Small Business Big Deal Podcast artwork

Small Business Big Deal Podcast

41 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago -

The Small Business, Big Deal Podcast is where entrepreneurs deconstruct their businesses, and piece by piece, tell the story of how they were made.

The goal of the podcast is to help young entrepreneurs turn their dreams into businesses and to meet the brightest entrepreneurs of present and future.

Thanks for listening to the Small Business, Big Deal Podcast. One business owner. One story. Week by week.

The host of Small Business, Big Deal is Tracy Jepson, a Small Business Strategist, Certified Mastery Profit First Professional, and CEO of Jepson Solutions, LLC.

With 16 years of experience in small business administration, Tracy understands the unique needs that companies face, especially in those critical first five years. As a small business strategist, Tracy helps her clients understand their numbers and how they impact the overall health of their business. She develops a strategic plan based on industry best practices to support her client’s growth goals and then meets with them on a monthly basis to ensure they achieve those goals and ultimately get out of debt.

Tracy has expanded her business by sharing her expertise to everyday entrepreneurs and start-up business owners via her signature Path to Profit System. This multidimensional approach in her online academy helps entrepreneurs create a profit-focused foundation for their business so they can effectively manage their cash flow, get out of debt, and create a sustainable business.

Entrepreneurship Business Marketing bigdeal businessowner entrepreneurs jmlconsulting kansas smallbusiness tracyjepson
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Episodes

Ep 39: Design Agency Owner Helps Businesses Create Stunning Branding

July 15, 2021 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.2 MB

On today’s podcast, we’re talking with Katie Dooley, owner of Paper Lime Creative, a branding and design agency in Edmonton, AB. Her company creates stunning visual branding that shows off businesses’ unique personalities. Their print design services make getting a brand out into the world effortless and enjoyable.   Read more: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/media/ep-39-design-agency-owner-helps-businesses-create-stunning-branding/1490/    About our guest: https://paperlime.ca/about...

Ep 38: Online Magazine Business Booming, Even During COVID

July 08, 2021 09:00 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MB

On today’s podcast, we’re talking with Dennis Crosby, owner of Crochet Media Group, an online subscription that focuses on the arts and crafts niche, especially crocheting. Find out how his business is thriving, even during COVID.   Read more: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/media/ep-38-online-magazine-business-booming-even-during-covid/1484/    About our guest: https://denniscrosby.com/    What we discuss on this episode:  1:32 – Meet Dennis 12:55 – How he ended up working o...

Ep 37: Concierge Wealth Owner Helps Clients Achieve Financial Goals

July 01, 2021 09:00 - 43 minutes - 40.5 MB

On today’s podcast, we’re talking with J.B. Morris, founder of Concierge Wealth Management based in Boston. Find out how he helps high earners in their 30s and 40s develop financial plans.   Read more here: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/podcast/ep-37-concierge-wealth-owner-helps-clients-achieve-financial-goals/1475/    About our guest: https://www.conciergewm.com/team/julian-morris    What we discuss on this episode:  1:19 – Meet J.B. 2:19 – Becoming a financial advisor 3...

Ep 36: How a ‘True-Born Leader’ Created His Own Marketing Team

June 24, 2021 09:00 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MB

On today’s podcast, we’re talking with Todd Bertsch, owner of Evolve Marketing and a leader in the web design industry. Find out how this self-described “true-born leader” created his company. Read more:  https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/podcast/ep-36-how-a-true-born-leader-created-his-own-marketing-team/1468/ About our guest:  Todd is an award-winning web designer, author, educator, and lecturer, and speaks regularly throughout the region on various web-related topics. He holds a BFA...

Ep 35: Sales Ninja Helps ‘Badass Business Women’ Know Their Worth

June 18, 2021 20:11 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MB

On today’s podcast, we’re talking with Laura Wright, a master sales coach who is helping “badass business women” make more money and know their worth.   Read more: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/entrepreneur/ep-35-sales-ninja-helps-badass-business-women-know-their-worth/1463/    About our guest:  Laura Wright is a Self-Published Author, Speaker, Growth Strategist, Master Sales Coach and co-founder of The Sould Sisters.  She has closed a cool $43 million and then some over the pa...

