PROs Business Education Moments: Insights That Drive Growth

This week at PROs, we were reminded once again that business success is rarely about one big move. It is usually about awareness, adaptability, and consistent improvement. Our speakers delivered practical insights that apply not just to business, but to leadership, communication, and long-term growth.

Here is what we learned.

Business EDU with Jane Obergfell

Mary Kay Skin Care & Cosmetics
Skin Care for men, women, and teens
727-430-0287
jandyo13@yahoo.com
www.marykay.com/janeobergfell

Jane led a powerful Business Education moment centered on something many of us overlook every day: non verbal communication.

She reminded us that approximately 70 percent of communication is non verbal. Long before words are spoken, people are already forming impressions.

We all recognize this instinctively:

• We can tell when someone is in love without hearing a word
• We can spot an angry driver instantly
• The way someone sits, stands, or reacts communicates volumes

Non verbal cues provide emotional context, and as business owners, we need to pay attention.

The Key Question

Jane challenged us with an important reflection:

What are your customers telling you without telling you?

From there, she walked through how we can maintain control and respond intentionally in our interactions with:

• Customers
• Family
• Friends
• Children

Tools for Staying in Control

Jane emphasized several practical areas to monitor:

• Tone
• Dealing with facts
• Making time
• Calmness
• Self evaluation
• Grace

Each of these helps us respond rather than react, which is critical in both business and life.

Word Play That Stuck With the Room

Jane closed with a simple but memorable exercise:

Fear kills dreams
Dreams kill fears

Sometimes the biggest mindset shifts come from the simplest reframes.

Tax Updates with Christine Jacobs

Jacobs Tax Pros Inc
Tax & Accounting
727-210-2552
christinejacobs2121@gmail.com

Christine brought the group up to speed on important tax law changes that business owners need on their radar right now.

Her message was clear from the start:

Do not assume last year’s strategy still works.

Major Themes Business Owners Should Watch

• Tax law changes tend to impact business owners first
• This year will not look like last year
• Income outside of a standard W2 continues to evolve
• Overtime reporting requirements are changing
• Tip taxation rules are shifting
• Social Security considerations are being updated

Payroll and Withholding Warning

Christine stressed that if you have employees affected by these changes, you must review payroll withholdings carefully. This is an area that could easily create problems if ignored.

She also noted:

• Overtime must be properly logged on W2s
• Vehicle deductions are changing and documentation matters more than ever
• Business owners should review their vehicle strategies

Increased IRS Enforcement

One of the biggest takeaways was the growing role of automation.

• IRS enforcement is increasing
• AI is being used to identify discrepancies
• Income documents are being matched automatically
• Notices are being generated faster

In short, the margin for sloppy bookkeeping is shrinking.

Top 3 Mistakes She Sees

1. Mixing business and personal accounts
2. Not tracking mileage
3. Paying contractors without proper 1099s and signed W9s

What to Do Now

• Keep your books current
• Make estimated payments
• Review your business structure
• Do not ignore IRS letters
• Stay organized with clean records

Christine’s message was practical and timely for every business owner in the room.

Mortgage Industry Update with Didier Malagies

DDA Mortgage
Mortgage Broker
727-421-6757
didier@ddamortgage.com
https://www.ddamortgage.com

Didier gave us a fast-moving look at what is happening inside the mortgage world, and his core message applies far beyond lending.

Things are changing quickly.

Always Be Asking

Didier shared that by continuously asking questions and staying informed, he is now closing some mortgages using one year of data instead of two for certain borrowers.

That kind of edge only comes from staying curious and engaged.

AI Is Reshaping the Process

One of the biggest shifts he highlighted is the integration of AI into underwriting.

• He has implemented AI underwriting for second mortgages
• Some files can now close in as little as three hours
• Processors, underwriters, and title workflows are all speeding up
• Certain traditional roles are being reduced or reshaped

The takeaway was not fear. It was awareness.

Lead Generation Is Changing Too

Didier noted that his inbound opportunities are increasingly coming from:

• AI tools
• His website
• Social media

Digital presence is no longer optional. It is foundational.

What Is Driving the Market

• Government actions
• Industry events
• Interest rate movement
• Technology adoption

He also reminded us that refinancing activity is likely to increase as rates adjust, which could create new opportunities.

The Big Takeaway

Didier closed with a message that fits every industry in the room:

Do not fight what is happening. Evolve with it.

Final Thought

From non-verbal communication to tax compliance to AI-driven mortgages, this week’s PROs meeting reinforced a consistent theme:

Awareness plus action creates advantage.

When we stay observant like Jane encouraged, organized like Christine advised, and adaptable like Didier demonstrated, we position ourselves and our businesses to keep moving forward no matter how the landscape shifts.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next PROs meeting.