Back

Gary Marx: Find MILLIONS in Hidden State $$ (Tax Breaks Your Business is MISSING!)

With Gary MarxEP 227

Are you sure your business isn’t leaving FREE MONEY on the table? What if there are overlooked tax breaks, incentives, and strategic advantages that could save you thousands, or even help fund your next big move? This episode uncovers exactly that.

Meet Gary Marx, an economic development veteran with over 35 years of experience. He’s seen it all, from working inside state government to now advising companies (just like yours!) on how to navigate the complex world of incentives and smart site selection with his firm, Blue Cap Economic Advisors.

In this eye-opening episode of Let’s Talk Business, Meny Hoffman gets Gary to pull back the curtain on how businesses of all sizes can unlock significant financial benefits and make game-changing strategic decisions often hidden in plain sight.

You’ll discover:
👉 How to find and secure “hidden” state & local incentives (think tax credits, grants, and more!).
👉 The critical factors for smart site selection that go way beyond just the cost of real estate.
👉 Why states want to give money to certain businesses & what they’re looking for.
👉 Costly mistakes businesses make that leave them missing out on massive savings & benefits.
👉 Insider tips for navigating government programs and making economic development work for you.

If you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader looking to expand, relocate, cut operational costs, or simply maximize every available financial advantage, you cannot afford to miss this conversation.

Transcript

1:05 – Welcome to Let’s Talk Business
1:25 – Meet Gary Marx: Economic Development Expert
2:33 – Gary’s 35+ Year Journey in Economic Development
7:07 – Untapped Potential: Incentives for EXISTING Businesses
8:46 – The Power of Asking: How Local Gov HELPS Small Businesses
13:54 – Starting Point: What Gary Marx Asks Businesses First
18:05 – Top CEO Concerns: Labor Availability & Market Predictability
20:28 – Why States PAY: The Drive for Jobs, Investment & Tech
23:45 – Hot Trends: Targeted Industries & The Southern Shift
26:22 – Re-shoring US Manufacturing & Current Market Dynamics
32:25 – Connect with Gary Marx & Blue Cap Economic Advisors
33:00 – Rapid Fire Questions with Gary Marx

See More
Practical Pointers
You can negotiate way more than you think. Most people think “incentives” means tax breaks. But Gary explains how local cities will help with things like better lighting, signage, sidewalks, even speeding up your permit process, if they believe your business brings value to the area.
Hiring is the #1 deal breaker. Every serious business leader Gary works with asks one thing first: Can we find the right people here? If the labor isn’t there, nothing else matters. So if you’re considering a move, always start by looking at the local workforce.
Government help is real — you just need to ask the right way. States and cities actually want to help. But they’re not always shouting it from the rooftops. Gary shows how to find the right contacts, ask the right questions, and unlock the support that’s already sitting there.
American manufacturing is quietly coming back. Between tariffs and supply chain issues, more companies are moving parts of their business back to the U.S. And guess what? Local governments are ready to help — especially if you’re creating skilled jobs.
Small towns care more than big cities. In big cities, hiring 20 or 30 people doesn’t make headlines. But in smaller towns? That kind of growth matters — and they’ll often roll out the red carpet for you. That’s where Gary helps companies find opportunities others don’t even notice.
See More
Guest Bio
Person Image
Gary Marx

Gary Marx, Principal of BlueCap Economic Advisors, LLC, brings 35 years of deep expertise in economic development. Over the past 18 years, including six years with Big Four firms Deloitte Tax LLP and PwC, Gary has led corporate site selection and economic development incentive projects for Fortune 1000® clients domestically and internationally.

Gary’s background includes over seven years with the New Jersey Commerce Department, where he supported the Secretary of Commerce and directed the state’s business attraction, retention, and research programs. Additionally, he has served in economic development roles at major gas and electric utility companies in New Jersey and New York, giving him a broad perspective on regional development challenges and opportunities.

Gary holds a BS in Business and Real Estate from Florida State University and is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). He is an active member of CoreNet Global, IAMC, and IEDC, and he is the past Board President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County, New Jersey.

See More
Share this episode with friends:

Available wherever you
get podcasts


    Are you human?

    Thank you
    for signing up!
    Continue browsing

    Never miss a new episode.

    Subscribe now for business insights from the experts to help you learn, grow, and lead

    Join the Community