Ep 34: Accounting Firm Owner Helps Businesses Navigate Tricky Tax System

June 10, 2021 09:00 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MB

On today’s podcast, we’re talking with John Briggs, founder and CEO of Incite Tax. John graduated from Brigham Young University with a Master of Accountancy in Tax. He worked on corporate taxes and trusts in Orange County, Calif., with Deloitte & Touche, one of the four largest national accounting firms.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/podcast/ep-34-accounting-firm-owner-helps-businesses-navigate-tricky-tax-system/1456/    About our gues...

Ep 33: Staffing Firm Founder Shares Secrets to Professional Success

June 03, 2021 09:00 - 32 minutes - 30.4 MB

On today’s podcast, we’re talking with John Bernatovicz, founder and president of Willory, a staffing and consulting firm focused on HR and payroll. With over 22 years’ experience within the payroll and HR niche, John has focused his working career on understanding the needs of his clients, candidates, and partners. He is not satisfied until he finds what his clients and candidates are looking for. He thrives to grow, challenge, and develop the Willory team.  Read more: https://tracyjep...

Ep 32: The ‘Business Doctor’ Helps Clients Get Unstuck

May 27, 2021 18:05 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MB

On today’s podcast, we’re talking with Lauren Goldstein, founder and CEO of the boutique business strategy consulting firm Golden Key Partnership.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/podcast/ep-32-the-business-doctor-helps-clients-get-unstuck/1440/    About our guest: https://www.goldenkeypartnership.com/    What we discuss on this episode:  1:34 – Meet Lauren 2:29 – How she started 6:15 – How she helps clients 8:27 – Her team ...

Ep 31: The Number One Mistake I Made in Business

May 13, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 13.8 MB

On today’s podcast, I’ll share the number one mistake I made in my business when I was starting out and how you can avoid this problem.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/podcast/ep-31-the-number-one-mistake-i-made-in-business/1435/    What we discuss on this episode:  1:10 – Boundaries 2:50 – Making money 4:28 – Work-life balance 5:53 – How to protect your time 7:47 – Take email off your phone 8:32 – Hire an assistant 9:47 – ...

Ep 30: Business Owner and Author Shares His Profit-First Approach

May 06, 2021 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MB

On today’s podcast, meet Mike Michalowichz, creator and author of Profit First, which hundreds of thousands of companies across the globe use to drive profit. Find out how he made a fortune, lost it all and is now helping others.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/entrepreneur/ep-30-business-owner-and-author-shares-his-profit-first-approach/1426/    About our guest: https://mikemichalowicz.com/   Connect with Mike: https://mikemichalow...

Ep 29: Business Psychologist Teaches Owners How to Take Back Their Lives

April 29, 2021 09:00 - 46 minutes - 42.9 MB

On today’s podcast, meet Dr. Sabrina Starling, a business psychologist who teaches business owners how to take back their lives and hire A players on their team. From finding “A-Ha” moments to getting rid of warm body employees, she explains what makes a business successful.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/podcast/ep-29-business-psychologist-teaches-owners-how-to-take-back-their-lives/1422/    About our guest: https://www.tapthepotential...

Ep 28: How Kim Kiel Designed a Copywriting Business Around Her Life

April 22, 2021 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.7 MB

On today’s podcast, meet Kim Kiel, a sales and direct response strategist and founder of the boutique copywriting agency, Kim Kiel Copy. Find out how she created her business around her family’s needs.   Read more: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/freelance/ep-28-how-kim-kiel-designed-a-copywriting-business-around-her-life/1415/    About our guest: https://www.kimkiel.com/    Get the Ultimate Checklist for Magnetic Copy that Attracts & Sells: https://www.kimkiel.com/magnetic-copy-...

