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Practice staying on message. Allan Iverson knows!

https://youtu.be/GRJiAWmxlUk

All too often we complicate our simple and powerful message.  We say just enough to confuse the listener. Enough to dilute the unique selling proposition.

Part of our media training is to convince clients to have tunnel vision. We choose two key points and practice delivering those two points. We also practice leading back to those two points. We role play, we videotape, we audiotape.  We really get comfortable and confident delivering that message.

An oddly great example of that “staying on message” was a press conference with basketball great Alan Iverson. At the time he was being publicly hung for missing team “practice”. He MORE THAN stays on message and the video clip has become a classic.

View and listen to the video clip. Guess the number of times he mentions “practice” and you will be entered into a raffle to win a $25 gift certificate to Starbucks.

And why the heck is he wearing a Red Sox cap?

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Volunteers needed for 6th annual Run for Faith on Sun., August 14

Volunteers are needed for the sixth annual Run for Faith, a 4.58 mile run that commemorates the life of Faith “Marcy” Romboldi. This year’s Run for Faith will take place on Sunday, August 14 at 8:30am at Plimoth Plantation.
Volunteers are needed for the sixth annual Run for Faith, a 4.58 mile run that commemorates the life of Faith “Marcy” Romboldi. This year’s Run for Faith will take place on Sunday, August 14 at 8:30am at Plimoth Plantation.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

The sixth annual Run for Faith recently announced it is looking for volunteers to work registration tables, water stations and other day-of-race functions. The 4.58-mile race will take place at 8:30 am on Sunday, August 14 from Plimoth Plantation.

“Our volunteers are the foundation of any run, but even more so with the Run for Faith. That dates back to the first year when the Run for Faith took place just before Hurricane Irene hit,” said Matt Romboldi, one of the founders of the race run in memory of his mother, Faith “Marcy” Romboldi, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2010.

Adds Romboldi, “For people who want to volunteer, we can’t guarantee the weather. We can guarantee that you can be part of a special effort to raise money for scholarships for local high school students and other local charities as well as the Dana Farber’s Yawkey Center for Cancer Care where my mother received treatment. You also might meet a celebrity or two. Joey McIntyre of the New Kids on the Block ran in last year’s and Boston Marathon Legend Bill Rodgers, who is also a cancer survivor, will be acting as grand marshal.”

In its six year history, the Run for Faith has raised more than $100,000 for the aforementioned charities. With the 6th annual Run for Faith set for Sunday, August 14, organizers are counting on year six this 4.58-mile race to break previous fundraising efforts and volunteers are a significant part of that endeavor.

Those interested in volunteering can contact Matt Romboldi at  info@runforfaithplymouth.org.

The 4.58-mile Run for Faith race loop captures spectacular views of Cape Cod Bay, the Eel River and scenic horse farms. The course features rolling hills and unmatched history.  Water stations are plentiful and the event is chip timing for more accurate time tracking. This technology also triggers a camera along the course so runners can have a photo of themselves in action during the run.  Walkers are welcome.

The entry fee to run or walk in the Run for is $25 and runners can register at www.runforfaithplymouth.org. Day of the run registration is $35.

Cash prizes will go to top three finishers, male and female, and awards will be given to top finishers for various age groups. Post-race “light refreshments” will include bananas, oranges, bagels, muffins and scones. To amuse younger family members, a jumpy house will be available. A number of vendors will be on hand to sell their wares before and after the race.

The Run for Faith is organized by Run for Faith, Inc., which is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to commemorate the special life of Faith “Marcy” Romboldi who gave so much of herself to both individuals and the community.

For more information, please visit www.runforfaithplymouth.org, or email info@runforfaithplymouth.org. You can view the course online at: http://www.mapmyrun.com/us/plymouth-ma/run-for-faith-plymouth-ma-route-115100461.

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The Future of Dry Cleaning expands further into South Boston. Lapels Dry Cleaning opens at 54 Old Colony Avenue, South Boston

New Lapels Dry Cleaning Franchise Owners Steve and Scott Goddess.
Lapels Dry Cleaning of South Boston Owners Steve and Scott Goddess.

