November 2024

Your time is worth $50, $100 or even $200 an hour. Then why is AI costing you hours instead of saving them?

Here’s the irony — a recent Upwork study shows 77% of employees say AI is actually hurting their productivity. Why? They’re stuck revising AI-generated content. AI gets you part of the way, but you end up spending even more time tweaking and fixing than you save. Frustrating, right?

It’s not just a time drain—it creates cognitive overload, pulling your focus away from what really matters. But there’s a way to use AI that can actually save you weeks of work a year. In this week’s video, I’ll show you how in three simple steps.

Download the free “AI Success Kit” (limited time only). And you’ll also get a free chapter from Ben’s brand new book, “The Wolf is at The Door – How to Survive and Thrive in an AI-Driven World”.

President Donald Trump’s election to a second term was a win for business and investment — two important drivers of economic growth. His campaign promises largely reflected a pro-business ideology, promising support for entrepreneurship and corporate expansion and starkly contrasting with Vice President Kamala Harris’s consumer-focused approach, which seemed to overlook the crucial balance between investment and consumption.

Donald Trump’s business-driven agenda

A cornerstone of President Trump’s first term was the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which placed a clear emphasis on empowering small businesses, entrepreneurs and investors to put more money back into their ventures. The TCJA was packed with pro-growth policies, including the 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction, the ability to fully expense equipment purchases and cutting the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. During the campaign, President Trump suggested taking this even further by reducing the tax rate to 15%, underscoring his commitment to stimulate corporate investment.

These supports for business and investment worked. With a lower tax burden and targeted incentives, entrepreneurs and businesses made significant investments in the U.S. — buying more equipment, adding jobs and creating much-needed goods and services for society. Extending the QBI deduction and enhancing it to 25-30% would further incentivize entrepreneurship, especially if the deduction applied to all business types, including service industries.

President Trump also recognizes that research and development play a critical role in innovation and economic expansion. By advocating for permanent bonus depreciation, Trump aimed to align the U.S. with other nations that offer full deductions for equipment investments. However, this commitment should extend to R&D tax policies. Most other countries have much better R&D tax benefits than the U.S., putting our businesses at a disadvantage.

Related: 3 Major Reasons Why Donald Trump’s Second Term Will Benefit My Business and Increase Profits

The contrast with Kamala Harris’s consumer-centric focus

The Harris-Walz campaign took the opposite approach.

Throughout the campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris strongly emphasized consumer protection. Her proposals included price controls and programs to boost consumer spending, prioritizing immediate consumer benefits over long-term economic growth.

Price controls often sound attractive on the surface but, in reality, distort the market, often discouraging businesses from investing in areas where their returns will be capped. This stifles innovation and, in the long run, reduces competitiveness on a global scale.

Vice President Harris’s focus on a consumption-driven economy would have overly relied on short-term spending. Without investment in infrastructure, technology and R&D, the economy risks stagnating. In addition, she proposed raising corporate taxes to 28% and combined capital gains taxes to 33%. The money that would go toward higher taxes would then not be available as capital for businesses to expand, hire and innovate, ultimately hindering economic growth.

Related: 10 Significant Ways A Second Donald Trump Administration Could Impact Your Taxes

A call for a focus on pro-business policies

Despite a largely pro-business stance, President Trump also floated his share of consumer-focused policies during the campaign. Suggestions to eliminate income taxes on tips and overtime pay were popular among large and important segments of voters but would cause havoc for business owners. The tax change would create massive inequity among workers in the same business, with hosts and chefs paying taxes on their full earnings while servers would not. It also would create unintended incentives for people to shift to nonexempt (and overtime-laden) work schedules.

Based on his campaign rhetoric, President Trump also seems certain to use tariffs as leverage with U.S. trading partners, especially China and Mexico. As all tariffs do, that will surely hit the pocketbooks of consumers and businesses alike.

