Chronicles i COUNCIL
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SEPTEMBER 2019
ALesson in Business Acumen
WHEN I FIRST STARTED HELPING OUT AT THE CAR LOT AROUND THE AGE OF
E ducation comes in many forms. With back-to-school season in full swing, I have to acknowledge the incredible impact teachers and educators have on the lives of our young people. I would not be where I am today without the guidance and mentorship teachers have offered me over the years. Today, however, I want to talk about a different kind of education, one that I’ve grown to appreciate more and more over the years. 14, IT WAS MOSTLY AS FREE LABOR DOING MENIAL TASKS. EVENTUALLY, MY GRANDFATHER BEGAN TO KICK ME A FEW BUCKS HERE AND THERE. THE REAL VALUE, THOUGH, CAME IN THE FORM OF SKILLS I LEARNED FROM WATCHING HIM WORK.”
FROM A GRANDFATHER WHO KNEW HOW TO TREAT PEOPLE
grandfather began to kick me a few bucks here and there. The real value, though, came in the form of skills I learned from watching him work. He taught me how to deal with invoices, billing, and other important business operations. He took me to car auctions and showed me how to assess the value of a deal. He wasn’t operating on a huge budget, so he needed to invest wisely. Most of all, he demonstrated to me what good customer service looked like. My grandfather didn’t have the fanciest shop
I didn’t realize it at the time, but those lessons from the car lot are some of the best I’ve ever learned. Many attorneys struggle with the nonlegal aspects of running a firm. They don’t teach this stuff in law school, after all. You can be the best lawyer in the world, but it won’t matter much if you stink at running a business. Lucky for me, I had a great education in both the law and business aspects of running a practice. The former came from school, but the latter was more of a family affair. Oh, and knowing a bit about cars definitely doesn’t hurt when you are working with clients who’ve been in an auto accident. In honor of all the teachers out there, both official and unofficial, I want to encourage you to never stop learning. Education doesn’t have to happen in a classroom, and you’re never too old to do some studying.
In the late 1950s, my maternal grandparents owned and ran a local social club in Rimini, South Carolina, called Cozy Corner. Although I wasn’t around to experience Cozy Corner firsthand, I’ve heard numerous stories about how it was definitely a special
on the block, but people trusted him and he delivered on his promises. He was friendly, welcoming, helpful, and diplomatic, even in the toughest of times. His fleets of vehicles were always of good value, and people appreciated his honesty and dependability. In a world where used car salesmen are a cliche
place. My grandfather, Merrit Conyers, later opened a car lot. It was there I got my first on-the- ground training in entrepreneurship.
of dubious business practices, my grandfather stood out as an example of how to do things right. People didn’t even really think of him as a business owner; he was just “Mr. Merrit,” the charming man who could help with your auto needs.
–Lashonda Council- Rogers, Esq.
When I first started helping out at the car lot around the age of 14, it was mostly as free labor doing menial tasks. Eventually, my
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NEGLIGENT SECURITY IS A CRIME WHY PROPERTY OWNERS NEED TO CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT Georgia law states that it is the responsibility of a property owner to safeguard their property. This rule extends to all types of establishments, such as apartment complexes or nightclubs. When security is lax, terrible events can occur. Nobody should be the victim of robbery, assault, or another crime because a seemingly safe environment was dangerous. If and when a tragedy does happen, it’s important to know how you can seek justice on behalf of yourself or a loved one.
If you feel like you’ve hardly seen your kids since the school year started, you’re not alone. Americans are way too busy — from childhood onward, we’re always running hither and thither, packing in as many after-school activities, work-related meetings, and social engagements as possible. It’s a problem so pervasive that it has a name: time scarcity. Families feel time scarcity keenly after school starts in September, when children’s schedules explode with engagements. But all hope for close ties isn’t lost; there are ways to stay connected with your spouse and kids, even in an increasingly busy world. Here are some ideas from counselors, teachers, and psychologists who claim to have mastered the art. REMEMBER YOUR RITUALS Rituals make up the backbone of individual families and society at large. Most people wouldn’t dream of abandoning their holiday traditions, so why forgo the smaller rituals that bring families together? Whether it’s eating dinner at the same table each evening, watching a movie together every Thursday night, or going on a monthly getaway, make sure these traditions aren’t canceled. If your family doesn’t have many rituals, a great way to connect is to start some. MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT As cliche as it sounds, when you don’t have much time together, it’s crucial to be present for every minute of it. If you have a rare half hour at home with one of your kids, make a point to spend it in the same room and try to start a conversation. If you squeeze in a romantic dinner with your spouse, turn off your phones before the food comes. Listening to each other without distractions will strengthen your relationship. HUG IT OUT Physical contact is vital for closeness. When you get the chance, hug your kids, hold hands with your spouse, and do physical activities as a family, like hiking, biking, or even playing group sports. It’s been scientifically proven that physical closeness leads to emotional closeness, so if you’re low on time, take advantage of that shortcut! STAYING CONNECTED HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMI LY CLOSE I N A BUSY WORLD
ADEQUATE SECURITY MEASURES
Security should be a major concern for business and property owners alike to ensure the safety of the customers and tenants who support their businesses. Lights, cameras, locks, and gates all contribute to the security profile of a given property. When it comes to hiring security personnel, businesses and property managers should
thoroughly vet any potential employee. Failure to do so can create a situation that’s just as bad as having no security staff at all.
