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Hold Up! How Holding Companies Benefit Small to Midsize Business Owners
Hold Up! How Holding Companies Benefit Small to Midsize Business Owners

That Warren Buffett fellow is really onto something, and that’s not even considering his inclusion on the Forbes 400.  So, what exactly is he onto?  Glad you asked!  His company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is the gold standard of a holding company (holdco).  Hold up, what was that term?  A holdco, sometimes known as a parent company, is an entity that owns investments in the form of stocks, bonds, other companies (operating companies/opco), or anything of value.  With the definitions out of the way, we can move on to how a holdco can help SMB owners.

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BusinessBrocton SkeenSmall Business, LLC, Business Formation, Business GrowthComment
Be Like Bob - Succession Planning
Be Like Bob - Succession Planning

Bob is back with a new lesson to help your business. Many small business owners want to retire. Most don't have a plan on how to make that happen. Steven Covey's second habit is, "begin with the end in mind." As a small business owner, determining your exit (end) will guide your corporate structure and business operations. It will also determine the appropriate level of succession planning for your situation. So, whether your business ends when you walk away, you build an empire and sell, or you build a brand with superb systems that can last for decades after you leave, one thing is certain having a succession plan is important.

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BusinessBrocton SkeenBe Like Bob, Succession Planning, Small BusinessComment
Be Like Bob - LLC to C. Corp. Conversion
Be Like Bob - LLC to C. Corp. Conversion

LLCs are great for their ease of management and minimal corporate formalities. But, as a business scales, it could attract investors. Those investors are otherwise known as venture capital funds (VC). VCs prefer to invest in C Corporations. There are many reasons like tax considerations and exit strategies. For some business owners accepting fund investment was not on their radar when forming their business. Remember, one of the main considerations of forming a corporate entity is personal asset protection.

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BusinessBrocton SkeenBe Like Bob, Small Business, Business Formation, Business GrowthComment
Be Like Bob - LLC
Be Like Bob - LLC

Bob is back and his assets have grown. Now is the time to think about organizing his business to protect his assets. The simplest method to do that is through a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Yes, Bob will get certain tax benefits, but that is not the most valuable attribute an LLC provides. The most valuable attribute of an LLC is asset protection for its members. The fact that it is not as formal as a corporation is a major bonus too.

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BusinessBrocton SkeenBe Like Bob, Business Formation, Small BusinessComment
I’ll Take Corporate Transparency Act and Beneficial Ownership Disclosure for $500
I’ll Take Corporate Transparency Act and Beneficial Ownership Disclosure for $500

The Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) is part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, which Congress added to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (“NDAA”). The CTA requires Beneficial Ownership Disclosure (“BOD”) of all reporting companies. To keep it simple a reporting company is any corporation, LLC, or other similar entity formed with any state or foreign government. A beneficial owner of this kind of company is any person or entity with over 25% ownership.

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BusinessBrocton SkeenSmall Business, LLC, ComplianceComment
Small Business Formation Basics - Tax Considerations
Small Business Formation Basics - Tax Considerations

Most small business owners wonder what they can do to decrease their taxes. The best answer for all small business owners is simple: Focus on growing revenue and you will find taxes will not matter. Following this philosophy is all the more important for start-ups. In the first five years of business, growth can fix most issues. Growth, not decreased taxes, is the lifeblood of your business.

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BusinessBrocton SkeenSmall Business, Taxes, Start Up, Business Formation Comment
Know Your Exit
Know Your Exit

Modern business conversations focus heavily on Start-Ups, thanks in large part to the success and rapid growth of many young companies. For each new successful IPO that comes to market there are a multitude of ventures that simply fall short. Often the main reason for this failure is a lack of exit strategy. All new businesses start with a big hairy audacious goal (BHAG), then funnel that into a vision, then a mission, and ultimately a business strategy against which they will execute. Few, however, contemplate how to exit and truly generate ROI for investors.

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BusinessBrocton SkeenSmall Business, Business Growth, Exit Strategy, ROI
Your General Counsel - Start-Up
Your General Counsel - Start-Up

Start-ups and new cycle businesses face unique legal issues as they grow. Our Your General Counsel - Start-up services provide expedient answers/solutions to help new business owners focus on what they do best, grow their business. Our role is that of a strategic business partner, instead of a mere project attorney, shifting the focus for our business objectives to yours.  For those businesses not ready for ongoing services ask about our flat fee pricing, so you know your upfront costs. 

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BusinessBrocton SkeenYour General Counsel, Your General Counsel - Start-Up, Small Business