As President Trump embarks on his second term, both he and Congress must stay focused on policies that bolster business and investment. This is the proven path to sustained economic growth and prosperity.

It’s also not a partisan position. The first time a U.S. president encouraged investment through economic policy was when President John F. Kennedy signed legislation creating the investment tax credit in 1962, encouraging businesses to buy equipment during a time when the economy had slowed. President Ronald Reagan also used economic policy to boost investment, adding significant benefits to real estate investment in 1981.

President Trump and the next Congress have an opportunity to add to this positive legacy. They simply need to stay focused and united on the right policy changes. Reducing business tax rates, encouraging investment and supporting entrepreneurship and innovation would go a long way toward improving U.S. competitiveness with the rest of the world. Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the American economy.

Let’s not allow this moment to slip by.

These days, customers aren’t just looking for a great product or service. They want an experience that’s smooth, hassle-free and feels like it was designed just for them. If you’re not delivering that, your competitors are ready and waiting to steal them away.

Salesforce’s “State of the Connected Customer” report makes it clear: 80% of customers say the experience a company offers is just as important as its products or services. So, if you’re not focused on making the buying process easy, you’re missing the boat.

This means you can’t just solve a problem and call it a day. You’ve got to walk with your customers through every step of the process — and sometimes even after the sale. Why? Because a lot of them will keep researching after they’ve already bought, trying to make sure they didn’t screw up. Your job is to prove to them, again and again, that they made the right choice. There’s no such thing as “finished” anymore.

Is it a lot to handle? Sure. But we all live in a world where information overload is the norm. When we’re buying, we sift through the noise to find what we want. When we’re selling, we need to clear that noise for our customers. If they feel confused or frustrated, they’re out the door. But if you can build trust and make the experience simple, they’ll stick around.

So, how do you create that kind of experience? Let’s break it down:

Related: 4 Things That Make for Unforgettable Customer Experiences

1. Make research easy and personal

Customers these days come prepared. They’ve already done a ton of homework before they even think about talking to you. They don’t want long email chains or endless meetings. They want answers, and they want them fast.

That means your website and any other materials need to be clear, helpful and relevant. If you’re pushing the wrong details, you’re wasting their time, and they’ll walk.

I saw this firsthand when I was shopping for a car. The salesperson kept going on and on about the car’s engine specs and speed. But I’m a nerd, not a gearhead. I only cared about the tech gadgets. I kept trying to see the touch screen inside, but the seller stuck to his script and insisted on showing me the tires. I walked. In contrast, I contacted another dealership with my questions. They responded in a couple of hours with answers and a custom demo video. Boom — I had a new car.

People want personalized experiences. The Salesforce “State of the Customer” report found that two-thirds of customers expect companies to adapt to their shifting needs. So, don’t throw everything at them at once. Figure out what matters to this customer and focus on that.

2. Be the go-to expert customers can’t live without

When you give customers a killer experience, you’re not just solving one problem; you’re setting yourself up as their go-to for future problems. And that’s where the magic happens.

Adobe found that 71% of customers stick with brands they trust. When you consistently deliver value and a great experience, they won’t just come back — they’ll keep coming back. You might have to put your own interests aside in the short term, but the long-term payback is worth it.

Related: 3 Ways to Turn Your Customer Leads into Your Biggest Fans

3. Keep improving the customer experience

Customer needs change fast, and if your customer journey stays the same forever, you’ll get left behind. But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean tearing everything down and starting over. Sometimes, all it takes is a tweak here and there.

Remember, buyers usually fall into two camps: risk minimizers and gain maximizers. Figure out which one you’re dealing with and adjust accordingly. In B2B sales, your main contact often has to sell your solution to a room full of decision-makers you’ve never met. That means your materials need to be strong enough to do the selling for you when you’re not in the room.

Want to know when it’s time to tweak the journey? Ask your customers. Their feedback will tell you exactly where the gaps are and help you make changes that drive better results.

Related: Customers Are Changing – Is Your Business Ready?

