Financial/Investing

  Dr. Rick Franza, Dean of the Hull College of Business, discusses a different, timely business topic each Monday in this column. This week, he discusses unique ways Augusta University students interact with local businesses. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: You recently were involved in two events that brought Hull College students in contact with the “real world” of local businesses. Tell us about the first one. Rick: The first one involved the Jessye Norman School of the Arts. They held a Shark Tank-type contest

  Dr. Rick Franza, Dean of the Hull College of Business, discusses a different, timely business topic each Monday in this column. This week, he provides tips on how businesses can cope with inflation without hurting their customer base. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: Briefly, what is causing inflation, which is currently at 8.5 percent, the highest in 40 years? Rick: It’s a money supply issue – too much money has been pumped into the system. I’m not an economist but I think that’s the

  Dr. Rick Franza, Dean of the Hull College of Business, discusses a different, timely business topic each Monday in this column. This week, he reminisces about his time as a host for the Red Carpet Tour and what it means for the Augusta community. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: It’s Masters Week and a part of that is the annual Red Carpet Tour sponsored by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. You had an opportunity to take part

In 2013, Jason Wiles wanted to get into real estate investing but didn’t have any money. So he sold his truck for $9,000. “I used that $9,000 to leverage into nearly $4 million in properties,” said Wiles, a board member and past President of Augusta Real Estate Investors Association (REIA). Now, he helps others delve into the world of property investment with a one-day, two-part seminar called the Wiles Method. His next class will be on April 16. The class is designed for the buy-and-hold residential investor to enter the

  Dr. Rick Franza, Dean of the Hull College of Business, discusses a different, timely business topic each Monday in this column. This week, we take a look at Augusta University’s new strategic plan. The interview has been edited for clarity and impact. ABD: As Augusta University looks at developing its strategic plan, maybe first we should talk about why a strategic plan is important. Rick: For any business to be successful, you have to create a long-term plan. It helps you decide what investments you’re going to make to