Next Lawyer Up Podcast with Attorney Ron Sykstus Ron Sykstus

Brian and I met under very unique and stressful circumstances when we were 20 years old at the US Marine Corps’ Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. This article in the Washington Post made me question my decision to attend OCS.  I then ended up  watching this movie, Baby Blue Marine, with Jan Michael Vincent, the night before leaving for Quantico.  As a result, I was extremely concerned about my upcoming fate at Quantico!  Sully and my bunkmate, Pete Swicker, made the time and stress at OCS manageable and the three of us still talk to this day. It is hard to believe that over 40 years have passed by since we first met. I enjoyed catching up with Brian on this episode.  

 I have known attorney Eron Epstein as a colleague with the American Consumer Bankruptcy College for the past couple of years. Eron, as you’ll hear, has an easygoing and affable personality that makes him very relatable to his clients.  On top of that, Eron has been practicing consumer bankruptcy law for many years in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  That area of the country is fortunate to have Eron as an asset.  Eron is clearly an attorney who has mastered his craft and, fortunately for Chattanooga residents, he has no plans on retirement any time soon!  I enjoyed getting to know his history on this episode of the podcast.   

Sparks Ford is a great guy with a great wife and kids!  This is exactly who you want at a party and he holds a room naturally.  He has been in sales for his entire career and that is exactly where he needs to be!  I have been fortunate enough to have known Sparks for twenty years or so and I am always happy to see him and talk to him.  I hope you enjoy hearing his story on this episode.

I have known attorney Todd Farmer as a colleague with the American Consumer Bankruptcy College for the past couple of years. Todd, along with his law partner, Sam Wright, are the co-founders of Farmer and Wright.  They have offices throughout Kentucky, hence the phrase “the Kentucky boys!”  Both Todd and Sam strike me as very bright, personable, driven and focused. I've never really seen lawyers take apart every aspect of their own law practice on a consistent basis in order to make sure things run as smoothly and efficiently as possible, ultimately ensuring great results for their clients. There is never any complacency with these guys!  They practice in the areas of consumer bankruptcy, immigration, personal injury and social security disability.  I think you’ll enjoy hearing about Todd’s humble roots from junior college to accountant/CPA, restaurateur, and ultimately to where he is at now. 

I always say that I don't know anyone in Huntsville that doesn't know Jim Kaplan and his family. I've known Jim for probably 20 years and he is one of the most extroverted and warm individuals I have ever run across!  He and his wife Jennifer have raised a great family and I am fortunate to have them in my world. I hope you enjoy this inaugural podcast of Ronnie and Friends.  In the introduction of this podcast, I explain the evolution of the podcast name and it is not as self-involved as one would think!  

Attorney Eric Artrip is a partner with the law firm of Mastando and Artrip. This firm is highly respected, and you can listen to a podcast I did previously with one of Eric’s law partners, Teri Mastando, here.  As you'll hear me say on this podcast, for the past several years, whenever there is notable news of any type in North Alabama that entails some type of legal matter, I expect to see Eric's name attached to it. His case list is really a barometer of things that have happened in our community over the past decade or so.  I first met Eric many years ago when he worked with the chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee and former Alabama State Bar President, the late Tazewell Shepard.  Eric has since morphed his law practice into high end civil litigation, along with a focus on class action work as well.  I enjoyed catching up with Eric on this episode of the podcast.