Yes, customer behavior is constantly evolving, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep their loyalty. By making the buying process personal, seamless and built around their needs, you’ll keep them coming back — and you’ll set your business up for long-term success.

As a sommelier at prestigious, Michelin-starred restaurants and with a background in sustainable agriculture, Kristin Olszewski wanted to make organic, high-quality wine more accessible to people who would typically shy away from it.

Her solution: Put it in a can.

In 2017, she launched her canned wine company, Nomadica, into the market—curated, zero-sugar wine in eco-conscious packaging. But not everyone was enamored. For many in the traditional wine industry, canned wine was hard to swallow.

“When I launched, canned wine was all value wines, nothing you’d actually wanna pour into a glass,” Olszewski recalls. “I can’t tell you how often I was laughed out of rooms when I started to go around and pedal Nomadica to people. Even my community and friends in the wine industry were like, why are you doing this? No one wants this.”

Turns out they were wrong. Nomadica is now available direct-to-consumer and in retailers across 25 states such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Total Wine, with Target in the works for 2025 Last year, Nomadica was named the Rising Drinks Brand of the Year in the Next Wave Awards.

Olszewski joined me on the One Day with Jon Bier podcast to talk about her path from a Harvard dropout to the founder of a successful company and her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Have a unique expertise in your industry

Kristin spent years as a sommelier in high-end restaurants in Nantucket, Nashville, and New York. That professional experience, coupled with her study in sustainable agriculture, gives her unicorn status in the canned wine industry. “I’m the only founder with wine experience. Everyone else has MBAs, or they hired people to manage the wine experience part of it,” she says. “I’m the only person looking at the industry from the bottom up.”

This unique perspective allows Kristin to identify trends and opportunities others may miss. She shares one example: “I run a wine program in Los Angeles, and I saw that we sold more orange wine by the glass than all other colors combined. Boom. I was the first to market with a nationally distributed orange wine in a can and now box.”

Related: ‘One Size Does Not Fit All:’ The Supplement Myth That This CEO Wants to Shatter

Build real relationships with board members and investors

Kristin prides herself on being very open and honest with her investors about the challenges Nomadica faces. She surrounds herself with a board composed mostly of operators with experience running businesses and can support her through the ups and downs. Full disclosure: I was one of Kristin’s earliest angel investors and wrote her the biggest check I had written to date because she checked every box for me.

Pay attention to emerging trends and consumer preferences.

Despite Nomadica’s success, Kristin is not resting on her laurels. She is constantly trying to innovate and be on top of changes in the industry. For example, she recognizes that millennials and Gen Z are becoming more discerning about what they consume, which contradicts conventional wisdom that these generations just go for fancy labels and marketing gimmicks.

“This is an incredibly educated consumer who’s nerdy, who deep dives on what they’re consuming now,” she says.

Related: This Entrepreneur Went From Driving An Uber to Running a Million-Dollar Air Purifier Business

Stay true to your style

Kristin intentionally built Nomadica slowly, starting with partnerships at premium hotels and venues. Contrary to the advice she received, she focused on generating high-velocity sales before expanding into mass retail.

“I took this slow, hard path because I feel like that’s also just my vibe, that’s my energy. I never do anything the easy way, which is annoying about me. All my friends are endlessly irritated about that, but I knew this was the right way to build the brand, and now we’re ready for retail.”

Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo

As a female founder in a male-dominated industry, Kristin faced a lot of skepticism and pushback when she launched Nomadica. But she persevered with her vision to disrupt the wine industry and make it less pretentious.

Nobody is laughing at her crazy idea anymore.

“When you look at the wine industry right now, the only segments that are growing are sparkling, canned wine that’s above $15, which is exactly where we’re priced,” she says. “I feel like while everyone else is divesting or making canned cocktails out of wine, I’m leaning in because I still see the opportunity.”

