Legal

What Is A Tort? (Hint: Definitely Not As Sweet As A Torte!)

Boyd Law Business torts are best described as wrongful actions. However, to be more specific, they are actions performed against either a large or small business that causes harm to that company. According to Franklin-based business lawyer Brian T. Boyd, a business tort is dangerous because it can create everything from a damaged reputation to profit losses. These types of actions can also cause an enterprise their rightful piece of the market share.

According to Boyd, business owners in Franklin that have been a victim of a tort can benefit from the help of a business lawyer. An attorney can act as legal counsel to help guide the business toward lawful retaliation. Further, having a business lawyer on retainer may help pad against economic losses directly resulting from the tort.

Legal recourse

Boyd explains that the most logical recourse to a tort is a civil lawsuit. The plaintiff – the harmed party – must then accept the burden of proof. They must prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that that harm was caused by the defendant – the offender. The plaintiff must also illustrate that the defendant had a responsibility to behave a certain way toward the business. This responsibility must have been unquestionably neglected.

In addition to negligence, the plaintiff may need to prove that the defendant’s actions were reckless and/or intentional. A business lawyer can help a plaintiff identify contractual responsibilities and, if applicable, any breached state or local laws.

At the conclusion of a civil trial, a judge may award a plaintiff financial damages up to and exceeding the amount of their lost profits. If found guilty, the defendant may also be issued a restraining order, which will prohibit them from continuing to cause harm to the plaintiff. A court of law may further rule that any defamatory or disparaging statements are publicly retracted.

Types of misconduct

There are many situations that may be considered a business tort. Boyd explains these include everything from business disparagement and malpractice to misrepresentation and the mishandling of trade secrets. When a business attorney looks at the case, they will also look for losses incurred by their client based on improper interference by the defendant.

Six types of business torts

Trade libel

Trade libel is a type of deformation where false statements are publicly published. This information might relate to the business itself or its products or services. As a business lawyer, Boyd explains these are usually some of the costliest cases since it involves the perception of Franklin’s residents, not just local corporate leaders.

Theft of trade secrets

Trade secrets are proprietary processes that give a business a competitive advantage. They are not published and, typically, only a select few have access. A tort involving trade secrets happens when an offending party comes into possession of the secrets and uses them against the business that rightfully owns them.

Tortious interference

This essentially refers to causing complications in business relationships. A business lawyer may claim tortious interference on behalf of their clients if the defendant unlawfully meddled with contractual agreements between the plaintiff and other parties.

Fraudulent misrepresentation

A breach of good faith is a fraudulent misrepresentation created to convince parties to join into a contractual agreement.

Commercial disparagement

This is the act of intentionally making a business or its products, services, or property look bad so that it loses business.

Restraint of trade

Restraint of trade is the act of creating unlawful barriers to production. For example, if a group of businesses band together and refuse to sell, distribute, or ship raw materials only to certain businesses. As a local business lawyer, Boyd can help Franklin-based owners and executives determine if their firm has been the victim of restraint of trade or if the actions against them were taken as part of a lawful non-compete.

If you believe that your business has been a victim of a tort, contact the Law Offices of Boyd & Wills for expert legal assistance. Our experts can help identify illegal behaviors and will represent your best interests in a court of law.

General

Nashville VW Repair Shop Dishes On Das Auto

GPO Tuning
Volkswagen is one of the most popular vehicle brands on the road. However, GPO Tuning, Nashville’s premier VW repair, maintenance and tuning provider, says that most drivers know astoundingly little about the German company. We recently sat down with techs from the busy performance tuning shop to get the inside scoop about what is under the proverbial hood.

Q: Thank you for sitting with us today. We have heard that Volkswagen has a very long history. Can you fill us in?

GPO Tuning: Absolutely. There are a few things that many people do not know. First is that the brand we have all lovingly come to know as Das Auto (The Car), was originally thought up by the most abhorrent human being in history: Adolf Hitler. But the brand has ties to many beloved historical figures as well, and the first “People’s Car” was designed by none other than Ferdinand Porsche.

Q: What is the most popular Volkswagen?

GPO Tuning: That is an easy question to answer. The Beetle is the most iconic of the Volkswagen models. Although they were discontinued, we offer VW repair for all Beetles, no matter their condition or age. Interestingly, there were more than 21 million Beetles sold before production was pulled. We’re personal fans of the Scirocco and Corrado as well. The new GTI’s and Golf R’s are fantastic cars as well. It’s too bad the TDI’s (VW Diesels) had the Dieselgate incident, as those are great cars too.

