa Bay—with team members flying in from across the country.

Despite post-pandemic challenges, our commitment to company culture remains strong. A motivated team is a productive team, and we expect January’s performance to reflect the energy and connections built at the event.

Want to see highlights? Visit www.ardorhealth.com for pictures from the 2024 Holiday Gala.

Section Four: Personal Reflections from Mike & Patty

What makes a business successful? Hard work? Yes. Smart decisions? Absolutely. But at its core, success is about the relationships you build—both in business and in life.

In 2024, we celebrated our 45th wedding anniversary on a breathtaking cruise through Scandinavia, alongside our best friends, John and Kathy, who also marked 45 years together. Having a lifelong support system—whether in marriage or business—is invaluable.

This year also marked another milestone: Ardor Health’s 24th anniversary. What began in 2001 as a small Florida-based company has grown into a thriving business with a nationwide presence. And at the heart of it all? Family.

Our children, Stephanie and Mike, continue to take Ardor to new heights, alongside their spouses, Anthony and Samantha. Seeing them succeed is a reminder that legacy isn’t just about wealth—it’s about the people we empower and the lives we touch.

Section Five: Spotlight on Married and Working Together

Want to learn the secrets behind running a successful business as a couple? Our book, Married and Working Together, is packed with practical advice, real-life experiences, and strategies to help you navigate both business and marriage successfully.

Order your copy today and take the first step toward building a stronger business and relationship!

Section Six: Visit Our Website!

Stay connected with the latest insights, tools, and updates from Married and Working Together! Our website is your go-to resource for downloadable forms, articles, and exclusive content to help your business thrive.

Visit www.marriedandworkingtogether.com today!

Looking Ahead: What’s Coming Next Month?

Next month, At the time of writing we may have something inciteful for you read that will be provided in the next newsletter or future newsletters. Stay Tuned.

We hope this newsletter brings you value, inspiration, and just enough anticipation to make you look forward to the next issue.

Until next time, keep building, keep growing, and keep working together.

Mike & Patty Lamia

As we enter June, the pace of world events feels dizzying. The Catholic Church made history by electing the first American Pope, Leo XIV. For Catholics, perhaps this marks the beginning of welcome changes, including greater participation of women in the Mass. Our faithful can also use a Pope like Leo to help balance the budget at Vatican City. Perhaps Pope Leo’s background will lend itself to this cause?

This month I also came across an interesting article related to this topic, which I’ve included in Section Five.

Meanwhile, for those of us following the markets, volatility continues. Uncertainty is driving swings that feel almost dangerous at times. And across the U.S., protests—on everything from pro-Hamas rallies to immigration raids—are gathering at an alarming pace. It seems each month brings reason to celebrate, followed quickly by something that tests our patience and resolve. All we can do is pray.

If this is your first time reading, welcome! All five earlier newsletters from 2025 are available on our website—always free to members.

This newsletter now includes six sections—a very good deal for $2.99 a month, wouldn’t you agree? Or maybe we can contemplate a discount? Stay tuned.

As always, Section One introduces a new MS Word form for your company’s library. Patty continues to share monthly recipes, mixing proteins so that by year’s end you’ll have a full rotation of family favorites.

We hope you find this content helpful, encouraging, and even fun to read.

If you have suggestions, write us at info@marriedandworkingtogether.com.

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As we enter May, the world feels like it’s moving at a faster pace than ever. A new Pope will soon occupy Vatican City. Our new President is shaking up Washington like never before. Across most of the country, winter is finally ending—though here in Florida we’re already waking up to 80-degree mornings.

Where better to run your own business, and be your own boss, than right here in the U.S.A.?

If this is your first edition, welcome! If you’ve been following along, all four earlier newsletters from 2025 are available on our website—always free to members.

This edition introduces something new: six sections, including a fresh feature dedicated to articles and studies relevant to business owners. And of course, Patty is back with another delicious recipe to inspire your kitchen. She continues to mix up the proteins each month, so by year’s end you’ll have a full rotation of family-tested meals to share.

As always, Section One includes a new MS Word form for your company library. Each form is fully customizable—download, adapt, and add your logo for a professional finish.