BOSTON, MA  and HANOVER, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, opened a full-service, environmentally friendly dry cleaning plant at 54 Colony Avenue, South Boston on July 9.

“The addition of our new plant, coupled with our store, Lapels Dry Cleaning Boston Seaport, will enable us to better serve the residents and businesses in the area. For hotels and condos, having a plant nearby gives us the capability to offer a building valet service,” said Scott Goddess, the owner of Lapels Dry Cleaning Boston Seaport at 415 D Street and the new Lapels Dry Cleaning of South Boston.

Adds Goddess, “Having a local dry cleaner who uses 100 percent environmentally non-toxic cleaning solution is a great benefit to the area as well. Businesses can reduce their carbon footprint merely by keeping their dry cleaning local instead of having it transported to areas outside the city by vehicle.”

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience over the past dozen years. Part of that effort includes a partnership agreement with GreenEarth®, the dry cleaning industry’s only non-toxic cleaning alternative for its newer locations like Lapels Dry Cleaning of South Boston. Using these kinds of solutions and the latest technology in equipment, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Their environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes.

Lapels Dry Cleaning also sets itself apart with its customer service. Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and alteration services.

Lapels offers it’s customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line, the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service and FREE Home Delivery to all its customers. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

Hours at Lapels Dry Cleaning of South Boston are Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm; Saturday 8 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, 12 pm to 3 pm.

For complete information on Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Florida (Fleming Island, Orange Park, Tampa) Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Allston, Bedford, Boston, Boston Seaport, Braintree, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Hanover, Hingham, Kingston, Marshfield, Martha’s Vineyard, Natick, Needham, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Stoughton, Walpole, Waltham, Wakefield, Wellesley, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Michigan (Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield), Mississippi (New Albany, Tupelo, Pontotoc), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Edmond, Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island), Texas (Bee Cave, Brownsville). Additional locations are coming soon to Boston, MA, Burlington, MA, Canton, MA, Malden, MA, Somerville, NJ and Oxford, MS.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has received a number of accolades in the franchise world. That includes being ranked as the number one franchise in the Dry Cleaning and Delivery Services category for Entrepreneur’s Annual “Franchise 500” for 2016. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels has also achieved acclaim in the dry cleaning industry. Lapels Dry Cleaning CEO Kevin Dubois is the co-author of Entrepreneurial Insanity in the Dry Cleaning Business, sold on Amazon.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

The Future of Dry Cleaning expands further into South Boston. Lapels Dry Cleaning opens at 54 Old Colony Avenue, South BostonRead More

Rodman CPAs Volunteer a Day of Service at Camp Clark in Plymouth

Rodman CPAs Camp Clark outreach IMG_6956 2

Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm serving small, mid-market, and multi-generational companies throughout the greater Boston area, recently volunteered a day of service to “sprucing up” the grounds of Camp Clark, an Old Colony YMCA sponsored recreation camp for children in Plymouth.

A long-time supporter of Camp Clark, Rodman CPAs’ team of 17 spent six hours landscaping Camp Clark in preparation for the 1,000+ youth campers who will attend camp from the end of June to the end of August. The team, which included the firm’s president Steve Rodman and partner Tom Astore, spread 40 yards of mulch, 20 yards of sand and also painted Four Square in the playground area. The Rodman team even wore their specially designed volunteer T-shirts while working on the project.

“The Y was founded on volunteerism, and employers like Rodman CPAs who encourage volunteering is why the Y can continue to serve so many families,” said Derek Paiva, Executive Director of Old Colony YMCA.

The Rodman team spent more than 100 hours in readying Camp Clark, which according to Paiva would have taken weeks and a number of Y staff members to complete.

Paiva continued, “The Rodman team really does care and they do a great job. Having them working with us is just phenomenal.”

Community outreach is woven into Rodman CPAs’ company culture. The firm has a dedicated volunteer outreach team led by staff accountants Kate Doherty and Elysha Sturm, and every staff member has an opportunity to volunteer. Over the years, Rodman CPAs has supported a number of organizations and causes in addition to Camp Clark, including Rosie’s Place in Boston and The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE).