On Wednesday, users reported a mass Reddit outage affecting millions of users. Reddit confirmed the issue on social media and blamed the problem on a “bug in a recent update.”

pic.twitter.com/4YjwVdWRKO

— Reddit, Inc. (@Reddit) November 20, 2024

The platform reported that the problem was resolved as of 8:08 p.m. PST on Wednesday. But users were still reporting issues on Thursday, especially between approximately 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., when Downdetector received tens of thousands of reports with an almost even mix of website and app connection issues.

“An update we made caused some instability. We reverted and are seeing Reddit ramp back up,” a Reddit spokesperson told TechCrunch.

Naturally, people flocked to X to see what was wrong with Reddit.

Yes. We’re working on it. https://t.co/8MZVlusmD7

— Reddit, Inc. (@Reddit) November 20, 2024

Reddit down again ! pic.twitter.com/sJtBJLPSJO

— It’s showtime ! (@gin_mv) November 21, 2024

*comes to twitter to see if reddit is down or if it’s just my phone*

— ww, esq. (@whitneyyjanae) November 21, 2024

Me checking Twitter to see if Reddit is down pic.twitter.com/AI882ihWBn

— kwl (@lauwk94) November 21, 2024

This story is ongoing.

Looking for a new job isn’t easy, and job seekers are frustrated. And if the market wasn’t tough enough, a study from Indeed earlier this year found that one in five postings on the platform required at least a four-year degree.

Fortunately, there are high-earning jobs that don’t require college degrees, and a Resume Genius report released this month using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the median salaries for these positions can range from $67,000 to $102,420 per year.

The researchers compiled the report based on two factors: The professions had to have at least $48,060 in annual salary, and have high or stable growth rates.

Related: Looking for a Remote Job? Here Are the Most In-Demand Skills to Have on Your Resume, According to Employers.

While the roles on the list may not require a four-year degree, some may still require apprenticeships, credentials, and years of training to achieve. “No degree” doesn’t mean no experience, or education, at all.

For example, becoming the top-paying role on the list, an elevator and escalator installer and repairer, requires a four-year apprenticeship and a certification.

Other jobs on the list have varied earnings depending on sales, like No. 7, wholesale and manufacturing sales representative, which has a median salary of $73,080, though earnings will change on the products sold and commission percentages.

Resume Genius recommends thinking about alternatives to four-year degrees, like certificate programs from trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and technical bootcamps, when thinking about becoming competitive for these roles.

Related: These Are the Best Jobs for Every Personality Type, According to a New Report

Here are the highest-paying jobs with good job growth rates that you can get without a college degree.

1. Elevator and escalator installer and repairer

Median annual salary: $102,420

Number of jobs in 2023: 24,400

Growth rate: 6%

2. Transportation, storage, and distribution manager

Median annual salary: $99,200

Number of jobs in 2023: 211,800

Growth rate: 9%

3. Electrical power-line installer and repairer

Median annual salary: $85,420

Number of jobs in 2023: 123,400

Growth rate: 8%

4. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanic and technician

Median annual salary: $75,400

Number of jobs in 2023: 163,300

Growth rate: 8%

5. Detective and criminal investigator

Median annual salary: $74,910

Number of jobs in 2023: 796,800

Growth rate: 4%

6. Locomotive engineer

Median annual salary: $73,580

Number of jobs in 2023: 83,000

Growth rate: 2%

7. Wholesale and manufacturing sales representative

Median annual salary: $73,080

Number of jobs in 2023: 1,681,400

Growth rate: 1%

8. Athlete and sports competitor

Median annual salary: $70,280

Number of jobs in 2023: 25,100

Growth rate: 11%

9. Flight attendant

Median annual salary: $68,370

Number of jobs in 2023: 130,300

Growth rate: 10%

10. Construction and building inspector

Median annual salary: $67,000

Number of jobs in 2023: 142,600

Growth rate: 0%

Click here for the full report.

