Welcome (and Farewell)
Hi, my name is Michael, and today I joined the ranks of non-practicing lawyers and the ranks of fledgling entrepreneurs.
For more than 26 years, I have toiled as a corporate transactional lawyer representing clients large and small in business acquisitions, divestitures, financings and similar transactions. That career was intellectually stimulating, exciting and rewarding — until it wasn’t quite so any longer. I continue to be passionate about the now-former clients and their business dealings, but something changed. Either the profession changed or I changed. It matters not which.
For years, I have harbored an additional passion for the culinary arts. With the assistance of one or two close friends and as the result of much trial and error over those years, I have become an accomplished cook. I am most drawn to traditional cuisines and time-honored techniques.
Today, I embark on a new career and adventure. I will be developing a line of traditional, hand produced smoked and cured fish and meats. The company’s first products will be a European style cold-smoked salmon and a cured gravad lax. The business plan is set; I have not yet begun to execute it. This blog will follow the progress of the new company from inception through at least product introduction. I hope to share the successes, trials and tribulations of the start-up on these pages.
Why blog? Simple; I am trying to create virtually one aspect of my former law practice that I know I will miss. The working environment I have left was highly collaborative. Not an hour went by without my seeking the advice of a colleague or a colleague’s seeking my advice. I relish that give and take of ideas. I intend to use this forum to express my thoughts and to solicit the reactions of a audience wider than the confines of my former office building.
I hope to include in this blog my thoughts on a wide range of subjects that pique my interest. In this regard, I am influenced by several traditional newsletters that I have received over the years. When I think of these missives that arrived in my mailbox, I think first of the wonderful essays written by Josh Jensen of Calera Wine Company. I only wish this blog will be a fraction as entertaining as his writing.
Please, visit often, comment when you wish to, enjoy the ride. I intend to.