Rick Gossett

As COO of Tarkenton Companies for more than 20 years, Rick has been responsible for business software development, unique partnerships, business educational content and consulting, and more. Rick was the originator of Tarkenton Companies’s consulting service and initially handled all of the questions himself. Prior to joining Tarkenton Companies, Rick owned and operated a private practice as a CPA. Prior to that, he was a Senior Manager at Pannell Kerr Forster in tax and audit, as well as Principal in Ernst & Young's small business advisory group.

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What are the rules for Firing an At-Will Employee?

As you know, we are not lawyers and do not provide legal opinions. The comments that we offer on legal topics are not based on any legal qualifications and should not be considered as anything other than general feedback. Our ability to find information that is directly responsive to legal and regulatory questions is limited to referencing documents published by the government or other sources. If you are uncertain of your obligations under federal and state labor laws with respect to a particular employee termination or other employment matters, you should consult a local labor lawyer to ensure compliance.

Focus on Key Performance Indicators

Successful people look for the signs. Small business owners are no exception.The signs are reality. It’s true in business the same way that it is true in sports, relationships, or any other part of life. But what does it mean to see the signs in business? What should you be looking for?

Business Travel Basics

A business trip is a good opportunity to do productive work for your business while earning substantial deductions. But it’s important to know the rules and limitations of deductions for business trips. You need to be aware of what constitutes a business trip, what things are deductible, and what you need to do to support your claims. You can combine business trips with pleasure trips, but be careful to ensure your trip still qualifies.

Building a Culture of Growth

A culture that encourages and rewards growth can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you build an organization, the right emphases and values can be a strong factor for growth. It requires every member of the team, from top to bottom, to buy into the right principles and beliefs.

Handling Competition: Do’s and Don’ts

When you first started your business, you looked at your competitors with the eye of an upstart. But what do you do when a new competitor arises—and suddenly you are the old establishment? The new competitor is eyeing your customers, your employees, and your profits. You can’t afford to make a mistake.

Keep the Organization Simple

Organizations of all kinds have a bad habit of growing more and more complex. But an important feature for an organization focused on growth is keeping things simple. A clear, simple organizational structure will help everyone understand what is happening in the business and where to go next.

How to Maintain a Sane Approach to Taxes

We all get stressed out around tax time. There are so many complicated, intertwined rules and regulations that it’s easy to get tripped up, especially when your focus is on building a business. here are 10 tips to maintain a sane approach to taxes.

How to Deal with an IRS Audit

Do you know what to do if the IRS decides to audit you or your business? If you’re prepared and know what to expect, things will go more smoothly. There are important things you can do starting during your regular filing all the way through your official report.

Financial Statements for Small Businesses

Your financial statements offer many benefits to your business. Practically speaking, they help you file your tax returns, find additional funding, or draw in buyers and investors. But they also help you run your business by translating your decisions into dollars and cents.

Writing an Effective Job Description

Where do you begin when you want to write an effective job description—how do you even start? By following an orderly approach, you’ll be able to create descriptions even the first time. Then you’ll be able to use them to benefit your company, both in hiring and in evaluating existing positions.