Association for Consulting Expertise

Ask ACE looks at construction projects that have lined up permits, financing and other details, making them ready for a groundbreaking.

As retirement approaches, the focus shifts from maximizing growth to sustaining a lifestyle — often for decades — while managing both market volatility and inflation risk.

The real challenge in facing 2026 is not guessing which scenario will play out. It is preparing the business to handle either outcome.

Create a communication plan. Clarify whether you’ll be offline or occasionally checking messages, define emergencies and identify a backup contact. A brief checklist helps clients organize before you go.

Even regulated businesses must grow, and unnecessary procedures can drain resources and hinder flexibility.

Stability, tradition and authenticity are key traits of family businesses, but so is an openness to change.

Companies hiring former federal employees report faster regulatory approvals, higher rates of government contract wins and reductions in compliance violations. 

The success of an ESOP depends on how well leadership and management are prepared to guide the company in its next chapter.

Automation is only effective if your team can use it confidently. Training should cover both the “how” and the “why.”

Mentorship forces you to stay curious, humble and open — qualities that make you not just a better leader, but a better colleague and partner.