Business SOS! Common Legal Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them

In this special two-part series, Rich Sierra kicks off the first Business SOS! episode of 2026 with a unique travel-focused conversation. Joined by his wife and co-host Sharon Sierra, Rich shares their personal experience traveling to Portugal with LLV Travel (Luxury Lifestyle Vacations) before introducing the founders, Pepe and Claudia Aguirre.  In this episode of Business SOS!, Rich Sierra...

In this special two-part series, Rich Sierra kicks off the first Business SOS! episode of 2026 with a unique travel-focused conversation. Joined by his wife and co-host Sharon Sierra, Rich shares their personal experience traveling to Portugal with LLV Travel (Luxury Lifestyle Vacations) before introducing the founders, Pepe and Claudia Aguirre. In this episode you are introduced to LLV Travel—a c...

We are revisiting Episode 59 Special Guest: Jamie Diaz, President of Dynamite Dog Training Center, Inc. Jamie owns the largest dog training center in South Florida with centers in Deerfield Beach, Jupiter, Delray Beach and opening a new location in Fort Lauderdale. As a long term client of the Florida Small Business Legal Center, Jamie shares her insights on challeges she faced as an entrepreneur...

Buying an existing business can look like the perfect shortcut to success — established customers, cash flow, and systems already in place. But what many buyers don’t realize is that some of the most dangerous risks are the things sellers don’t tell you. In this episode of Business SOS!, business attorney Rich Sierra, President of the Florida Small Business Legal Center, breaks down the hidden fin...

Being deposed is one of the most critical — and most stressful — moments in any business lawsuit. In this episode of Business SOS!, attorney Rich Sierra, President of the Florida Small Business Legal Center, explains how to prepare effectively for your deposition, what opposing counsel is trying to do, and the mistakes that can destroy your case. Rich breaks down exactly what business owners shoul...

Being deposed is one of the most critical — and most stressful — moments in any business lawsuit. In this episode of Business SOS!, attorney Rich Sierra, President of the Florida Small Business Legal Center, explains how to prepare effectively for your deposition, what opposing counsel is trying to do, and the mistakes that can destroy your case. Rich breaks down exactly what business owners shoul...

Is your business stuck in a lawsuit that’s draining time, money, and energy? You’re not alone. Most small business owners don’t realize how fast litigation costs pile up — even when they’re right. In this episode of Business SOS!, attorney Rich Sierra, President of the Florida Small Business Legal Center, breaks down: • Why lawsuits become money pits • The five biggest money leaks in litigation •...

 Florida Business Lawyer Rich Sierra interviews Kate Delaney, who is an award-winning National broadcast personality who has interviewed over 16,000 people, including US Presidents and countless of celebrities and sport legends in her twenty-years in her radio and television career. She won an Emmy for her special report on the AIDS epidemic in New Mexico and several Golden Mics for a series...

Episode 31: Florida Small Business Lawyer Rich Sierra interviews Mike Sierra and Caroline Castille. These two successful entrepreneurs are partners in business and in life and share with us proven strategies to improve your digital marketing strategy and how a business can significantly improve its cash flow through an "Email On Performance" campaign. You can reach Mike and Caroline through https:...

You’ve received your Trial Order, and now the clock is ticking — deadlines, discovery, and witness prep are suddenly all due at once. Why does trial preparation take so long? Why does it cost so much? In this episode of Business SOS!, attorney Rich Sierra, President of the Florida Small Business Legal Center, breaks down what’s inside a Trial Order, the purpose behind each deadline, and why trial...

Have you protected your business from the unexpected? In this episode of the Business SOS! podcast, attorney Rich Sierra breaks down the essential insurance policies every small business needs to survive lawsuits, disasters, and everyday risks.  From general liability to cybersecurity coverage, Rich explains the real-world importance of each policy — and the costly mistakes business owners ma...

In this episode, Rich Sierra, President of the Florida Small Business Legal Center, breaks down one of the most serious — and costly — mistakes business owners make: misclassifying employees and failing to pay wages properly. Rich explains how treating workers as “independent contractors” when they are actually employees can trigger IRS audits, back wage claims, and even personal liability under t...

