Stan’s Story Part 3

Embarking on an Entrepreneurial Odyssey in 1986

Picture this: 1986, and I find myself dwelling in a cozy studio apartment on Capitol Hill. The corporate tax law grind in a downtown Seattle cubicle had drained my spirit – the rigid meetings, office politics, and soul-crushing workload left me at the lowest point in my fledgling legal career. Options for employment were scarce, but bills, including pesky student loan debt, demanded attention.

In the midst of this professional gloom, a trip to Denver to visit my grandparents and sister became a catalyst for change. Despite the funk, I, with a solution-oriented and mostly optimistic personality, experienced an epiphany. The idea of opening my own law firm took root, even though my family and friends deemed me crazy. With no business management experience and limited legal expertise, doubts loomed.

“Why not?” became my mantra. I had no desire to re-enter the corporate legal realm, realizing it wasn’t my fit. Armed with a strong work ethic and the ability to sustain myself through side hustles, I saw an opportunity in the midst of uncertainty. The absence of familial responsibilities or mortgage pressure made this the perfect time for a daring venture. It felt like a moment with nothing to lose and everything to gain, a unique juncture in life.

The Genesis

The journey began with a belief – a lack of fear of failure, a trait that proved invaluable throughout my entrepreneurial expedition. Embracing risk meant acknowledging the possibility of spectacular failure, but did I want to fail? Certainly not. Did I understand its real possibility? Yes. Did it deter me? Not a chance.

Navigating Forward

Contemplating a focus on litigation, I set my sights on practice areas that would land me in court – criminal defense and family law. In the late summer of 1986, armed with determination, I strolled into the city of Seattle office to secure a business license. The application for my UBI number from the State of Washington followed suit.

Capitalizing on Creativity

Undercapitalized to start a business, I got inventive. My studio apartment doubled as my workspace. I shared my endeavors with friends and family, expressing the type of referrals I sought. Across the street, I applied for a waiter position at Red Robin while simultaneously auditioning for modeling and acting gigs. The modeling career gained traction, barely sustaining me financially. Still without a car, I managed to afford a phone to field calls from potential clients. And just like that, I was in business!