15 Minutes Share Your Voice

Jereme Baker is the Founder and Managing Partner of Baker Law Group LLC, a Colorado firm specializing in real estate, business and corporate law, estate planning, and probate matters. With a career marked by significant roles as both in-house and outsourced general counsel, Jereme has delivered legal and business advice to a range of small- to medium-sized businesses. His notable achievements include the formation of a multimillion-dollar joint venture investment fund, aiding a private equity client in acquiring over $30 million in real estate assets, and playing a vital role in a $60 million commercial real estate development project. Established in 2011, Baker Law Group reflects Jereme's comprehensive expertise and commitment to legal excellence, as evidenced by his recognition as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and receiving the 2014 Billy Lewis Young Lawyer Courage Under Fire Award.

Leading a law firm through its growth and trust-building phases is a complex undertaking. What are the essential strategies for successfully navigating these challenges in today's legal market?

Jereme Baker, a seasoned legal entrepreneur, emphasizes the importance of embracing challenges and fostering trust. His journey reflects the essential balance between overcoming initial doubts and trusting the evolutionary process of developing a legal practice. Jereme points out that success in law isn't just about legal knowledge; it also requires courage, strategic planning, and adaptability, especially in crucial phases like hiring the first employee or expanding to multiple locations.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, Chad Franzen speaks with Jereme Baker, Founder and Managing Partner of Baker Law Group LLC, about leading and expanding a law firm. They explore the critical steps of confronting fears, the importance of building trust within the team, and the strategies for effective firm growth and management. Jereme also shares his insights on making pivotal decisions, nurturing client relationships, and adapting to the dynamic demands of the legal profession.

In this week's edition of the AmiSights Podcast, we talk to Keith Roberts, a transformational speaker, expert on leadership, and founder of the OAKJournal. He explains his journey to becoming a bodhisattva – a Buddhist whose purpose in life is to help others reach nirvana or enlightenment.

"It is my goal in this life; I wouldn't say I've reached that yet," he said. "It really aligns with much more with what I do today than the two decades I spent building websites for airlines and bands and things like that."

The main topics of today's episode will be how finding happiness and reaching your full potential are attainable, no matter your profession or background. Keith will tell us how he built a robust reputation as a speaker during the COVID shutdown when he took on any and all virtual speaking assignments. He will also go into explaining how it has been much easier for him to be self-employed than to lead a team of employees.

Connect with Keith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zenman/ Check out the OAKJournal Method: https://keithrobertsiii.com/blog/the-oak-journal-method Recorded on 11/1/23

David Lowe is a Registered Patent Attorney and a Founding Member of Lowe Graham Jones, a Seattle-based, full-service law firm specializing exclusively in intellectual property law. The firm is known for providing exceptional services to clients from emerging to established companies, both locally and globally. For over 24 years, David's expertise has encompassed all facets of intellectual property law, including patent, trademark, and copyright procurement, with a particular focus on intellectual property litigation and client counseling. His comprehensive experience extends to dispute resolution, encompassing mediation, arbitration, and litigation. David is licensed to practice in federal courts at all levels and holds admissions in various states across the United States.

What does it take to build and evolve an IP law firm in today's dynamic legal landscape? How does one navigate these complex waters to create a successful, resilient practice?

According to David Lowe, a renowned intellectual property attorney, the key is a deep integration of legal expertise with technological insight and a proactive approach to changes in the legal environment. His experience, from the dot-com boom to the challenges of the pandemic, highlights the importance of adaptability and responsiveness. David emphasizes that building a successful IP law firm goes beyond just understanding the law; it's about anticipating industry shifts, nurturing client relationships, and maintaining a global perspective in a rapidly evolving field.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, Chad Franzen speaks with David Lowe, a Registered Patent Attorney and a Founding Member of Lowe Graham Jones. They discuss the development of an IP law firm, adapting to changes in the legal landscape, and the importance of building lasting professional relationships. David also shares insights on Lowe Graham Jones' global expansion, their unique approach to litigation and transactional work, and the strategies behind their success.

