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SEPTEMBER 2023
Game Day Glory The Tradition and Triumph of the Clemson Tigers
Howard started to use it as a motivational tool. He’d say, “Give me 110% or keep your filthy hands off of my rock.” Since 1967, the team has started every home game by placing their hands on the rock to symbolize their dedication before running down to the field to the tune of cannons and the “Tiger Rag” fight song. It’s always a sight to behold and a rush of nostalgia when I go back to watch my team. While I loved the Tigers from the moment I set foot on campus, they weren’t always the national powerhouse they are today. All of that changed when Dabo Swinney became head coach in 2008. I still remember my friends and me grumbling when he got the position. We thought the athletic director was nuts promoting Dabo to head coach — he wasn’t even a coordinator and liked to use all these corny little sayings that annoyed me. But we couldn’t have been more wrong. Swinney had a rough upbringing, but he was still all about family. Rather than leading through fear, he used collaboration and preached love to his players. He completely rebuilt the program from the inside out and created a culture different from most other schools. Suddenly, the Tigers were no longer the underperforming team they’d been for many years. In 2011, they won an ACC championship, and the team has been in the College Football Playoff six out of eight years. I was in the stands for all four national championship games, two of which we won against Alabama. Fans have to roll with their team through good times and bad, but few disagree that it’s much more fun when your team does well, and we have Dabo to thank. Meanwhile, his sayings have grown on me. I regularly use the line “Do common things in an uncommon way” with my team at our firm. Another favorite is “Let the light that shines in you be brighter than the light that shines on you.” I think that’s an important lesson for us all. I hope all of the other college football fans out there have a great season, and I wish you and your team all the best — as long as your team isn’t lining up against the Clemson Tigers.
If you’re a football fan, September can only mean one thing: the start of a new season! I support my undergraduate alma mater by rooting for the Clemson Tigers, and I plan my weekends around the games. Whatever else happens on Saturday will depend on when the Tigers play. Like many Southern kids, I grew up with college football. Since I was born and raised in Knoxville, I grew up going to Tennessee Volunteer football games in Neyland Stadium and was a die-hard Vols fan. But once I enrolled at Clemson University, my allegiances changed quickly. Clemson is located in Clemson, SC. and is very much a “college town” where football is the big show. And what a show it is! Clemson has many long-standing traditions, and it wouldn’t be a Clemson game day without them. Every home game starts with the team “running down the hill” at Memorial Stadium, better known as Death Valley. The team loads up into buses and drives around the stadium before being dropped off at the top of the stadium’s hill, next to Howard’s Rock. Howard’s Rock is originally from the real Death Valley in California and was given as a gift to famed coach Frank Howard. Through a circuitous history,
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YOUR PURCHASE: EXPERT TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME CAR BUYERS
Pro Tip: If you are purchasing a used car, don’t forget to check CARFAX for the vehicle’s crash history, mileage, service history, and exterior and interior condition. DON’T FORGET INSURANCE AND REGISTRATION. As soon as you purchase a vehicle, you will need to insure and register it with your nearest department of motor vehicles!
RESEARCH AND WEIGH YOUR OPTIONS. The industry is vast! After you’ve established how much you are able to spend, you can begin to do your homework and find a car with the features that fit your needs. Pro Tip: Some questions to ask yourself are what will your vehicle be used for, how much commuting will you be doing, what are some necessary features, and how much space do you need?
For many, their first taste of freedom is purchasing their first car. It’s an exciting milestone and a huge financial decision. To help make the process easier and ensure you know what to expect, here’s a guide for parents and teens when purchasing their first vehicle. ESTABLISH A BUDGET. What can you afford? Today, the price of a new set of reliable and safe wheels is high. Even the cheapest new vehicle on the market is upwards of $15,000. Determine if a new or used car fits your price range and whether or not financing is a smart option. Pro Tip: Check out vehicle listings on Facebook, Craigslist, and OfferUp — sometimes, you can land a great deal. Just be sure to do your research and bring a friend along when you test drive the vehicle, for both safety reasons and another opinion.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget this cost when considering your budget! These fees add up.
DON’T SKIP THE TEST DRIVES. A test drive is essential, especially when purchasing your first
vehicle. During this check for roadworthiness, you will see that each car drives differently. It’s important to get a feel for how each one handles and rides.
With these tips, purchasing your new car will be fun and exciting! Most importantly, don’t forget to buckle up and practice safe driving as soon as you exit the car lot!
The Dangers of Drafting Your Own Business Contracts
WHY EXPERIENCE BEATS DIY METHODS
Every business owner signs contracts throughout the course of any given year. Documents ranging from leases, vendor agreements, and engagement agreements for services rendered are just a few examples that entrepreneurs sign on a weekly basis. Sometimes, business owners are inclined to sign contracts without reviewing or understanding the governing terms, but people should never get complacent about legally binding documents, and they certainly shouldn’t attempt to draft contracts themselves. Technically, anyone can write a contract. The law doesn’t require much more than an offer, acceptance of the offer, and two legally competent people who agree to the terms and sign off on the documents. However, it’s crucial to remember that people write contracts to memorialize the terms of a business arrangement and specify what happens in case things go wrong. A hastily drafted contract is much less effective at upholding your rights and interests than a contract drafted by a seasoned attorney. People who draft their own commercial contracts or attempt to use DIY templates often end up with ambiguous terms that leave room for interpretation. Contracts lacking specificity can be difficult or even impossible to enforce in a court, potentially leaving you without legal recourse when you need it most.