Q: We understand that the Volkswagen group actually owns many other brands as well.

GPO Tuning: Correct! Although few people know it, Volkswagen owns Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, and Audi. Our certified VW repairs techs in Nashville are qualified to handle diagnostics and repairs on these and other German vehicles. We also offer performance tuning for drivers who want more than what their vehicle offers directly from the assembly line. Volkswagen owns so many brands that more than one out of every ten vehicles sold worldwide is manufactured by the group.

Q: In the US, we tend to love our GMC’s and Fords. How prevalent are Volkswagens in the states?

GPO Tuning GPO Tuning: The US market is one of the most coveted among auto manufacturers. Because of this, competition is brutal. Despite our lingering affection for our American and Japanese vehicles, Volkswagen does sell around half a million cars in the United States each year. Incidentally, for those buying in Music City, GPO Tuning is one of the only shops in Nashville that specialize in VW repair and service.

Q: It sounds like it is growing in popularity. How many people does it take to make all of those vehicles?

GPO Tuning: Around 600,000 people receive a paycheck from the Volkswagen Group. Almost half of those – 270,000 – work at a single location in Germany. Volkswagen is not the only automotive giant across the pond, either. Around 2% of Germany’s workforce works for either VW, BMW, or Daimler. These manufacturers are known overseas as the “Big Three.”

Q: That is a lot of people turning wrenches…

GPO Tuning: It is. This does not even take into account companies that provide VW repair. The 600,000 folks that work for Volkswagen and its subsidiaries are involved in design, sales, marketing, and production, not service.

Q: We are beginning to think that we need to start the new year with a new vehicle. We appreciate your time with us today and look forward to speaking with you again. Before we close, can you tell our readers a bit more about GPO Tuning?

GPO Tuning: We are an independent Nashville-based VW repair shop, and we offer service to most European automobiles. We employ a team of the most experienced automotive technicians and have been serving the Nashville area since 2003. For more information about GPO Tuning, visit www.gpotuning.com.

General

Types of High Fence, Installation, and Why You Need a Solid Perimeter Boundary

Straight Shooter Game Fencing
If you own any kind of agricultural or hunting land, you need a good fence to keep your investment from harm. While a small barrier wforks for some scenarios, most often, a fence of at least six to eight feet is the most effective. Today, we sit down with Straight Shooter Game Fencing, an Alabama-based installer with decades of experience, to discuss the different types of agricultural fencing.

Q: Good afternoon. We are so glad that you could join us today. Fencing is not something most people think about, but we understand that it’s pretty important for many different reasons. We would like to talk about some of those today as fencing pertains to agriculture.

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: Absolutely. Obviously, we believe that it is important, and we are happy to explain why.

Q: Wonderful. We would like to start by touching base on the different types of fencing materials one might see on a farm, for example.

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: For as long as man has existed, so have fences. In the early days – prior to the Bronze Age – fences started out as little more than rocks laid on the ground with the intent of outlining a man’s land. This evolved through the years to include wood and metal, which are two of the most common materials used today. There is also light-duty mesh netting, cable, and PVC fencing.

Q: Which is the most effective?

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: That depends on the application. If you are trying to keep a dog contained, for example, a four-foot traditional chain-link fence should do the trick. But, our company focuses on high fencing installation, meaning that we provide fencing and gates for gaming preserves, small airstrips, and large agricultural operations where reducing predator entrance or livestock exit is crucial.

Q: Why would you install a high fence at an airstrip?

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: For many of the same reasons that commercial airports have a visible and nearly impenetrable barrier. A small airstrip, one that might be used for a small rural neighborhood or crop dusting, for example, is at risk of many of the same security concerns as a big airport. High fence installation can keep intruders out and prevent potentially fatal contact with wildlife.

Q: That is a great point.

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: Something else that a fence can do for a small airport is add a sense of prestige, much like a gated community.

Q: You also mentioned game preserves and agriculture. How does agricultural fencing benefits land designated for either of these activities?

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: When you pay for high fence installation for either of these scenarios, what you are buying is peace of mind. If you are a rancher, for example, the last thing you want is your cattle wandering off of your land. If you own a game preserve, you want to keep predators away from your product. Farm operators can protect both their animals and their crops by adding something as simple as a fence. A tall fence is usually recommended for these properties as they also serve to keep deer away. We use a high-tensile material that can withstand being hit by an errant cow, for example, or a running coyote.

Q: Is it necessary to add perimeter protection to your entire property?

