Gene MarksWhat I DoGene Marks is the founder and president of the Marks Group, a small-business consulting firm based in Bala Cynwyd.A huge new tax break for start-ups just got even bigger | Expert OpinionFor owners of shares of C corporations, having qualified small business stock can result in big tax savings once those shares are sold.Gene Marks an hour agoLink copied to clipboardWorkplace discrimination remains an important issue for employers. Here’s how to protect yourself | Expert OpinionJob descriptions and clear company policies are key to avoiding claims of discrimination, Gene Marks writes, even as guidelines around diversity, equity, and inclusion have changed.Gene Marks March 3, 2026Link copied to clipboardExpecting a big tax refund? One missing detail could freeze your money for weeksA new IRS rule requires taxpayers to provide a bank account number and routing number so their refund can be sent via direct deposit.Gene Marks Feb. 10, 2026Link copied to clipboardWhy a traditional 401(k) is the best retirement plan for most small businesses | Expert OpinionSetting up a 401(k) comes with costs and considerations, but experts say it's the best choice, especially for employers looking to grow.Gene Marks Jan. 21, 2026Link copied to clipboard8 ways small-business owners can prep for the new yearFrom buttoning up tax benefits to setting goals, here's a guide to positioning your business for success in 2026. Gene Marks Dec. 30, 2025Link copied to clipboardA worker cooperative is a different form of employee benefit. Some say it’s betterIn a worker cooperative, all workers equally own the business, with no majority shareholders.Gene Marks Dec. 9, 2025Link copied to clipboardMore business owners are selling, but uncertainty continuesTransactions are up more than 8% year over year, according to a report by BizBuySell.Gene Marks Nov. 11, 2025Link copied to clipboardAs health insurance prices climb, HRAs offer small businesses a flexible option | Expert OpinionSmall businesses may choose to offer a health reimbursement arrangement in addition to or instead of a group insurance plan.Gene Marks March 17, 2026Link copied to clipboardSmall businesses, don’t expect tariff relief anytime soon | Expert OpinionUncertainty is the only certainty following the Supreme Court's ruling Friday on President Donald Trump's tariffs.Gene Marks Feb. 24, 2026Link copied to clipboardPhilly-area marketing experts on how to succeed on LinkedIn| Expert OpinionThe professional networking site LinkedIn can be a great place to find potential clients or employees, if you use it properly, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks Feb. 3, 2026Link copied to clipboardPhiladelphia is a top place to launch a start-up — but success requires more than passion | Expert OpinionThe region has a number of local resources that can be helpful to founders who have an innovative idea but lack business or financial expertise, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks Jan. 13, 2026Link copied to clipboardIt’s almost time to file tax returns. Watch out for these limits on the tips and overtime deductions.Workers should know about limits on these rules, and employers should be prepared to provide information on tipped wages and overtime.Gene Marks Dec. 23, 2025Link copied to clipboardWhy your small business needs an AI policyTwo lawyers with artificial intelligence expertise shared their tips for creating guidelines for employees using AI.Gene Marks Nov. 25, 2025Link copied to clipboardWhat local small-business owners should know before terminating an employeeTaking certain steps before an employee layoff or termination can protect a business from legal exposure.Gene Marks Nov. 4, 2025Link copied to clipboardLocal small businesses are also struggling with affordability. Here’s how they’re coping.Inflation, high interest rates, and fears of a potential recession are top challenges for small business owners. Gene Marks March 9, 2026Link copied to clipboardPhilly business owners could save thousands with this little-known resourcePIDC provides financing to businesses to create jobs and revitalize neighborhoods.Gene Marks Feb. 17, 2026Link copied to clipboardHow Philadelphia merchants can get help paying for improvements, equipment, and security| Expert OpinionBetween Philadelphia Department of Commerce and the Merchants Fund, several programs can help your business get money for improvements.Gene Marks Jan. 27, 2026Link copied to clipboardSide-gig advice from people who make money on Uber, Lyft, and Airbnb in the Philadelphia areaLocal experts and gig workers share lessons learned for those looking to make money outside their primary job.Gene Marks Jan. 6, 2026Link copied to clipboardBusiness owners should consider these strategies to reduce their future taxesIn the wake of a tax and spending bill, business owners should reconsider how they invest and how their companies are structured.Gene Marks Dec. 16, 2025Link copied to clipboardDespite challenges in 2025, Philly-area small businesses remain resilient and optimisticTariffs, inflation, and labor shortages have been challenging to some businesses, but many are still optimistic looking ahead to 2026.Gene Marks Nov. 18, 2025Link copied to clipboardSee more stories