Ep 27: Third Generation Business Owner is a Leader in HVAC Industry

April 15, 2021 18:53 - 38 minutes - 35.9 MB

On today’s podcast, meet Rob Minnick, a third generation business owner of Minnicks: Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Insulation in Maryland. Find out how his passion for people and love for his family keep his company thriving.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/podcast/ep-27-third-generation-business-owner-is-a-leader-in-hvac-industry/1407/    About our guest: https://minnicks.com/    What we discuss on this episode:  1:18 – The family b...

Ep 26: Serial Entrepreneur Wants to Help Other Women Business Owners

April 09, 2021 13:33 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MB

On today’s podcast, meet Alexa Hallberg, a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist and business badass. Find out why she has made it her mission to help other women in business. See the show notes: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/entrepreneur/ep-26-serial-entrepreneur-wants-to-help-other-women-business-owners/1398/    Connect with Alexa:  https://alexahallberg.com/  https://lexandcompany.co/   What we discuss on this episode: 2:09 – How Alexa created her photography business 5:...

Ep 25: A Proven Profit First System with Ron Saharyan

April 01, 2021 13:48 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MB

Every business owner wants to make a profit, but are you taking a deliberate approach to reaching that goal? Let us introduce you to someone who helped change our business through his Profit First system and give you more insight to how this approach has been adopted by companies around the world.   See the show notes: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/podcast/ep-25-a-proven-profit-first-system-with-ron-saharyan/1390/    Connect with our guest:  https://profitfirstprofessionals.com/ ...

Ep 24: Boutique Business Owner Focuses on Work-Life Balance and Helping Women

March 26, 2021 19:00 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MB

On today’s episode of the Small Business, Big Deal podcast, our guest is Aimee Rosenow, owner of Evoke Creative Topeka. Find out why she left one business and started another and how her work-life balance has changed.   Read more: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/media/ep-24-boutique-business-owner-focuses-on-work-life-balance-and-helping-women/1383/    About our guest: Aimee is a family-oriented, small business consultant focused on helping retail shops and boutiques clearly demonst...

Ep 23: Why Ariel Unselt Left Her Job to Become a Florist and Business Owner

March 18, 2021 09:00 - 35 minutes - 33 MB

On today’s episode of the Small Business, Big Deal podcast, our guest is Ariel Unselt, owner of Chinell’s by Ariel and sister company, The Rogue Florist. Find out why she left her 9-to-5 job and how she became a florist.   Read more: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/podcast/ep-23-why-ariel-unselt-left-her-job-to-become-a-florist-and-business-owner/1376/    About our guest: https://chinells.com/    What we discuss on this episode:  1:09 – Why Ariel left her 9-to-5 job 5:31 – Wh...

Ep 22: How to Ditch the 9-to-5 and Become Your Own Boss

March 05, 2021 13:32 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MB

On today’s episode of the Small Business, Big Deal podcast, our guest is Kate Bagoy, a business coach and founder of SixFigureFreelancers.com. Find out why her personal mission is to inspire and empower people to lead lives by design, not default.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/podcast/ep-22-how-to-ditch-the-9-to-5-and-become-your-own-boss/1368/    About our guest: http://katebagoy.com    What we discuss on this episode:  1:45 – M...

Ep 21: A Half-Million Dollar Lesson on Fraud

February 05, 2021 16:06 - 49 minutes - 46.5 MB

Many companies small and large end up dealing with fraud at some point, but a family business never expects one of their employees to steal more than a half-million dollars. That’s exactly what happened to the Stevenson Company, the metal works company behind many beautiful designs around Topeka and beyond. Owner Joe Pennington opens up about the experience and the hard lessons learned.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/podcast/ep-21-a-half-mi...

Ep 20: How Faith and Family Helped Rich Tarwater Expand His Business

January 28, 2021 10:00 - 41 minutes - 39.7 MB

On today’s episode of the Small Business, Big Deal podcast, our guest is Rich Tarwater, owner of Tarwater Farm and Home. Find out how he expanded the family business and what advice he has for his children.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/podcast/ep-20-how-faith-and-family-helped-rich-tarwater-expand-his-business/1337/    About our guest: http://tarwaters.com/about-us.html    Everything we discuss on this episode:  1:05 – Tarwater ...

