Dr. Bill Conerly earned a Ph.D. in economics from Duke. After three years as a professor, Dr. Conerly found his calling in the business world. He began as a corporate economist (PG&E, Nerco, First Interstate Bank) and then entered consulting, helping business leaders connect the
Why Recessions Let Smart Buyers Scoop Up Aging-Owner Firms
Recession provides opportunity to buy small businesses—and 52% of owners are near retirement. How to position your company to buy when others are forced to sell
Why Oil Price Spikes Cause Recessions But High Prices Don't
Oil price spikes cause recessions; stable high prices don't. Here's why the distinction matters for your business planning in 2026
Oil Prices Drive Inflation Above Wages: A Blip, Not A Trend
Oil prices drove inflation to 3.8%, topping wage growth of 3.6%—but history shows energy spikes reverse, and real wages recover within months
Why 280,000 New Buyers Will Transform Housing Soon
A demographic wave is building: 280,000 more buying-age Americans signal rising single-family housing demand over the next five years
Supply Shocks And Recession Risk: A Guide For Business Leaders
Recessions rarely come from booms gone bust — they strike when small shocks pile up or one big shock comes along. Implications for business planning and risk strategy