Why do leaders make poor decisions – even with more data, better tools, and AI?
In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, host Dave Bookbinder speaks with leadership advisor and performance architect John Little about why judgment – not just data, tools, or experience – is the true differentiator in leadership, decision-making, and organizational performance.
The conversation
A Perfect House, an Accepted Offer… and One Huge Problem.
THE SCENARIOA new home hit the market — and it was perfect.It checked every box, was priced correctly, and the buyers moved quickly. Their offer was accepted, and they hired an attorney to negotiate the contract of sale.
THE ISSUEThe seller was the estate of the longtime homeowner who had recently passed away. Her children, acting as Executors, were handling
Sales Tax Isn’t About Knowing the Rules — It’s About Applying Them
Sales & use tax problems rarely come from not knowing the rules — they come from misapplying them under pressure.
Nexus, resale certificates, drop shipments, manufacturing exemptions, SaaS sourcing… each one seems manageable on its own, but real‑world fact patterns stack these issues together. Miss one detail or fail to reach a clean conclusion, and the exposure multiplies quickly.
That’s
Why Importers Get Sales & Use Tax Wrong—and How to Fix It
We often see problems arise when companies jump straight to exemptions without first applying the proper taxability framework. At The John Ellis Company, we start with fundamentals: defining the transaction, applying the presumption of taxability, evaluating exclusions, and only then analyzing exemptions. This disciplined approach is critical when dealing with interstate movement of goods, drop shipments, bonded warehouses, and multi‑state
Customs Bonds: A Small Line Item with Big Operational Risk
A CBP (customs) bond is a financial guarantee between the importer, a licensed surety, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection that ensures duties, taxes, and regulatory obligations are met. CBP requires bonds not only for most commercial imports over $2,500, but also for regulated goods and ongoing activities such as bonded warehouses, FTZs, in‑bond movements, and TIBs.
Choosing between a
Drop Shipment Sales Tax Issues
In the first scenario, the customer places an order with the retailer, who then orders the product from a supplier and instructs the supplier to ship directly to the customer. The supplier invoices the retailer, and the retailer invoices the customer. In an alternative model, the supplier ships the goods to a distribution center, which then delivers the order to
The Power of Human Connection in a Digital World – Nick Adkins
In a world dominated by digital communication, many leaders and organizations are struggling with a fundamental challenge – how to build genuine human connection.
In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, I speak with Nick Adkins, founder of the global PinkSocks Life movement, about how a simple act – gifting a pair of pink socks – sparked
From Renter to Homeowner: How Expert Strategy Made It Possible
THE SCENARIO:This client had been renting for many years and loved the home she lived in. When her landlord finally offered her the chance to buy the property, she jumped at the opportunity. Unfortunately, the bank where she had her checking account dismissed her application. That’s when her Financial Advisor introduced her to me.
THE ISSUE:Although she earned a good
6 WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED
Staying connected with business contacts isn’t just about business networking. It’s about building lasting, mutually beneficial relationships. Whether you’re nurturing prospects, referral partners, or clients, consistent and thoughtful communication can make all the difference. Out of sight is out of mind.
Here are six Knock Out ways to stay in touch with your business contacts.
SEND OCCASIONAL MESSAGES
Just this
The Meeting Everyone Hates Might Be Your Most Powerful Business Tool
The Meeting Everyone Hates Might Be Your Most Powerful Business Tool
When someone schedules yet another recurring meeting, at best most people’s first instinct is to groan. At worst they see it as a sign of bureaucracy that’s going to slow everything down and eliminate creativity and initiative, at best it’s taking time away from ‘real work.’ Routines are seen