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: Not always, but that again depends on the purpose. When we do a consultation for high fence installation, we start by asking how many linear feet of fence the client thinks they need, based on their measurements. We then further narrow it down by figuring out what purpose they want to get out of the fence. If their goal is to protect a small garden from rabbits or a single pen of pigs or chickens, fencing just that area might make the most sense. Sometimes, it is most logical to put a boundary around the entire property. This is usually the case for farms, ranches, gaming preserves, and airports.

Q: Is high fence installation expensive?

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: When compared to what it can do for you, the answer is an easy “no.” While we probably would not recommend it for everyone, most of our clients have valuable assets to protect, whether this is a small airplane or hundreds of head of cattle. By having a fence professionally installed, these individuals have an added layer of security against forces that can impact their livelihood.

Q: That is a great point, and we appreciate you speaking with us today. Do you have anything that you would like to add before we close?

Straight Shooter Game Fencing: Just that we encourage people who are considering a fence to compare the cost of doing it wrong against the additional expense of professional fence installation.

For more information about Game Fencing and other Fencing Installation Services, please visit https://ssgamgefence.com or call 256-381-2675.

General

ADHD And Your Child: A Beginner’s Guide

Currey Ingram
Educators from Currey Ingram Academy, a Nashville-based boarding school for children with learning differences, including ADHD, offer information about the disorder in today’s spotlight topic.

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a common learning disorder present in more than three million children in the United States. According to administrators from the ADHD boarding school, many students with an attention disorder have difficulty sitting still, practicing self-control, and paying attention in class. Unfortunately, in a standard classroom environment, these children are often viewed as having behavioral issues because they are disruptive to other students.

Signs of ADHD

You would be hard-pressed to find a student from elementary through high school that did not have the occasional hiccup when it comes to following directions. Daydreaming, drifting off in class, and being bored are all common and normal behaviors in children. However, children with ADHD struggle far more than their peers when it comes to things such as attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

Inattention may point to ADHD when the child has immense trouble staying on task. They may not listen to directions, and this may be construed as defiance when an educator is not trained to recognize ADHD. Boarding school teachers at Currey Ingram explain that smaller class sizes, more one-on-one time with the students, and providing direct and explicit instructions are all strategies that can help with inattentiveness.

The second indication of ADHD is hyperactivity. Keep in mind that most children are hyperactive sometimes. Students with ADHD may be like this all the time. They might have trouble being quiet when it is requested and often can not sit still even when they know that getting up or moving their hands and feet is inappropriate. One strategy that Currey Ingram employs to assist students with hyperactivity is block scheduling. Students in the school’s boarding program are given 15 to 30-minute breaks between classes. This offers an opportunity for the student to move around. Further, their days begin with a mentoring session, and classrooms are set up ahead of each day to provide an appropriate environment for learning. Lessons are written on the whiteboard, and any potential schedule changes are noted as early as possible.

Impulsiveness is also a sign of ADHD and the one that administrators at the learning differences boarding school note can get a student into the most trouble. Impulsive individuals react before they think. They tend to take more risks than their classmates and might be looked at as unfriendly; it is not uncommon for a student with ADHD to take things that belong to others without permission. Impulsiveness is also seen in risk-taking behaviors.

To assist with impulse control issues, Currey Ingram’s boarding school implements tactics to minimize disruption. This might include a daily report card, which can help students target positive behaviors, such as remaining in their seats, participating quietly and appropriately during instruction time, and following their teachers’ directions the first time given. Students may also receive positive marks for staying focused and getting to class on time.

Can a learning differences boarding school help?

For a student with learning differences like ADHD, a boarding school with teachers trained in special education can make a huge difference. One thing that Currey Ingram teachers do differently is focus on positive behaviors. Instead of issuing demerits or losing privileges for inattention, students with ADHD receive praise for desired actions. Further, students who are in school with their peers that also have learning disorders may play off one another’s positive behavior through an underlying and highly encouraged system of peer modeling.

Visual aids and progress tracking are used to help students create goals so they can receive motivating rewards. As an ADHD-focused boarding school, Currey Ingram also emphasizes predictable routines. Days are streamlined so that students with executive functioning skill deficits have fewer things to remember and can thus function and focus with fewer distractions.

Each day and boarding school student in grades 9 through 12 receives a daily planner. These are used in conjunction with things like color-coded materials and electronic calendars to help with organization; it is not uncommon for students with ADHD to lack organizational skills.

Young adults with ADHD are not learning impaired, but they do have challenges that other students do not. Fortunately, with persistence, patience, and practice, this and most co-occurring learning differences may be overcome.

