My fervor for startups began before the innovative ideas of entrepreneurs was hip. I started my own newspaper and babysitting business at 12. And I knew I was destined for law school before that.

After realizing that my stint in Washington D.C. was not going to lead to the presidency, I began my legal career practicing all aspects of employment law, advocating for both public and private sector employers in judicial courts and administrative agencies, including representation in the Department of Labor (FLSA, FMLA and OSHA), the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Agencies and the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. I have frequently spoken nationally regarding all aspects of employment (see my visitation to all 50 states below).

I moved to the “inside” for 12 years, working as an executive for a national franchisee, who was the fastest growing franchisee in the nation in 2014, growing from 3,000 to 10,000 employees in 15 states in just over one year. And that is where my love of mergers and acquisitions began.

I continued to work with startups whenever I could in whatever capacity that I could. When I had the opportunity to join ELS in early 2020 (why did everyone leave the office when I joined??), I knew I could do my little piece to help startups through their formation and financings. Most importantly to me, I could help them with the day-to-day employment and general legal issues. Remember handbooks? They are back in style. Remember when you could run an ad and easily hire someone? Now we have different laws in almost every state and even local jurisdictions governing hiring and employment. I contribute to both early-stage and established businesses, guiding them through complex employment laws and employment-related policies and procedures.

I have two grown daughters and have the benefit of two young grandchildren who keep me grounded. I haven’t trained for the Olympics like my colleague Grant, but I used to be a runner, and now I just move as far as I can as fast as I can. I have been to all 50 states, although it wasn’t part of a bucket list and I didn’t realize it until I had done it (see speaking tour, above). My passion is people and working with startups to realize their dreams and those of their employees. Yup, it’s what I have loved since I was 12.