In this episode of Business SOS!, attorney Rich Sierra, President of the Florida Small Business Legal Center, exposes the harsh truth behind representing yourself in court. Many business owners think they’re saving money by skipping legal representation — but the reality is, it can cost them everything. Rich walks you through the hidden dangers of going “pro se,” from missed deadlines and procedur...

Franchises can be a great opportunity—but they can also drain your savings if you don’t know what to look for. In this episode of the Business SOS! podcast, attorney Rich Sierra continues the franchise series with the last 11 disclosures (Items 13–23) in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). You’ll learn: ✅ How trademarks, patents, and intellectual property factor into franchise rights ✅ Why...

Thinking about buying a franchise? Before you sign anything, you need to understand how franchises work and what legal risks come with them. In this episode of the Business SOS! podcast, attorney Rich Sierra breaks down the basics of franchising and the first 12 required disclosures in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) under the FTC Franchise Rule. You’ll learn: ✅ What makes a business a “f...

A business plan isn’t just a tool to get a loan or impress investors—it’s your legal safety net. In this episode of the Business SOS! podcast, Rich Sierra, President of the Florida Small Business Legal Center, explains how a well-crafted business plan can help you avoid costly disputes and protect your business. From clarifying ownership and partnership roles to ensuring compliance with state and...

Discovery is the battleground where lawsuits are won or lost—and yet, many business owners walk right into traps that can destroy their case. In this episode of the Business SOS! podcast, Rich Sierra breaks down the first five fatal mistakes business owners make when responding to discovery requests. You’ll learn what Requests for Production, Interrogatories, and Requests for Admissions really are...

Business disputes are stressful, expensive, and time-consuming. But how do you know when to settle and when to fight? In this episode of the Business SOS! Podcast, Rich Sierra, business attorney and host, breaks down the smartest strategies to manage legal battles without destroying your company. You’ll learn: ⚖️ How to evaluate risk vs. reward before suing ⚖️ The hidden emotional and financial co...

Your contracts may be putting your business — and personal assets — at risk without you even realizing it. In this episode of the Business SOS! Podcast, Rich Sierra, President of the Florida Small Business Legal Center, reveals the 10 hidden contract traps that can cost you thousands and even jeopardize your business. You’ll learn: ⚠️ How non-compete and non-solicitation clauses restrict your futu...

Thinking about filing a lawsuit? Before you head to court, you need to understand the real challenges, risks, and strategies behind suing someone. In this episode of the Business SOS! podcast, Rich Sierra, business attorney and host, breaks down everything business owners need to know when considering legal action. You’ll learn: ⚖️ The hidden costs of suing someone (and how to budget realistically...

Thinking about filing a lawsuit? Before you head to court, you need to understand the real challenges, risks, and strategies behind suing someone. In this episode of the Business SOS! podcast, Rich Sierra, business attorney and host, breaks down everything business owners need to know when considering legal action. You’ll learn: ⚖️ The hidden costs of suing someone (and how to budget realistically...

What does it take to turn passion into a purpose-driven business? In this episode of Business SOS!, Rich Sierra and co-host Sharon Sierra sit down with Andrezza Façanha and Edgar Estevez to learn how they launched and now run Andrezza Façanha BJJ Academy as a husband-and-wife team. They discuss the realities of running a family-owned martial arts school — from launching the business, defining role...

In this episode of Business SOS!, Rich Sierra is joined by special co-host Sharon Sierra — a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and blue belt in BJJ — to interview Andrezza Façanha and Edgar Estevez, founders of Andrezza Façanha BJJ Academy. They share how their academy is empowering students through women’s self-defense programs, inclusive training, wellness, and community outreach. From nerv...

Thinking of buying a business? Don’t do anything until you hear this! In this essential episode of Business SOS!, attorney Rich Sierra reveals five fatal mistakes that could turn your dream purchase into a financial nightmare. From failing to conduct proper due diligence to buying the wrong structure, skipping legal protections, and ignoring lease or licensing issues—these are the costly errors th...

Are you unknowingly putting your business—and personal assets—at risk? In this eye-opening episode of Business SOS!, attorney Rich Sierra breaks down five shocking legal mistakes that can cripple or even destroy your business. From failing to maintain proper legal structure to ignoring wage laws and using poorly written contracts, these are the landmines every business owner needs to avoid. Learn...