About Old Colony YMCA

Serving thousands of individuals and families in 31 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts, Old Colony YMCA has provided programs, camps and services designed to help people of all ages and abilities build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies. For more information, visit the website at www.oldcolonyymca.org.

About Rodman CPAs

Rodman CPAs provides tax advisory, accounting, and business strategy to small and mid-sized emerging and established businesses. Named one of Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for, and one of the largest accounting firms in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal, Rodman CPAs offers an innovative and strategic approach with the personal touch of a smaller regional CPA firm. For more than 50 years, Rodman CPAs has been specializing in customized accounting and tax solutions that improve business performance, processes, financial operations, and information technology.

The firm serves as a true business partner, helping clients perform and succeed during each stage of the business lifecycle. As domain experts in alternative energy, the “Green Team” at Rodman CPAs works with renewable energy producers and businesses throughout the U.S. offering tax advisory, financial, accounting services, and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) studies.

Rodman CPAs is an independent member firm of BDO Alliance USA, which enables them to expand services to clients by accessing the resources of BDO USA, LLP and other Alliance members, ensuring greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at http://www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Old Colony Elder Services Hosts “Creating Connections” Art Display

OCES logoOld Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Brockton in a project called “Creating Connections”.

OCES asked students in the Club’s Art Program to create posters that illustrate their cultural heritage. The young artists were treated to a pizza party at the OCES office at 144 Main Street in Brockton during which they unveiled their works. The posters will be on display for the public to enjoy on July 13, 2016 from 10 am to 2 pm in the Brockton War Memorial Building at 156 West Elm Street, Brockton.

They will then be installed on the walls of the OCES offices in Plymouth and Brockton.

“We know that, when we work as one, we move young people and communities forward. The partnership between the Boys & Girls Club of Brockton and Old Colony Elder Services demonstrates that spirit. Our work with young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens is the focus for all of our efforts. The Boys & Girls Club of Brockton allows youth and caring adult professionals the ability to join in and advocate in the name of stronger communities,” said Derek Heim, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Brockton.

“The posters exemplify our welcome statement, that OCES aspires to welcome everyone without exception,”” said Christine McLaren, Community Programs Director. “This rewarding collaboration further demonstrates OCES’ commitment and service to our entire community.”

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton and designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

About the Boys and Girls Club of Brockton

The Boys & Girls Club of Brockton (BGCB) was founded in 1990 to create a positive place for the youth of Brockton, Massachusetts. In the 25 years since, the Club has expanded its scope greatly by offering a mix of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) nationally developed programs and activities unique to our Club. Today we serve more than 1,000 youth ages 5-18 annually through our mission to nurture strong minds, healthy bodies, and community spirit through youth driven, quality programming in a safe and fun environment. For more information visit www.bgcbrockton.org

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Marathon star Bill Rodgers takes another victory lap. 6th annual Run for Faith to be held Sun., August 14, 8:30am at Plimoth Plantation

Four-time Boston Marathon winner and Olympian Bill Rodgers will once again sound the gun for the sixth annual Run for Faith, a 4.58 mile run that commemorates the life of Faith “Marcy” Romboldi. This year’s Run for Faith will take place on Sunday, August 14 at 8:30am at Plimoth Plantation.
Four-time Boston Marathon winner and Olympian Bill Rodgers will once again sound the gun for the sixth annual Run for Faith, a 4.58 mile run that commemorates the life of Faith “Marcy” Romboldi. This year’s Run for Faith will take place on Sunday, August 14 at 8:30am at Plimoth Plantation.

PLYMOUTH, MA… In its short history, the Run for Faith has become known as the Plymouth run offering something for everyone and then some. This year’s 4.58 mile rural course run will take place on Sunday, August 14, at 8:30am at the Plimoth Plantation. Boston Marathon Legend Bill Rodgers will once again fire off the starter’s pistol as the Run for Faith’s Grand Marshall.