Ep 19: How Third Avenue Events Faced Challenges and Built Relationships During Pandemic

January 21, 2021 10:00 - 43 minutes - 41.3 MB

On today’s episode of the Small Business, Big Deal podcast, our guests are Annie Rector and Kristin Hems of Third Avenue Events. Learn how they faced the challenges of the Covid pandemic and how they continued building close relationships with clients.   Connect with our guest:  http://www.thirdaveevents.com/  https://www.instagram.com/thirdaveevents/  https://www.facebook.com/thirdaveevents/?ref=br_rs  https://www.linkedin.com/company/thirdaveevents   Read more and check out...

Ep 18: How a Recruiter Helps Businesses Find and Hire Quality Employees

January 14, 2021 10:00 - 40 minutes - 38.5 MB

Stephanie Roberts chose a career in recruiting after being inspired by her mother to help people. Find out how she started her business, how she manages a work-life balance and what common misconceptions people have about her industry.    Read more and get additional resources here: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/podcast/ep-18-how-a-recruiter-helps-businesses-find-and-hire-quality-employees/1318/    About our guest: https://humansbeingresources.com/    What we discuss on this ep...

Ep 17: How the Kern Marketing Group Began & Where It’s Headed

January 07, 2021 10:00 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MB

Many people dream of walking away from the corporate world and starting their own business. Mark Kern did just that about 15 years ago and now runs a successful marketing company out of Lawrence. Today we’ll talk to him about taking that leap, how he’s navigated the changing marketing business, and the best investment he’s made in his company.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://tracyjepsonpodcast.com/lawrence/ep-17-how-the-kern-marketing-group-began-where-its-headed/...

Special Announcement - Welcome Our New Host, Tracy Jepson

January 05, 2021 10:00 - 2 minutes - 3.45 MB

You've probably noticed that the podcast took a short hiatus over the final quarter of 2020, but we're back and excited for the future of the show.  Josh Gentry has turned his attention and energy to a new startup so he doesn't have as much time to dedicate to the show. Starting this week, we'll begin rolling out new episodes with the top entrepreneurs and small business owners, but we'll do so with our new host, Tracy Jepson.  If you don't know Jepson, she's a small business strategist ...

Ep 16: Inside Richard Holman’s Custom Embroidery and Printing Business

September 04, 2020 09:00 - 27 minutes - 38.2 MB

Running a small business mostly on your own can be tough. Hear from the owner of LKS Imagine about how he finds customers, manages the workload and what he wishes he knew when he started.   Read more about this episode: https://kansasbiztalk.com/podcast/ep-16-inside-richard-holmans-custom-embroidery-and-printing-business/1191/    About our guest: https://www.lksimagine.com/    On today's show:  2:55 – Richard’s background 3:43 – What led him to starting LKS Imagine 4:3...

Ep 15: Massages, Skincare and a Sauna: Inside a Whole Health Business

August 28, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 36.3 MB

At Body Specific, co-owners Lisa Lahm and Leah Henderson offer a menu of services that cater to clients’ whole health needs. From massages to skincare and a sauna, find out how they recruit new clients and keep their business running during the pandemic.   Read more here: https://kansasbiztalk.com/podcast/ep-15-massages-skincare-and-a-sauna-inside-a-whole-health-business/1197/    About our guests: https://bodyspecificllc.com/    On today's show:  1:56 – Meet Lisa and Leah 3:...

Ep 14: How Hustle Helped This Photographer Build Her Business

August 21, 2020 09:00 - 37 minutes - 52.5 MB

Jenny Wheat didn’t study photography, but she is passionate about the craft. Hear how she has chased her passion and built a successful photography business thanks to a lot of hustle and heart.     Read more about this episode: https://kansasbiztalk.com/podcast/ep-14-how-hustle-helped-this-photographer-build-her-business/1187/    About our guest: http://www.wheatphoto.com/    On today's show:  2:51 – Meet Jenny Wheat 3:39 – Why she started her business 6:44 – How COV...