In today's podcast, we talk to Ryan Tansom, founder of Arkona, and the Intentional Growth™ Framework, which helps owners view and run their company like a financial asset through educational training and fractional CFO services. He developed the program after selling his family business with the goal of helping others avoid the same mistakes he made.

"I think the blind trust, we can't do that anymore," he said. "Because you have situations like myself that you get into when you think everybody's looking out for you, but you realize they don't get paid to look out for you."

The main topics of today's episode will be how owners should understand their business through the lens of finance so they can get what they want from their financing partners. We will also talk about how understanding your company's valuation – every month – sets a framework for decision-making and why revenue isn't the only factor to measure your company's success or growth.

Connect with Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-tansom-4a440710/

Check out Arkona: https://arkona.io/

Follow Ryan on X: https://twitter.com/RyanTansom

Recorded on 10/16/23

Mervate Mohammad is the Principal Attorney at Kiswani Law Firm, a legal practice specializing in family law and mediation in the Greater Chicagoland Area. Her expertise encompasses divorce, custody, adoption, child support cases, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Mervate brings a comprehensive skill set to her role, including being trained as a mediator through Northwestern University's Mediation Program, equipping her to handle sensitive and complex family law matters effectively. Bilingual in Arabic, Mervate is capable of addressing a diverse client base. She obtained her JD from the John Marshall Law School, is licensed to practice in Illinois, and has also earned her Federal General Bar admission to the Northern District of Illinois Supreme Court.

Is it the blend of entrepreneurial spirit and cultural understanding that sets apart a successful family law practice? How does an attorney navigate the emotional complexities of family law while maintaining a strong business acumen?

According to Mervate Mohammad, a seasoned family law expert, the key lies in combining legal expertise with a deep appreciation for cultural nuances. Her journey in law, influenced by her background as a first-generation American and her proficiency in Arabic, underscores the importance of connecting with clients on a personal level. Mervate's approach to family law is not just about legal representation; it's about empathetically guiding clients through life-changing decisions and understanding the diverse cultural contexts that shape their experiences.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, host Bela Musits speaks with Mervate Mohammad, Principal Attorney at Kiswani Law Firm, about her unique approach to family law. They discuss her transition from an aspiring business litigation attorney to a family law specialist, the challenges and rewards of establishing her own practice, and the crucial role of cultural insights in family law. Mervate also shares valuable advice for aspiring lawyers and the significance of balancing professional life with personal passions.

In today's podcast, we talk to Len Bruskiewitz, owner of FocalPoint, where he helps small businesses, owners and entrepreneurs be more successful by coaching them to optimize their four key levers in their lives and companies – time, money, team and strategy.

"I think one of the biggest things that small business owners don't realize is that you can't wake up one day and decide to sell your business the next. The guidance that I talk to is for at least 2–3 years... You've got to think about this before you do it. It's not something you can just snap your fingers and have a saleable business."

The main topics of today's episode will be how timing and planning are key pieces to a successful transition plan and how coaching is more about personal connection than the system or modules. Len will also tell about the Four Critical Areas of Business: Time, Team, Money and Future. Connect with Len: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lbruski/

Check Out FocalPoint: https://www.focalpointcoaching.com/

Recorded on 10/10/23

Parag Amin is the Principal at the Law Office of Parag L. Amin, P.C., a firm specializing in business litigation, employer defense, partnership disputes, entity formation, and contract matters. Recognized for his expertise in navigating complex legal and business disputes, Parag has been honored as a Rising Star by SuperLawyers for seven consecutive years, an accolade reflecting peer recognition and professional achievement.

With nearly a decade and a half in the legal field, Parag has saved and recovered tens of millions of dollars for his clients representing public figures, small business owners, and individuals. His unique financial skill set, acquired from his involvement in various industries, enables him to provide legal strategies that deliver results. Parag holds a JD from USC's Gould School of Law and a BS in Finance from the University of Maryland.

