Legal surprises derail growing businesses — Jon Hood helps you avoid them with predictable, flat‑fee legal counsel.

Jon Hood used to be the general counsel at an ed‑tech startup. He saw first‑hand how legal bills stacked up when issues were ignored until they got big. He decided there must be a better way. Today he runs Hood Venture Counsel, where he offers fractional general counsel services: proactive legal support, flat‑fee billing, and guidance built for growing businesses.

In this episode, Jon walks us through his journey—why reactive legal help is risky, how flat fees can give you breathing room, and what it really takes to protect a business before trouble starts. He’s not just telling you what to do; he gives concrete examples, lessons from real startups, and ways you can start taking control of your legal landscape now.

Key Topics Covered:

• What fractional general counsel means, and why it works better for many small and mid‑sized businesses
• The ways unpredictable legal costs hurt you: cash flow, stress, stalled growth
• How flat fee billing brings clarity and confidence
• Legal issues you should fix before they become emergencies
• Real examples of companies who avoided disaster by being proactive

Guest Links & Resources:

• Jon Hood’s website: jonhoodesq.com
• Jon Hood on LinkedIn: John Hood

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Acknowledgments & Other Key People:
Thanks to:

• Carl Richards from Podcast Solutions Made — expert in making podcasts shine (Carl on LinkedIn; Podcast Solutions Made Simple)
• Fred Crouch “Property Wizard” — for real estate lessons and clarity (Fred on LinkedIn; Property Wizard Podcast)
• Jovan Strika from @Hive — coworking, community, action (Jovan on LinkedIn; Hive)
• Melanie Webber — my business partner, always making ideas better
• Wayne Pratt from Motive8U Inc — co‑host, coach, mind‑mover (Wayne on LinkedIn; Motive8U)

Hosts:
Bernie Franzgrote (Bernie’s LinkedIn) & Wayne Pratt (Wayne’s LinkedIn)

Sponsor Details & Contact Information:
We are proud to bring you tools and communities that help SMBs grow. Each sponsor below supports this podcast and could support you too.

Descript – Smarter Content Creation
Struggling to keep up with content? Descript saves time by making audio and video editing as easy as editing a document. Perfect for
podcasts, promos, and training videos. 👉 Descript

Freshly Brewed Coaching
Brew insight, not just espresso. Freshly Brewed Coaching brings sharp coaching strategies straight from Wayne Pratt and Matt Hawksley
— ideal for professionals ready to rise. 👉 Freshly Brewed Coaching

@Hive – Real‑World Business Networking
Feeling stuck behind a screen? @Hive is where you build real connections and partnerships — in person and online. Great for freelancers
and growing teams. 👉 @Hive

Contact us or learn more:

• Reach us at [email protected]
• Visit our website: knack4business.com

If this episode helped you see how legal protection can be predictable, share your thoughts below! What legal issue worries you most? Or reach out with a question for Jon or the hosts.

Also, if you want to dive deeper, watch the full talk here: YouTube link

Disclaimer: Please note that the Knack 4 Business podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations.

It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode.

It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.

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