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September 2022
600 Stewart Street #1300, Seattle, WA 98101 | westcoastfranchiselaw.com | 206-903-0401
Simply the Best Celebrating Our Staff This Labor Day
They say people are any business’ greatest asset, but the people who work at West Coast Franchise Law are also what makes me feel most proud. We’re fortunate enough to have a diligent and committed team, and I want to take a moment this Labor Day to celebrate everything they do year-round.
all have strengths and weaknesses, and work is much easier when everyone in the office understands them.
Longevity also preserves institutional knowledge and creates continuity for our client relationships. Several clients often bypass me entirely, calling a paralegal or billing partner directly without my involvement. I’m proud I have a trusted team that knows how to get things done and consistently exceeds expectations.
Anyone who has ever run a business — or worked at one, for that matter — knows that a great group of employees is hardly a guarantee. I could say the stellar work environment here inspires
people, but the truth is that I think the people who work here would do an excellent job anywhere. Whether they worked on a factory line, at a restaurant, or in engineering instead of law, they value quality in their work and see a job well done is its own reward. They’re also a humble group. No one here is shy about licking envelopes when necessary. There’s no pretense about what is or isn’t any particular person’s job. Everyone pitches in to help and pick up the slack as needed. That
As thankful as I am for the people I’ve directly hired, I also appreciate the several small businesses that support us and whose employees treat us the same way we treat our clients. In particular, I value our bookkeepers at Core Solutions and our accountants at Brown and Sterling. And the folks at Newsletter Pro who help us create this monthly newsletter make it possible for us to keep in touch with you!
Each employee we have, and each employee at one of our vendors, supports what we do. As a result, I’ve been able to grow the firm and reach more clients — then add more employees who help us serve more clients again. Every person who helps me do
attitude lets us remain nimble around urgent and shifting deadlines. As a result, we can quickly and efficiently provide our clients with quality legal services and solutions.
this work ensures we can touch more lives with our services.
I’m even more fortunate that almost all staff members have been with the firm for several years. It means we’re comfortable working with each other, know each other’s foibles, and understand how to work together most effectively. We
Thank you to everyone who works for and with me at West Coast Franchise Law. I see, value, and appreciate all of your hard work, and you are the ones who help make this business what it is.
“Every person who helps me do this work ensures we can touch more lives with our services.”
– Nate Riordan 1 206-903-0401
Get Out and Explore 3 Vacation Destinations Similar to Montana
Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming Specifically known for being remote, Bighorn National Forest is located in north- central Wyoming and offers over 192,000 acres of open wilderness and 1,200 miles of hiking trails to venture out on. The forest contains many meadows and grasslands surrounded by large, dancing mountains and rolling hills. The best part is that there are many different ways to explore Bighorn National Forest. Fishing, camping, mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, hunting, and horseback riding are just a few of the many ways to experience Wyoming’s beauty. Are you ready to get out and explore these different areas of our nation’s beauty? Check some of these great destinations off your bucket list!
Because of the popularity of the Kevin Costner miniseries “Yellowstone,” the state of Montana is seeing an economic boom, both in tourism and real estate, as people flock to explore the natural beauty of the state. But with Montana’s increasing popularity, traveling there may not be ideal, especially if you want to avoid crowds. Here are some other destinations that offer similar sights and activities! Stanley, Idaho If the mountains are calling your name, then Stanley, Idaho, is the place to go! About three hours northeast of Boise, this gem has three different mountain ranges: the Sawtooth, Lost River, and White Cloud. This trifecta is home to whitewater rafting, hiking, sightseeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and exploring.
While there’s tons to see and experience during the day, the beauty doesn’t stop at night. As Stanley is situated in the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, you’re able to see so much more in the night sky, such as the Milky Way, meteors, and even planets! Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming In Grand Teton National Park, you’ll find many sights and wildlife similar to those seen on screen in “Yellowstone.” The towering craggy peaks and luscious landscape do not disappoint, and sometimes there is no sign of human development for miles. It’s a truly remote and beautiful place to visit and explore. You are sure to encounter some amazing wildlife while hiking or camping — the park is home to more than 60 species of mammals and 300 species of birds.
For a Rainy Day
DOES YOUR BUSINESS HAVE THE INSURANCE IT NEEDS?
A business is an investment — but it’s also a liability. There are always risks when you welcome customers and workers into your space. A customer could slip and fall, or an employee could burn themselves. Diners could come down with food poisoning. The building might catch on fire, flood, or be destroyed by a hurricane. The potential pitfalls can make you sick with worry if you think about them for too long. On the one hand, concern over the safety of your business can help you keep up with best practices. But on the other hand, it can lead to sleepless nights and unnecessary anxiety. Having the right insurance to protect your business will give you peace of mind that everything will work out if an unforeseen or catastrophic event happens. The first type of insurance any business needs is general liability insurance. It protects your business against claims
resulting from customers injured on your property. But customers aren’t the only ones you need to worry about, so you should have workers’ compensation coverage to provide replacement wages and medical benefits to injured employees. In addition to being the right thing
Your business may have additional insurance needs. Those that use company vehicles will need auto insurance. Businesses that have expensive equipment might consider equipment breakdown coverage. It’s always wise to consider an umbrella policy to protect you above and beyond your other
to do, workers’ compensation coverage will protect you from the liability of being sued by an injured employee. Any franchise that serves food should also have food contamination insurance. Food contamination is a constant risk in the restaurant industry and causes expenses
policies if a claim exceeds their maximum payout. And loss of business income insurance will cover your losses while you recover from an adverse event like a natural disaster.
