Cleburne Legal Blog

Laying the foundation for your company's future success

On behalf of Cain & Associates on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.

Every business is different, and what you will need to do to ensure your Texas company's success depends on what you hope to accomplish, the type of business you plan to start and multiple other factors. The choices you make during the business formation process will impact your company for years to come. It's smart to know how you can make decisions that will lay the foundation for your future success.

There is a lot to think about and consider during the business formation stage, but you do not have to walk through it alone. There is significant benefit in having experienced guidance from the earliest stages of your business, lowering the chance of costly missteps or regrettable decisions. There is a lot at stake during this stage, but you can take steps now that will greatly benefit you in the future.

Is a merger or acquisition best for your company?

On behalf of Cain & Associates on Wednesday, April 3, 2019.

Like most business owners, you are probably always on the lookout for ways to improve or expand your company. No matter how long you have been in business, you understand that the world can move quickly around you, and standing still can mean becoming obsolete. This is what motivates you to keep current with the trends of your industry and stay alert for new opportunities.

If you have learned that the fate of another Texas business is on the line, you may wonder if this is the right opportunity for you. The other business may be struggling to remain solvent, seeking to sell or looking for a company to partner with, among other circumstances. It is possible that this could be just the chance for you to grow your business, but you must first gain as much information as possible about your options.

A small business and a startup are not the same

On behalf of Cain & Associates on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

Wanting to start a business is an admirable goal. You likely already understand that you will have a lot of difficulties to face as you work to achieve this goal. Fortunately, having the right information about where to start could help you immensely.

As you think about your future company, you may want to decide whether you want to create a small business or a startup. This decision may seem unnecessary because you may have thought that a small business and a startup were the same, but that is not the case. Knowing the difference between the two could help you decide your business path.

Are you considering using restricted stock for your company?

On behalf of Cain & Associates on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.

Running a company has its ups and downs. If you have recently gotten your company off the ground, you may not have garnered substantial success as of yet. However, you may have reached a number of important milestones and feel that your company is well on its way to making it big.

As your company grows and you bring in more parties, you may consider the use of stocks in your business. One area that you may have a particular interest in is the use of restricted stock. As a small company, restricted stock may prove more useful to your business.

Is a former employee stealing your clients and staff?

On behalf of Cain & Associates on Monday, January 7, 2019.

When a customer comes into a business and steals an item from the shelves, the business suffers a loss. A prudent business owner will take steps to prevent such theft and even to pursue restitution from someone who commits the offense. However, in some Texas businesses, there is a type of theft that may have an even more devastating effect on the business.

An ex-employee who steals clients and other employees can quickly send your business into a tailspin. You may find your production grinding to a halt while you try to fill vacancies on your staff, and your profits may plummet as your customers jump ship. Like the prudent store owner, there are steps you can take to prevent this type of theft and options for seeking justice.

Protect your business in breach of contract matters

On behalf of Cain & Associates on Tuesday, December 11, 2018.

Contracts are useful way to protect the interests of your company. Unfortunately, however, other parties may deviate from the terms of the agreement or refuse to follow the terms of the contact. A breach of contract is more than just an inconvenience – it is a threat to the well-being of your Texas business.

It is in the interests of all business owners to understand how to proceed when contract matters do not go as planned. You have the right to take action, enforce the terms of the contract and seek a beneficial resolution to the matter. There are various remedies that may be available to you, including securing damages.

Are you ready to create a buy-sell agreement?

On behalf of Cain & Associates on Monday, November 5, 2018.

Owning a business means understanding that you will not always be around to run the company. The time may come when you choose to retire, or you may suffer from a disabling event in the future or pass away, any of which will make it impossible for you to continue owning and operating the company.

Because such possibilities exist, having a buy-sell agreement in place could greatly benefit your business. This document would allow you to have arrangements in place for the continuation of the business in the event of your retirement, disability, passing or other event that prevents you from moving forward with the company.

Contracts for your employees could be good for your business

On behalf of Cain & Associates on Wednesday, October 10, 2018.

Texas business owners understand there are various challenges associated with owning and operating a small business. One of the unique issues you may have to address is how to deal with your employees. Regardless of the type of company you have, it can prove beneficial to draft employment contracts.

Employment contracts are a simple yet effective way you can protect your company and prevent many types of complications in the future. Written contracts provide both parties with significant benefits as they allow for everyone involved to know and understand their rights and obligations. If you do not have employment contracts or believe you should implement these in the future, it can be helpful to understand how to draft effective and enforceable agreements.

Working with vendors can help your company grow

On behalf of Cain & Associates on Tuesday, September 11, 2018.

Though you may have been the one with the great idea for a service or product, you likely understood from the beginning that your business venture could not move forward without the help of others. Even if you had the ability to carry on for a certain amount of time without seeking assistance from outside your inner circle, your success may mean you need to work with vendors, suppliers or manufacturers.

While you may feel a bit intimidated by working with outside companies, you may want to recognize this moment as the milestone that it is. This needed action likely means that your business has grown to a point that you cannot fulfill the necessary operational needs on your own, and that is a point about which to feel proud. Of course, you may still feel apprehensive about working with the right suppliers.

Protecting your business when you need to let an employee go

On behalf of Cain & Associates on Thursday, August 9, 2018.

It's never easy to terminate an employee. Even if you have clear cause to do so, you may wonder about the potential ramifications of your actions. You may wonder if it will somehow affect your business, especially if the employee was subject to a non-compete or non-disclosure agreement. You may wonder whether he or she will file a wrongful termination claim against you, even though the law is on your side.

Truthfully, these are very real risks when you terminate an employee. However, you may be able to take steps to help ensure that your employee departs on the best terms possible. In some cases, you may have time to properly document a termination, but in others, that opportunity simply doesn't exist. How you address the situation could make all the difference.