If your child has been officially diagnosed with ADHD, a boarding school can help them achieve their true potential. Contact Currey Ingram today at 615.507.3173 to schedule a campus tour and find out more about what the school has to offer.

Business

The M&A Market Is Changing, Says Nashville Broker

Beacon Exit Advisors
Major changes are on the horizon in the M&A market. If you are an owner wanting to sell your business or a Nashville buyer looking to get started in Music City, read on. Beacon Exit Advisors joins us for today’s Q&A on how to sell, how to buy a business, and the things you should know before you do either.

Q: Thank you all for taking the time out to sit with us today. We understand that Nashville is a great place to buy a business and there are many income-producing opportunities available.

Beacon Exit: It is not only a great place to call home, but an excellent place to lay down your professional roots.

Q: How strong is the mergers and acquisitions market in the small and midsize business arena?

Beacon Exit: Right now, things are moving quickly. Although many analysts believe a slowdown is on the horizon for 2020. We like to tell people that now is the time to sell your business because, despite Nashville growing every day, things will eventually level out.

Q: How long does it take to sell your business in Nashville?

Beacon Exit: Like selling a house, that depends on many different factors. Realistically, it can take six months or more. That being said, many businesses sell much faster, while others linger a bit longer.

Q: Why is that?

Beacon Exit: Buyers are extremely diligent and want to ensure they are walking into a cash flow situation. Music City commands a premium. If you want to sell your business, buyers looking in the Nashville area likely will not rush to closing. They will review paperwork, visit your location, and ask many questions before even making an offer.

Q: What advice would you give to a potential seller?

Beacon Exit: The first thing is to make sure your financial paperwork is in order. No matter how cool or interesting your business is, buyers want to see numbers. Next, it is prudent to have an exit strategy already in place or at least started. Collect records of all major events in the business’s history, including equipment purchases.

Q: How do you know how much you should pay if you plan to buy a business in Nashville?

Beacon Exit: Work with a broker. They can help you crunch the numbers so that you have a better idea of what you can expect to pay. On the flip side of this, if you want to sell your business, a broker can help you come to a fair and equitable starting price that a buyer will actually pay. Many businesses sit on the market without selling because they are not priced correctly.

Q: When should a seller contact a broker?

Beacon Exit: It is almost always best to reach out to someone before you decide to sell your business. Our Nashville experts can help you formulate a strategy to get the most out of your investment. Most of the time there are things you need to work on in your business before it is ready to sell, and an experienced Exit Advisor can help you identify those areas.

Q: Are negotiations over once a letter of intent is signed?

Beacon Exit: Absolutely not. Keep in mind, however, regardless of which side of the transaction you are on, that the letter of intent is really just a starting point. When you go to sell your business, your buyer may discover issues during the due diligence process. This can change the purchase price or cancel the deal entirely if you are unwilling to make concessions.

Q: Should a buyer assume the business’s debt as part of the deal?

Beacon Exit: Some buyers do. However, an experienced broker will most likely recommend against it. Most transactions are structured as asset purchases, so the seller keeps their own liabilities and the buyer starts with their own clean history.

Q: Once an offer is made and the letter of intent signed, are there issues that could stop the sale?

Beacon Exit: Unfortunately, yes. Not all buyers are considered qualified buyers. Even if someone offers a fair price, there may be issues with financing. For example, the buyer may assume their credit is good enough for a loan, but they failed to take into account debt, such as their house payment, or their credit is not as good as they think. This makes it harder to sell your business. Nashville buyers move on quickly, and the time you waste with an unqualified buyer might have you missing out on someone who is ready, willing, and able.

Q: One final question: Is it possible to sell your business without giving up your ownership rights entirely?

Beacon Exit: Absolutely. Many buyers prefer sole ownership. But there are those who would be willing to allow a seller to keep a minority stake; this might even be preferable for some buyers who need longer-term guidance or if the business is attached to a name and is well known in the community.

Beacon Exit Advisors is Nashville’s leading full-service brokerage. For more information or for a confidential consultation, call 615.570.7087 or email Info@BeaconExit.com.

Business

Hargrove Sealcoating: What is Asphalt Patching?

Hargrove SealcoatingIf you’ve driven down a Nashville interstate lately, anywhere from Franklin to Murfreesboro, you’ve probably seen – and felt – a pothole. Potholes are an unpleasant after-effect of freezing or rainy weather, but they can be repaired. Here, Hargrove Sealcoating offers information on how potholes form and different asphalt patching methods.

Q: How are potholes formed?