“The Run for Faith was built on a foundation of family, community, a love of running and causes everyone can get behind—fighting cancer and scholarships for local kids. We look to continue that tradition with this year’s run,” said Matt Romboldi, one of the founders of the race run in memory of his mother, Faith “Marcy” Romboldi, who lost her battle with cancer in 2010.

To date, the Run for Faith has raised more than $100,000 for local and regional causes. That includes two annual scholarships for graduating Plymouth North and South high school seniors, an annual donation to the Dana Farber’s Yawkey Center for Cancer Care, and contributions to other local cause that were near and dear to Mrs. Romboldi, such as the Plymouth Public Library.

“This year our goal is similar previous years: to raise as much money as we can for these very worthwhile causes and make it a memorable day for everybody,” said Romboldi.

As for the run, The Run for Faith features a 4.58 mile rural course that’s challenging to both experienced and novice runners alike. First place finishers for men’s and women’s will receive $150, $100 for second and $50 for third. There will also be trophies for age group winners.

All women runners to receive tank top and men to receive TechWick T-shirt.  Chip timing will once again be embedded into runner’s number. This technology enables photos to runners to be taken. Water stations are plentiful. Walkers and runners with strollers are welcome.

Post-race “light refreshments” will include bananas, oranges, bagels, muffins and scones.  To amuse younger family members, a jumpy house will be available. A number of vendors will be on hand to sell their wares before and after the race.

The entry fee for the Run for Faith is $25 for individuals before day of the race; $35 for registration on the day of the race. One hundred percent of Run for Faith entry fees go to the aforementioned charities.

Runners can register at www.runforfaithplymouth.org. You can view the course online at http://www.mapmyrun.com/us/plymouth-ma/run-for-faith-plymouth-ma-route-115100461.

Interested sponsors can contact Matthew Romboldi at info@runforfaithplymouth.org.

Marathon star Bill Rodgers takes another victory lap. 6th annual Run for Faith to be held Sun., August 14, 8:30am at Plimoth PlantationRead More

Companies Quick to Adopt VoiceNation’s Game-Changing Open Source Answering Service Software

VoiceNation bg-logoBusinesses from a wide variety of industries have been quick to adopt OpenAnswer, VoiceNation’s revolutionary open source answering service software.

Launched last June, OpenAnswer is based on cutting edge technology and open standards without the restrictions of binding contracts, so call center owners have complete control over their operations. VoiceNation will be showcasing OpenAnswer at the 17th Annual Call Center Week Conference and Expo (booth #1228), June 27 to July 1, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Small business owners, open source developers and other Telephone Answering Service (TAS) owners who currently utilize significantly more expensive TAS software have chosen OpenAnswer.

SA Hosted and Managed Services, provider of cloud-based contact center technologies, is utilizing OpenAnswer as the core agent/operator interface for interacting with clients in their software offering, which is being rolled out and tested in AnswerNet call centers throughout North America. VoiceNation has been assisting with the support for the software solution.

“Red Cloud Inc. is now cloud hosting OpenAnswer and has integrated its TAS Call Menu and voicemail system as part of the service. They are focused on providing full hosted solutions for the Answering Service industry and working with VoiceNation on further development of the OpenAnswer product,” said Bruce Meyer, Director of IT, Red Cloud Inc., a full-service, state-of-the art communications provider for call centers and other large-volume communications businesses.

VoiceNation developed OpenAnswer to help evolve the industry away from the proprietary existing solutions that charge per seat and require binding contracts. OpenAnswer is intuitive, intelligent open source live answering software that provides the call center industry with a collaborative solution that is freely available to download, install, and modify. OpenAnswer is built on familiar open source technology like Asterisk, FreePBX, Apache, Linux, PF Sense, SIP and more.

“OpenAnswer is designed to increase operator efficiency, accuracy, and productivity. There are no licensing fees and call center owners get unlimited seats and scalability with OpenAnswer. Countless businesses and organizations have chosen OpenAnswer as their call center software solution since its launch in 2015,” explained Jay Reeder, VoiceNation’s CEO.

Earlier this year, VoiceNation captured the “Best of Show” Award at ITEXPO Florida 2016 for their OpenAnswer exhibit.

