Latest news with #JohnPierce
Forbes
06-08-2025
- Business
- Forbes
During Job Transitions, Pay Attention To Your Healthcare Benefits
John Pierce is an entrepreneur with a focus on C-Suite consulting, M&A in the RIA segment, and a builder and leader of high-quality teams. When I left a corporate environment after 30 years to become a full-time consultant, I came to a startling realization: I'd never truly understood the value or impact of healthcare benefit packages. Sure, I paid for the benefits, and I've been frustrated when plans were changed to save a nickel. But the pain of selecting new company-provided benefits paled in comparison to what I've experienced since becoming an entrepreneur. Leaving or losing a job is already one of life's most disruptive events. It can often lead to financial strain, emotional turmoil and a cascade of logistical challenges. So, it's no surprise that entrepreneurs often overlook the importance of securing healthcare benefits. I know I treated it as an afterthought, and it was a big mistake. The sudden loss of employer-sponsored health insurance can leave individuals and families vulnerable to significant medical costs and gaps in coverage. But the healthcare selection process is shockingly complex. Here are three action steps to consider on your journey. 1. If terminated, enroll in COBRA—quickly. According to KFF, about 49% of Americans under age 65 rely on employer-sponsored health plans, meaning any kind of job change can trigger a loss of benefits. Without prompt action, individuals risk unaffordable medical expenses, delayed care or penalties from lack of coverage. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows terminated employees to continue their employer-sponsored health plan for up to 18 months. While this option isn't cheap—there's a fee on top of what you paid as an employee—COBRA can be a short-term stopgap. Keep in mind that enrollment must occur within 60 days of termination or loss of coverage. Missing this window can result in permanent eligibility loss, forcing individuals to seek alternative coverage, often at higher costs or with less comprehensive benefits. Read any termination or exit agreements you have with your employer carefully, especially the terms of possible COBRA coverage. 2. Understand your marketplace options. After really studying and reviewing your COBRA options, explore ACA plans and check eligibility for subsidies based on your projected income. Check your state's Medicaid program for income-based eligibility, especially if your income will decrease significantly. I'd also suggest finding a local licensed insurance broker to help you compare options and ensure timely enrollment. 3. Don't think you can get by without insurance. Just because you're healthy today doesn't mean you'll be healthy tomorrow. In the U.S., "the average cost of a 3-day hospital stay is around $30,000," while routine procedures like an appendectomy can cost an average of nearly $8,000 without coverage. These costs can lead to debt or bankruptcy. Additionally, lapses in coverage can disrupt medication adherence, leading to worsened health outcomes and higher long-term costs. Don't risk all you have by thinking you can find cheaper options later. Securing healthcare benefits quickly after vacating a job is essential to avoid coverage gaps, mitigate financial risks and leverage time-sensitive options. That said, many individuals aren't prepared for the process because they're unfamiliar with the system. It's easy to underestimate the costs or misunderstand eligibility, especially when you're experiencing emotional overload during a job change. Don't be as shocked as I was when I got to my 'to-do' list with healthcare next up. Put this topic at the top of your list! Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only organization for HR executives across all industries. Do I qualify?