Can mastering both business law and entrepreneurship be the secret to a thriving legal career? What does it take to navigate the complexities of both fields successfully?

According to Parag Amin, a distinguished attorney, success in these interconnected fields hinges on a deep understanding of clients' business objectives and a commitment to resolving legal challenges through creative, strategic approaches. His approach centers on aligning legal strategies with each client's unique needs and goals, ensuring that every legal solution not only addresses the immediate issue but also furthers the client's overall business aspirations.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, host Chad Franzen speaks with Parag Amin, Principal at the Law Office of Parag L. Amin, P.C., about the intersection of business law and entrepreneurship. They explore Parag's motivation driven by his family's experiences, his strategic approach to litigation focusing on client objectives, and the unique challenges of starting and growing a law practice. Parag also discusses the importance of continuous learning and setting goals for sustained growth and success.

In this week's edition of the AmiSights Podcast, we talk to Jeff Silbert, co-founder and president of Silbert Partners, which operates 10 locations of Hand & Stone Massage, and Facial Spa and Moxie Salon and Beauty Bar. He explains how he prefers franchising to starting a business from scratch.

"Actually, franchising was new to me. It works out well because I like getting in kind of early, but I don't like being the first," he said. "So, this kind of works well with the way my head works and the way I think about things—getting in pretty early and figuring out how to scale it. But not doing it from day one. I'm kinda like day two, I guess you'd call it."

The main topics of today's episode will be how having a membership model kept his massage and facial business going through the early stages of the pandemic and how building relationships with staff results in loyalty and low turnover. Jeff will also tell us how he financed himself over the years with a combination of debt and self-funding.

Connect with Jeff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silbert/ Recorded on 10/6/23

Jonathan Breeden is the Owner of Breeden Law Office, a family law and criminal defense firm dedicated to representing families and individuals in North Carolina. The firm was founded by him in 2000 and operates across four locations in Raleigh, Angier, Garner, and Smithfield. With over two decades of experience, the Breeden Law Office has earned a reputation for its client-centered approach in the intricate and often sensitive arena of family law.

As an attorney, Jonathan Breeden specializes in navigating complex issues like divorce, child custody, property distribution, and alimony. His emphasis on child welfare and alignment of legal outcomes with the best interests of the child sets a clear tone for his practice. Beyond family law, he also represents individuals charged with traffic violations, theft, assault, and other criminal offenses.

Is effective marketing the key to a successful law firm? How can lawyers balance compassion in their practices, particularly in family law?

According to Jonathan Breeden, a dedicated advocate in family law, successful marketing strategies combined with a client-centered, compassionate approach can significantly contribute to a law firm's success. Drawing from his two decades of experience, Jonathan emphasizes the importance of crafting a law firm's operations to serve clients better and meet their needs, especially when dealing with sensitive family legal matters.

In this episode of 15 Minutes, host Chad Franzen speaks with Jonathan Breeden, Owner of Breeden Law Office. They discuss how effective marketing and client communication played a critical role in the firm's growth and how focusing on the welfare of children became an essential guiding principle in Jonathan's practice. They also touch upon Jonathan's unique philosophical belief of enabling his clients to become the heroes of their life stories.

In today's podcast, Lynn talks to Cassandra Bailey, the founder, president, and CEO of Slice Communications. She tells us how she made the transition from employee to employer when social media was just emerging about 15 years ago.

"I had been doing media relations, and I recognized that social media was going to be this new emerging way for companies to interact with people," she said. "So, Slice was founded on that point of view—that media relations and social media really should work hand in hand."

The main topics of today's episode will be how Cassandra has learned valuable lessons about business management and leadership through serving on various boards. We will also chat about the importance of mentorships and internships and how they can boost your business. We will also hear about how Cassandra melded the cultures of her company with the business she acquired, and reinvented the company values together.

Connect with Cassandra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandraorylbailey/

Check out Slice Communications: https://slicecommunications.com/

Recorded on 10/6/23