jeshuatlauka

Business Law Update for LLCs: The Words You Use In Your Operating Agreement Matter.

Good morning, all! Yesterday was a beautiful day, see the photo I took overlooking downtown Grand Rapids. The leaves are already changing color. Today I read a Court of Appeals Case that came out yesterday that provides a good example for business owners. Background – Today LLCs are generally the entity of choice. Most businessesContinue reading “Business Law Update for LLCs: The Words You Use In Your Operating Agreement Matter.”

Thursday Thoughts: A Call to Living a More Fearless Life.

This morning, as I do most every morning, I was reading a devotional by author and Pastor Tim Keller – I would recommend this devotional to anyone. This topic hit me today. Fear. If we are honest with ourselves, we all have moments where we are fearful. I can safely say that during the lastContinue reading “Thursday Thoughts: A Call to Living a More Fearless Life.”

Real Estate Investors: In Your Efforts to Make a Profit Be Wary of Cutting Corners.

Let me illustrate a picture for you: Let’s say you are a real estate investor. You show up for a foreclosure sale. There are several people present to bid on a specific piece of property. One of those guys winks at you, motions you to come over (in a clandestine sort of way). The guyContinue reading “Real Estate Investors: In Your Efforts to Make a Profit Be Wary of Cutting Corners.”

Real Estate Law Update: Bill Moves Forward Allowing Single Member LLCs To Evict Tenants without Legal Representation

UPDATE ON PROPOSED House Bill 4463 – Would Allow LLCs to Evict wi thout Legal Representation. House Bill 4463 was introduced in March and referred to the committee on law and justice. The Bill would allow owners of a single-member LLC (or a married couple under certain conditions) to file their own eviction actionsContinue reading “Real Estate Law Update: Bill Moves Forward Allowing Single Member LLCs To Evict Tenants without Legal Representation”

Business Law Update: Another Call to Clear Contract Drafting.

It is Artprize again in downtown Grand Rapids! See one of the exhibits on Monroe Avenue in front of the Venue. Question: Did you know: “Shall” has a different meaning then “May”? One is mandatory. The other is permissive. In business, it pays to be clear in the contract language you use. Check outContinue reading “Business Law Update: Another Call to Clear Contract Drafting.”

Join me at Mel Trotter Ministries 3rd Annual Season of Hope Event – Keynote by Author Ron Hall “Same Kind of Different as Me”

Occasionally when I am walking in downtown Grand Rapids I will run into a guy with dirty clothes, smelling bad, looking homeless. When I am asked for money, my gut reaction is to want to help. Honestly though, oftentimes I have no idea what is the right response. I will invariably pray for them,Continue reading “Join me at Mel Trotter Ministries 3rd Annual Season of Hope Event – Keynote by Author Ron Hall “Same Kind of Different as Me””

Real Estate Investors & Property Managers Should Avoid These Pitfalls: DOJ and Landlord Settle Allegations of Family Discrimination.

I’ve said it before, owning and managing real estate is challenging. Particularly residential real estate. I hear it from my Property Owner and Property Manager clients. I experience it when I am involved in negotiating in landlord/tenant disputes. Some of the pitfalls property owners have to watch out for are illustrated in a Wednesday, September 6 DepartmentContinue reading “Real Estate Investors & Property Managers Should Avoid These Pitfalls: DOJ and Landlord Settle Allegations of Family Discrimination.”

Real Estate Investors and Property Managers Should Keep Track of this Bill to Make Veterans a Protected Class in Housing Discrimination.

On August 16, 2017 HB 4872 was introduced into the Michigan House of Representatives. The Bill amend the “Elliott-Larsen civil rights act,” and would provide that veterans are included in the list of those protected by Michigan law against housing discrimination. The Bill would define Military Service as: “STATUS OF BEING AN ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERContinue reading “Real Estate Investors and Property Managers Should Keep Track of this Bill to Make Veterans a Protected Class in Housing Discrimination.”

Removing Employment Barriers For the Most Vulnerable. Work To Be Done.

Today I read an article from the ABA Journal – NY District Attorney’s efforts resulted in some $644,000 of minor offenses being dismissed. Check out the article here. In making his argument in support of the massive dismissals, the District Attorney explained to the Judge that: “New Yorkers with 10-year-old summons warrants face unnecessary unemploymentContinue reading “Removing Employment Barriers For the Most Vulnerable. Work To Be Done.”

Community Revitalization To Include Downtown Grocery Stores: Update on The Urban Food Initiative.

Yesterday I read a story about a Detroiter, Raphael Wright who plans on opening a “mission-driven supermarket” in downtown Detroit. Check out the article on NextCity. Raphael’s idea is sparked by a much needed grocery option in Detroit- particularly for low-income residents. I love this idea. A few years back I took my family toContinue reading “Community Revitalization To Include Downtown Grocery Stores: Update on The Urban Food Initiative.”