Many franchise buyers focus on what the franchise representatives say the franchise will do for them and overlook the written contract that actually governs the relationship. Common mistakes include assuming the agreement is standard, underestimating exit restrictions, overlooking long term costs, and signing before fully understanding risk. A careful reading of most franchise agreements reveals
Franchise agreements are negotiable more often than people think. The franchisees who have the most success focus on three to five high impact issues, remain patient throughout the process, and are genuinely willing to walk away if the deal does not make sense. The ability to say no is often what creates leverage.
Can franchise
Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay.
Clients are now using it all the time. For many it is the first step before contacting a lawyer, if they contact a lawyer at all now. And yes, people are absolutely using ChatGPT and other AI tools to draft contracts.
Recently, a client sent me an agreement
Twenty years ago, Rush on Business began with a simple and deliberate goal: make the law understandable for everyday business owners. At the time, I took a chance on the idea that openly sharing clear, practical legal guidance through a blog could genuinely help people and, in doing so, build meaningful client relationships. I never
Last week, I attended the Annual Forum on Franchising. As always, it was a great chance to connect with peers, share stories, and stay in tune with what’s happening across the franchise industry.
But something stood out this year.
The two most crowded sessions focused on topics that should raise concern for any current or
While this is not my typical area of law, it is important to note that, as of today—July 1, 2025—Iowa’s new hands-free cell phone law is officially in effect.
There will be a warning period through December 31, 2025. After that, citations and fines may be issued.
More significantly, if a driver causes an accident
Sometimes, the law doesn’t come down to pages of statutes or hours of courtroom drama.
Sometimes, it comes down to one word.
We had a case like that. And honestly—it was a blast to argue.
Our client worked for a marketing company. He applied for a job that had been publicly posted. Nothing secret.
At first, everything was great.
You built something from scratch with a friend, family member, or business partner. You split the responsibilities. You shared the risks. You dreamed big.
But now, things are not so great.
There is tension over money. (Ironically often when success occurs). Disagreements over direction. One person thinks they are doing
I want to issue an important warning about an ongoing scam.
Fraudsters are using my name—and the name of a company called Business Consulting Services—to deceive people into sending money under the false promise of helping them sell or rent their Mexican timeshare or other real estate. I have written about this scam before