Back in 2015, our company faced a brutal decision. We’d built our business around supplying low-cost consumer technologies, but political shifts introduced regulations that threatened our core revenue streams.

We made the tough call to pivot, shifting from the consumer market to the enterprise. It was risky, and many of my smartest friends and peers advised us against it, but ultimately and luckily, the transition paid off. This taught us a vital lesson: the businesses that thrive are the ones that see major shifts coming and adapt before they hit.

With the Trump administration coming into power in 2025, we can expect changes that will ripple across every sector. New tariffs, taxes or compliance mandates could reshape markets overnight. Meanwhile, advancements in generative AI and evolving global supply chains are already pushing companies to rethink operations.

Leaders who recalibrate now will have a strong advantage and be ready to capture new opportunities. Here are some key lessons we learned in adapting to changing markets:

1. Political shifts require diverse revenue streams and strategic planning

At the time, we shifted from consumer technology to enterprise, and we were solely focused on hardware, with no recurring or service revenues. To stay resilient, we needed diverse revenue streams — a strategy that is particularly important during geopolitical shifts.

As the Trump administration steps into power next year, expect economic policy changes to impact businesses of all sizes. Trade restrictions, new taxes or even a stronger push for TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliance could reshape how companies approach operations, sourcing and growth plans.

If the new administration revisits tariffs on foreign imports, for example, “Made in America” will be more than just a slogan; it could be a requirement for all government contracts, squeezing out companies dependent on cheap overseas manufacturing.

It could even shift to ‘Designed in America,’ driving domestic innovation, fostering new technologies and establishing a more resilient downstream supply chain — something critically needed across the U.S., as highlighted in recent CHIPS Act discussions.

Prepare by diversifying sourcing and manufacturing locations. A “dual supply chain” model that sources both domestic suppliers and US-friendly countries can minimize risk while opening doors for new opportunities.

If you’re sourcing from a single region, you risk your business. Think of TAA compliance as a way to future-proof your company: as the government ramps up incentives and penalties, you’ll want to be on the right side of those policies.

Related: Avoid Costly Hiring Mistakes by Spotting These Employee Warning Signs

2. AI is elevating business outcomes: Leverage it or be left behind

Artificial Intelligence is enabling businesses to predict consumer behavior, manage inventory efficiently and deliver better products. From predictive healthcare to food delivery, AI is improving the customer experience.

Take healthcare, where companies that once avoided investing in hardware innovation are now deploying custom-built devices to capture and analyze real-time patient data because it offers them an immediate competitive edge. These devices generate insights that were once unimaginable, reduce costs and open new revenue streams.

We’re also seeing big consulting groups and Fortune 500 companies, which historically were risk averse when it came to hardware, looking at investing in more hardware engineering and design, because of its potential to generate original data — a hot commodity in today’s marketplace. Look no further than the Apple or Android ecosystems to understand clearly why it is vital to control the hardware.

Every company should actively integrate AI into its operations or partner with firms that specialize in it. Many AI tools are accessible at low cost, and with the pace of AI advancement, those who lag will struggle to catch up with early adopters.

Related: 3 Trends That Will Change the Future of Entrepreneurship

3. Supply chain resilience: Just-in-time is dead

The Trump administration’s favor of Made in America means there will likely be significant tax subsidies and incentives for design and engineering on home soil. However, taxes on foreign products will likely increase, adding strain to the already fickle global supply chain.

For companies that rely solely on imports or exports, building supply chain resilience is crucial. In 2020, global supply chain disruptions exposed the flaws of “just-in-time” inventory models, leaving many scrambling to fulfill orders. In 2025, if your supply chain isn’t resilient, your business isn’t either. “Just-in-time” isn’t just risky—it’s history.

Today, holding reserves of critical components — like semiconductors, which can take months to source — is essential. Our company moved to a model with multi-supplier agreements and strategic inventory planning to prevent disruptions.

