“Yes, I'm only a bill. And I got as far as Capitol Hill.” – Schoolhouse Rock Welcome back, dear reader. I acknowledge that some time has passed since I've checked in. When things are too quiet here on the blog, that’s just the quiet before the storm. Oh, how the storm has come to the mental and physical plains inhabited by Brinen & … [Read more...]
How Would Border Tax Incentives Impact Your Business?
"Why is it that if you take advantage of a corporate tax break you're a smart businessman, but if you take advantage of something so you don't go hungry, you're a moocher?" -- Jon Stewart We recently discussed how the Trump administration may cut export taxes for U.S. businesses that domestically produce or manufacture their goods. Through … [Read more...]
Buy-Sell Agreements: A Company’s Life Beyond Just Death
“All you’ve got is life time.” -- Henry Rollins We've mentioned the importance of a buy-sell agreement. It's the natural corporate or partnership extension of estate planning. Setting the procedures for what happens if a partner or key shareholder dies or becomes so infirm that he or she cannot complete their tasks is in everyone's best … [Read more...]
Why Start A Business?
“But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask why climb the highest mountain? Why, 35 years ago, fly the Atlantic? Why does Rice play Texas?” - John F. Kennedy, Rice Stadium, September 12, 1962 We’ve explored the “what” and “how” of starting a business, but we’ve only scratched the surface of the age-old … [Read more...]
The IRS is coming to get YOU! Notice Season Is Open
“You don’t pay taxes–they take taxes.”–Chris Rock Now that tax season is over, it may be spring time, but the Internal Revenue Service is like the post office, it never sleeps. And like the mob, it wants its money. Now. So, notices are flying. … [Read more...]
Age and Treachery Will Outdo Youth and Skill
“Youth is wasted on the young.” -- George Bernard Shaw Throughout my career, I have worked with startups. As comes with start-ups, I am always surrounded by the young. I’ve advised many young entrepreneurs -- particularly recently -- and they all have the same fire in their eyes, which is fantastic and truly inspiring. Keeps me young. Having … [Read more...]
When You Need That Bigger Boat: Finding Key Employees
“The employer generally gets the employees he deserves.” J. Paul Getty The watershed moment in any business is when you as an entrepreneur, turn to your partner and say, “We need to hire someone.” Hiring is one of the toughest skills to obtain. I use a very technical, specific method to hire law clerks. Everyone — from the receptionist … [Read more...]
