Trusted Legal Counsel for Pursuing Growth and Expansion

There are certain minimum requirements needed to meet government and regulatory standards, and industry expectations. Formality in operations beyond that is unique to each business. As your business grows, your formality needs to grow, without overcomplicating things. Our experience helps you find the right balance.

Keeping your company finances distinct from your personal finances is of paramount importance. It provides clarity, legal compliance, and peace of mind, and ensures your personal assets are protected from business debts or losses.

Set clear expectations, and document everything meticulously. Creating well-crafted written agreements will proactively minimize a significant majority of risks. Being strategic and intentional with communications and written agreements will help safeguard against potential future legal disputes.

When expanding your team, consider their roles: permanent positions require setting up W-2s, while freelancers need 1099-MISC documentation. It’s also important to understand the legal definition of “employee” vs “independent contractor”, and the rules that apply to both. It’s also important to establish payroll and financial/tax systems, and clear job descriptions, from the outset.

Think about the cross-section between your business needs, legal and financial requirements, and the practical aspects of your business’s growth in that space over time.  Ask yourself, “How will adding this location help me better serve my employees, our customers, and our community?”. Then make sure to hire the right legal and real estate professionals to protect you through the process.

Good employee relations are the backbone of a thriving workplace. Transparent policies and open communication channels ensure a healthy and productive environment for everyone.  When businesses value, appreciate, and equip their people, everyone can go from just surviving to truly thriving.

Relationships with vendors can make or break a business. Clear, strong, and fair written agreements form a solid foundation. Then, treat vendors the way you want to be treated and always honor all your duties and obligations. These values will not only build great relationships with vendors, but will establish your reputation in the community as a company with whom people want to do business.

Engaging with your customers/clients is about creating loyalty. Through honest and transparent operations, excellence in service, and responsive communication, you cultivate trust and reinforce the value your business brings to their lives.  To prevent future disputes, it is also important to set clear expectations with customers/clients through detailed and specific written contracts.

The distinction lies partly in the scope. Buying/selling assets is about specific items or rights. Buying/selling the business itself is about taking over all operational opportunities, and liabilities. Choosing the right deal structure depends on a significant number of factors to be weighed in each unique situation.

Negotiations should be focused on finding a “win win” for both parties. Aim for clarity, fairness, and strategic value. We encourage all our clients to work towards a mutually beneficial future for both parties.  Deals that benefit both parties are good for both businesses and improve our whole community.

Putting agreements in writing is imperative to clarify obligations, identify risks, and set expectations for everyone involved. The failure to create and sign specific written agreements tailored to each unique transaction is the root cause of many business lawsuits.

Supplemental financing is often the fuel for your business’s growth. Whether through loans, investors, crowdfunding, or many other options, the key is to match the financing method with your business’s growth trajectory and financial health. It’s also vital to wisely choose the right financial professionals, which can vary depending on your specific goals and needs.

Yes. A merger is about blending two companies into a cohesive unit, which requires intentional effort at collaboration and integration. You have to consider not only the financial and operational issues, but the interpersonal issues of office culture, employee satisfaction and retention, and the customer experience. But done well, a merger can result in a “2 + 2 = 10” outcome.