Experience

Fred helps businesses grow. His practice includes all aspects of starting, growing and exiting a business, including formation, financing, contracts, mergers/acquisitions, executive compensation, asset protection and business succession planning.

Fred works with businesses of all types, but he has particular expertise in real estate, banking, the entertainment industry, business ventures of Native American tribes, minority business enterprises and businesses impacted by environmental regulations or concerns.

Fred also understands distressed businesses. He has assisted troubled companies through restructurings, foreclosures and workouts (both in and out of bankruptcy). He has helped buy and sell struggling businesses and he has assisted banks, other lenders, vendors and others to enforce their rights against failing companies.

Education

• University of Chicago Law School
  Chicago, Illinois
  J.D., with honors, 1985
• Augustana College
  Rock Island, Illinois
  B.A., magna cum laude, 1982

Professional Activities

• Federal Bar Association: American Indian Law Section; Real Estate Law Section
• State Bar of Michigan: American Indian Law Section; Real Property Law Section; Environmental Law Section; Business Law Section
• Illinois State Bar
• Pennsylvania State Bar

Community Activities

• Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (Board of Directors)
• Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce (Tax Committee, Chair; Public Policy Committee; Environmental Committee)
• Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce (Public Policy Committee)