Moreover, building strong partnerships with suppliers is also essential. A true partner will take your call on their day off because they know your success is tied to theirs. Get those relationships in place now, or risk paying a high price when supply chain shocks hit.

Related: How to Strategically Plan for 2025 as a Business Owner

As we enter into 2025, don’t assume any component of your business is guaranteed. Smart leaders will adopt a zero-trust mentality and take a hard look at their vulnerabilities before the storms hit.

For small to medium sized businesses, it’s particularly important to perform a self-assessment: are your revenue streams diversified and, if possible, recurring? Do you have enough flexibility in your supply chain? Are you prepared to respond to new regulations? What would happen to your business if sales completely stopped and how long would you be able to survive?

Look ahead, make the changes now, and use 2025 as a launching pad for growth and strategic diversification. Companies that stay agile will not just survive — they’ll lead the way.

Jaguar is reinventing itself as an electric vehicle maker with cars going into production in 2026.

The company unveiled its rebrand on Tuesday, with two fashion-like posts on X—one video and one still image—that revealed…absolutely nothing. So much so that it drew the ire of social media users who were left wondering what they just watched.

Copy nothing. #Jaguar pic.twitter.com/BfVhc3l09B

— Jaguar (@Jaguar) November 19, 2024

One of those users happens to own the platform and has more than 200 million followers, which, of course, led to thousands of replies.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk replied to the video asking: “Do you sell cars?”

Jaguar’s social media team replied, “Yes. We’d love to show you. Join us for a cuppa in Miami on 2nd December? Warmest regards, Jaguar.”

Musk followed up shortly after, writing that he “looks forward” to seeing the new vehicle lineup, but that did not stop the barrage of posts, to which Jaguar kept replying.

I look forward to seeing your new vehicle lineup

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 20, 2024

Users wrote things like “I thought you guys made cars?” and “This is surely a joke.” But the social media team replied for hours with responses like, “We do. All will be revealed” and “A pivotal moment.”

“This is a reimagining that recaptures the essence of Jaguar, returning it to the values that once made it so loved, but making it relevant for a contemporary audience,” said Gerry McGovern, Jaguar Land Rover’s chief creative officer, in a press release.

The cars are scheduled to be revealed during Miami Art Week in December.

Hopefully, the social media rapid response team gets a raise before then.

For coffee-loving entrepreneurs, success is only a few sips away with a coffee-based franchise opportunity. Today’s top brands offer more than just a cup of joe—they excel through quality beans, expert craftsmanship and welcoming atmospheres.

In this article, explore the top coffee franchises, according to the 2024 Franchise 500 Ranking. From quaint corner cafes to bustling urban hubs, these franchises offer a diverse range of experiences for both coffee enthusiasts and entrepreneurs looking to break into the thriving industry.

Let’s dive into the rankings to discover which coffee franchises are leading the pack and what sets them apart in the competitive landscape of coffee culture.

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.

1. Dunkin’

• Founded: 1950
• Franchising since: 1955
• Overall rank: 6
• Number of units: 13,372
• Change in units: +1.9% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $438,000-$1,800,000
• Leadership: Paul Brown, CEO
• Parent company: Inspire Brands

Dunkin’, originally known as Dunkin’ Donuts, traces its roots back to 1948 when Bill Rosenberg opened The Open Kettle in Quincy, Massachusetts. Renamed Dunkin’ Donuts in 1950, the franchise started franchising in 1955, quickly grew to over 100 locations by 1965 and now has more than 13,000 outposts. Franchisees benefit from a recognized brand, large customer base, various available markets and support from Dunkin’s quality support team and training programs.

2. Scooter’s Coffee

• Founded: 1998
• Franchising since: 2001
• Overall rank: 65
• Number of units: 651
• Change in units: +133.3% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $895,000-$1,400,000
• Leadership: Joe Thornton, CEO
• Parent company: Boundless Enterprises

Scooter’s Coffee, founded in 1998 by Don and Linda Eckles, emphasizes quality coffee served quickly. Franchising began in 2001, and the brand promises “Amazing People, Amazing Drinks… Amazingly Fast!” With hundreds of franchises across the U.S. and plans for further expansion, Scooter’s Coffee appeals to entrepreneurs seeking a reputable brand in the competitive coffee market.

