Start-Ups: How a Florida Business Planning Attorney Can Help
By: Barry E. Haimo, Esq.
July 20, 2022
Below, you’ll gain a perspective from 30,000 feet about how and why I can help with your startup. I am an attorney, and attorneys are valuable to businesses. Attorneys are able to give you an objective analysis so you can make better, more informed business decisions.
But I’m more than just an attorney. I have a strong overview of other subjects too. My passion for business and computers steered me to obtain a degree in computer information science (B.S. in C.I.S.) from the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business Administration. I obtained my juris doctor (J.D.), and I later obtained a masters in letter laws (LL.M.) in taxation. My relevant passions include business, finance, investing, business development and establishing personal relationships.
My business interest started young. I ran around the neighborhood washing cars like my older brother did. I graduated to selling Airheads at school — until my business was shut down. I worked at Whole Foods Bread of Life for four years in high school. In college, I created a business plan for a large catamaran casino chartering company in one of my advance business and computer courses.
As a constant throughout my life, I have tried to read every book on business, psychology, investing, and startups, and study people who have found success in business and entrepreneurship. Notable work and/or people I’ve studied include Napoleon Hill (business development and success), Dale Carnegie (business development and relationships), Steve Smith (Tazo Tea), Steve Blank (lean startup), Eric Ries (lean startup), Tom Hopkins (sales), and more.
After working at a boutique estate and business planning law firm, I formed Barry E. Haimo, P.A., which is now doing business as “Haimo Law”. As indicated on the website, Haimo Law offers strategic planning with purpose-professional representation in wills, trusts, probate, business planning and asset protection exclusively. We are diligent and dependable, compassionate and personable, and innovative and professional. We go above and beyond for our clients, prioritizing developing long-lasting relationships and strong customer support.
While practicing law in the fields of estate and business planning, I helped co-found a few other businesses. First, in 2010, I helped found MyFlare Alert – an emergency app that synchronizes your critical smartphone resources into one button in emergencies. It provides automatic, continuous, and instant notification and updates of your position to your loved ones and friends every three minutes until you turn it off. It’s the only app that can save your life. Lessons were learned and invaluable experience was gained from conception of the idea, formation of the business, and creation of intellectual property. I served as chief legal, marketing, sales, operations and recruiting manager, and developed an understanding of partners, launching, and operations.
I’ve been in the trenches, and I understand how to view decisions legally and from a business perspective. I have made mistakes and learned from them. Currently, MyFlare has added two new partners, and has undergone software and business reorganization in order to enhance the service it provides and maximize its potential for success.
I also co-founded Law School Power Prep (now a nonprofit tax exempt organization) in 2010. This is an incredible interactive live weekend workshop that teaches incoming and first year law students the tools they need to succeed in law school and in practice. Partnered with a professor at a regional law school, LSPP is setting the standard that law schools nationwide are attempting to replicate (unsuccessfully).
Armed with experience from MyFlare, this business was easier to form and launch; though each business has different strategies and tactics, including its marketing and business plan, research, operations and team work. Again, lessons have been learned and my skills have been sharpened, and I have no intention of letting up.
Relatively more recently, I joined Think Visual Group, a boutique video production house and Upload Your Recipes. In both companies, I have a minor but critical role serving as chief legal counsel and business consultant and advisor. Aside from providing legal advice representing the company, I act as a sounding board for decisions relating to business development and operations. Every business is different, and the learning curve has been steep to understand a different type of business model. Nevertheless, the value I add to the company is appreciated, and I am enjoying the journey.
I also spend a few hours a week tutoring and coaching students in math and for college and law school entrance exams as well as law school strategies and tactics, exam preparation and writing and substantive law. I do this for three reasons: 1) it sharpens my ability to explain complicated subject matter in a digestible manner; 2) I enjoy it; and 3) it makes a different to my students.
Future posts will focus more closely on each of the ventures and some lessons hinted at above. I’ll share with you what I’ve learned along the way, what is really important, and important considerations. Before then, watch the videos on business planning and asset protection to familiarize yourself with some concepts.
Originally Published 1/10/2013 – Updated 7/20/2022
Author:
Barry E. Haimo, Esq.
Haimo Law
Strategic Planning With Purpose®
Email: barry@haimolaw.com
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/haimolawtv
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