A huge new tax break for start-ups just got even bigger | Expert OpinionFor owners of shares of C corporations, having qualified small business stock can result in big tax savings once those shares are sold.Gene Marks an hour agoLink copied to clipboard
A huge new tax break for start-ups just got even bigger | Expert OpinionFor owners of shares of C corporations, having qualified small business stock can result in big tax savings once those shares are sold.Gene Marks an hour agoLink copied to clipboard
Workplace discrimination remains an important issue for employers. Here’s how to protect yourself | Expert OpinionJob descriptions and clear company policies are key to avoiding claims of discrimination, Gene Marks writes, even as guidelines around diversity, equity, and inclusion have changed.Gene Marks March 3, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Workplace discrimination remains an important issue for employers. Here’s how to protect yourself | Expert OpinionJob descriptions and clear company policies are key to avoiding claims of discrimination, Gene Marks writes, even as guidelines around diversity, equity, and inclusion have changed.Gene Marks March 3, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Expecting a big tax refund? One missing detail could freeze your money for weeksA new IRS rule requires taxpayers to provide a bank account number and routing number so their refund can be sent via direct deposit.Gene Marks Feb. 10, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Expecting a big tax refund? One missing detail could freeze your money for weeksA new IRS rule requires taxpayers to provide a bank account number and routing number so their refund can be sent via direct deposit.Gene Marks Feb. 10, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Why a traditional 401(k) is the best retirement plan for most small businesses | Expert OpinionSetting up a 401(k) comes with costs and considerations, but experts say it's the best choice, especially for employers looking to grow.Gene Marks Jan. 21, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Why a traditional 401(k) is the best retirement plan for most small businesses | Expert OpinionSetting up a 401(k) comes with costs and considerations, but experts say it's the best choice, especially for employers looking to grow.Gene Marks Jan. 21, 2026Link copied to clipboard
8 ways small-business owners can prep for the new yearFrom buttoning up tax benefits to setting goals, here's a guide to positioning your business for success in 2026. Gene Marks Dec. 30, 2025Link copied to clipboard
8 ways small-business owners can prep for the new yearFrom buttoning up tax benefits to setting goals, here's a guide to positioning your business for success in 2026. Gene Marks Dec. 30, 2025Link copied to clipboard
A worker cooperative is a different form of employee benefit. Some say it’s betterIn a worker cooperative, all workers equally own the business, with no majority shareholders.Gene Marks Dec. 9, 2025Link copied to clipboard
A worker cooperative is a different form of employee benefit. Some say it’s betterIn a worker cooperative, all workers equally own the business, with no majority shareholders.Gene Marks Dec. 9, 2025Link copied to clipboard
More business owners are selling, but uncertainty continuesTransactions are up more than 8% year over year, according to a report by BizBuySell.Gene Marks Nov. 11, 2025Link copied to clipboard
More business owners are selling, but uncertainty continuesTransactions are up more than 8% year over year, according to a report by BizBuySell.Gene Marks Nov. 11, 2025Link copied to clipboard
As health insurance prices climb, HRAs offer small businesses a flexible option | Expert OpinionSmall businesses may choose to offer a health reimbursement arrangement in addition to or instead of a group insurance plan.Gene Marks March 17, 2026Link copied to clipboard
As health insurance prices climb, HRAs offer small businesses a flexible option | Expert OpinionSmall businesses may choose to offer a health reimbursement arrangement in addition to or instead of a group insurance plan.Gene Marks March 17, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Small businesses, don’t expect tariff relief anytime soon | Expert OpinionUncertainty is the only certainty following the Supreme Court's ruling Friday on President Donald Trump's tariffs.Gene Marks Feb. 24, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Small businesses, don’t expect tariff relief anytime soon | Expert OpinionUncertainty is the only certainty following the Supreme Court's ruling Friday on President Donald Trump's tariffs.Gene Marks Feb. 24, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Philly-area marketing experts on how to succeed on LinkedIn| Expert OpinionThe professional networking site LinkedIn can be a great place to find potential clients or employees, if you use it properly, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks Feb. 3, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Philly-area marketing experts on how to succeed on LinkedIn| Expert OpinionThe professional networking site LinkedIn can be a great place to find potential clients or employees, if you use it properly, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks Feb. 3, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Philadelphia is a top place to launch a start-up — but success requires more than passion | Expert OpinionThe region has a number of local resources that can be helpful to founders who have an innovative idea but lack business or financial expertise, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks Jan. 13, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Philadelphia is a top place to launch a start-up — but success requires more than passion | Expert OpinionThe region has a number of local resources that can be helpful to founders who have an innovative idea but lack business or financial expertise, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks Jan. 13, 2026Link copied to clipboard