Related: These Women-Founded Franchises Surpassed a Major Milestone — Against the Odds. Here’s How They Did It.

3. The Human Bean

• Founded: 1998
• Franchising since: 2002
• Overall rank: 131
• Number of units: 149
• Change in units: +41.9% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $552,000-$1,100,000
• Leadership: Dan Hawkins and Tom Casey, Founders
• Parent company: Casey Hawkins Inc.

The Human Bean, founded in 1998 in Ashland, Oregon, specializes in premium espresso served through drive-thru locations. Franchising since 2002, the brand has expanded to well over 100 locations nationwide. Franchisees are valued as key contributors to the company’s success, working alongside management as a team. With a management team boasting extensive experience, The Human Bean provides franchisees with the expertise needed to thrive in the coffee market.

4. PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans

• Founded: 1978
• Franchising since: 1989
• Overall rank: 135
• Number of units: 164
• Change in units: +36.7% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $406,000-$1,100,000
• Leadership: David Mesa, CDO
• Parent company: Ballard Brands

Aside from its famous coffee, every PJ’s Coffee franchise is also a market favorite for its organic tea and fresh breakfast pastries to go. In addition to being a successful national coffee chain, PJ’s Coffee is known for being part of the culture of the communities it serves, being a place where people share a special bond and connect over a shared passion—coffee.

Related: Ever Dreamed of Owning Your Own Restaurant? These Top Full-Service Restaurant Franchises Are the Best in the Business

5. Biggby Coffee

• Founded: 1994
• Franchising since: 1999
• Overall rank: 243
• Number of units: 360
• Change in units: +46.3% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $246,000-$565,000
• Leadership: Bob Fish and Michael McFall, Co-CEOs
• Parent company: Global Orange Development LLC

The atmosphere at Biggby Coffee franchises is welcoming, which might make it a great place for coffee-lovers. Biggby Coffee means business and is intent on building relationships. Over time, its baristas might even get to know their clients by name. The company culture tends to be fun and supportive. You might be given the tools for success, from training to marketing.

6. Ziggi’s Coffee

• Founded: 2004
• Franchising since: 2016
• Overall rank: 347
• Number of units: 75
• Change in units: +200.0% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $467,000-$1,800,000
• Leadership: Brandon Knudsen, President/Cofounder
• Parent company: N/A

Ziggi’s Coffee, a coffee and drive-thru franchise founded in Longmont, Colorado, has expanded nationally through franchising since 2016. With over 70 franchises across the U.S., Ziggi’s emphasizes building meaningful relationships and community connections. They serve from double-sided drive-thru stations but also have cafes and cafe-drive-thru combos. Ziggi’s looks for franchisees who value positive working relationships, quality customer service and community involvement.

7. Ellianos Coffee

• Founded: 2002
• Franchising since: 2003
• Overall rank: 398
• Number of units: 47
• Change in units: +147.4% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $612,000-$899,000
• Leadership: Scott Stewart, Owner/Founder
• Parent company: Ellianos LLC

Ellianos is committed to serving “Italian quality at American pace.” While on a visit to the Pacific Northwest, Scott and Pam Stewart were inspired by the booming coffee drive-thru industry. In 2002, they brought the concept to their home in Lake City, Florida, and opened the town’s first double-sided drive-thru specialty coffee shop. Popularity grew quickly, and the Stewarts started franchising just one year later.

