Dolly Parton, the passing of another entrepreneurial spirit

I wrote this post last October on the occasion of Jane Goodall’s death, paying tribute to her numerous business and philanthropic ventures, driven by not only by her desire to create a better environment for animals, our ecosystem, and those who study and preserve it, but also by a genuine entrepreneurial spirit. This summer, the world lost another amazing and innovative businesswoman embodying those same qualities – kindness, generosity, creativity, savvy, and – of course – a true entrepreneurial spirit. Today, I’d like to pay tribute to Dolly Parton, who died on August 25, 2026.

What You Always Wanted to Know About ROFRs But Were Afraid to Ask

The term ROFR (pronounced “ROH-fur”), or R-O-F-R, is often bandied about by legal professionals, business parties, and courts in connection with business and real estate matters without any additional context or explanation of exactly what it is they are referring to. Before you do an internet search and end up listening to this guy, let me explain what a ROFR is. It’s an acronym for a legal entitlement called a right of first refusal.  While the name itself sounds, and admittedly somewhat is, self-explanatory, a ROFR is much more than merely a right to “refuse” something.

Getting to the Bag: SBA Puts $20 Million Up for Small Businesses

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently launched its 2026 Critical Suppliers Prize Competition, putting up to $20 million in non-dilutive funding to U.S. small businesses. The initiative targets businesses positioned to strengthen critical supply chains and level up domestic production. With only four to six winners expected to make the cut and individual awards potentially reaching $6 million, the stakes—and the opportunity—are high.

Planning for Success(ion)

My wife and I had our first child late last year. As any new parent quickly discovers, having a baby comes with an impressive list of things to worry about. Some are immediate and often. Is he eating enough and when did he last eat? Why won’t he sleep? Why is he crying? Does he like me? Is having the TV on really that bad for him? 

Others are considerably less immediate, but much more uncomfortable. What happens to him if something happens to me?

The California Non-Compete Myth: What Startup Founders Should Focus on Instead

California's Longstanding Skepticism of Non-Competes

California has long taken a different approach to employee mobility than many other states. As a general rule, agreements that prevent employees from engaging in a lawful profession, trade, or business after leaving employment are unenforceable. For startup founders, this often comes as a surprise.

The 4th of July and the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Lessons from the Fireworks Stand

I recently crossed the border from Minnesota into South Dakota and didn’t need a road sign to know it. Every year, small-town sidewalks, empty parking lots, and even highway roadside corners transform into temporary centers of commerce – the fireworks stands. They seem to appear overnight: simple structures selling sparklers, rockets, and Roman candles, but behind them is a surprisingly familiar story to anyone in business.

The Fourth of July is more than a celebration of independence.

What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from the World Cup

Over the past few weeks, I’ve become World Cup obsessed (and, no, it isn’t about ranch dressing like some foreign fans…). As a fan and a former player, everything about this World Cup is interesting, and the splash of certain teams and fans have made it hard to stop engaging. I’ve watched the matches and social media posts. But, what is particularly interesting, is that some of the most talked-about teams are not necessarily the teams that will likely be lifting up the trophy in the championship game. Fans are drawn to teams (and their fans) that play (and root) with heart,