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February 2025
HANSON HEADLINES
CraigHansonCPA.com • (701) 252-6190
LEADING THROUGH LIMITATIONS A PRESIDENTIAL PATHWAY TO PEACE
February is one of the most notable months of the year. Not only is it Black History Month and, of course, a celebration of love thanks to Valentine’s Day, but it also marks the time we celebrate our 16th president and one of the most significant figures in American history: Abraham Lincoln.
opportunities they can use to their advantage. I make my clients aware of issues and work through them to achieve the best possible result. Naturally, this commitment extends to tax resolution. For example, a client may have their tax return prepared and then receive a notice from the IRS stating they owe additional money due to not realizing they had extra income to report. I take that information, go into IRS records, see where the agency is getting its information, and then arrange a payment plan or work to reduce my clients’ liability. Ultimately, I help put these matters behind them. Leadership often means calming down, letting certain things roll off your shoulders, and taking the next steps to address what’s wrong. I sometimes chuckle when people come to me and say, “I got this letter from the IRS? Would you take a look at it?” I review it and immediately see it really isn’t anything to worry about. I may not have the skills to lead a country, but I have nearly 40 years of experience
Born on Feb. 12, 1809, President Lincoln remains a constant presence in our nation’s consciousness — from his appearance on our pennies to the lessons of his inspiring leadership still taught in schools across the country. While generations of Americans know all the great things he did for our nation — including seeing us through the Civil War — not everyone is aware he earned his place in history while struggling with lifelong depression. As we take time to honor this great American, we also show respect toward someone who battled obstacles that weren’t as recognized and treated as they are today. I’m often reminded of Lincoln’s example of leadership in my work, especially during tax season. For many people, happiness and contentment are tied directly to their economic
helping people through confusing situations. I’m honored that people trust me to help them
overcome the things that cause them stress or worry. If people are committed to overcoming their obstacles, my job and duty is to help them. As President Lincoln showed us, we can achieve greatness despite our difficulties — all it takes is the desire to succeed
well-being, and I sometimes encounter individuals who seek my help in overcoming obstacles to achieving financial security. People often ask me, “How can you do this all the time?” I approach my work as though I’m solving puzzles, which happens to be a hobby I enjoy in my free time. I view each tax return as a unique puzzle I must assemble. I continue in this profession because I find fulfillment in solving those puzzles for people. By taking a leadership role, I work with our clients on tax planning so we can minimize any financial burdens they may experience. I try to structure things so we uncover
and the strength to progress. Whether you’re facing a tax problem or a health issue, remember the power to persevere is in your hands.
–Craig Hanson
Have tax problems? Unsure what to do? Our Free video reveals what you should and should NOT do when you receive the dreaded letter from the IRS. CraigHansonCPATaxResolution.com
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From Humble Beginnings to Global Success TERO ISOKAUPPILA AND HIS MUSHROOM-POWERED VISION
Challenges Along the Way Mushroom supplements have certainly evolved over the years. One of the most formidable obstacles for Isokauppila was raising awareness and changing the narrative surrounding mushrooms and fungi. Mycophobia, the fear of fungi, has been culturally deep-rooted in Americans for years. Not to mention, most people’s general understanding of fungi is that it will make you sick. Ironically, life-saving medical advancements like penicillin come from fungi. From a success standpoint, the industry went from people laughing at the idea of drinking mushroom coffee to worldwide acceptance of mushrooms. It also helps that platforms like Netflix saw the value in mushrooms enough to make a documentary about them, further spreading awareness of the oft-overlooked fungi. The Inspiration The need for more information and documentation on mushrooms inspired the creation of Four Sigmatic. Isokauppila recalls that no documents existed when he started experimenting with herbs and natural supplements, and customer service was terrible. Then, he realized there was no “real” mushroom health category in the U.S., only that people could boost their immune systems with mushrooms — nothing else. In that moment, Four Sigmatic emerged to fill the gap. The Future of Four Sigmatic Isokauppila attributes his success to his farm upbringing but is also grateful for the
From lion’s mane and chaga to shiitake and reishi, you’d be surprised at the traction these functional mushrooms are gaining in the wellness industry. Leading this “mushroom movement” is Four Sigmatic. A 13th-generation farmer, founder Tero Isokauppila is an innovative pioneer who has taken these natural ingredients and created a winning formula, blending old-world traditions with contemporary wellness necessities to build the No. 1 powerhouse in mushroom-based products. The Shroom Company Four Sigmatic is a wellness company specializing in products such as coffee, protein powders, and supplements fortified with mushrooms. “We started as a hard-to-understand brand ‘on shrooms,’ but now we’re doubling down on our true calling of delivering you mental performance and well-being,” Isokauppila proudly states on the company’s website. As you can imagine, a business reaching the multimillion-dollar level of success didn’t happen overnight, nor did it come easy. However, Isokauppila’s mark on the mushroom wellness industry was never a far-fetched dream. It’s safe to say it was destiny for the mushroom enthusiast.
