Jesse sits down with Derek Rodriguez, President of KC Financial, LLC, for an in‑depth look at the transportation industry in 2026—a sector navigating rapid change, shifting demand, and new financial pressures. Derek shares frontline insights from his work financing transportation companies across the country, breaking down how operators are adapting to market volatility, equipment costs, interest rate environments, and tightening credit conditions.

The conversation explores the real challenges facing trucking and logistics companies today, including driver shortages, regulatory shifts, fuel and maintenance costs, and the impact of technology and automation on fleet operations. Derek also discusses what lenders are looking for in 2026, how companies can strengthen their financial position, and where he sees opportunities for growth despite industry headwinds.

This episode is packed with practical perspective for anyone connected to transportation finance, trucking operations, logistics, asset‑based lending, or the broader supply chain economy.

In this episode of Making Cents of It All, Jesse sits down with Phoebe Tan, CEO and co‑founder of Taelor, the men’s clothing rental subscription service recognized by GQ as one of the best in the industry. Phoebe shares how Taelor is transforming men’s fashion, using AI‑powered styling, data‑driven personalization, and sustainable rental models to help men dress better with less effort.

Jesse and Phoebe explore the rise of fashion‑tech startups, the growing demand for men’s clothing rental services, and how Taelor’s subscription model is changing the way consumers think about convenience, confidence, and wardrobe management. Phoebe also discusses the challenges of scaling a tech‑enabled fashion brand, what she’s learned as a founder, and why sustainability and smart design are shaping the future of the apparel industry.

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, fashion innovation, AI in retail, or the evolution of subscription‑based clothing services, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology is redefining everyday style.

In this episode of Making Cents of It All, host Jesse Stakes sits down with Marci LaRouech, CEO of Seay HR, one of the Southeast’s leading HR consulting firms. Together, they break down the real drivers behind effective human resources strategy, employee relations, and workforce planning—and why HR is a critical part of long‑term business success.

Marci brings decades of experience helping companies navigate compliance, build stronger teams, and create healthier workplace cultures. Her practical, straightforward approach makes complex HR issues easy to understand and even easier to apply.

Whether you’re a business owner, executive, HR leader, or anyone responsible for managing people, this episode delivers actionable insights you can use to strengthen your organization immediately.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why HR is a strategic advantage—not just an administrative function
• The most common HR mistakes growing companies make
• How to build a strong company culture that attracts and retains talent
• What leaders need to know about compliance, risk, and employee relations
• How Seay HR supports businesses with fractional HR and consulting services
• The future of HR in a rapidly changing workforce

If you want to understand how great companies build great teams, this conversation with Seay HR’s CEO is a must‑listen.