Ep 13: Meet the Man Behind Mammoth Sports Construction

August 14, 2020 09:00 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MB

On today’s podcast, we introduce you to Jake Farrant, founder and president of Mammoth Sports Construction. Find out how this booming family business became an industry leader in sports field construction, national cemetery renovations and golf course installation.   Read more about this episode here: https://kansasbiztalk.com/podcast/ep-13-meet-the-man-behind-mammoth-sports-construction/1181/    About our guest: https://mammothturf.com/our-team/    On today's show: 2:18 – ...

Ep 12: From Journalism to Law, Eric Weslander Enjoys Solving Problems

August 07, 2020 09:00 - 35 minutes - 49.5 MB

Eric Weslander is a natural-born problem solver. This former journalist turned attorney talks about making the switch to a legal career and why he is aggressive about protecting his personal time. Find out more about his career and the work he’s doing at Stevens & Brand.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://kansasbiztalk.com/podcast/ep-12-from-journalism-to-law-eric-weslander-enjoys-solving-problems/1176/    About our guest: https://stevensbrand.com/attorneys/j-eri...

Ep 11: Adriana Bates’ Competitive, Data-Driven Business Plan

July 31, 2020 09:00 - 50 minutes - 69.9 MB

Meet Adriana Bates, the driven, hard-charging leader of Clear Mortgage. Find out how she has used her competitive nature and love of data to make her business more successful than ever, even during a pandemic.    Read more about this episode: https://kansasbiztalk.com/podcast/ep-11-you-better-dial-for-dollars-adriana-bates-competitive-data-driven-business-plan/1170/    About our guest: https://clearkc.com/leadership-team    On today's show:  2:05 – Meet Adriana Bates 3:54 – ...

Ep 10: The Business of the Internet with Adam Fichman

July 24, 2020 09:00 - 36 minutes - 50.9 MB

Our guest today began coding at the age of six and has built a successful career working on the internet. Adam Fichman of Lifted Logic in Kansas City joins us to talk about working with Facebook early on, finding your purpose as an entrepreneur, and building authentic relationships with employees.     Read more about this show here: https://kansasbiztalk.com/podcast/ep-10-the-business-of-the-internet-with-adam-fichman/1164/    About our guest: https://liftedlogic.com/team/adam-fichm...

Ep 9: Supporting the Homeless and Impoverished of Topeka

July 17, 2020 09:00 - 44 minutes - 62.1 MB

Barry Feaker has held the Executive Director position at the Topeka Rescue Mission for more than three decades. During that time, his organization has made a huge impact on the community and the people that need support. He’s seen a lot of change through the years, including the most recent shift that COVID-19 has caused. Join us as we learn more about the TRM.   Show notes & additional resources: https://kansasbiztalk.com/podcast/ep-9-supporting-the-homeless-and-impoverished-of-topeka-...

Ep 8: Putting Profit First with Consultant Tracy Jepson

July 10, 2020 09:00 - 42 minutes - 58.7 MB

Every business relies on profit to stay afloat and one Kansas State grad is helping small businesses around the country maximize their operation. Tracy Jepson, CEO of TLJ Consulting, joins us today to share some of her processes and advice for putting profit first, insight into the mistakes owners commonly make, and the lessons she’s learned for her own operation.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://kansasbiztalk.com/podcast/ep-8-putting-profit-first-with-consultant-t...

Ep 7: Building Homes and a Business With Your Spouse with Greg & Carol Rau

July 03, 2020 09:00 - 36 minutes - 50.9 MB

Growing a business is a challenge on its own but what if you were trying to do it with your significant other? That’s what Greg and Carol Rau have done at Apple Tree Homes in Lawrence. Today we’ll spotlight their story to find out what additional challenges working with a spouse creates, their passion for building custom homes, and how technology impacts their business.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://kansasbiztalk.com/podcast/ep-7-building-homes-and-a-business-wi...