Humble Beginnings and Running Success Growing up on a farm in Finland, Isokauppila enjoyed a childhood packed with mushrooms — he and his mother would forage for them when he was young, and he and a friend later won an innovation award for discovering a rare
experiences of living in different cities, meeting new people, focusing on what works, and refining that approach. Success can look like many things to different people, but Isokauppila is the perfect example of carving out your own path when no other path is there for you to take.
culinary mushroom while attending Tampere University. Additionally, Isokauppila credits his enhanced athletic performance as a semi-competitive runner to the Cordyceps mushrooms, which studies show improve tolerance to high-intensity exercise.
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As the year progresses, solicit feedback from your team members on market movements and practices that may impact your industry in the coming months. An employee may be aware of a new technology that can help your operation thrive or have insight into an impending trend that could negatively impact your bottom line in a
subsequent quarter. No one has a crystal ball, but your employees may offer a realistic glimpse into the future. Keep communication clear. With more businesses utilizing more remote or freelance workers than ever before, maintaining clear communications is paramount to effective leadership. While it’s essential to put instructions and other critical information in writing to ensure employees understand their roles, discussing these matters with them is equally important — not just relying on their reading a manual or viewing a prerecorded instructional Zoom video. One effective way to assess an employee’s grasp of certain processes is to have them walk you or a more experienced team member through the steps they take to complete the tasks. If they struggle to communicate the steps clearly, it’s a sign they need additional training. Additionally, it’s essential to recognize that not every employee learns the same way. Some may succeed easily through visual instruction, while others prefer learning by doing. The key is developing varied instructional options to help team members thrive in their respective environments.
HAVE A Laugh The Bizarre History of the Bursting Teeth
People love unsolved mysteries, as shown by the numerous podcasts and shows about cold cases, and here’s another riddle for the ages: What caused the mystery of the exploding teeth? Several times during the mid- 1800s, people were beset by agonizing dental pain followed by an explosion of a tooth, according to scientific journal articles reported by the BBC. One clergyman reported a toothache so intense that he immersed his head in a cold spring to no avail. Later, “a sharp crack, like
a pistol shot, burst his tooth to fragments, giving him instant relief,” a journal reported. In another case, a woman’s molar burst so violently that it “well-nigh knocked her over.” The cause of these dental detonations isn’t clear. Some suggest, without evidence, that a mixture of metals in dental fillings may have kindled a gas explosion. Without other explanations, the mystery of the exploding teeth remains unsolved.
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905 James Ave. NE • Jamestown, ND 58401 (701) 252-6190 • CraigHansonCPA.com Inside This EDITION
Have tax problems? Unsure what to do? Our Free video reveals what you should and should NOT do when you receive the dreaded letter from the IRS. CraigHansonCPATaxResolution.com
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Lessons From Lincoln
Meet the Wellness Brand Transforming the Mushroom Industry
3. The Unsolved Mystery of the Exploding Teeth 4. Mastering Management and Mentorship
SUCCESS SECRETS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES Leadership for Lasting Growth
Step back to step up. You may carry multiple responsibilities as a small-business owner. While you still have the ultimate say in how your business operates, successful owners and managers understand and embrace the importance of identifying their weaknesses and allowing others to carry those weights. Be open to ideas that may challenge your direction and welcome suggestions from qualified individuals on strengthening and streamlining your in-house processes. No one wants to work for a tyrant, and true leaders hold themselves and others accountable if their decisions are not in the best interest of the business’s long-term goals and survival.
Running a successful small business requires a wide range of skills that would typically be spread across multiple roles at a larger company. When you’re at the helm, it can sometimes feel like you’re doing everything by yourself, all at once, which can have a devastating long-term effect on the business’s profitability and productivity — and your abilities to grow as a leader. Here are three proven strategies for effective management to help you address everything from employee turnover to feelings of burnout. Avoid the micromanagement maze. Tracking employees’ productivity is essential to your business’s health, but micromanaging can stifle your team’s ability to think creatively and work independently. Loosening the reigns now and then may help you discover a hidden talent within your organization
whose perspectives and way of working offer a fresh perspective on reaching and maintaining in-house goals. Of course, welcoming employee feedback on the effectiveness of your productivity tracking is also critical, as it allows you to identify frustrations within your team before they lead to high turnover.
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