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Ian Nairn / April 2, 2025

2025 AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition

Last week I attended the 2025 AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition.

The 2025 AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition explored the U.S. Army’s modernization strategy by fostering collaboration between military and industry leaders to drive transformational change and showcase cutting-edge technology. Key areas of focus included AI, cybersecurity, and advanced communication systems.

Key Objectives:
Focus on Army Modernization: The event centered around the Army’s efforts to modernize and evolve into a multi-domain capable force.

Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: It served as a platform for senior military leaders, defense industry professionals, and key stakeholders to connect, share insights, and discuss critical topics like research and development, acquisition, and force sustainment.

Showcasing Technology: Attendees had the opportunity to see and discuss emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and advanced communication systems.

Driving Transformational Change: The symposium fostered collaboration and drove change within the defense industrial base, ensuring the Army could conduct multi-domain operations (MDO).

Focus on the Future: The event examined the Army’s modernization strategy with an emphasis on maintaining an over-match in the context of great power competition.
This symposium played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Army and its relationship with the defense industrial base.

What a great networking and educational experience. I am already looking forward to next year’s event.

Ian Nairn / April 1, 2025

Featured on eCommerce Fastlane

Michael was recently featured on the eCommerce Fastlane podcast hosted by Steve Hutt. Steve and Michael discuss how Michael and the Schooley Mitchell team understand the intricacies of carrier contracts (FedEx, UPS, etc.) and work solely on behalf of their clients – not the carriers – to find savings and optimize shipping spend.

Rising shipping costs and sneaky fees are eroding profits for countless Shopify merchants. In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked area of shipping expense optimization. Michael Moriarty reveals how brands, regardless of size (from 50 to 50,000+ packages/month), can identify and eliminate unnecessary costs, negotiate better carrier contracts, and reclaim lost revenue hiding in their shipping invoices.

Watch the full episode here: eCommerce Fastlane Podcast

Ian Nairn / March 17, 2025

America’s 25% Tariff on Canadian Goods: A Wake-Up Call for Cost Reduction

AUTHOR: Mike DeBoer

DOWNLOAD PDF

As Canadian businesses brace for the economic impact of America’s 25% tariff on Canadian goods and products, the urgency to reduce operational costs has never been greater. This significant tariff increase threatens to drive up costs, disrupt supply chains, and potentially push Canada into a recessionary period. In such uncertain times, proactive businesses must take decisive action to safeguard their financial stability and maintain competitiveness. One of the most effective ways to do so is by leveraging the cost reduction expertise of Schooley Mitchell.

The Economic Impact of a 25% Tariff
The tariffs will have widespread ramifications across multiple industries. Canadian exporters will face higher costs to sell into the U.S. market, potentially leading to reduced sales and job losses. Domestic companies reliant on U.S.-sourced materials will also see price increases, further squeezing profit margins. Additionally, as consumer and business confidence declines, a downturn in economic activity could make cost-cutting essential for survival.

“Businesses must proactively seek ways to reduce expenses.”

Why Cost Reduction Is Crucial Now
The combination of increased costs and potential recessionary pressures means that businesses must proactively seek ways to reduce expenses. Cutting wasteful spending, optimizing vendor contracts, and ensuring the most efficient use of resources will be critical for navigating these turbulent times. However, identifying and implementing cost-saving measures across multiple categories can be complex and time consuming. That’s where Schooley Mitchell’s expertise comes in.

How Schooley Mitchell Can Help
Schooley Mitchell specializes in cost reduction consulting across a wide range of essential business expenses, helping companies achieve significant savings without compromising quality or service. Our data-driven approach, vendor relationships and industry expertise allow businesses to streamline spending in critical areas, including:

  • Telecom: Reduce costs on internet, phone, and wireless services through optimized contracts and vendor negotiations.
  • Merchant Services: Lower credit card processing fees and improve payment processing efficiency
  • Waste Management: Identify cost-saving opportunities in waste disposal and recycling services.
  • Shipping: Cut both small package and LTL shipping expenses by securing better carrier rates.
  • Uniforms & Linens: Optimize contracts with suppliers to achieve better pricing and terms.
  • Facility & Office Supplies: Reduce spending on janitorial, breakroom, and office supplies.
  • SaaS & Software Services: Eliminate redundant subscriptions and negotiate better pricing on essential software.
  • Fuel & Compressed Gases: Lower fuel and compressed gas costs by securing better discount rates and supplier agreements and improve fleet efficiency through better management tools.

Why Now Is the Right Time to Engage Schooley Mitchell

With economic uncertainty looming, the businesses that act swiftly to control costs will be the ones that emerge stronger. Schooley Mitchell’s cost reduction services require no upfront investment—fees are contingency based, meaning clients only pay if savings are realized. This risk-free model ensures that businesses can focus on securing savings without financial strain.