Ep 6: Leadership, Trust, and Building Influence with Kyle Ginavan

June 26, 2020 09:00 - 29 minutes - 41.5 MB

Our next guest takes us to Kansas City and the technology sector. Kyle Ginavan, CEO of One HQ, shares his passion for technology, how to build leadership through trust, and what he does to maintain balance for himself and his team.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://kansasbiztalk.com/kansas-city/ep-6-leadership-trust-and-building-influence-with-kyle-ginavan/1140/    About our guest: https://onehq.com/about-us    Today's show schedule:  0:41 – Our guest toda...

Ep 5: Marketing Strategy and Lessons in Finance with Matt Nelson

June 19, 2020 09:00 - 47 minutes - 66.3 MB

On this episode, we talk with Matt Nelson, CEO of Income for Life, about his retirement planning business. We’ll devote a lot of the conversation to marketing, which is a key component to survival in that industry. Learn what’s worked, what hasn’t, and why he uses the ESPN mentality for growing his client base. And of course we’ll talk successes, failures, and lessons learned.     Show notes & additional resources: https://kansasbiztalk.com/podcast/ep-5-marketing-strategy-and-lessons-in...

Ep 4: Self-Discipline and Adaptability with Randy Dick of Kaw Valley Insurance

June 12, 2020 09:00 - 35 minutes - 51.3 MB

From just starting out to adapting to the current challenges and needs of your clients, Randy Dick shares a great perspective on being a small business owner. His continued self-discipline as well as his priority on work/life balance has allowed him the opportunity to run a business alongside his family.    Read more and get additional resources here: https://kansasbiztalk.com/podcast/ep-4-self-discipline-and-adaptability-with-randy-dick-of-kaw-valley-insurance/1127/    Check out Ka...

Ep 3: Stories of Hard Work, Consistency, & Respect with Travis McKinley

June 04, 2020 09:30 - 37 minutes - 51.3 MB

Regardless of what type of work you do, you’ll find the same leadership characteristics are succesful across the board. Today we’ll talk with Travis McKinley, who leads multiple businesses through hard work, consistency and treating people with respect. Join us as we talk about lessons learned, a fight on a jobsite, and what he tells every employee.   Read more about the show here: http://kansasbiztalk.com/    Today's show schedule:  1:57 – Travis McKinley is our guest today and he...

Ep 2: Growing a Topeka Dental Practice & Health Tips with Dr. Ben Rutherford

June 04, 2020 09:01 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MB

The first guest on the podcast is Dr. Ben Rutherford, a dentist with a growing dental practice based in Topeka. Find out how he decided on this career later than most, how he took over a practice at 28, the challenges of running a business during a pandemic, and the lessons learned along the way. Plus he’ll throw in a few dental tips for kids and adults.   Read more about the show here: http://kansasbiztalk.com/   About our guest: http://www.easttopekadental.com/office-info/about-our...

Ep 1: Welcome to the Podcast

June 03, 2020 18:54 - 6 minutes - 8.66 MB

Small businesses often struggle to have their message heard so we’ve launched a podcast to give them that voice. Find out how we’re going to do that and what the plan is for the new show.   Read more and get additional resources here: http://kansasbiztalk.com/    Today's show schedule:  0:26 - Let’s start with a little info about Josh’s background. 1:07 - Josh’s family and where he grew up. 2:02 - The goals for this podcast and what we hope you learn. 3:59 - This is a critica...

Coming Soon: The Small Business Big Deal Podcast

May 26, 2020 20:28 - 5 minutes - 7.91 MB

Launching in June, it's the Small Business Big Deal Podcast, where Kansas entrepreneurs deconstruct their businesses, and piece by piece, tell the story of how they were made. This episode is a quick preview of what to expect on future shows and an introduction to the show's host, Josh Gentry. Josh is the Senior Vice President at Financial Independence Group and consults daily with financial advisors across the country about how to operate and market their practices as efficiently as pos...