What happens to your business when you step away — or can’t return? In this episode of The Mark You Leave, the legal team at James River Law explains everything entrepreneurs and small business owners need to know about succession planning and preserving their business legacy.

🎯 Learn the fundamentals of:

· What succession planning is and why it matters

· Buy-sell agreements (cross-purchase vs. redemption)

· Valuation methods for business exit

· How succession planning fits into your estate plan

· Real-world consequences of poor planning

Whether you're in a single-member LLC or a multi-partner corporation, this episode breaks down the tools, strategies, and common pitfalls business owners face when planning for the future.

📞 Need help with your succession plan? Schedule a consult at www.jamesriverlaw.com
💌 Submit questions: podcast@jamesriverlaw.com

#successionplanning #smallbusinesslaw #businesslegacy #buyandsellagreement #estateplanning #virginialaw #businessowners #entrepreneurlawyer

Connect with Us:

• Website: jamesriverlaw.com
• Instagram: @jamesriverlaw
• LinkedIn: JamesRiverLaw
• Contact: hello@jamesriverlaw.com
• Book a Call: jamesriverlaw.com/book-a-call

👉 Like, subscribe, and share to stay tuned as we explore the full journey of entrepreneurship — from start to legacy.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Mark You Leave, Alex Mejias of James River Law, along with co-hosts Tariq and Bri, breaks down the big decision every business owner must make -- how to choose the right legal entity structure.

From the simplicity (and risk!) of sole proprietorships to the flexibility of LLCs, the team uses real-life examples (yes, Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child included) to walk through partnerships, C corps, S corps, and PLLCs. Plus, they discuss how to actually protect yourself from liability — because filing the paperwork is just the beginning.

Whether you’re launching your side hustle or scaling your startup, this episode is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The real risks of sole proprietorships and partnerships
• Why LLCs are a flexible, popular choice for entrepreneurs
• How corporations are structured and taxed (C Corps vs. S Corps)
• When and why a PLLC is required
• The truth about “piercing the corporate veil” — and how to avoid it
• How creatives and public figures can protect their identity using an EIN
• Why business formation is more than just paperwork

Connect with Us:

• Website: jamesriverlaw.com
• Instagram: @jamesriverlaw
• LinkedIn: JamesRiverLaw
• Contact: hello@jamesriverlaw.com
• Book a Call: jamesriverlaw.com/book-a-call

👉 Like, subscribe, and share to stay tuned as we explore the full journey of entrepreneurship — from start to legacy.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Mark You Leave, a podcast presented by James River Law focused on helping entrepreneurs, creatives, and athletes build their legacies through smart business practices, legal strategy, and thoughtful planning.

In this introductory episode, founder and managing attorney Alex Mejias sits down with team members Tariq Crumbly and Bri Allen to share the inspiration behind the podcast, introduce themselves, and give listeners a glimpse into what’s to come.

Whether you’re just starting your business or thinking about how to pass it on to the next generation, this podcast is here to support your journey from launch to legacy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What The Mark You Leave podcast is all about
• Why estate planning is essential for entrepreneurs and creatives
• How James River Law supports clients from business formation to succession
• The team's unique backgrounds (music, law, and more) and why they care deeply about what they do
• What topics to expect in upcoming episodes: trademarks, contracts, succession planning, client interviews & more

Connect with Us:

• Website: jamesriverlaw.com
• Instagram: @jamesriverlaw
• LinkedIn: JamesRiverLaw
• Contact: hello@jamesriverlaw.com
• Book a Call: jamesriverlaw.com/book-a-call

👉 Like, subscribe, and share to stay tuned as we explore the full journey of entrepreneurship — from start to legacy.