Franchise Legal Players: Brian B. Schnell of Faegre Baker Daniels
1851 Interviews the Highest Profile Attorneys in Franchising for the 2018 Franchise Legal Player Awards
Name: Brian B. Schnell
Firm: Faegre Baker Daniels
About Your Firm: FaegreBD has one of the leading franchise practices in the world.
Website: www.faegrebd.com
What makes your firm stand out as a resource for the franchise industry?
FaegreBD’s franchise lawyers have represented many of the world’s leading franchisors in growing, evolving and protecting their brands. We are solutions oriented with unmatched creativity and understand the franchise business model and its unique challenges and opportunities, which allows us to proactively handle key M&A, litigation, international and privacy/cybersecurity matters.
What is the No. 1 thing a franchisor/franchisee should look for when identifying the right franchise attorney?
A passion and keen understanding of franchising, with all its nuances, which allow the lawyer to advise candidly and venture boldly to focus on a “clients first” commitment.
When it comes to your work, what makes you happiest?
Being a key member of a client’s team and making a difference with a true collaboration on achieving the desired outcome. Nothing is more satisfying!
What are your top concerns for the franchise industry in the next year?
Too much time, energy and resources are now required to address the external regulatory challenges facing franchising, the franchise business model and small businesses generally. Fighting those challenges takes away from an unwavering franchisor-franchisee collaborative focus on the changing demands and expectations of the brand customers. For example, every single franchise system must continue to understand how to effectively use technology to engage with customers and deliver on the brand promise.
What are you most optimistic about in the franchise industry in the next year?
Franchisors and franchisees are remarkable in their ability to fight through challenges and connect in a meaningful way with brand customers, which means that franchising will continue to be a positive force in the U.S. economy.