Forbes
30-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Don't Burn That Bridge: 3 Tips When Being Laid Off
John Pierce is an entrepreneur with a focus on C-Suite consulting, M&A in the RIA segment, and a builder and leader of high-quality teams. The job market remains in a continued state of uncertainty. That's why large and small firms across many industries are entering a stage of quarterly rolling layoffs. If you find yourself a casualty, it's easy to lean into negativity or spite. But you have to remember that this isn't about you as an individual. It's about employers trying to optimize profitability, adapt to market challenges or address a multitude of other external factors. So, it's far better for you and your professional future if you can handle a layoff with integrity. Here are three tips for making a dignified exit. 1. Take the high road. In the heat of the moment, you may want to storm out, then head to social media and trash your former employer. But hold that thought. A public lapse in judgment can have a long-term impact on your hireability. Today's employers are conducting deeper background checks that include social media scrutiny. A 2023 Harris Poll study found that 70% of employers research social media history when screening candidates. If your recent posts show hostility toward former employers, it may discourage hiring managers from considering your application. Further, there could be legal consequences depending on your employment agreement, non-solicit or noncompete clauses. Sometimes it may be a gentle tap from the in-house attorney, asking that you stay in your lane (I've had that a few times!), but it can certainly escalate. So, instead of airing out the dirty laundry on LinkedIn or X, take a breath. 2. Stay in contact with your network. If you leave in a negative manner, your most important networking opportunity may have turned into ashes. The social network you developed at work is critical to getting you back on your feet. After all, you may need references, and your former employer will have the most relevant details about your performance. So, when you leave, ensure you have an up-to-date contact list and let key contacts know that your role has been shifted or eliminated. Don't forget that your network is a key source of support, advice and guidance. Some of my friends wonder why I stay in contact with CEOs and presidents from firms I used to work with. But considering how many people have given me a helping hand during my transitions, I feel it's only right to give back in kind. For example, when my last firm had an unanticipated RIF recently, my phone rang off the hook with peers hoping to hear a kind, empathetic voice as they experienced the mental and emotional shock of being let go after a long career. Maintaining contact is also important in case your former employer experiences "RIF regret." Sometimes, companies realize they created chaos and dysfunction because they let too much institutional knowledge out the door. Those willing to admit this mistake may reach out, hoping you're open to returning. Because you've kept in touch, you may be in a position to set expectations for reemployment—especially if you'll bring back new, valuable knowledge that will benefit the company. 3. Take the opportunity to evolve. As you consider your next role, think about what you like doing and where you have skill gaps. Get advice from someone you trust, and determine whether you should sharpen current skills or develop new ones based on the current and future economy. For example, if you're in an industry that's heavily impacted by AI advancements, where do you pivot? Re-skilling allows you to stay on top of new trends in your industry and increases your employability. Plus, as you learn more, you may find renewed enjoyment in your career. 'Prepare for the worst and hope for the best'—a quote commonly attributed to Ben Franklin—rings true in today's employment market. During a period of layoffs, following these tips will help ensure you can find your next job, career or industry more quickly and with dignity. Forbes Human Resources Council is an invitation-only organization for HR executives across all industries. Do I qualify?
CTV News
23-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Iconic Canadian Home Hardware announces sponsorship of the Calgary Stampede
A man walks out of the Home Hardware store at the Pioneer Park Plaza in Kitchener on Sunday, April 17, 2016. A Canadian company that's been in business for more than 60 years is now supporting the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. Home Hardware, established in 1964 in St. Jacob's, Ont., announced Monday that it will be sponsoring the Calgary Stampede and offering a space for revelers to rest up during the 10-day festival. It's the first time the company, which operates more than 1,000 stores in Canada, has ever sponsored the event. Officials say it's a unique opportunity for it to help celebrate Canadian traditions and it's core values of service and community spirit. 'We're proud to be part of the Calgary Stampede this year,' said John Pierce, chief retail operations officer, Home Hardware Stores Limited, in a news release. 'This sponsorship, along with the strategic expansion of our agricultural assortment, underscores Home's commitment to serving the unique needs of our customers and strengthening our connection with rural communities across Canada.' Nick Tetz Nick Tetz, of Calgary, Alta., rides Home Alone during bull riding rodeo action at the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, Alta., Saturday, July 6, 2024. (Jeff McIntosh / The Canadian Press) As part of the sponsorship, Home Hardware will set up a shaded seating area next to the Superwheel on the Stampede midway. It will be a curated display of outdoor furniture and entertainment products, all available at Home Hardware stores across Canada. The Calgary Stampede runs from July 4 to 13.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Four Premier League clubs warned over gambling sponsors
