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The Pancakes for Roger campaign honors Major General Roger E. Combs through shared stories and memories rather than monetary success. In 2025, it raised over $13,000 for veterans' legal support and collected over 1,100 photos from participants globally, reinforcing community connection and gratitude. The campaign continues as a non-profit, expanding its impact on veterans' lives.

The Syrup – The power of being teachable. "Be teachable. You're not always right." – Anonymous This quote got me thinking about all the people I look up to, both inside and outside of our industry.

Harrison Butker's recent controversial commencement speech got me thinking about what I would say to graduates who are embarking on their next journey and reminiscing about some things that were said to me along the way.

In a recent reflection on the challenging 4th Quarter, professionals nationwide are grappling with abusive clients, overworked staff, and the pressure for instant response. The importance of setting boundaries, such as scheduling phone calls and limiting email checks, is emphasized as a means of improving efficiency and reducing stress. Plans for 2024 involve enforcing stricter deadlines and managing client expectations.

During the 4th quarter or open enrollment period, professional women shared stories of negative sales approaches from vendors. The common experiences include unwanted gift giving, decoy techniques, unsolicited an non-targeted spam, badmouthing of competitors, dishonesty, nagging follow-ups, unapproved meeting requests, and not knowing the audience. These behaviors have led these women to blacklist certain vendors, emphasizing the need for respect and understanding in sales approaches.

The 2023 BenefitsPRO Broker of the Year, Nancy Giacolone, discusses the phenomenon of loneliness during the holiday season. While festive celebrations heighten cheer, they also emphasize isolation for some. This "loneliness epidemic" affects particularly those aged 19-20 and is linked with various health issues. Steps to combat loneliness include frequenting social gathering spots, volunteering, attending community events, visiting fellow lonely individuals, and utilizing technology for connectivity. The holiday season should extend compassionate inclusivity with the gift of connection.

The article explores the concept of working "in your business" versus "on your business". The former involves handling day-to-day operations, while the latter focuses on strategic planning for future growth. Many business owners struggle balancing the two. The author suggests achieving balance via delegation, possibly by hiring external help, noting successful entrepreneurs are those who balance both aspects, essential for sustainable business health.

In the article, Susan L. Combs, discusses her personal experiences dealing with addiction, mental health, and loss. She emphasizes the importance of support networks for both for those struggling with mental illness and their families. She challenges herself and others to prioritize their own wellbeing when dealing with a loved one's mental illness, highlighting the struggles of care and tough love, and encouraging people to find and reach out to support groups.

I can’t tell you how many people I have encountered over the past few months who have talked about how burnt out they are. Let’s face it, many of us work in a people-facing business and don’t have the luxury of burying our heads in the sand. But this doesn’t mean that there aren’t times when we’d love to do just that. Check out this latest episode of "The Syrup" with the help of some of my crew. Thanks so much to Lester J Morales, Nancy Woodall Giacolone, Eugene Starks and Erin Issac for the assist in this BenefitsPRO article! #PancakesForRoger