Conclusion

America’s 25% tariff on Canadian goods signals a critical moment for our nation’s businesses to take action. By proactively reducing costs in telecom, merchant services, waste management, shipping, office supplies, and other operational areas, businesses can safeguard profitability and navigate economic uncertainty with confidence. Schooley Mitchell’s expertise in cost reduction makes them an essential partner in this effort. Now is the time to engage with our services and secure a more efficient, resilient, and profitable future.

Ian Nairn / March 13, 2025

America’s 25% Tariff on Canadian Goods: A Wake-Up Call for Cost Reduction

AUTHOR: Mike DeBoer

DOWNLOAD PDF

As Canadian businesses brace for the economic impact of America’s 25% tariff on Canadian goods and products, the urgency to reduce operational costs has never been greater. This significant tariff increase threatens to drive up costs, disrupt supply chains, and potentially push Canada into a recessionary period. In such uncertain times, proactive businesses must take decisive action to safeguard their financial stability and maintain competitiveness. One of the most effective ways to do so is by leveraging the cost reduction expertise of Schooley Mitchell.

The Economic Impact of a 25% Tariff
The tariffs will have widespread ramifications across multiple industries. Canadian exporters will face higher costs to sell into the U.S. market, potentially leading to reduced sales and job losses. Domestic companies reliant on U.S.-sourced materials will also see price increases, further squeezing profit margins. Additionally, as consumer and business confidence declines, a downturn in economic activity could make cost-cutting essential for survival.

“Businesses must proactively seek ways to reduce expenses.”

Why Cost Reduction Is Crucial Now
The combination of increased costs and potential recessionary pressures means that businesses must proactively seek ways to reduce expenses. Cutting wasteful spending, optimizing vendor contracts, and ensuring the most efficient use of resources will be critical for navigating these turbulent times. However, identifying and implementing cost-saving measures across multiple categories can be complex and time consuming. That’s where Schooley Mitchell’s expertise comes in.

How Schooley Mitchell Can Help
Schooley Mitchell specializes in cost reduction consulting across a wide range of essential business expenses, helping companies achieve significant savings without compromising quality or service. Our data-driven approach, vendor relationships and industry expertise allow businesses to streamline spending in critical areas, including:

  • Telecom: Reduce costs on internet, phone, and wireless services through optimized contracts and vendor negotiations.
  • Merchant Services: Lower credit card processing fees and improve payment processing efficiency
  • Waste Management: Identify cost-saving opportunities in waste disposal and recycling services.
  • Shipping: Cut both small package and LTL shipping expenses by securing better carrier rates.
  • Uniforms & Linens: Optimize contracts with suppliers to achieve better pricing and terms.
  • Facility & Office Supplies: Reduce spending on janitorial, breakroom, and office supplies.
  • SaaS & Software Services: Eliminate redundant subscriptions and negotiate better pricing on essential software.
  • Fuel & Compressed Gases: Lower fuel and compressed gas costs by securing better discount rates and supplier agreements and improve fleet efficiency through better management tools.

Why Now Is the Right Time to Engage Schooley Mitchell

With economic uncertainty looming, the businesses that act swiftly to control costs will be the ones that emerge stronger. Schooley Mitchell’s cost reduction services require no upfront investment—fees are contingency based, meaning clients only pay if savings are realized. This risk-free model ensures that businesses can focus on securing savings without financial strain.

Conclusion

America’s 25% tariff on Canadian goods signals a critical moment for our nation’s businesses to take action. By proactively reducing costs in telecom, merchant services, waste management, shipping, office supplies, and other operational areas, businesses can safeguard profitability and navigate economic uncertainty with confidence. Schooley Mitchell’s expertise in cost reduction makes them an essential partner in this effort. Now is the time to engage with our services and secure a more efficient, resilient, and profitable future.

Ian Nairn / February 11, 2025

Recommendation Letter for Tutor Doctor

To Whom It May Concern:

We had an amazing experience with Yousuf and Saif at Tutor Doctor. We first contacted the owner, Yousuf, who separates himself from other tutoring providers by taking the necessary time during the assessment phase to determine the specific needs of the student.

Yousuf tailored a custom program for our son that met his needs by pairing him with a tutor that Yousuf personally hand picked. Saif is our son’s tutor and we’ve seen great results and improvement in our son’s studies. Saif is very patient and uses creative ideas to keep our son engaged during each tutoring session. We highly recommend both Yousuf and Saif to anyone looking for help with their child’s learning journey.

