Gene MarksWhat I DoGene Marks is the founder and president of the Marks Group, a small-business consulting firm based in Bala Cynwyd.Are Trump’s new federal IRAs good for small businesses? | Expert OpinionSmall-business consultant Gene Marks compares the new government IRA program with traditional IRA options and 401(k) plans.Gene Marks May 6, 2026Link copied to clipboardWhich PTO policy is right for your business? Local companies offer clues | Expert OpinionUnlimited PTO is an increasingly popular benefit. Small companies in the Philadelphia area use a variety of policies, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks April 14, 2026Link copied to clipboardA 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 March 24, 2026Link 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 clipboardHow these local entrepreneurs beat the odds when starting a business | Expert OpinionFrom forming an idea to managing stress after the business is launched, some tips from Philly-area start-up founders.Gene Marks April 28, 2026Link copied to clipboardEnergy prices are up. These smart moves can help your business save money. | Expert OpinionReducing travel and increasing the energy efficiency of your business can be helpful as costs increase, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks April 7, 2026Link 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 clipboardCybercrime is rising. Here’s how to protect your business | Expert OpinionCompanies can experience significant losses from a breach, so keeping strong cybersecurity measures in place is important, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks April 21, 2026Link copied to clipboardWhere local small-business owners are actually finding talent | Expert OpinionFrom online job platforms and social media to recruiters and referrals, small-business owners have a number of ways to find quality talent, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks March 31, 2026Link 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 clipboardSee more stories
Are Trump’s new federal IRAs good for small businesses? | Expert OpinionSmall-business consultant Gene Marks compares the new government IRA program with traditional IRA options and 401(k) plans.Gene Marks May 6, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Are Trump’s new federal IRAs good for small businesses? | Expert OpinionSmall-business consultant Gene Marks compares the new government IRA program with traditional IRA options and 401(k) plans.Gene Marks May 6, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Which PTO policy is right for your business? Local companies offer clues | Expert OpinionUnlimited PTO is an increasingly popular benefit. Small companies in the Philadelphia area use a variety of policies, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks April 14, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Which PTO policy is right for your business? Local companies offer clues | Expert OpinionUnlimited PTO is an increasingly popular benefit. Small companies in the Philadelphia area use a variety of policies, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks April 14, 2026Link 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 March 24, 2026Link 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 March 24, 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
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
How these local entrepreneurs beat the odds when starting a business | Expert OpinionFrom forming an idea to managing stress after the business is launched, some tips from Philly-area start-up founders.Gene Marks April 28, 2026Link copied to clipboard
How these local entrepreneurs beat the odds when starting a business | Expert OpinionFrom forming an idea to managing stress after the business is launched, some tips from Philly-area start-up founders.Gene Marks April 28, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Energy prices are up. These smart moves can help your business save money. | Expert OpinionReducing travel and increasing the energy efficiency of your business can be helpful as costs increase, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks April 7, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Energy prices are up. These smart moves can help your business save money. | Expert OpinionReducing travel and increasing the energy efficiency of your business can be helpful as costs increase, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks April 7, 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
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
Cybercrime is rising. Here’s how to protect your business | Expert OpinionCompanies can experience significant losses from a breach, so keeping strong cybersecurity measures in place is important, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks April 21, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Cybercrime is rising. Here’s how to protect your business | Expert OpinionCompanies can experience significant losses from a breach, so keeping strong cybersecurity measures in place is important, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks April 21, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Where local small-business owners are actually finding talent | Expert OpinionFrom online job platforms and social media to recruiters and referrals, small-business owners have a number of ways to find quality talent, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks March 31, 2026Link copied to clipboard
Where local small-business owners are actually finding talent | Expert OpinionFrom online job platforms and social media to recruiters and referrals, small-business owners have a number of ways to find quality talent, Gene Marks writes.Gene Marks March 31, 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
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