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MAY/JUNE 2025
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KEEP YOUR MIND CLEAR AND YOUR BUSINESS THRIVING From Stress to Success
Running a business or any important endeavor isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when the stakes are high and the pressure feels relentless. Every day, I see entrepreneurs and small-business owners navigating a mountain of stress, balancing their vision of success with the real-world challenges that come with it. Mental health often gets pushed to the back burner, but we can’t afford to ignore it. When your mind is clear, your decisions are sharper, which benefits you in the workplace and at home. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a perfect time to pause, check in with yourself, and prioritize the mental well-being that keeps you moving forward. Just like maintaining the right equipment is essential for a job well done, taking care of your mind is necessary for long-term success. We’ve all felt stress at some point in our lives, and our jobs are often where we feel the most pressure. Work-related stress also impacts the team environment and the clients we serve. The trickle-down effect can significantly affect productivity, communication, and decision- making if you’re not having a good day. As a small-business owner or entrepreneur, you face common stressors like long hours, tight deadlines, unexpected changes, and the added responsibilities of managing your staff. It can be incredibly stressful knowing your income and success are on your shoulders.
Stress can have severe physical impacts on your health as well. Your body’s stress response — flight or fight mode — is meant to protect you against threats at the moment, not to be on constantly. Chronic stress can
lead to a minor headache and more serious complications like
cardiovascular issues and high blood pressure. The more strain on your body and immune system, the harder it becomes to do the things you love or meet the goals you’ve set for yourself. Being in an ever-changing and demanding industry, it’s important to recognize and manage your stress to avoid burnout and keep the balance. There are only 24 hours in a day, and they can’t all go into your work. Create a schedule that gives you clear boundaries between your professional and personal life to ensure you have enough energy for both. Using simple tools like Google Calendar lets you plot out everything you need and want to accomplish so you have a clear picture of your time. Keep your workflow efficient by prioritizing tasks, starting with the most difficult or important first. When you “eat the biggest frog first,” it makes the rest of your day go smoother. Make sure to give yourself small breaks in the day to get some fresh air, focus on your breathing, or stretch for five minutes to improve your focus. As hard as it may be to ask for help, everyone needs a
little support for inspiration and motivation sometimes. Turn to your loved ones to talk it out, or look for professional resources that could help streamline your workflows and simplify your tasks. At CHB, we understand the unique pressures brokers face, and we’re dedicated to making equipment financing as simple and stress-free as possible. We work closely with our clients to streamline the process, offering flexible solutions that reduce the burden of complex paperwork and financing challenges. Keeping a clear mind is imperative to reach your goals, and we’re here to ease some of the stress so you can stay focused and ready to take on the next challenge confidently.
–Kit West
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TURNING TENSION INTO TRUST Smart Strategies for Handling Tough Customers
Rude customers are a growing problem for businesses.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management, more than 70% of workers experienced or witnessed acts of incivility daily for three months in 2024, damaging employee productivity and morale.
making eye contact, avoiding distractions, and signaling your interest by verbally confirming you hear their concerns.
Repeat a description of the customer’s complaint to show that you understand. For example, you might say, “If I understand you correctly, you’re upset because the product you received arrived too late for you to use.” This shows the customer you’re paying attention and validates their emotions. Figuring out the underlying issue can help you respond most effectively. Even if your business is not to blame, never descend to the level of an irate customer by abandoning your professionalism, politeness, or respect. Instead, apologize for their distress and work with them to find a solution. With luck and a little skill, you can turn that stressful encounter into an opportunity to show you are committed to excellent service — and transform that irate customer into a loyal, trusting fan.
Is it ever okay to “fire” a customer? Or is there a hidden upside to investing the time and energy required to win them over?
Challenging customers allow you and your employees to practice active listening and show empathy for the customer’s anger or frustration. Consider the possibility that the customer is having trouble understanding what to expect from your product or how to interpret the instructions. In some cases, the customer’s problems may have nothing to do with your company. They could be looking for attention or venting to ease their own anxiety over other issues.
To understand the problem in depth, allow the customer to voice their complaints completely — don’t interrupt them. Practice active listening by
BUDGET SMARTER, NOT HARDER
The Best Budget Apps to Keep Your Finances in Check
Honeydue: For Couples Honeydue is for couples looking to manage their finances together. Partners can link their bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investments while choosing how much financial information to share. The app automatically categorizes expenses, sets spending limits, and sends alerts when nearing a budget cap. It even includes a chat feature for discussing transactions. Best of all, it’s completely free. PocketGuard: For Overspenders If you tend to overspend, PocketGuard is an excellent solution. The app tracks your bills, savings goals, and spending habits to show how much money you have left for daily expenses. The “In My Pocket” feature helps prevent overspending by giving you a real-time look at available funds. Alerts notify you when you’re approaching or exceeding your limits. Take Control of Your Finances Whether you need a structured system like YNAB or an app to rein in spending like PocketGuard, there’s an option for everyone. Choose the app that fits your needs and start making smarter financial decisions today.