Yours truly,

Michael Baznick
Schooley Mitchell

Visit the website
Download the PDF

Ian Nairn / February 3, 2025

Featured In South Huntsville Neighbors: Meet Jason Fish & Family

Original Post: South Huntsville Neighbors
Author: Jason & Courtney Fish as told to Bob Druckman, Publisher, South Huntsville Neighbors

Meet Jason Fish & Family

Tell us about your background, where you are both from originally? How long were you in the Army? When did you retire? What type of work does your wife do?
My wife and I are both originally from Vincennes; IN. Courtney is a geologist currently seeking employment, a stay-at-home mom, and an avid reader. I spent 21 years serving in the U.S. Army, primarily in the Infantry branch, before retiring on September 1, 2022.

I have always been a finance enthusiast and a meticulous planner. My passion for organization and strategy was reinforced through my education, earning an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Management and Leadership. These achievements sharpened my analytical mindset and strengthened my ability to communicate strategically.

Further enhancing these skills, I earned multiple project management certifications, bringing my capabilities full circle. Combined with the leadership experience I gained in the military, this foundation created the perfect environment for me to transition into business ownership—an endeavor I take great pride in.

Where did you and your wife meet?
I was her paperboy in the early ’90s when we were just kids. She had a crush on me even then. But with a four-year age gap between us, and her attending the private school in town while I went to the public school, I didn’t even know she existed. In 2006, my brother was getting married, and during a night out at the hometown bar, I noticed Courtney. That’s when we reintroduced ourselves to one another. We went on a couple of dates before I had to return to Fort Benning, GA, where I was stationed at the time. This led to a long-distance relationship – luckily, her job at the time offered the flexibility for her to take time off to visit. Eventually, Courtney moved to Fort Benning, and not long after, we tied the knot in true military fashion at the local courthouse.

Tell us about your children and their extra-curricular activities.
We are incredibly blessed with two bright and talented boys, each with their own uniquely wonderful personality. Our older son, Dalton, tends to be a bit shy around new people. He has a passion for Legos, Transformers, and Minecraft video games. In contrast, our younger son, Corbin, is outgoing and loves talking to just about anyone. He has a particular love for reading and Super Mario Brothers video games. They are both actively involved in the local Cub Scout Pack 7223.

You and your family are active in Scouting. How did that come about?
When we moved here, Dalton made a friend at school who helped out at the Cub Scout recruiting booth. Courtney spoke with the friend’s parents to learn about the wonderful experiences their family was having with scouting. Dalton asked if he could join, and a year later after seeing the fun his brother was having, Corbin asked if he could join too. Scouting became a family adventure. Courtney and I are proud to be part of the leadership committee, while the boys thrive in their respective Dens. It’s been incredibly rewarding for all of us!

How did your Schooley Mitchell journey begin?
In September 2022, my retirement date came and went. Uncertain about what I truly wanted to do with this new chapter in life after spending 20 years in a vastly different career field, like many newly retired service members, I took a government contracting job that didn’t align with my expectations or aspirations. After some deep conversations with trusted individuals, I realized a change was necessary, and I eventually submitted my resignation. The moment I did, a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. But now what?

The answer came unexpectedly: I would become a stay-at-home dad and supportive husband. During this period, my wife was completing her second bachelor’s degree. It was my turn to support her dreams, and she graduated in November 2023 from Southern New Hampshire University with a stellar 4.0 GPA in Geosciences, with a concentration in Data Analytics.

By December, I felt I had taken a meaningful sabbatical and knew it was time to move forward. I craved autonomy and the ability to control my day. I considered becoming an entrepreneur or a business owner, because I have always had a passion for saving money and connecting with people. I participated in a webinar with Vetrepreneur.com, a non-profit organization that helps veterans transition into franchise ownership. I graduated from their program and ultimately purchased a franchise through Schooley Mitchell.

How did your Army career prepare you for Schooley Mitchell?
Before joining, I struggled with self-confidence and often avoided engaging with others. However, serving in leadership roles allowed me to confront these insecurities, significantly enhancing my communication skills and ability to build meaningful connections.

Another major influence has been my focus on planning and analytical questioning. Military service ingrained in me the importance of thorough preparation and considering all angles, ensuring I approach tasks with confidence and readiness. I believe nothing is worse than failing due to laziness or lack of preparation — principles I carry into every aspect of my life.

How does Schooley Mitchell help businesses?
Our mission is simple: to help businesses reduce unnecessary costs and increase profitability. Think of us as your “profit keepers” and vendor “watchdogs.” By analyzing your expenses across numerous categories, we determine if you’re overspending and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Once we present our findings, if you decide to move forward, we take care of the rest. We’ll handle implementation and remain your single point of contact for ongoing monitoring, analysis, and support. Our independent and objective recommendations are always made with one goal in mind: your best interests.