Hargrove Sealcoating: Potholes are the result of a weak spot in the road. They usually form after a hard freeze, and especially in areas where salt is used on the roadway. As precipitation touches the ground, it melts and seeps into tiny cracks and fissures in the asphalt. Once this freezes, it expands, which destabilizes the integrity of the road or driveway’s surface. These weak spots are continually exposed to thousands of pounds of pressure with each passing vehicle. They eventually turn into potholes. When salt is introduced to the road, water freezes and thaws more rapidly, which allows for more damage.

Q: What is asphalt patching?

Hargrove Sealcoating: Asphalt patching refers to the process of repairing damaged roadways, commercial parking lots, or residential driveways. There are a few commonly-used asphalt patching techniques. On Nashville roads, a spray injection might be used, especially when repairs are urgent and weather conditions are unfavorable. This is done by a professional and requires specialized equipment. A semi-permanent patch requires a more hands-on approach, and surface preparation is required. During this process, loose gravel, broken asphalt, and other debris are blown from the damaged area. The perimeter of the pothole is extended slightly before a hot or cold asphalt patching mix is poured and compressed.

Q: What is the difference between hot and cold asphalt patching?

Hargrove Sealcoating: Cold patching is a great solution for small potholes or minor cracks. You don’t have to wait for a long stretch of sunny days to use this method. One of the benefits of cold patching is that it can be used immediately, and might help prevent further damage. Hot, or infrared, asphalt patching is commonly used in Nashville, Franklin, and Murfreesboro as it is ideally suited for large areas.

Q: Can a homeowner fix their own driveway?

Hargrove Sealcoating: For small imperfections, yes. In fact, you can get a bucket of cold patch material at your local Lowe’s or Home Depot. Unfortunately, for damage larger than just a few inches in circumference, these DIY repairs may not be as long-lasting as a homeowner would like. Further, if the driveway has multiple areas or requires foundation restoration, simply adding an asphalt emulsion won’t get the job done. Professional asphalt patching is the best solution for a driveway with multiple potholes, cracks, or vegetation growth.

Q: How can sealcoating extend the life of my driveway?

Hargrove Sealcoating: Once your asphalt patching repair is complete, your driveway should be properly sealcoated to help protect the surface from the elements. Sealcoating requires temperatures of at least 50° and dry weather, but it is a crucial step in the process that can extend the life of your driveway. Most asphalt surfaces should be sealcoated once every few years or when it begins to fade and show signs of wear.

For more information about asphalt repairs and service in Franklin, Nashville, or Murfreesboro, call Hargrove Sealcoating at (931) 619-6718.

General

ImageQuest Explains The Many Layers of Cybersecurity

ImageQuest
When it is time to protect your business, it is dangerous to have too little security. This is especially true as it relates to your and your customers’ sensitive data. A single breach of your systems can result in significant financial losses, reputation damage, even business bankruptcy or closure. But there are ways to avoid this situation. Keep reading as ImageQuest offers information on how a layered cybersecurity service plan can stop intruders on the path to your data.

Q: What does it mean to have layered cybersecurity defense?

ImageQuest: This simply means to have multiple levels of protection in place. A well-implemented cybersecurity service plan for a Nashville business will focus on three areas: prevention, detection, and response. Each of these aspects of your business’s digital security works on a different level to give your business comprehensive coverage.

Q: Can you explain how to prevent online security threats?

ImageQuest: Specific to businesses, the first step is to ensure that your employees are trained in ways to both spot and avoid cyber attacks. As part of our cybersecurity service, we offer Nashville businesses Security Awareness training. This covers a broad spectrum of policies and practices that put your employees in a better position to keep your company safe.

Another important facet of prevention is ensuring that your systems remain up-to-date. A consistent patching strategy can help fill gaps where hackers might see an easy opening. There have been many incidents over the last decade of major attacks happening because businesses failed to apply the most recent security updates to their operating systems. The 2017 “WannaCry” ransomware attack is a good example that affected FedEx and other large corporations.

Q: What is the next step?

ImageQuest: Beyond prevention, there is detection. Detecting a cybersecurity threat is in itself a layered strategy. It includes things like IP access restrictions, multiple log-in attempt block out, and multi-factor authentication. ImageQuest’s Nashville-based cybersecurity service experts can use these tools to identify areas of your business’s strategy that needs to be upgraded or changed to meet current needs. Cyber threat detection is one of the best ways to alert individual employees as well as your IT department to potentially malicious access attempts.

