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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.

Rushing into franchise ownership without preparation is a costly mistake.

To avoid buyer’s remorse, you need to be deliberate in your approach. Here’s how:

1. Self-Assessment: Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Before browsing franchises, evaluate your skills, interests, and financial situation. Too often, people pick franchises based on potential profit, not realizing they lack the

Choosing the right franchise is crucial. Getting it wrong can be financially devastating.

1. What Is the Franchisor’s Track Record?

A franchise with a strong history of success is likely to continue performing well. Look at how long the franchise has been in business and how many units are thriving. A proven track record can

If you want to protect your investment in a franchise, don’t rely on verbal promises from the franchisor.

Why not? Because verbal promises are worthless if disputes arise. Verbal assurances from a franchisor representative might make you feel secure in the moment, but when challenges occur—like receiving less support than promised or discovering fees you

A Texas District Court ruling setting aside the FTC’s non-compete ban has sent ripples through the business and legal communities today. For many employers, this decision is undoubtedly seen as a reprieve from the potential upheaval the ban could have caused. However, the ruling also underscores the ongoing debate about the future of non-compete agreements

When purchasing a franchise, one of the most critical aspects to consider is the size and protection of the territory you will be operating in. Securing a territory that limits competition from other franchisees within the same brand can be the difference between a thriving business and a struggle for market share. This is particularly

Starting a small business involves making crucial decisions, one of which is choosing the right legal structure. For an individual small business owner, a Single-Member Limited Liability Company (LLC) is an excellent option. This structure provides a blend of flexibility, simplicity, and protection that can be highly beneficial, especially for those venturing into business for

Entering into a franchise agreement can be an exciting and lucrative venture for many aspiring business owners. However, the path to successful franchise ownership is fraught with potential pitfalls. – just like opening your own independent business. As a franchise lawyer, I’ve observed several common mistakes that franchisees make, which can lead to significant financial

Running a business comes with a myriad of challenges, and among the most daunting are the legal hurdles that can arise at various stages of the business lifecycle. As a business lawyer, these are some of the common legal struggles I often see business owners face:

1. Business Formation and Structure

Choosing the right business