In this episode of The Think Small Podcast, Michael Poropat, Co-Founder and Intellectual Property Attorney at Stockman Poropat, shares how the New York-based boutique law firm has built a specialized practice serving e-commerce entrepreneurs, Amazon sellers, and small business owners navigating the complex world of intellectual property and online marketplace compliance. Michael explains the often-overlooked risks facing online sellers, including account suspensions, intellectual property disputes, trademark conflicts, and platform enforcement actions that can disrupt or even shut down a business overnight. He discusses the firm's client-centered approach, emphasizing education, accessibility, and long-term relationships while helping entrepreneurs proactively protect their brands, products, and revenue streams.

Michael also reflects on his unconventional journey from studying theoretical mathematics and competitive gaming to building a law practice dedicated to supporting creators, innovators, and business builders. He shares insights on the importance of planning early, understanding legal risks before they become crises, and approaching business growth with both strategic foresight and practical protection. The conversation offers valuable perspectives on intellectual property strategy, Amazon seller challenges, entrepreneurship, client service, and the critical role that education and trusted advisors play in helping small businesses build sustainable, protected, and scalable companies.

Connect:

Website: https://stockmanporopat.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljporopat

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, Mario Lamar, Partner at Allen Bryson Lamar, shares how the Texas-based law firm has built a reputation for helping businesses navigate commercial litigation, creditors’ rights, construction law, and debt recovery. Mario discusses the firm’s client-first approach, emphasizing transparent communication, flexible fee structures, and innovative contingency-based legal services that allow businesses to pursue collections and litigation without the burden of significant upfront legal costs. He explains how these alternative pricing models have helped clients recover revenue, improve cash flow, and access high-quality legal representation when they need it most.

Mario also reflects on the firm’s growth journey, including lessons learned from customer concentration risk, the strategic shift that led to its successful contingency practice, and the importance of maintaining focus while expanding services. He shares insights into the firm's ambitious plans to double its attorney count and quadruple revenue over the next three years, while continuing to serve construction, oil and gas, and commercial clients across Texas and beyond. The conversation offers valuable perspectives on scaling a professional services business, attracting top talent, building strong client relationships, and creating sustainable growth through innovation and specialization.

Connect:

Website: https://www.allenbrysonlaw.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-lamar-42aa8927

In this episode of the Think Small Podcast, we sit down with attorney and entrepreneur Alex Almazan, founding and managing partner of the Almazan Law, for an in-depth conversation about leadership, growth, and the future of the legal industry in the age of AI. Alex shares his journey from working at traditional law firms to building his own practice, discussing the lessons he learned from early partnerships, navigating business downturns, and creating a firm culture centered around adaptability and long-term vision. He also opens up about balancing ambition with personal fulfillment, explaining how his definition of success evolved over the years from chasing material goals to focusing on family, sustainability, and meaningful growth.

The conversation takes a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the practice of law and professional services as a whole. Alex offers a candid look at the challenges of integrating AI into a law firm, from client expectations and operational changes to the importance of maintaining human judgment and accountability. He explains why AI is not about replacing people, but about transforming workflows, increasing efficiency, and allowing professionals to spend more time building real human relationships with clients. Packed with insights on leadership, scaling a business, navigating uncertainty, and preparing for the future, this episode is a valuable listen for business owners, executives, and professionals across every industry.

Connect:

Website: https://www.almazanlaw.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-almazan-8b681115/