Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Starting a Business? Separate the Myths From Facts
When it comes to starting a business, many people are excited about the prospect. They get to run a company based on a product or service they care deeply about. There’s no boss to deal with and you can work the hours you want. However, running a business is not exactly easy. A lot… Read More »
Costco’s Confidentiality Policy for Misconduct Investigations Ruled Unlawful
Businesses have confidentiality agreements in place to protect them, but sometimes they go too far and can actually be deemed illegal. Costco’s internal confidentiality practices are facing scrutiny after a federal labor judge found that its approach to handling workplace misconduct investigations may infringe on employee rights. In a recent decision, the National Labor… Read More »
Florida Pub Sued for Playing Songs Without License
The music you hear in grocery stores, restaurants, pubs, and offices often requires a license. While you can listen to music in the comfort of your own home without paying, playing music for commercial use needs to be done with permission. Those who do not follow this law can be sued. In early April,… Read More »
Florida Orchestra Musicians Get Raise in New Contract
Contracts are an essential part of business. They can outline various business activities, including salary increases. Musicians with the Florida Orchestra have gotten new contracts, and it’s good news. The 68 full-time musicians received salary increases through August 31, 2029. The Florida Orchestra, based in St. Petersburg, ratified a new four-year contract with its… Read More »
Rise in Workplace Discrimination: What Companies Need to Know
Workplace discrimination charges are on the rise, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). If you own a company and have employees, this is something that affects you. There were 88,531 new workplace discrimination cases filed in FY 2024. That’s almost a 10% increase from 2023. Between 2021 and 2024, there was an… Read More »
Building Business Credit as a Sole Proprietor
Sole proprietorships have their advantages. They are easy to set up. There are low costs and little paperwork involved. Plus, dissolving a sole proprietorship is pretty straightforward. However, there’s one area where sole proprietorships struggle: money. Corporations and LLCs have a much easier time getting credit and loans. It’s more challenging for sole proprietorships… Read More »
Buying a Small Business
If you’re an entrepreneur looking for your next business opportunity, you may have questions about the process. You may want to look at existing businesses to buy, but how do you find them? Franchises are good options, but they have limitations in terms of creativity. You have to follow the company’s rules of operation,… Read More »
What is the Secret to Startup Success?
Starting a business can be exciting, but it’s no lie that it’s also chaotic. Entrepreneurs often face economic uncertainty and running a business can be confusing when technology is always changing and customers are always switching up their expectations. It can be frustrating that artificial intelligence (AI) appears to be the wave of the… Read More »
Dealing With Business Contracts in the Face of Tariffs
Since President Donald Trump took office in January, he’s been causing a lot of chaos, to say the least. Budget cuts and layoffs have made news. The current hot topic is his imposition of tariffs. Executive Order 14098 has imposed a 10% tariff on virtually all imports to the United States, changing global commerce… Read More »
Most Common Legal Risks for Businesses
Many people have dreams of being their own boss, but running a business by yourself or even with a partner is not for the faint of heart. It’s not easy at all. You think working 9 to 5 for a boss is hard? Running a business is even harder. There are many laws and… Read More »