For more information, visit VoiceNation.com/OpenAnswer. For more information about Call Center Week, visit CallCenterWeek.com.

About VoiceNation

VoiceNation is a leading virtual PBX, voicemail, and innovative live answering service provider. Named “Top Provider in Industry” by PC World, the company’s cloud-based virtual phone services offer all the features of a physical PBX at a fraction of the cost or complexity of traditional technology. VoiceNation enables businesses of all sizes to compete in the marketplace as a Fortune 500 company on a small business budget with 24-hour presence management.

Founded in 2002, VoiceNation is a privately-held company that serves more than 50,000 customers including Comedy Central, Delta, Dunkin’ Donuts, Rolls Royce, and StateFarm. The company also provides qualified non-profit, tax-exempt charities with access to voicemail, faxmail and other specialized communication services at reduced cost through their Care2Call outreach program. To learn more about VoiceNation, visit www.voicenation.com.

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Waltham Based CPA Firm Rebrands and Announces New Name and Logo

RodmanCPAs Partners_MG_1692 copyThe Waltham, MA-based full service tax and accounting firm known as Rodman & Rodman P.C. has rebranded and officially announced their new company name, Rodman CPAs, and unveiled a new firm graphic identity.

The firm has rebranded to better reflect the firm’s growth, expertise, and comprehensive accounting and tax solutions for clients in a range of industries, including alternative energy.

Steve Rodman CPA, MST, the firm’s president, and partners Kathy Parker CPA, MST and Tom Astore CPA, JD, engaged the marketing and branding expertise of Hailer Marketing Associates and Paris Design to assist with refreshing the firm’s brand.

Initially, the Rodman team was simply looking to update their website after relocating from Newton (where they had been located for two decades) to University Office Park in Waltham. The new 8,500 square foot Waltham office nearly doubled the firm’s space and supported Rodman CPAs’ growth, while enabling them to expand their offerings and provide on-site educational and networking capabilities.

The decision to rebrand came about from a perceived need to reposition Rodman CPAs in the general marketplace – which encompassed the firm’s name change, a better definition of their scope of services, updated messaging, and the development of brand pillars and a positioning statement. All which is reflected through the new name, graphic identity, taglines, collateral, and (soon to be launched) new website.

“One of the first things that we discovered in this process was that no one referred to the firm as Rodman & Rodman P.C. The name by which they were already known and referred to in the industry was Rodman CPAs,” explained Elizabeth Hailer, who managed the rebrand project. “The relocation provided a great opportunity for the firm to transform the new space with the new brand.”

In phase one of the rebrand process, Hailer Marketing reviewed Rodman CPAs’ key priorities and conducted independent research on their market and brand, which included surveying several  constituents as well as key stakeholders. A competitive analysis and internal business strategy and assessment were completed. Phase two of the process involved developing the brand pillars, messaging and positioning statement based on the data, and collaborating with Paris Design in the build out of the firm’s identity and visuals to communicate the brand.

Rodman-Logo-DigitalThe firm’s newly designed “Rodman CPAs” graphic identity represents change and growth, while highlighting their focus on alternative energy. The “O” in Rodman uses a simple, yet refined visual that is not only memorable, but reflects how the firm helps clients perform and succeed during each stage of their business lifecycle, as does the logo tagline “Collaborative Approach. Practical Advice.”

“The process of rebranding, which involved an in-depth analysis of our goals, messaging and company culture, has taken us full circle and set us on our future path. Our enhanced brand reflects our commitment to being a strategic partner to our clients through a collaborative approach and practical advice,” explained Steve Rodman.

About Rodman CPAs

Rodman CPAs provides tax advisory, accounting, and business strategy to small and mid-sized emerging and established businesses. Named one of Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for, and one of the largest accounting firms in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal, Rodman CPAs offers an innovative and strategic approach with the personal touch of a smaller regional CPA firm. For more than 50 years, Rodman CPAs has been specializing in customized accounting and tax solutions that improve business performance, processes, financial operations, and information technology.