Taking your detection strategy even further, ImageQuest’s managed detection and response program utilizes the latest advances in artificial intelligence coupled with the knowledge of expert security engineers to monitor for threats around the clock. Our Security Operations Center (SOC) in Nashville specializes in proactive cybersecurity service methods to stop attacks before they happen.

Q: How can I mitigate damage in case of a breach?

ImageQuest: How you respond to a security incident is essential to your business. The final piece of the cybersecurity puzzle is to implement procedures that allow for a swift response. Keep in mind that the sooner you take action, the less likely your business will be adversely affected.

ImageQuest can help you implement incident documentation procedures that allows you to track exactly what happened that left your business vulnerable in the first place. This is important because it gives you an opportunity to access real-world data that can lead to significant improvements in your security operations. Having a consistent incident documentation procedure is looked upon favorably by regulators.

No matter how many security measures you have in place, your company should routinely practice how an incident will be handled. ImageQuest’s experts can walk you through your entire cybersecurity infrastructure and help you better understand how your organization’s actions might affect your stakeholders in the event of a security incident. By testing your processes now, your systems and employees will be better able to respond quickly and efficiently under the duress of a cybersecurity emergency.

Law Firm

Tennessee Attorney Brian T. Boyd Answers Questions About Legal Myths

Boyd Law
Anyone who spends any amount of time online knows that there’s an unfortunate amount of misinformation floating around about everything from vaccines and autism to essential oils. So why is it, then, that business owners often take to Google or, worse, Facebook or Quora, when they need information best provided by a business lawyer? Brentwood-based attorney Brian T. Boyd says this is a huge mistake and one that could cost a business owner his reputation and livelihood.

Boyd recently sat down with us to help clear the air and below offers no-nonsense answers to questions all business owners should ask their attorney instead of their online acquaintances. Consulting with your lawyer can help you avoid business litigation which, in Brentwood, can be expensive, time-consuming, and reputation-ruining.

Q: Is it really necessary to have all of my contracts in writing?

Brian T. Boyd: If you want to avoid legal action and business litigation, yes. Brentwood business owners can protect themselves by ensuring that agreements between their company and clients are detailed in writing and signed by both parties. However, it is important to understand that oral contracts are often enforceable as are terms discussed via email or text messaging. To avoid any misunderstandings, your legal agreements should include wording stating that acceptance of the contract supersedes any previous communication.

Q: Contracts are really only necessary between me and my clients, right?

Brian T. Boyd: That’s a dangerous thought and one that could easily result in a dissolved partnership. When you are starting a business with friends or family, it’s easy to believe that your word is all that’s necessary. While this might be true when discussing what to bring for Thanksgiving dinner, you should always have a contract in place between yourself and any partners. Remember, money has a way of turning relationships from great to gone quickly, and, without legal protection, you could find yourself in the midst of business litigation, and a Brentwood judge will typically rule in favor of common practices instead of disputed verbal agreements.

Q: Can I use pictures or images that I find online in my marketing materials?

Brian T. Boyd: Breaking copyright laws or infringing upon someone else’s trademark can fast-track you straight to court, and if the history of business litigation in Brentwood is any indication, you won’t get off without a fine. Pictures, images, and even content posted to the web are not free for the taking. Before you go copying and pasting, do yourself and your company a favor and check the website for terms and conditions. Better yet, contact the image or content author and ask for permission to use their intellectual property.

Q: Will a nondisclosure agreement help keep my business information safe?

Brian T. Boyd: Unfortunately, this is not always the case. I have been a business lawyer in Brentwood for many years and have seen NDAs broken on numerous occasions. However, when you partner with the right people and have these agreements in place, it does significantly reduce the likelihood that the tricks of your trade will make their way to your competitors.

Q: I don’t really need a legal business structure, but I want to protect my assets. Should I set my business up as an LLC anyway?

Brian T. Boyd: There are pros and cons to creating a formal legal entity for your business. Forming an LLC or corporation does offer you some security against monetary losses if your company is not successful. However, if you don’t upkeep the requirements of maintaining the structure, such as creating clearly-defined operating procedures or making notes at shareholder meetings, then your personal assets can still be targeted. This is called piercing the corporate veil.

If you are facing business litigation in Brentwood or the surrounding areas, contact Brian T. Boyd at the Law Office of Brian T. Boyd — 615.861.1936.

Sports

Everest Gymnastics Speaks To Us About Getting Better In the Gym

Everest Gymnastics
Everest Gymnastics recently allowed their coaches and staff to chat with us about safety in the gym. Here, we will share some of this insight, which also covers ways to improve on the road toward success in gymnastics.