We hope you’ll find this newsletter helpful, enjoyable, and worth looking forward to each month.

If you have feedback, we’d love to hear from you: info@marriedandworkingtogether.com.

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If this is your first edition, welcome! If you’ve been with us from the start, welcome back. Remember—all three earlier newsletters from 2025 are available on our SubStack, free to all members, and they’ll always remain free.

This fourth newsletter continues the five-section format we’ve used so far, and we’ll keep refining as we go. New this month: Patty prepared something delicious in March, and we’re sharing it in Patty’s Kitchen. Over the course of a year, you’ll have a variety of recipes to try at home—each one a family favorite.

As always, Section One includes a new MS Word document for your business library—easy to download, customize, and use immediately.

We hope you find this content relevant, enjoyable, and maybe even a little humorous. Most of all, we hope you look forward to the next edition.

If you have suggestions, please send them to info@marriedandworkingtogether.com.

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Each newsletter is divided into five sections, and my intent is to keep improving them as often as possible. This third edition comes with something new—and something tasty.

For nearly fifty years of marriage, Patty has been the one doing all the cooking in our household. She learned at a young age by watching her mother prepare delicious Italian meals several times a day for her husband and Patty’s brother, Paul. After we married, I quickly discovered that she always cooked more than enough for four. And the best part? The leftovers were just as good.

That tradition continues today. And now, for the very first time, we’re sharing one of her recipes in Section Five. We decided not to play it safe with something simple—we’re starting with a challenging but unbelievably delicious dish. We hope you’ll try it at home with the chef in your household.

As always, Section One will include a new MS Word document that you can add to your company’s library of useful forms. They’re purposely shared in Word format so you can customize them to fit your needs.

We hope you find this newsletter relevant, enjoyable, occasionally humorous—and that you’re left eagerly awaiting the next edition.

If you have suggestions, we’d love to hear them. Send us an email at info@marriedandworkingtogether.com.

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I’ll purposely repeat a few points from the first edition for the benefit of new readers, and as a quick reminder for returning members.

By now, you’ve hopefully started reading—or even finished reading—our Playbook. Like most tutorials, the book is meant to be both a guide and a reference manual. Personally, I never read non-fiction without a highlighter nearby, and I’ve also developed the habit of folding over pages I know I’ll want to revisit later.

Each issue of this newsletter focuses on four major topics with two main goals:

1. Help improve the profitability of your business month after month.

2. Prepare your business should you ever receive outside interest in a merger or acquisition (M&A).

As we discussed last time, there are two clear paths: building a lifestyle company or building a company to sell. Both are winning paths. Patty and I agree—especially now in our late 60s—that we might have benefitted from making multiple sales along the way instead of just one. But for you, the reader, there is still plenty of time to explore both directions.

Each newsletter is divided into five sections:

1. A practical form for your business.

2. Monthly financial insights.

3. Updates from Ardor Health.

4. Personal reflections from us.

5. A rotating new feature—this month, outsourcing.

We hope you’ll find this edition helpful, enjoyable, occasionally humorous, and just engaging enough to make you anxious for the next one.

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Each issue of this newsletter will focus on four major topics designed to achieve two goals:

1. Help improve the profitability of your business month after month.

2. Better prepare your business should you ever receive outside interest in a merger or acquisition (M&A).

In the Playbook, I make frequent references to the differences between building a “lifestyle company” versus one designed to sell. While both approaches are valid, Patty and I agree—especially now that we’re in our late 60s—that we might have benefitted from making multiple sales along the way, even if that meant giving up some luxuries, rather than just one larger sale. For you, the good news is that you still have time to consider both paths. Either way, both can lead to success.

Each newsletter will be divided into five sections:

1. A practical business form you can use right away.

2. A summary of monthly financial news relevant to business owners.

3. Updates from Ardor Health, co-produced by Stephanie and Mike.

4. A personal editorial from Patty and me, reflecting on lessons learned from working together.

5. A preview of what’s next, highlighting upcoming topics and decisions shaping our business today.

It’s our hope that you’ll find this newsletter informative, enjoyable, and even occasionally humorous—and that you’ll look forward to each new edition.

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