Steve emphasizes business startups,
commercial transactions, and real estate. He graduated from the University
of Denver College of Law and finished his undergraduate career by graduating
with magna cum laude honors. He has practiced law in a variety of settings,
including government, private practice, and corporate positions.
Immediately prior to opening his current practice, Steve started and
operated the Denver “Mr. Handyman” franchise and was awarded the Franchisee
of the Year and Top Performer awards for the entire worldwide system. Steve
sold his business in August of 2003 and now focuses his efforts on helping
his clients effectively develop and execute plans for their businesses.
Steve has been a contributor to professional and business magazines, and is
a frequent speaker at business and professional seminars.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
September 2003 to Present
SOLE PRACTITIONER Assist clients with
business formation, operation, and transactional issues. Focus on choice of
entity, entity formation and start-up, operational issues, asset acquisition
and disposition, lease review and real estate, and planning and implementing
exit strategies.
December 2000 to August 2003
BUSINESS OWNER
Successfully started and grew Colorado’s franchised business as the top
franchise in Colorado and one of the leading franchises in the nation.
Responsible for all planning, marketing, finance, and human resource
functions. Received 2002 Top Performer Award and 2002 Market of the Year
Award presented franchisor. Received 2002 Franchisee of the Year Award
presented by the International Franchise Association.
May 1998 to July 2000
STATE TAX COUNSEL MediaOne Group, Inc., Denver. Counseled tax,
public policy, and operational personnel for all state and local taxes and
fees; including income, franchise, net worth, sales, use, gross receipts,
business license, property, special franchise, excise, and utility taxes;
unclaimed property reports; and franchise, utility, and communications
fees. Created and implemented tax and compliance cost reduction
strategies. Analyzed tax issues created by interaction between lines of
business. Assisted business development group with due diligence reviews.
Negotiated tax agreements with business partners and vendors. Represented
the company’s interests in dealings with government agencies and trade and
tax organizations. Developed and implemented a system to identify and
analyze proposed legislation that could impact the company’s state and local
tax positions. Drafted and implemented a statement of enterprise-wide
principles to guide the company’s legislative and regulatory lobbying
efforts. Assisted tax, operations, and public policy personnel in
identifying and analyzing state and local tax issues raised by electronic
commerce initiatives. Assisted public policy personnel and tax and industry
groups in lobbying efforts. Analyzed notices of deficiency and valuation
and drafted protests, briefs, and other appeal documents. Retained,
monitored, and coordinated efforts with outside counsel. Negotiated and
drafted engagement agreements with law and accounting firms.
December 1993 to May 1998
STATE AND LOCAL TAX PRACTICE LEADER Arthur Andersen LLP, Denver.
Directed a staff of five professionals in a multi-state tax practice,
assisting clients with compliance, planning, and consulting for all state
and local taxes. Coordinated large planning, tax minimization, audit
defense, refund recovery, and tax systems design and implementation projects
handling all areas of project conception, client presentations, work
planning, implementation, result evaluation, billing, and client
relationships.
September 1990 to December 1993
ASSISTANT TAX CONFEREE Colorado Department of Revenue.
Negotiated and resolved tax disputes with corporate and individual
taxpayers, including disputes involving income, sales, use, special fuels,
severance, liquor, tourism, and highway taxes. Coordinated litigation tasks
and provided litigation strategy and support. Performed special projects
requiring legal expertise for the Executive Director and the Deputy
Director, including managing the Hearings Section for a six-month period,
soliciting proposals, negotiating agreements, and drafting contracts.
November 1983 to September 1990
ASSISTANT ATTORNEY
GENERAL Office of the Attorney General. Advised and represented
the Colorado Lottery concerning all aspects of its operation, including
procurements and contract negotiation and writing, all legal planning and
problem solving, all personnel matters, and contact with legislators.
Advised the Human Resources Section in all areas of personnel matters.
Coordinated activities of outside counsel representing the State in civil
rights and other tort litigation. Litigated corporate and individual
income, sales, use, special fuels, severance, liquor, tourism, and highway
tax disputes. Advised and represented the Liquor Division, the Compliance
Section, the Motor Vehicle Division, and the Motor Vehicle Dealer Licensing
Board for all legal needs.
October 1980 to November 1983
LAW
CLERK Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company. Performed
legal research, drafted pleadings and discovery documents, and drafted legal
memoranda on business and regulatory issues. Assisted attorneys in
preparing for trials and administrative proceedings.
EDUCATION:
June, 1983: J.D., University of Denver College of
Law. Grade Point Average: 81.91 (100 scale). Top third of class.
General Academic Scholarship, 1982-1983, 1980-1981. Colorado Moose Academic
Scholarship, 1982-1983, 1981-1982, 1980-1981. Widney Scholarship,
1981-1982. American Jurisprudence Award, 1982-1983.
June, 1980: B.S., University of Northern Colorado.
Grade Point Average: 3.9 (4.0 scale). Magna Cum Laude. Major
in Business Administration, Minor in Economics. Dean's List, 1980 and
1979. General Academic Scholarship, 1980. Panhellenic Scholarship Award,
1980, 1979, and 1978. Colorado Moose Academic Scholarship, 1979-1980.
Sophomore Business Honors Program, 1979.
ADMITTED TO PRACTICE:
All Colorado Courts, the United States Court of Appeals
for the Tenth Circuit, the United States District Court for the District of
Colorado, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
Colorado Bar Association
Arapahoe Bar Association
South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce
Former Director and Treasurer, Colorado Public Expenditure Research
Council
VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:
Instructor, National Sports Center for the Disabled
Counselor, Small Business Center
Former Chair, Black Diamond Ball