SPOTTING A THREAT
While the legal responsibility to create a safe environment lies with the property owner and manager, it never hurts to practice personal vigilance. If you notice the security gate at your apartment complex is broken, call the management and demand it be fixed immediately. If a nightclub you plan to visit doesn’t have security at the door, go somewhere else. Identifying red flags amid your surroundings will minimize your risk of being hurt.
WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG
We hope your safety is never endangered due to lack of security, but, in the event that it is, we want to help. The attorneys at Council & Associates, LLC have the skills, experience, resources, and knowledge to ensure that your best interests are protected as we seek justice on your behalf and strive to make our community a better, safer place.
If you’ve been injured as the result of negligent security, call our office at 404.465.1252 for a free case evaluation.
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The 4-Legged Heroes of
Ground Zero
HONORING THE CANINES OF 9/11 Fortunately, the sacrifices these dogs and their handlers made did not go unnoticed. Many dog owners were inspired to earn their search and rescue certifications after the events of 9/11, promising to aid in future disasters and hopefully lessen the impact of such catastrophes. After 9/11, various researchers conducted many studies examining the effect this kind of work has on animals, both physically and mentally. Many of these studies wouldn’t be possible without the AKC Canine Health Foundation, so if you’re looking to give back this September, visit them at their website to see how you can help: AKCCHF.org .
In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, thousands of New Yorkers took to the streets to clear rubble, offer supplies, and search for survivors. It was a powerful act of resilience in a deeply trying time, and while most of the individuals helping with the disaster stood on two feet, more than 300 canines also answered the call to service.
Dogs of all breeds and backgrounds, including search and rescue dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs, were brought in to help find and care for survivors in the wake of the destruction. They worked tirelessly alongside rescue crews as they searched through the debris. Search and rescue dogs and their handlers worked 12–16-hour days, searching for survivors and victims. They worked through dangerous conditions: Many dogs burned their paws as
they dug through hot rubble, and both handlers and canines inhaled toxic dust. The task was both physically and mentally exhausting for the dogs during their shifts. Some dogs that found deceased victims refused to eat or interact with other animals. Search and rescue dogs became increasingly stressed and depressed the longer they searched without any results, mirroring their handlers. It wasn’t uncommon for handlers to stage mock “findings” of survivors to keep the dogs’ spirits up.
WIDER STYLE Whether we care to admit it or not, our clothes communicate a lot about who we are. When somebody meets you for the first time, they can’t help but analyze your wardrobe. Because your attire goes a long way in creating a memorable first impression, you want to make sure your style game is on point, whether you’re heading to a business meeting or dinner with friends. Wider Style, a personal styling service based in Atlanta, is here to help you do just that. “I’m not here to push you into the hottest styles or trends just because they’re hot,” says owner and founder, Morgan A. Wider. “I’m here to help you finally see yourself through clothes.” Wider first got the idea to start her company after discovering for herself how much the right clothing choices could enhance her self-confidence. She wants to help others feel empowered in their clothes and project their best selves. To achieve that goal, Wider Style offers a number of different services. Wider can help you with everything, including purging that messy closet or planning killer ensembles for all occasions. No matter the offering you choose, you can count on personal advice tailored to your needs and style preferences. Local Business Spotlight
Diane von Furstenberg once said, “Style is something each of us already has; all we need to do is find it.” Morgan A. Wider can help you find your style and project it to the world with confidence and grace. Head to WiderStyle.com for more information on her awesome services.
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Inside
FROM CAR LOT TO LAW OFFICE 1 HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY CLOSE IN A BUSY WORLD
WHEN SECURITY ISN’T SECURE 2 HONORING THE CANINES OF 9/11
DRESS FOR SUCCESS WITH WIDER STYLE 3 A PREVIEW OF THE NBA SEASON 4
AND WHERE IT LEAVES THE ATLANTA HAWKS The Craziest Off-Season in NBAHistory
Nearly as soon as Kawhi Leonard led the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA Championship, focus shifted to the league’s impending free-agent madness. With generational talents like Anthony Davis,
Kevin Durant, and even Leonard himself changing teams, the balance of power in the league has been completely restructured. It’s anyone’s guess who will emerge as championship contenders for the 2019–20 season, but it’s likely that the playoff picture will look different than it did in years prior.
The next step for the team has to be nurturing that
young talent and filling out the roster with savvy role players who can win games. Perhaps one of the impending All-Stars on the squad will turn into one of the league’s dominant forces. Even if they don’t, though, Atlanta is poised to
Where do the seismic roster changes leave our hometown team? Sadly, the Hawks didn’t secure any marquee names during free agency, but their current rebuilding project seems to be moving apace. With a youthful core of Trae Young, John Collins, and Kevin Huerter, the team has a solid foundation to build upon. The Hawks did exceedingly well in this year’s draft, picking up two top-10 prospects in Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hunter and earning accolades from basketball journalists.
Of course, future potential is not the same thing as current dominance. Even the most optimistic analysts predict the Hawks to do little more than scrape into the playoffs this year. But for the first time in a while, the mood surrounding the team is resoundingly positive. After two years spent dwelling in the cellar of the Eastern Conference, almost any amount of improvement will suffice. Since joining the franchise in 2017, General Manager Travis Schlenk has proven adept at assembling an exciting roster of young talent.
be a marquee free-agent destination for years to come. In a world where great players have more and more of a say where they play, that’s a very promising sign indeed.
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