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Rush Nigut is a shareholder with the Brick Gentry Law Firm in West Des Moines, Iowa. His practice includes both transactional and litigation matters including franchising and business law. Rush started his legal blog, Rush on Business, in 2006. He has been quoted or referenced by hundreds of other blogs, websites, and publications. He also is the editor of the Brick Gentry Trial Team blog and can help you identify the most qualified lawyer at Brick Gentry to handle your case. Our lawyers have a breadth of trial experience in personal injury, employment discrimination, business litigation, IP law, and class action cases.

You’re busy.

Running a business means managing a million things at once, and legal paperwork often takes a backseat. But if your operating agreement is outdated, it could cost you more than you think.

First, Avoid Costly Disputes

An up-to-date LLC operating agreement keeps everyone on the same page. It outlines each owner’s roles, how

Selling a business is tough.

It’s not just about finding a buyer; it’s about getting the right price, handling the paperwork, and keeping things confidential. A good business broker can give you a smoother and more profitable exit.

What Exactly Does a Business Broker Do?

Think of them as your business selling coach. A good

Forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Iowa can be a straightforward process if you know the right steps to take. An LLC offers many benefits, including liability protection and flexible tax options, making it an attractive option for small business owners and entrepreneurs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps

Starting a business can seem overwhelming.

Between navigating legal requirements, tax issues, filing paperwork, and making sure you’ve checked all the boxes, things can get complicated fast. But here’s some good news: the Iowa Secretary of State has a Fast Track Filing system that makes forming an LLC or corporation easier and quicker than ever

Thinking about buying a business?

It’s a big decision, but choosing between a franchise or an independent business can shape your entire experience. Both have their perks—and their pitfalls. So how do you decide?

First, consider what drives you.

If you thrive on structure and proven systems, a franchise might be the better fit. You

Diversify or concentrate?

It’s a question that divides entrepreneurs. But what if both are right?

I saw a video where one guy made millions by diversifying—spreading his investments across multiple businesses, minimizing risk while building steady wealth. Then another guy comments below: “You’re wrong. You’ve got to focus on one thing to win.”

Wait

If you are thinking about franchising in Iowa, you need to know one thing: Iowa franchise law is unique, and most out-of-state laws firms don’t really get it.

Let me explain.

Iowa Code Chapter 537A.10 governs franchise agreements in this state. It lays out the specific rules and regulations that franchisors and franchisees must

The devil is in details.

When you sign a franchise agreement, you are entering a long-term partnership. But how carefully have you read the fine print—especially the language around fees?

One seemingly minor word can cost you thousands.

Take marketing fees, for example. I have seen franchise agreements where the contract stated the franchisee must

Being a great franchisee isn’t just about following a system — it’s about mastering the little things.

  1. Own Your Mistakes Early
    No one is perfect, and that’s okay! But pretending your mistakes don’t exist? That’s not how you win. When you slip up (and you will), take ownership fast. The quicker you address it, the

Franchising isn’t for everyone.

But if you’re serious about it, there are some things you need to know. For purposes of this blog post, eleven to be exact. These aren’t just suggestions; they are essential truths that can make or break your success as a franchisee.

1. Strong Brand or Great System—Preferably Both

A franchise