Four Premier League clubs have been warned by the Gambling Commission over their relationship with an unlicensed gambling business. Bournemouth, Fulham, Newcastle, and Wolves, as well newly promoted Burnley, are all sponsored by betting websites run by TGP Europe. The company surrendered its UK licence after an investigation found it had failed to "carry out sufficient checks on business partners" and breached "anti-money laundering rules". A letter sent to the clubs has warned they "may be liable to prosecution…if they promote unlicensed gambling businesses that transact with consumers in Great Britain". TGP Europe brands bj88 (Bournemouth), SBOTOP (Fulham), DEBET (Wolves), and (Burnley) all currently appear as match day shirt sponsors. FUN88 was Newcastle's shirt sponsor from 2017 to 2023, before becoming the club's "official Asian betting partner". BBC Sport has approached the five clubs and TGP Europe for comment. In February, the Gambling Commission contacted Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Leicester about three other TGP Europe websites that had already lost their licence. Stake (Everton), kaiyun (Nottingham Forest), and (Leicester) have all remained on the respective shirts since. TGP Europe surrendered its licence after being told it needed to pay a £3.3 million penalty and "make significant improvements" to continue trading. The Gambling Commission says it is seeking assurances "that consumers in Great Britain cannot transact with the unlicensed sites". "Clubs will be asked to demonstrate that they have assurance that any steps to geo-block the sites are effective, recognising that some blocking can be easily bypassed by use of tools such as a Virtual Private Network", they added. From beer to betting - how have football shirt sponsors changed? Premier League to limit gambling sponsors on shirts More than half of this season's Premier League teams have a gambling company as their shirt sponsor. Premier League clubs have agreed to withdraw gambling sponsorship from the front of their matchday shirts by the end of the 2025-26 season. The Coalition to End Gambling Ads raised concerns about TGP Europe's practices with the Gambling Commission. Director Will Prochaska said: "Action against TGP Europe is welcome, but warnings against advertising unlicensed gambling companies ring hollow." "Premier League clubs – including Everton and Leicester – have been advertising unlicensed sites for months." The Gambling Commission's head of enforcement John Pierce said: "We have already been in contact with several football clubs to highlight the impact of the withdrawal from the market by TGP and make clear that we will be carrying out checks - without further notice - to ensure these sites remain blocked. "We will also conduct ongoing spot checks as necessary to ensure they are not accessible to consumers in Great Britain by any means. Should any of these sites be available to GB consumers, we will take appropriate action. "It is essential that football clubs play their part in protecting fans and GB consumers who may be exposed to advertising of these sites through their sponsorship arrangements from harm or exploitation. All licensed operators with similar arrangements to TGP should take notice of the action taken in this case." Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Four Premier League clubs warned over gambling sponsors
Four Premier League clubs have been warned by the Gambling Commission over their relationship with an unlicensed gambling business. Bournemouth, Fulham, Newcastle, and Wolves, as well newly promoted Burnley, are all sponsored by betting websites run by TGP Europe. The company surrendered its UK licence after an investigation found it had failed to "carry out sufficient checks on business partners" and breached "anti-money laundering rules". A letter sent to the clubs has warned they "may be liable to prosecution…if they promote unlicensed gambling businesses that transact with consumers in Great Britain". TGP Europe brands bj88 (Bournemouth), SBOTOP (Fulham), DEBET (Wolves), and (Burnley) all currently appear as match day shirt sponsors. FUN88 was Newcastle's shirt sponsor from 2017 to 2023, before becoming the club's "official Asian betting partner". BBC Sport has approached the five clubs and TGP Europe for comment. In February, the Gambling Commission contacted Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Leicester about three other TGP Europe websites that had already lost their licence. Stake (Everton), kaiyun (Nottingham Forest), and (Leicester) have all remained on the respective shirts since. TGP Europe surrendered its licence after being told it needed to pay a £3.3 million penalty and "make significant improvements" to continue trading. The Gambling Commission says it is seeking assurances "that consumers in Great Britain cannot transact with the unlicensed sites". "Clubs will be asked to demonstrate that they have assurance that any steps to geo-block the sites are effective, recognising that some blocking can be easily bypassed by use of tools such as a Virtual Private Network", they added. From beer to betting - how have football shirt sponsors changed? Premier League to limit gambling sponsors on shirts More than half of this season's Premier League teams have a gambling company as their shirt sponsor. Premier League clubs have agreed to withdraw gambling sponsorship from the front of their matchday shirts by the end of the 2025-26 season. The Coalition to End Gambling Ads raised concerns about TGP Europe's practices with the Gambling Commission. Director Will Prochaska said: "Action against TGP Europe is welcome, but warnings against advertising unlicensed gambling companies ring hollow." "Premier League clubs – including Everton and Leicester – have been advertising unlicensed sites for months." The Gambling Commission's head of enforcement John Pierce said: "We have already been in contact with several football clubs to highlight the impact of the withdrawal from the market by TGP and make clear that we will be carrying out checks - without further notice - to ensure these sites remain blocked. "We will also conduct ongoing spot checks as necessary to ensure they are not accessible to consumers in Great Britain by any means. Should any of these sites be available to GB consumers, we will take appropriate action. "It is essential that football clubs play their part in protecting fans and GB consumers who may be exposed to advertising of these sites through their sponsorship arrangements from harm or exploitation. All licensed operators with similar arrangements to TGP should take notice of the action taken in this case." Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone
