Sierra Crest Business Law Group - March 2022

Sierra Crest Business Law Group - March 2022

WHAT A MESS! We guide small business owners over rocky legal terrain so they can protect and grow their companies.

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March 2022

Business Lessons From a Yardwork Explosion

It’s barely March, and I’ve already seen dozens of headlines about spring-cleaning. Usually, these feature people obsessed with organizing their closets and pantries. But you know what’s often left out? Cleaning the backyard. That’s too bad because my own backyard garden was the site of the biggest mess I’ve ever had to clean up — even counting my clients’ legal problems. The groundwork for the disaster was laid more than 20 years ago. When my wife and I moved into our current home in 1996, I spent several years building three retaining walls on the property. Two of them were well constructed with thicker rocks, and they’re still in good shape today.

First, my neighbor showed up first with his 17-year-old son, a kid in his prime who was built like an ox. Then, another friend of mine came by. He’s an attorney now, but he’s 6 feet, 4 inches and used to be a high school quarterback. Finally, my church sent over a few missionaries to assist us. The six of us worked until it was too dark to see the wheelbarrow in front of us. By the time everyone went home, there was just enough room for two cars to pass on the street! “WITHIN 30 MINUTES, ONE OF OUR NEIGHBORS CALLED THE CITY TO COMPLAIN, AND A POLICE OFFICER SHOWED UP AT OUR DOOR.” Placing those rocks consumed the rest of my summer. I bought two sheets of plywood from Home Depot that allowed me to slide the stones into place. I also called in a favor from a friend who was a stonemason. He brought over his hoist, and we used it to finesse the seven biggest rocks. The walls we built are still standing today. Thanks to that cleaning project, I learned a few things about myself. First, I discovered rocks are my medium. I really enjoyed the challenge of working with them! Second, I learned innovation is key to success. My plywood trick helped me out of a tough spot, just like innovating in my cases helps me win for my clients. Finally, I realized in backyard gardening — as in all other areas of life — I get by with a little help from my friends. If you could use a friend to help you out of your legal mess, reach out to me and my team. No matter how big or small the disaster is, we’re here to clean it up.

But I messed up on the third wall.

I built it too tall and thin, which I discovered the hard way 10 years ago. That summer, a series of rainstorms hit Reno. The soil behind the wall eroded, and multiple sections caved in! The backyard was a huge mess, but that was only the beginning. I never wanted another collapse to happen, so I decided to rebuild two thick, short walls instead of one tall, thin one. I placed an order for a large load of 1- to 2-foot rocks at the landscaping store. Here’s where I made my second mistake: I told the landscapers, “Go ahead and dump them in the street in front of our house.” They did exactly that — and oh, boy, did I regret it. The load of rock was so big it restricted the street to one lane of traffic. Within 30 minutes, one of our neighbors called the city to complain, and a police officer showed up at our door. Nancy called me and said, “Jerry, you need to come home right now!” The officer told me we needed to move enough rocks so two cars could pass each other on the street comfortably. There was no way I could do it myself, so I grabbed my beat-up wheelbarrow and called in favors.

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Spring Fever Enjoy Warm Weather While Stuck Indoors

Try working outside. If your boss will allow it, there’s probably some opportunity to do a bit of work outdoors. Meetings and conference calls might offer your best option. For in-person meetings, your coworkers will also likely relish a chance to take it outdoors. In the event of a conference call, you won’t need to convince anyone else — grab your laptop and go! It’s not the same as enjoying the weather while you’re off the clock, but it’s a lot better than being cooped up inside.

The weather is warming up, the sun is out — and you’re trapped inside. Most of us have jobs that leave us stuck indoors during spring’s prime midday hours, and it’s easy to feel like you’re missing out on the season’s best parts. Unfortunately, your boss probably won’t give you the day off just because of the gorgeous weather. So, we’ve compiled the next best thing — some tips to enjoy the season as much as you can while also getting your job done. Bring the outdoors in. When the weather is nice, open as many curtains and blinds as possible. The natural light will warm up the room and brighten your mood. While you’re at it, try opening the windows and positioning yourself near one. If you can’t be outside, the spring breeze on your face is the next best thing. Plants decrease stress, and having them on your desk might also trick your brain into feeling less cooped up. Take a break. You’ve still got to work, but that doesn’t mean you can’t sneak in a few minutes outdoors. Use your break for an outdoor stroll; if possible, you can also walk or bike to work. At the very least, park farther away to give yourself time to enjoy the weather. Volunteer to do a coffee run, pick up lunch, or take out the mail — you’ll be an office hero while catching some rays at the same time.

With any luck, these tips will help you make it to Friday with your sanity intact. And luckily, the weekend is always just around the corner.

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hearings, or a trial without representation — and if you cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court will provide you with a public defender. Ironically, to invoke your right to remain silent, you have to talk — simply not speaking isn’t considered sufficient. A person needs to say as clearly as possible that they are invoking their rights and want an attorney.

Though film and TV scripts tend to use uniform wording, there’s no required Miranda rights phrasing. Police only need to state the rights and ensure the suspect understands them. It’s also notable that police only have to read Miranda rights when they arrest a suspect — and they can question someone without

detaining them. Courts consider anything the suspect says when not under arrest to be of their own free will.

Many people waive their rights because they know they’re not guilty — or they think that speaking with the police will make them look innocent. Criminal defense attorneys strongly advise against this. Body language, off-handed statements, or inconsistent recounting of events can be used as evidence of guilt. And sadly, many innocent people have been sentenced to time in prison.

If you’re ever arrested or questioned in connection with a crime, the best way to protect your rights is to invoke them right away. Hire an experienced criminal defense attorney or ask the court to appoint one for you. The lawyer will review your case, help you understand the charges, and provide expert guidance on your next steps. Don’t feel bad about doing so — these rights are enshrined in the Constitution. They’re just that important.

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MEET THE TEAM

Bianka K. Dodov

1. Words to Live By

My favorite movie quote was said by Patrick Swayze in the movie “Roadhouse.” He plays a character named John Dalton who is the head of security in a rough bar called Roadhouse. “All you have to do is follow three simple rules: One, never underestimate your opponent — expect the unexpected. Two, never start anything inside the bar unless it’s absolutely necessary. And three, be nice ... it’s the job, it’s nothing personal. Be nice … until it’s time to not be nice.”

the argument they are making. I also make sure to let people finish their sentences — interruptions are a big pet peeve of mine, and I paraphrase back to them what they are saying. This serves a dual purpose: It makes the other person feel heard, and it allows you to respond to what they are actually saying rather than what you think they are saying. When it’s time to make my argument, I use “I” statements and I avoid absolutes. Rather than saying “always” or “never,” I say “often” or “rarely.” Finally, and this is the hardest part, learning to recognize when it’s time to stop the conversation is one of the most useful skills you can learn.

2. Best Career Advice I’ve Received

Never compromise your integrity — who you are is more important than what you do, what position you hold, and where you work.

3. What My Family Taught Me

I am a first-generation American; both of my parents are immigrants and they both came to this country escaping communist regimes that exacted harsh authoritarian control on their citizens. They taught me that there is no substitute for hard work and education (whether formal or self-driven), and they taught me to always think for myself. They instilled in me a love for this country and the importance of being a part of and supporting your community.

5. Do Dreams Have Hidden Meanings?

I believe that dreams, like intuition, represent >Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6

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