It’s almost time to file tax returns. Watch out for these limits on the tips and overtime deductions.Workers should know about limits on these rules, and employers should be prepared to provide information on tipped wages and overtime.Gene Marks Dec. 23, 2025Link copied to clipboard
It’s almost time to file tax returns. Watch out for these limits on the tips and overtime deductions.Workers should know about limits on these rules, and employers should be prepared to provide information on tipped wages and overtime.Gene Marks Dec. 23, 2025Link copied to clipboard
Why your small business needs an AI policyTwo lawyers with artificial intelligence expertise shared their tips for creating guidelines for employees using AI.Gene Marks Nov. 25, 2025Link copied to clipboard
Why your small business needs an AI policyTwo lawyers with artificial intelligence expertise shared their tips for creating guidelines for employees using AI.Gene Marks Nov. 25, 2025Link copied to clipboard
What local small-business owners should know before terminating an employeeTaking certain steps before an employee layoff or termination can protect a business from legal exposure.Gene Marks Nov. 4, 2025Link copied to clipboard
What local small-business owners should know before terminating an employeeTaking certain steps before an employee layoff or termination can protect a business from legal exposure.Gene Marks Nov. 4, 2025Link copied to clipboard
Local small businesses are also struggling with affordability. Here’s how they’re coping.Inflation, high interest rates, and fears of a potential recession are top challenges for small business owners. Gene Marks March 9, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Local small businesses are also struggling with affordability. Here’s how they’re coping.Inflation, high interest rates, and fears of a potential recession are top challenges for small business owners. Gene Marks March 9, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Philly business owners could save thousands with this little-known resourcePIDC provides financing to businesses to create jobs and revitalize neighborhoods.Gene Marks Feb. 17, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Philly business owners could save thousands with this little-known resourcePIDC provides financing to businesses to create jobs and revitalize neighborhoods.Gene Marks Feb. 17, 2026Link copied to clipboard
How Philadelphia merchants can get help paying for improvements, equipment, and security| Expert OpinionBetween Philadelphia Department of Commerce and the Merchants Fund, several programs can help your business get money for improvements.Gene Marks Jan. 27, 2026Link copied to clipboard
How Philadelphia merchants can get help paying for improvements, equipment, and security| Expert OpinionBetween Philadelphia Department of Commerce and the Merchants Fund, several programs can help your business get money for improvements.Gene Marks Jan. 27, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Side-gig advice from people who make money on Uber, Lyft, and Airbnb in the Philadelphia areaLocal experts and gig workers share lessons learned for those looking to make money outside their primary job.Gene Marks Jan. 6, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Side-gig advice from people who make money on Uber, Lyft, and Airbnb in the Philadelphia areaLocal experts and gig workers share lessons learned for those looking to make money outside their primary job.Gene Marks Jan. 6, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Business owners should consider these strategies to reduce their future taxesIn the wake of a tax and spending bill, business owners should reconsider how they invest and how their companies are structured.Gene Marks Dec. 16, 2025Link copied to clipboard
Business owners should consider these strategies to reduce their future taxesIn the wake of a tax and spending bill, business owners should reconsider how they invest and how their companies are structured.Gene Marks Dec. 16, 2025Link copied to clipboard
Despite challenges in 2025, Philly-area small businesses remain resilient and optimisticTariffs, inflation, and labor shortages have been challenging to some businesses, but many are still optimistic looking ahead to 2026.Gene Marks Nov. 18, 2025Link copied to clipboard
Despite challenges in 2025, Philly-area small businesses remain resilient and optimisticTariffs, inflation, and labor shortages have been challenging to some businesses, but many are still optimistic looking ahead to 2026.Gene Marks Nov. 18, 2025Link copied to clipboard