Q: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. With the Olympics just about a year away, gymnastics has become a hot topic.

Everest Gymnastics: Absolutely! Though it seems there is plenty of time between now and then, the Olympics are on the forefront of our and our athlete’s minds every day.

Q: There is no doubt about that. We have asked to talk to you today so that we can share your expertise with our parents who have children interested in gymnastics. Specifically, we like to talk about safety and ways to improve form and skill.

Everest Gymnastics: Safety is absolutely and without question the number one priority of any gymnastics coach. We applaud you for wanting to put that information out to your readers.

Q: With that in mind, what are a few things you recommend to help keep young athletes safe?

Everest Gymnastics: First, we would suggest talking to their pediatrician. While gymnastics is certainly a sport available to all, it never hurts to discuss a child’s physical abilities and body composition before jumping, bending, and twisting.

Q: Absolutely, and we agree completely. Once a student does begin, what are some things they can do to condition themselves for action?

Everest Gymnastics: Exercise! Gymnastics is a very physically demanding sport, and improving your body, including your respiratory system, muscles, and joints, will make things that much safer, especially for young students or those who have never been particularly active.

Q: What about stretching? When you watch the Olympics on TV, you see athletes stretching quite a bit of on the sidelines. Is that something you recommend?

Everest Gymnastics: Without a doubt, yes. Students are encouraged to stretch before each class, and they can help keep their bodies in great shape if they stretch at home, especially after a warm shower.

Q: Looking at the pictures of Everest Gymnastics, we see you have quite a bit of equipment for student use. Do you have any recommendations on equipment for use at home?

Everest Gymnastics: We try to encourage our students to practice only when they are with an instructor. However, there are many pieces of fitness equipment that can come in handy since we do want our athletes to exercise and stretch on their “off” days. Your child’s pediatrician or coaches may be able to help you determine what pieces are best for age-appropriate physical conditioning.

Q: Let’s talk about injuries. Even with safety precautions, getting hurt is a possibility. How do you recommend that students get back into gymnastics after being out because of an injury?

Everest Gymnastics: Slow and steady. The body has a remarkable way of healing itself, but it needs time to do that. After a break, strain, or sprain, it is best to ease back into a routine. We would never encourage even an advanced athlete to begin full training on their first day back in the gym.

Q: Is it safe to learn gymnastics by watching YouTube videos?

Everest Gymnastics: That is sort of a double-sided question. On one hand, watching videos of other athletes can help students see how forms look when they are put together in a choreographed routine. On the other hand, the best way to learn gymnastics is to enroll in a class. This will allow your child the benefit of hands-on instruction and the chance to learn proper techniques.

Q: We appreciate you taking the time out to speak with us today, and you have given us a lot to think about. Thank you again.

Everest Gymnastics: Any time, and we only hope that any of the advice we have offered will benefit someone and help to encourage a lifetime love of gymnastics.

Religion

Life in God’s Kingdom

United Faith Church
Q&A Interview on the Kingdom of God with United Faith Church in Barnegat NJ – United Faith Church is led by Pastors Jerry and Janeth Santiago.

1. What is the Kingdom of God?

The Kingdom of God is the greatest, most powerful entity that ever was, is, and will be. The Bible refers to God’s Kingdom as the “Kingdom of Heaven,” the “Kingdom of Christ,” and the “Kingdom of God,” and they are all one and the same, describing an eternal, spiritual Kingdom that rules over all other kingdoms, powers, and governments- past, present, and future. We know from scripture that God the Father gave all authority over the heavens and earth into the hands of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:27, John 3:35). The Kingdom of God operates according to God’s ways, God’s timing, and God’s promises. It is unseen, yet governs over all that is visible, and those who find it truly find the “pearl of great worth” (Matthew 13:46).

2. Where is the Kingdom of God?

Is God’s Kingdom in Heaven? Is it here on earth? Can it be found in the hearts of men? Yes, yes, and yes. The Son, Jesus Christ, is seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven, and the Holy Spirit has been sent to the earth to dwell in the hearts of men. The Bible states that Heaven is God’s throne and the earth is His footstool (Isaiah 66:1). EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE belongs to God and is subject to Him. Therefore, God’s Kingdom can be experienced right here on earth, right now. This is why we pray, Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10). When Jesus was asked when the Kingdom would come, he responded, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21).