Most importantly, ensure you’re working with an expert who can help you understand what insurance
beyond liability for medical bills. Anyone with employees should also take out an employment practices liability policy to protect against discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination claims.
your business needs and the potential consequences of not having it. No one likes to spend large amounts of money on a “maybe.” But it certainly beats the alternative of being unprepared.
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Time to Let Go When to Sell Your Franchise It’s hard to say goodbye, but many franchise owners eventually will. They might decide it’s finally time to retire. Or perhaps the money will be invested in a new and exciting business venture.
a sale after you’ve found a buyer and buy the business themselves. The process can scare off many potential buyers. And if a potential buyer doesn’t meet the franchisor’s requirements, it will end the deal before it gets started.
Unfortunately, people sometimes sell due to unforeseen circumstances like illness or disability. Regardless, when and how to walk away is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever face as a business owner. So, how do you know selling is the right move? It’s a highly personal decision, but there are some potential signs it’s time. One of them is losing passion for your business. It may be time to move on if you find the daily grind more frustrating than rewarding.
There’s also the question of timing. Naturally, you’ll want to sell your business for top dollar and not leave any money on the table. Many people choose to sell before it’s time for yet another corporate revamp of the property. Keeping fixtures, furniture, and equipment looking fresh is a big expense, and
it generally doesn’t make sense to invest so much only to walk away. Selling also makes the most sense after your busiest season, when your
It’s also worth considering whether you can give the business the attention it deserves. If other commitments prevent you from giving 100%, your business might benefit from a different owner. And sometimes, for many reasons, you might receive a crazy offer. When your business is worth much more to someone else than it is to you, you should always carefully consider your options. Once you’ve decided to sell your franchise, you’ll face unique challenges. Franchisors have a lot of oversight into how you run your business and a say in how you sell it. Many franchise agreements include a right of first refusal, meaning that a franchisor can cancel
profits will be most attractive to potential buyers.
There are countless other considerations to make when selling your franchise, so you need an expert on your side. Make sure you have a lawyer who knows the ropes and can give you the best guidance possible. And remember, if you have questions, West Coast Franchise Law is only a call away.
GRAPE, GOAT CHEESE, AND HONEY STUFFED SWEET POTATOES
TAKE A BREAK
This sweet and savory appetizer is perfect for the transition between summer and fall.
Ingredients: • 4 sweet potatoes •
Inspired by HowSweetEats.com
• •
4 oz goat cheese, divided 2 tbsp honey, plus additional for drizzling
2 cups seedless red grapes
• • •
1 tsp grapeseed oil
1/4 tsp salt, plus a pinch 1/4 tsp pepper, plus a pinch
• •
Pinch of cinnamon Pinch of nutmeg
Directions: 1.
Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. With a fork, poke holes in potatoes. Tightly wrap each in aluminum foil. 3. On a baking sheet, place potatoes and roast for 45–60 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Remove and unwrap foil. 4. With a knife, slit each potato down the middle. 5. Increase oven to 450 F. 6. On a nonstick baking sheet, drizzle the grapes with grapeseed oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and toss to coat. Roast for 20–25 minutes. 7. Using a spoon, remove sweet potato flesh while keeping shape intact. 8. In a large bowl, mash sweet potato flesh with 3 oz goat cheese, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and honey. 9. Scoop filling back into potatoes. Top with remaining goat cheese, grapes, and drizzled honey.
Solution:
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
600 Stewart Street #1300 Seattle, WA 98101
westcoastfranchiselaw.com | 206-903-0401
IN THIS ISSUE 1 2
Nate Thanks the Firm’s Staff Places to Visit Similar to Montana The Insurance Every Franchisee Needs When Is It Time to Sell Your Franchise? Grape, Goat Cheese, and Honey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Finding Your Audience Is Key
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So Many Social Media Outlets Which One Should You Use?
Twitter is the best place to have personal conversations, brainstorm, and share news. Over 59% of Twitter users are between the ages of 25–49, and 56% have completed some college courses or have a degree. Some businesses use Twitter to see what others are saying about their services and resolve any issues that occur. This is a great way to build trust with your customers and ensure that they know you care about their experience with you and your company.
A social media presence is essential to connecting with your company’s customers and prospects. But do you need every media platform to engage with others? Each outlet meets different needs and interests, so it’s crucial that you analyze which one will net the most engagement for your business. In fact, the demographic of your targeted audience will help you decide. Let’s look at the three main outlets customers use to discuss their needs and wants. Facebook is primarily used for family-friendly content. Recently, there is an added focus on business ads for networking purposes, which can help you attract more leads. The demographic on Facebook mainly focuses on individuals who are 45 years old and older. This platform is great for businesses targeting seniors, like those in the home improvement and estate planning industries Instagram was popularized by teenagers, but now over half of its users are between the ages of 25–34. Small businesses use this outlet to share upcoming events, sales, and products because of the new business feature on the app. Relationship-building is the sole focus for companies on Instagram because you can engage with customers through stories, live videos, and interactive polls.
If you want to learn more about the different demographics for each outlet, go to Blog.Hootsuite.com/Social-Media-Demographics for more in-depth analysis and statistics.
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