We recently connected with Craig Thrift and have shared our conversation below.

Craig, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their revenue to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details

Thrift McLemore is a proud sponsor of esp, Inc., a leading non-profit offering essential resources, advocacy, and inclusive programs for those with intellectual, physical, learning, and developmental disabilities across the Atlanta, Athens, and Rome areas.

Through our estate planning department’s work with special needs trusts, we recognize the unique challenges these families face and the importance of securing a stable future for people with disabilities. Partnering with esp, Inc. was a natural extension of our effort to support families in meaningful ways.

Their work in fostering an empowering and compassionate environment is truly impactful. Their Family Dinner, for instance, is just one of their many programs and is a wonderful opportunity for esp, Inc. families to come together once a month and enjoy a meal at no cost to them.

Our team has had the privilege of participating in esp, Inc.’s first-ever camp in Atlanta this summer, and we recently sponsored their Family Dinner. We’re proud to support an organization that shares our commitment to ensuring long-term security and well-being for individuals with disabilities.

Craig, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am one of the founding partners of Thrift McLemore, a business law, real estate law, and estate planning law firm with offices in Atlanta, Macon, and Fort Lauderdale.

Starting out, we recognized the challenges business owners face and aimed to be their one-stop legal resource. Over time, we expanded our practice areas to include real estate law and estate planning. These three practice areas really complement each other.

By integrating these services, we provide a seamless experience for our clients and a holistic approach to their legal needs. For example, people who come to us for an estate plan, such as a will or trust, often benefit from our expertise in business and real estate law, especially if they own assets like rental properties or business interests. This comprehensive perspective is crucial for effective asset protection and ensures the estate plan addresses their needs.

Our attorneys work incredibly well together, which we prioritize in our hiring process. The result is an efficient, smooth experience for our clients and high-quality, cost-effective legal solutions.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

At the end of the day, delivering results drives growth. Clients come to us because they trust we can solve their problems, and we make sure to deliver on that trust. Success in the courtroom or a business deal speaks louder than any advertisement.

However, I believe the key is determining what success means to each client. Every client has different goals—whether it’s protecting their family’s future, closing a business deal, or resolving a legal dispute.

I’ve found that growth comes from truly understanding each client’s unique needs and tailoring our services to align with those needs. Some clients want an aggressive stance, while others may prioritize a timely resolution or preserving a business relationship.

We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we listen to our clients and create a plan to achieve their specific goals.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and keeping morale high starts with hiring the right people. As the founding partner of a law firm, I’ve learned that building a strong, positive culture begins with bringing in people who not only excel in their practice areas but also get along with our other team members. It’s not just about legal skills—it’s about finding people who care about the clients, the firm, and each other. From there, collaboration and morale tend to come naturally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thriftlegal.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriftmclemore/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thriftlegal/
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/craig-thrift-8254a3134
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/thriftmclemore

Image Credits

Katya Vilchyk Photography & Design