S2 E7: Becoming a Business Owner with Michael Sharp

Matthew Gray interviews attorney Michael Sharp about the risks and process of leaving stable employment to start a business while married with young children. Sharp, owner of Sharp Litigation, PLC in Harrisonburg, Virginia, describes moving from associate to partner and managing partner at a larger firm, then realizing partnership has a different vision of ownership, values, teamwork, and strategic business focus he expected. 

After clarifying essentials such as connected teamwork, a narrowed civil-litigation focus, and a supportive culture, he planned the transition with his wife—including a detailed financial/time presentation—and launched his firm in January 2024 with two colleagues. He discusses early infrastructure challenges, managing time with family, hiring operational support to free him for revenue-generating legal work, building and formalizing systems as the team grows, unexpected community support, and a client-as-hero philosophy applied to intake and communication.

00:37 Meet Michael Sharp
02:20 From Associate to Partner
05:05 What Partnership Really Means
08:22 Essentialism and Values
11:18 Building a Team Vision
13:53 The Leap and Family Buy In
18:35 First Months in Business
21:02 Time Freedom and Hiring Help
23:49 Systems Growth Pains
27:49 Unexpected Wins and Advice
32:25 Client as the Hero
37:19 Who They Serve and Wrap Up

Resources

Michael Sharp

https://www.sharplitigation.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sharp-279013288/

https://www.amazon.com/Essentialism-Disciplined-Pursuit-Greg-McKeown/dp/0804137382

Matthew Gray

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gray-cfp%C2%AE-5a2144134/

https://schrockfin.com/

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC