In this episode we talk to Franchise attorney Josh Brown about the entrepreneurial aspects of franchising, particularly for immigrants.

 Listen to this show using the web player below or your podcasting app of choice.

 

 

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Josh Brown is a practicing franchise attorney who has built a legal practice around helping entrepreneurs build businesses that scale and grow.  He loves helping entrepreneurs, business owners, franchisees and franchisors build profitable businesses that reflect the owners vision and provides value to customers.  He speaks, blogs, write articles, and is the creator and host of Franchise Euphoria, a top-rated podcast on iTunes.  He has been recognized as a rising star in the Indiana legal community on two separate occasions, and most recently, a Franchise Legal Eagle by The Franchise Times.

 

In this episode you will hear:

• Before making a decision to get a franchise, it is best to review if the franchise system or the business model works for you
• Reasons why a franchisee needs an attorney
• The average agreement of a franchise is between 5-10 years
• How the franchise agreement affects the foreign national
• Best practices for the franchisee
  • Learn about the history of franchise such as the corporate structure
  • Know about geographic locations or how the territory is defined
  • Check what the current franchisees are doing
• What is the difference between:
  • The independent and dependent consultant who may or may not be connected to a franchise network
  • The franchise broker who helps a buyer/seller find people for that business

Josh Brown's parting thoughts:

• People who are considering going to the US and looking at purchasing a franchise should take the time to understand the franchise system.
• Most people rush into something for fear that the opportunity will go away. A good opportunity will still be there even after you have taken the time to look at it.

Josh Brown specializes in:

• Helping people buy franchises the right way
• Helping businesses expand and grow through the franchise model
• Assisting entrepreneurs who are looking to build something that will last and grow with a foundation

Links to resources discussed on today's show:

• iTunes link to Franchise Euphoria podcast
• Link to Josh's website 

 

In this episode we talk to immigration attorney Jason Feldman on E-2, L-1A, and EB-5 business immigration visa comparisons

 

 

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Jason Feldman is an immigration attorney at Feldman Feldman & Associates. He concentrates his practice in helping foreign nationals obtain permanent residency and nonimmigrant visas through business investments or employment. Jason is also a World champion Bridge player and has represented the United States in international competitions on numerous occasions. When not playing bridge or practicing immigration law, Jason loves to travel, surf, ski, and spend time with his wife and daughter.

In this episode you will hear:

• Foreign Nationals are as diverse as any group, so you can't have one path for all
• E-2 requirement discussion revolving around Marginally (i.e. how many jobs created)
• L-1A Requirements and distinction between a Manager, Executive and a daily participant in the new US company
• EB-5 is discussed again on this episode but in contrast to the other types
• We also discussed multi-visa immigration paths leading to residency or citizenship such as:
  • E-2 to EB-5
  • L-1A to EB-1

Jason's parting thoughts:

• Best Business Advice: Do what you love and love what you do
• Personal Success Habit: He takes every case personally 
• Parting Thoughts: Every situation is different

Jason's specializes in:

• Derivative and Family based green cards
• Employment visas for business seeking to hire foreign workers (H-1b, L-1, labor certification)
• Investor Visas (EB-5 and E-2)
• Extraordinary Ability Green Cards
• Deportation Representation
• I-9 Audits

 

In this episode we talk to tax attorney Anson Asbury on the How & Why to Disclose Offshore Bank Accounts

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Anson Asbury, J.D., LL.M., is the founder of Asbury Law Firm, an Atlanta-based tax boutique with offices in New York and Washington, D.C. Asbury Law Firm represents clients in all aspects of federal, state and international tax controversy and tax planning. Anson focuses his practice on tax controversy and litigation. He is a frequent speaker and author on federal tax matters.  Today we’re going to talk about the IRS requirements to disclosure foreign bank accounts and some of the steps people can and maybe should take to make sure they are in compliance.

In this episode you will hear:

• How long have there been requirements to disclosure foreign bank accounts?
• Who does this apply to?
• What are the basic requirements for disclosing offshore bank accounts?
• What is the risk of non disclosure?
• Three methods to return to compliance.
  • Streamlined Filing Compliance allows taxpayers to disclose delinquent unreported foreign financial holdings with minimal penalties of 5%. The program limits the lookback period for unfiled reports, avoids additional penalties that would be applied under audit, and preempts any potential criminal prosecution.  The key to the Streamlined Compliance Program is that the taxpayer’s non-disclosure was non-willful. This includes negligence, inadvertence, mistake or a misunderstanding of the applicable rules.
  • Offshore Voluntary Disclosure is still available for taxpayer’s who non-filing may have been willful or intentional. Keeping in mind that the IRS would ultimately have to prove willfulness, taxpayers with large overseas investments may still want to consider this option.
  • Filing delinquent FBARs. This guidance issued by the IRS limits this option to taxpayers who do not owe tax on any income generated from the offshore accounts. So, if the offshore assets did not produce any income or if that offshore income was fully reported on the U.S. returns applicable for the delinquent FBAR reports, then the taxpayer could just file the delinquent FBARs.  This option carries more risk and should not be taken lightly.

If you would like to reach out to Anson Asbury in regards to your tax matters, you can do so through his website at Asburylawfirm.com

In this episode we talk to business import consultant Carmenza Gonzalez on business development consulting for companies inbound to the US market

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CZA Inc., a Global Business Development Consulting firm headquartered in Winter Park, Florida, specializing in assisting foreign companies interested in entering the USA market. Also helps Florida companies export their products and services globally. She is a Certified Export Trade Specialist, a graduate of Leadership Orlando Class 60. She received her Executive MBA Certificate a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs from Rollins College. She travels abroad promoting her services, resulting on current projects in different industries such as software development, life sciences, aviation, and simulation.

In this episode you will hear:

• What is Business development consulting
• Market Research inbound
• Hand holding – invites
• Points of failure, don't execute before you engage
• Team members for success
  • Business Development Consultant
  • Immigration Attorney
  • Certified Public Accountant or International Taxation Attorney
  • A Banker that understand import/export transactions

 

Rebecca also shares with us:

• Best Business Advice: Always do the right thing. Be very honest, be clear and be specific.
• Personal Success Habits: Love what you do. Be organized. Balance personal life.
• Most Vital tool to business: Phone for personal conversations.
• Parting Thoughts: Build a team before you start marching

In this episode we talk to Attorney Guillermo Wasserman International Business Practice Opportunities, Best Practices, and Legal Challenges.

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Guillermo is a seasoned international lawyer, fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese, trained in both civil and common law legal systems, with significant experience in international business transactions, particularly with respect to Latin American markets.  He regularly assists his clients to bridge business, legal and cultural gaps in international business transactions involving a wide-range of industries and business sectors in the U.S., Latin America and beyond. He is admitted to practice law in Georgia, USA and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In this episode you will hear:

• What is “International Business Practice”
• How political boarders create opportunities
• Best practices when researching, crafting and executing a cross boarder agreement
• Legal challenges with enforcement and other unforeseen issues
• How to strategically protect intellectual property

Guillermo also shares with us:

• Best Business Advice: Due diligence, due diligence, due diligence
• Personal Success Habits: Be thorough and exercise patience
• Parting Thoughts: The world is full of opportunities… for those that prepare and are ready to work hard