3. Why does Jesus use parables to describe the Kingdom?

It is difficult for our finite minds to grasp God. Jesus often used parables to help people envision just how immense, how powerful, and how miraculous the Kingdom of God truly is. The parables give clues into the characteristics, rules, promises, and eternal blessings of this supernatural Kingdom. For example, He speaks of it being a “hidden treasure,” that a man would seek out, spend everything he had to attain, and then boast about it to everyone he knows. Other parables speak of the righteous being separated from the evil in the end times, indicating that the Kingdom of God ultimately has the final say.

4. Who lives in the Kingdom of God?

The Kingdom of God is for those to whom God reveals it. Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” God is Spirit- His Kingdom is a spiritual Kingdom. Jesus states that to be born again is to be birthed by the Holy Spirit. As the chapter continues, John states that whoever lives by the truth comes into the light of God. Jesus is the Truth, He is the Light, and He is the Way to the Father. Those who have been born again by the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ, enter into the light, which is the presence of God. They trust and obey God because they can see His light, and it transforms them daily into His image. They see what the world can’t. They see God’s triumphant Kingdom.

5. How is the Kingdom of God different from the world?

The Kingdom of God is strikingly opposite of how the world works in the most incredible ways. When men tried to put the world’s rules and regulations on Jesus, he confounded them with God’s ways every time. When the Pharisees asked, “Doesn’t your teacher pay temple tax?” Jesus first pointed out the injustice of their ways, then demonstrated the Kingdom’s power over not only all the money in the world, but over nature itself when he sent a disciple to catch a fish and pull a coin from its mouth in order to pay the tax. On the verge of execution, when Pontius Pilate thought he had the power to decide Jesus’ fate, Jesus corrected him stating, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.” And of course we know the rest of the story… not even death, hell, or the grave could keep Jesus from rising victoriously. Those in God’s kingdom know that He is in charge of their lives no matter what trouble is happening in the world… that everything they have belongs to God… that their very lives are for Him, to serve Him and do His works. Pastors Jerry and Janeth Santiago have witnessed the power of the Kingdom of God through many miracles in the lives of their family and many others in United Faith Church.

6. What does it mean to be Kingdom-minded?

To be Kingdom-minded is to walk in the light in the midst of a dark world. To be in the light means to always be aware of God’s presence, seeing what He’s doing, hearing what He’s saying, seeking Him, following His leading, and forever worshiping and thanking Him for His goodness in everything. The Kingdom-minded view trouble in their lives as an opportunity for God to stretch them and grow them to be more like Jesus. They have the mind of Christ- always moving and growing from glory to glory, in obedience to God, the Father. United Faith Church has seen through Pastors Jerry and Janeth Santiago’s lives the great value in setting their minds on things above (Colossians 2:3). When our minds are set on God, the supernatural is possible; no matter what the situation or circumstance may be… God is faithful.

7. How do I know I’m living in God’s Kingdom?

A simple test can indicate very quickly if we are living in God’s Kingdom, and it is found in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” For all who are living for the Kingdom of God, this is their vision for life and can be seen in everything they do. Their hearts race, their minds contemplate, and their bodies move swiftly for all things God! No longer are they preoccupied with the worries, cares, and attractions of this life on earth because those living for the Kingdom know that this world is not their home and will pass away. They are working to influence this world through the transforming power of God as they live to store up eternal treasures in Heaven, where their lives actually begin as they are united with their Father and with one another.

8. What are the benefits of living in the Kingdom of God?

Everyone wants to be around a winner. Those who live in the Kingdom rest assured that God’s Team is the winning team. This is what Paul meant when he said in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” In the Kingdom of God, God is king and he reigns in truth, justice, and mercy. Those who live in his kingdom reap the endless benefits of coming to know the Creator of the Universe. They do not need to worry about what they will eat, drink, or wear because God is the provider of everything they might need (Matthew 6). The ultimate benefit of living in the Kingdom of God is the great reward of being connected to Jesus. In God’s Kingdom there is light to see clearly the path to knowing Him and any traps or stumbling blocks that try to get in the way. The King is on their side and nothing is more powerful. They run to Him in danger, and He fights their battles and wins! Those in God’s Kingdom know His goodness, faithfulness, and power over all things. Their Daddy is ALWAYS bigger.

In God’s Kingdom, there is endless provision, blessings, favor, healing, restoration, power, love, and joy. United Faith Church has learned from Pastor Janeth Santiago and her family that the Kingdom of God is steadfast and sure, and when everything in the world fades away, God’s Kingdom will remain. The Kingdom of God endures forever and, therefore, the benefits are endless for those who trust and obey their God, who is King over all.

United Faith Church is led by Pastors Jerry and Janeth Santiago. For more info and articles, please visit www.unitedfaithchurch.org