Related: Fast-Food Workers in California Now Earn a $20 Minimum Wage — Here’s How This Will Impact Franchising

8. Aroma Joe’s

• Founded: 2000
• Franchising since: 2013
• Overall rank: N/R
• Number of units: 105
• Change in units: +50.0% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $501,000-$959,000
• Leadership: Loren Goodridge, CEO
• Parent company: Aroma Joe’s Franchising LLC

Aroma Joe’s Coffee was founded in 2000 by four cousins from Maine who aimed to serve good coffee in a friendly atmosphere. Since then, it has expanded its beverage offerings to include specialty espressos and energy drinks, all made with high-quality ingredients tailored to each customer’s preferences. With more than 100 stores across the U.S. and plans for further expansion, Aroma Joe’s Coffee is seeking passionate franchisees who share their commitment to quality and community involvement.

9. Beans & Brews

• Founded: 1993
• Franchising since: 2004
• Overall rank: N/R
• Number of units: 71
• Change in units: +22.4% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $519,000-$762,000
• Leadership: Jeff Laramie, CEO
• Parent company: Beans & Brews Franchise Co.

Founded in 1993, Beans & Brews is not only committed to offering top-tier coffee mountain-roasted coffee but also puts community outreach at the forefront of its values. Part of the company’s mission includes “supporting the neighborhoods and communities in which we live and do business.”

10. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

• Founded: 1991
• Franchising since: 1998
• Overall rank: N/R
• Number of units: 33
• Change in units: +43.5% over 3 years
• Initial investment: $454,000-$921,000
• Leadership: Scott Snyder, CEO
• Parent company: N/A

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii was established in 1989 on the Big Island, with the goal of introducing premium Hawaiian coffee to coffee enthusiasts worldwide. With American-grown coffee from various Hawaiian islands, including Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Kona, the franchise quickly gained popularity, with tourists spreading the word about their Hawaiian coffee experience. Bad Ass Coffee prides itself on offering a wide variety of Hawaiian coffees, all benefiting from the rich volcanic soil and unique weather conditions of the islands. These coffees are known for their mild taste, low acidity and hint of honey, fruit and brown sugar flavors, making them ideal for both single-origin enjoyment and blending with international coffee varieties.

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Nvidia, the world’s biggest company with a $3.5 trillion market capitalization, reported its third-quarter earnings on Wednesday after market close.

Lukman Otunuga, senior market analyst at online trading broker FXTM, told Entrepreneur before the earnings release that “with Nvidia’s jaw-dropping performance in 2024, expectations are sky-high.”

“The earnings could either propel the stock to fresh all-time highs or pull it below key support levels, depending on the guidance shared,” Otunuga remarked in an emailed statement.

Related: Why One Prominent Investor, ‘Britain’s Warren Buffett,’ Is Staying Away From Nvidia Stock

Nvidia’s overall revenue was $35.1 billion, above estimates of $33.2 billion, and the AI chipmaker’s data center revenue was $30.8 billion, also above the expected $29.1 billion.

Melissa Otto, head of technology, media, and telecommunications research at S&P Global Visible Alpha, told Bloomberg ahead of the earnings that the number for Nvidia to “meet or beat” was $29 billion for data center revenue; Nvidia beat the forecast on Wednesday.

Nvidia announced that it will start shipping out its new AI chip Blackwell in the fourth quarter and that demand is expected to exceed supply for several quarters. The company forecasted its fourth-quarter revenue at $37.5 billion.

Bloomberg data predicts a close to $300 billion swing in Nvidia’s market value on Thursday, or an 8% move in either direction.

Related: Here’s Why Nvidia Just Broke Another Record

The critical matter for Nvidia is its new Blackwell chip, which CEO Jensen Huang has said encountered “insane demand.”

Though the chip has recently faced reports of overheating, Otto states that Blackwell is expected to bring in $63 billion in revenue for the company next year, a 10% increase from forecasts given just last week.

“Clearly sentiment is improving around Blackwell,” Otto said.

Related: ‘100% Nvidia’s Fault’: CEO Jensen Huang Says the Company’s AI Chip With ‘Insane’ Demand Had a Crucial Design Flaw