Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Scott Collins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Scott, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

I do not see any other company as a competitor. The need for professional services, and in particular legal services that are client focused, is never ending and very difficult to find. If we offer value based services where the client comes first, the experience is emphasized, and the value of over delivering on our service, we will have no competition. This is the key to our success and the basis of our reputation.

 Scott, 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 a veteran and a former protestant minister. My nearly 2 decades of service in churches across the nation provided me constant access into the lives of families at their most difficult time. In situations of death and dying I saw families be torn apart because of the difficulty of those situations. As an attorney I knew that I had the tools available to help families through these situations and the skills to counsel and give with a caring approach that is down to earth and relevant.

When my own family stories reflected the issues my clients face, I had unique insight into what clients really need. Stories of loss of land and life savings, or of being refused care due to income levels so that loved ones passed away because they were too poor are not what they appear on the surface. They are stories of loss and despair and anger and frustration. When no one has been listening, the solution is not an estate plan, but rather the solution is someone who hears where you are coming from and care about your desires.

Scott, 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 a veteran and a former protestant minister. My nearly 2 decades of service in churches across the nation provided me constant access into the lives of families at their most difficult time. In situations of death and dying I saw families be torn apart because of the difficulty of those situations. As an attorney I knew that I had the tools available to help families through these situations and the skills to counsel and give with a caring approach that is down to earth and relevant.

When my own family stories reflected the issues my clients face, I had unique insight into what clients really need. Stories of loss of land and life savings, or of being refused care due to income levels so that loved ones passed away because they were too poor are not what they appear on the surface. They are stories of loss and despair and anger and frustration. When no one has been listening, the solution is not an estate plan, but rather the solution is someone who hears where you are coming from and care about your desires.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I have had to learn to not take things personally. I was once told if you want to swim in the ocean, you have to learn to tell the difference between sharks and guppies. There are so many ups and downs in business, so many tough decisions with employees, complaints from clients and choices with vendors. All of these can really get to you at a personal level. Yet none of those outside choices are truly about me as the owner. They are the stories from the other person’s background. I am still here with the ability to help them if they are open to accept it.

A client lashing out at a staff person or complaining about fees will come into the firm, and the receptionist may say “So-and-so is here to speak to you, he is really upset.” This is not at all helpful. If I assume they are upset, then of course they are upset with me, and then I move into a defensive posture. I frame everything that everyone shows up needing help, and are happy to accept it. This posture is proactive and helps me come to every meeting with the right mindset. Any trouble a client is having is simply because they are struggling with the circumstances in their life and I can help.

How’d you meet your business partner?

My wife is my Operations Manager (my second in command), and its a great fit! But not because we are so well aligned. Working with your spouse is one of the most challenging situations one could choose. But it can also be one of the most rewarding parts of your marriage.

My wife was noted as one of the best trial paralegals for a national personal injury firm. She also had vast experience in medical records and in office management for large enterprises such as restaurants, property management companies, health care companies and law firms.

She was nearing a burnout after her last law firm went to a merger and then launched a new firm. She wanted out and retired. After several months as a retiree (and several years of begging her to consider working for my law firm), she accepted the offer. She had lots of reservations. She thought the position was beneath her, that my vision for the firm culture was too optimistic, and perhaps just didn’t think the position would challenge her. She made a great choice and came aboard and has made the most amazing contribution since.

She is a power house, a get it done person. We constantly seek opportunities to keep a work-life balance, even couple’s counseling to facilitate healthy communication and boundaries. We attend personal growth workshops together and separately as well as jointly attach the strategic planning and growth of the business.

While there are days when we don’t give each other our best, the overall impact on our marriage is that we are at the best place we have ever been. And the impact on the business has been a great success. 4 years together in business and no turning back.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ElderLawGuidance.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElderLawGuidance
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/40796988/admin/feed/posts/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elderlawguidance9051/videos @elderlawguidance

Image Credits
Ben Keeling Photography