The firm serves as a true business partner, helping clients perform and succeed during each stage of the business lifecycle. As domain experts in alternative energy, the “Green Team” at Rodman CPAs works with renewable energy producers and businesses throughout the U.S. offering tax advisory, financial, accounting services, and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) studies.

Rodman CPAs is an independent member firm of BDO Alliance USA, which enables them to expand services to clients by accessing the resources of BDO USA, LLP and other Alliance members, ensuring greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at http://www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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A name is not only a name. Cape Cod firm launches new service to help Cape Cod businesses to determine best business entity – LLC or bust.

Attorney Tim McNamara of McNamara & Yates.
Attorney Tim McNamara of McNamara & Yates.

SANDWICH, MA…

Starting your own business involves a number of details—everything from naming your business to office supplies, setting up your books to printing business cards. Yet perhaps the most important decision—deciding what type of business entity your business will be—is made hastily by some small business owners without enough thought about future implications. That’s why McNamara & Yates, a Sandwich, MA-based law firm, has established a small business division.

“When small business owners hang up their shingle, there’s often an assumption that incorporation is necessary to make the company official,” said Business Attorney Timothy McNamara. “Depending on the type of business, incorporating may not be the way to go. That’s why we felt our firm needed a special division to offer this kind of service.”

The most common entity choices for small business owners fall into three categories: sole proprietor, limited liability corporation or LLC and S-Corporation. Many variables factor into what’s the appropriate choice for a particular business. The most notable is risk.

“If you are talking about a one-person operation, the most obvious reason to choose an LLC or S-Corp has to do with risk. Should something go wrong during the course of your business, the LLC or S-Corp designation protects you from potential liability suits where the plaintiff could go after your personal assets rather than those of the business,” said McNamara.

McNamara gives as an example a courier business run by a solo entrepreneur. The courier, by the nature of the business, is exposed to risk and liability throughout the course of making deliveries. That can include potential automobile accidents, damage to parcels, etc. In this situation an LLC or S-Corp would be a suitable option for that business owner.

“The courier in this example has exposures everywhere and would logically have the appropriate insurances to protect his/her business. But filing as an LLC or S-Corp further protects his/her personal assets,” said McNamara. “By contrast, a solo entrepreneur that offers a service with limited risk—let’s say a graphic designer—could reasonably decide to remain a sole proprietor.”

So how does a small business owner make the choice between an LLC and S-Corp?  That decision largely depends on the nature of the business, the future direction of the business and, of course, taxes.

“Accounting fees for an LLC usually won’t eclipse $500 or so. The S-Corp filing can be a few thousand,” said McNamara. “Another consideration is the growth of the company. Does the possibility of the company going public and having shareholders exist?”

The main distinguishing points between LLC’s and S-Corp’s, however are the tax advantages from separating wages from profits in a corporation, versus the convenience of having next to no formalities in the LLC. A business owner can reap significant tax benefits with the corporation on the one hand, but enjoys the most operational flexibility with the LLC on the other.

“S-Corp’s, for example, are required by law to have annual shareholders meetings to vote on any number of things—including the salary of the CEO, who might be a solo entrepreneur,” said McNamara. “Both LLCs and S-Corps are required to file annual reports.”

McNamara advises meeting with an attorney as part of the business formation process and before any major changes.

“Where small business owners get into some difficulty is when there’s a change in the business and they don’t consult an attorney. For example, let’s say the graphic designer decides to take out office space and have one or two freelancers work there. That’s really when they should refile as an LLC or S-Corp to protect your personal assets,” said McNamara.

For more information on business filings or for other small business questions, you can call McNamara & Yates, P.C. at call 508-888-8100.

About McNamara & Yates

Founded in 2004, McNamara & Yates, P.C. is a full-service law firm specializing in business law, estate planning, guardianship, Medicaid planning probate law and bankruptcy. Based on Cape Cod at 128 Route 6A in Sandwich, Massachusetts, McNamara & Yates are committed to providing every client with personal attention and superior legal service at reasonable rates.

For more information, contact (508) 888-8100 or visit their website at http://www.cape-law.com.

A name is not only a name. Cape Cod firm launches new service to help Cape Cod businesses to determine best business entity – LLC or bust.Read More