of the terms you need, some of which you may not know you need. Additionally, a lawyer can ensure you fully understand the legal ramifications of the terms in your contracts, as many people sign contracts without fully comprehending all the terms and conditions. An attorney can also help you secure more favorable terms, warn you about a bad deal, help you negotiate a better one, and offer you guidance about when you should consider walking away. An attorney can also prevent potentially costly loopholes buried in the fine print of documents by reviewing those documents before you sign them. Some parties intentionally include onerous terms in contracts as a way to exploit the other side. Hiring an attorney to review a contract can help you avoid loopholes that can and will come back to haunt you. Contracts are only useful if they’re enforceable and drafted in accordance with your best interests. A contract that is ambiguous, confusing, or written incorrectly may not be worth the paper it’s written on. Business owners can also find themselves in legal hot water if they misunderstand the terms and inadvertently breach the contract. We strongly recommend you do not write your own business contracts or sign agreements before an experienced attorney can review them in full. The team at Douglass & Runger is here to help. Call us at 901-388-5805 to schedule your confidential consultation.
There are many benefits to having a business attorney prepare your company’s contracts. First, a skilled business attorney can ensure your contracts contain all
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A Solid Foundation Why Choosing the Right Business Structure Matters All entrepreneurs have a lot to consider before launching a new venture. They need a business plan, a funding model, and a firm grasp of the marketplace. But one of their most crucial decisions relates to their business structure because the structure they choose will have ramifications for years to come. Business structure refers to a company’s legal categorization as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Each structure has advantages and disadvantages, and a new business owner who fails to understand the pros and cons of each structure risks making costly mistakes. Perhaps the most well-known impact is on a company’s taxation. For example, business owners with sole proprietorships, partnerships, and LLCs generally file taxes through their personal returns on a tax document referred to as a Schedule C. It’s simpler but could sometimes result in a higher tax rate. Corporate tax returns allow for additional write-offs that save many businesses money despite their complexities. Liability is another important consideration. Every new business hopes to avoid litigation, but no one knows what the future holds. People who operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership put their personal assets on the line and could lose them to business debt or other legal problems. LLCs and corporations usually ensure you won’t lose your house or savings accounts if the business goes south, and if done correctly, insulate you from personal liability. A company’s business structure also affects its funding. For example, corporations can issue stock shares, which makes the company more attractive to investors seeking equity in exchange for a cash infusion. Other business structures lack this ability. But there are multiple sub-types of corporations, and selecting the right one can have as many consequences as choosing your primary business structure. It is possible to change a business structure, and many individuals ultimately do change their structure. Walmart began as a sole proprietorship, while Microsoft started as a partnership. Changing your business structure can be confusing and expensive for the principals of the business. That’s why carefully considering your options and selecting the structure that will serve you best for the foreseeable future is essential. The business attorneys at Douglass & Runger have experience forming all business structure types. They can walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of each and help your company gain legal recognition to the letter of the law. Call us at 901-388-5805 to schedule a consultation today!
Honey-Pecan Chicken Breasts
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
With summer over and fall here, pecan and honey reign supreme in this sweet chicken recipe. The honey provides a perfect caramelization while pecans pack on the crunch factor!
INGREDIENTS • 2 6-oz boneless, skinless chicken breast halves • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp garlic powder • 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp butter • 3 tbsp honey • 2 tbsp finely
chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS 1. Pound chicken with a meat mallet to 1/2-inch thickness. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. 2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat butter over medium heat; brown chicken on both sides. Cook covered until chicken is no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes, turning once. 3. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with pecans. Cook covered until chicken is glazed, about 2–3 minutes. INSPIRATION “You are not a drop in the ocean, you are the ocean in a drop.” —Rumi
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1 The Clemson Tigers Roar Into the 2023 Season 2 Expert Tips for First-Time Car Buyers How DIY Contracts Can Leave You Vulnerable 3 How Business Structure Shapes Your Entrepreneurial Future Honey-Pecan Chicken Breasts 4 Simple, Affordable DIY Projects You’ll Love Inside This Issue
Get Your Home Fall-Ready SIMPLE, AFFORDABLE DIY PROJECTS YOU’LL LOVE
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT. The soft glow of a lantern or candle is the perfect way to get the cozy vibes started. Instead of succulents in the top of your pumpkin, you can set wax and a candle wick to create something unique. If you’re bored with pumpkins, try the same with acorn caps. An even simpler idea
Housewares stores are currently full of cute autumn decor, but the cost of refreshing your house’s look each season adds up quickly. Fortunately, you can do a lot for less. Many DIY crafts are not as complicated as you might think. In addition to saving money, you’ll create personalized charm none of your neighbors can match. REPURPOSE YOUR PUMPKINS. Small gourds are incredibly versatile. Just sprinkling a few around your dining room table or mantle makes it feel like fall. But you can quickly elevate them using metallic paint to add cute designs, phrases, or names. Another option is to wrap seasonal fabric around them like a pouch, gathered at the stem. If you feel more ambitious, you can also use pumpkins to make succulent planters. Cut a crater in the top of the pumpkin, pop in the succulent and soil, and press the dirt until snug.
involves glazing real or fabric leaves on the outside of mason jars with craft glue. Then add decorative stones and a wax or battery-operated tealight for a seasonal twinkle. DECORATE YOUR DOOR. Wreaths are a DIY staple for several reasons. They’re easy for beginners to make and can set the tone for your home by offering visitors an autumnal focal point. You can buy a variety of starter wreaths at the craft store, so find one that suits your taste. Then pick up other supplies like leaves, pine cones, dried corn, and ribbon. Now you’re ready to hot glue to your heart’s content and create something distinctive. If you need further ideas, look closer the next time you shop. Many of the fun fall items for sale aren’t very difficult to make yourself with a few minor adjustments and a little creativity.
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