My vision for the business is to become a trusted resource for all businesses in Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding areas. Simply put, every business can benefit from our cost-reduction services. Why? Because we bring the time, technology, and expertise needed to thoroughly analyze and optimize your expenses. By partnering with us, you gain peace of mind and the freedom to focus on what truly matters—your core business strategy.

If your family could invite 3 people to dinner, who would they be?
For this one, we decided to break it down, letting the boys each choose someone while Courtney and I also made our picks. The boys selected Mark Rober, who happens to be their favorite person on YouTube. A former NASA engineer, Rober has a remarkable ability to inspire a love of science in children through his fun and engaging activities. Beyond his engineering expertise and creativity, he comes across as a genuinely decent person who is committed to spreading positivity and doing good in the world.

I chose Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., as my guest of choice. Through my own journey of healing from PTSD, I have gained a deeper understanding of the brain and its incredible capacity for adaptation and recovery. This experience has sparked my fascination with how our emotions, both past and present, shape our lives. Dr. Huberman, a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the Department of Neurobiology at Stanford School of Medicine, has made remarkable contributions to the study of brain development, function, and neural plasticity. Additionally, he hosts the acclaimed Huberman Lab podcast, often ranked #1 in Science, Education, and Health & Fitness. His ability to bridge cutting-edge neuroscience with practical applications makes him an inspiring figure, and I would value the opportunity to learn from him.

Courtney ultimately decided she would invite Guy Fieri to join her. Best known as a chef and television host, Fieri has built a career around his love for bold, flavorful food. As someone who loves to cook, Courtney admires his passion and would relish the opportunity to gain tips from a professional who shares her enthusiasm for similar cuisines. Beyond his culinary expertise, Fieri has also raised two sons, which could provide Courtney with valuable parenting insights.

What would you like the readers of South Huntsville Neighbors to know about the Fish family?
We are an easygoing family that values quality time together. Our focus is on raising two well-rounded boys who treat others with kindness and respect. In a world dominated by digital distractions, we are strong proponents of analog learning and genuine engagement.

As a family, we prioritize open communication, thoughtful discussions, and avoiding emotionally charged decisions. Courtney and I believe that these principles are key to building a successful and fulfilling life together.

Ian Nairn / January 23, 2025

Featured in Wood River Weekly: Continuous Improvement


Originally Posted On: Wood River Weekly

By Mike McKenna

It’s pretty easy to get apathetic about almost anything in life, especially things like our daily duties for work. That’s why most of us follow the simple motto: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—even if it isn’t running very smoothly or cost-efficiently.”

That’s where the continuous improvement theory comes in handy. It’s a process of regularly evaluating your business or nonprofit to find ways to improve and reduce wasted effort, resources and, most importantly, money.

“If you don’t continuously try to improve, any process will start to degrade,” John Rumasuglia said, and he should know.

John spent his career as a consultant in the manufacturing and supply-chain industry, helping improve efficiency and costs.

“I have a passion for any process-type stuff. I really enjoy making things streamlined, taking out waste in a good way,” he said.

John grew up in Boston. After serving in the Navy, he spent 30 years working in the Silicon Valley and Bay Area.

One year, John and his wife, Pauline, came to Hailey to visit a friend and instantly connected with the place. They soon came back for another visit and Idaho really got ahold of them, so they bought a cabin at Smiley Creek that they owned for nearly 20 years.

When it came time to retire, John and Pauline began traveling around the Mountain West looking for a new place to call home. But nothing they visited compared to their feelings for Idaho.

“Nothing beats Sun Valley, “ John said.

So they decided to build a home in Hailey, but retirement didn’t really sit well with John. He wanted to do more and become active in our community. That’s what led him to Schooley Mitchell.

Schooley Mitchell is the largest independent cost-reduction consulting firm in North America. It’s basically a company that helps other companies of all sizes focus on continuous improvement. It was just up John’s alley.

“I like working, but wanted to do something different, something that can help me be part of the community and make a difference,” John said.

The Schooley Mitchell system is pretty simple. Basically, they come in and assess and track all the costs of doing business (like telecom, software, waste, shipping, processing fees, etc.) and figure out where they can save money. There are no up-front costs; Schooley Mitchell only takes a percentage of the savings they find and create. And those saving can be large. Most businesses or nonprofits can reduce costs by an average of 28%, or more than $10,000 or more in benefits annually.

“People don’t even realize they’re being overcharged or that there are other options. That’s where we can help,” John said. “We can help them save money that usually goes out of our town and keep it here in our community.”

By helping locals focus on continuous improvement, John can fulfill his goal.
“I want to make a difference for small businesses and nonprofits in the Wood River Valley,” John said. When asked what the “catch” was, he simply replied, “I get to feel good about how I helped our community.”

Find out more by contacting John at (208) 266-5252 or [email protected].