Budgeting isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s vital if you want to reach your financial goals. Whether trying to break free from the paycheck- to-paycheck cycle, saving for a dream vacation, or keeping yourself from impulse-buying, the right app can make all the difference. Thankfully, budgeting apps have come a long way, and in 2025, these top picks will help you take control of your money. YNAB: For Serious Budgeters YNAB (You Need a Budget) is ideal for those who want complete control over
their finances. Using a zero-based budgeting system — income minus spending and savings should equal zero every month — this app ensures every dollar has a purpose before you spend it. Unlike traditional apps that focus on past transactions, YNAB helps users break the paycheck-to- paycheck cycle by planning ahead. You can sync bank accounts, credit cards, and loans and access the app across multiple devices.
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CREAMY CHICKEN CARBONARA
Inspired by TheKitchn.com
Flexible Financing, Real Relationships WHY WORKING WITH CHB FEELS LIKE FAMILY
INGREDIENTS
• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced (8 oz)
• 4 large eggs • 3 oz Parmesan cheese • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup pasta water • 1 tbsp chopped parsley, optional
• Salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken. 3. In a bowl, mix eggs and Parmesan cheese until smooth. 4. Add pancetta to chicken pan, cook until crispy, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 5. Toss pasta with pancetta, then remove from heat. Stir in egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until creamy. 6. Mix in chicken and garnish with parsley before serving.
In a world where big banks often prioritize profits over people, working with a specialized lender like CHB for your equipment financing offers a refreshing change. When you choose us, you’re not just an account number but a valued client. Unlike larger institutions, we can provide flexibility, local expertise, and a personalized approach tailored to you and your clients’ needs. When you call us, you won’t hear an automated message or a distant representative — you can talk to a live team member right here in Wyoming. Flexibility Big banks, credit unions, and other online lenders typically have standardized and firm payment structures and terms. When you work with a lender like us, you gain greater flexibility with payment plans that consider the seasonal changes that impact industries like agriculture and construction. These ebbs and flows can affect cash flow, making traditional, ongoing loan payments difficult. At CHB, we understand equipment lifecycles and the industry itself, and we can offer flexible structures suited to you, like our ZERO/Reduced Down Program. Dedicated Support
Take a Break
Communication is key in the relationship between you and your lender, and at CHB, you’ll always get a quick response when you have a question or request. Having this solid partnership on your side makes the process smoother and gives you someone to talk to if you have any issues with your loan, are having trouble making payments, or need additional financing. We take the time to get to know you, communicate every step of the way, and pride ourselves on transparent, honest guidance so you’re never in the dark. Expertise and Dedication Specialized equipment lenders like CHB are experts in the industry and aren’t looking to jump ship if economic conditions in fields like agriculture and construction change. We know the ins and outs of this business cycle, the different types of equipment, and the unique factors impacting borrowers in this niche. This industry know-how often leads to faster approvals, higher approval rates, and a more personal experience for you and your customers. When you work with CHB, you’re more than just a loan — you’re part of our family. Contact us today to see how our flexible financing and personalized service can support your success.
BLOOM CINCO DERBY EMERALD
GEMINI GRADUATION LILY MEMORIAL
MOTHER ROSES TEACHER VETERANS
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PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
C.H. Brown Co., LLC A PLATTE VALLEY COMPANY 20 W. Frontage Rd. • Wheatland, WY 82201 307-322-2545 • chbef.com
Inside
1 Tips for Entrepreneurs to Prioritize Mental Health 2 Savvy Ways to Handle Difficult Customers 2 Top Budget Apps to Take Control of Your Finances 3 Creamy Chicken Carbonara 3 Take a Break 3 You’re Not Just a Number 4 Bucking Broncos and Big Fun
Lasso Up Fun: Your Guide to Wyoming’s Rodeo Season Saddle up because it’s rodeo season in Wyoming when the Cowboy State lives up to its name! Whether you’re a die-hard rodeo fan or
Cheyenne Frontier Days Known as the world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration, the Cheyenne Frontier Days event has been kicking up the dust since 1897. For the last week of July, the country’s most talented rodeo stars flock to Cheyenne to compete for millions of dollars in prizes in favorite events like bareback, bull riding, roping, and the wild horse race. Along with the rodeo competitions, they offer many dining options — like a chuck wagon cook-off — along with a Native American village, a saloon, plenty of parades, a complete carnival, and live music. Shop in Old Frontier Town, enjoy the free pancake breakfast, or visit the Old West Museum to learn about cowboy history. County Fair Fun During the summer, you can find a little rodeo fun in almost every town, with most local fairs featuring popular Western sports. Just to name a few, there’s the Sheridan WYO Rodeo from July 9–12 at the Sheridan Fair Grounds, which has a variety of events. The Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo from July 4–12 has all the classic rodeo events, carnival rides, and monster trucks. If you’re going to an outdoor event during rodeo season in Wyoming, chances are you’ll find some bucking broncs and cowboys.
just looking for an authentic Wild West experience, Wyoming’s rodeos offer everything from action-packed bull riding to toe- tapping country concerts. Cody Stampede Rodeo The Cody Stampede Rodeo has been a local tradition every summer since
it first rode into town in 1919. Starting in June and running through August, they feature rodeo showcases every night with classic Western sports
like barrel racing, steer wrestling, and bronco riding. The Nite Rodeo is high-energy fun for the whole family, and throughout the season, they also host special events, like a night of extreme bull riders. They do several parades in July, and there’s always something exciting to see in the arena. There’s a reason Cody’s rodeo has been named one of the best in the country for years.
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