Growing a Franchise
Franchise Legal Players: Matthew J. Kreutzer of Howard & Howard, PLLC
1851 Interviews the Highest Profile Attorneys in Franchising for the 2018 Franchise Legal Player Awards
Name: Matthew J. Kreutzer
Firm: Howard & Howard, PLLC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewkreutzer/
About Your Firm: Howard & Howard's focus is on providing value and core legal services to business clients. The firm's reputation has grown for creativity, practicality and providing solutions in a cost-conscious environment. Howard & Howard is the law firm of choice for sophisticated purchasers of legal services in business and industry, which count on Howard & Howard to solve their legal problems with independent thinking and trusted insight. Howard & Howard has more than 140 attorneys with offices in Michigan, Illinois, Nevada and California.
Website: howardandhoward.com
What makes your firm stand out as a resource for the franchise industry?
Our attorneys have decades of experience in franchising, both in litigating franchise disputes and in handling complex transactions on behalf of franchisees and franchisors. Because we understand both the franchisor's and the franchisee's point of view, we are able to counsel our clients regarding how the other side views issues and, when possible, help them avoid disputes -- either through drafting franchise documents or through handling issues when they arise.
What is the No. 1 thing a franchisor/franchisee should look for when identifying the right franchise attorney?
Experience in handling similar matters successfully, as well as a pragmatic view towards balancing the legal needs of the client with its financial and other business resources and needs.
When it comes to your work, what makes you happiest?
Seeing my clients succeed -- either through growth or success in operations.
What are your top concerns for the franchise industry in the next year?
This is sure to be the most common answer, but the joint employer issue continues to be one of the most serious issues plaguing the franchise industry. Given recent events with the NLRB, the future of the joint employer issue is still uncertain.
What are you most optimistic about in the franchise industry in the next year?
Continued growth.
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About the Author
Cassidy McAloon
FollowCassie has over five years of digital and traditional media experience. She joined NLA after working as a television news producer in both Milwaukee and Chicago, and now specializes in aligning strategies across the board for her clients, ultimately building buzz and telling compelling stories through content marketing, social media, digital campaigns and traditional PR.
Cassie has a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Electronic Communications from Marquette University. In her spare time, Cassie enjoys traveling and exploring what new cities have to offer in addition to spending time with her friends and family.
