Talking Business with Attorney and Businessman, Rick Collins

Rick Collins is a great friend of mine and someone who many of us can learn from. He is someone who lives the bodybuilder lifestyle and has dedicated his life to staying healthy. When he isn’t writing columns for health and fitness magazines and websites, you can find him in the courtroom protecting the rights of the innocent. With more than two decades as an attorney, Rick’s law firm can help multiple people who run into legal issues. This is definitely a must read interview where we discuss Rick’s business as well as discuss how you can help build your own successful start-up business through his extensive knowledge and background.

Matt Weik: Thanks for taking the time for this interview, Rick. It’s always great working with you. Could you start off by telling us a little bit about how you first started your law firm and who exactly you cater to?

Rick Collins: Sure, and the feeling is mutual. We started our law firm in 1990 as a local New York criminal defense firm. Our goal was simply to be the very best at what we do. Over the years, we’ve grown. We’ve just hired yet another associate, in fact. My own personal practice has evolved to become quite niche. I cater to the various legal problems of people in the bodybuilding and fitness industry. For example, I often help dietary supplement companies, athletes, and people accused of issues relating to anabolic steroids. But I help in other situations as well. I’m licensed in a number of state and federal jurisdictions nationwide.

Matt Weik: Do all the lawyers in your firm cater to the same clientele?

Rick Collins: No. The firm has expanded, with different lawyers and their practice groups handling different types of matters, including all types of criminal cases, real estate closings, and elder law, probate and estate planning issues. We also have a thriving regulatory practice involving dietary supplements and natural products, with a dedicated Long Island associate and two lawyers Of Counsel in Southern California. Check out http://www.supplementcounsel.com/.

Matt Weik: During your start-up phase, did you run into any hiccups that you had to overcome? How did you get past them?

Rick Collins: We built our business from the ground up. We didn’t join an existing firm. So, in the beginning we endured the ordinary hiccups of any new business – and the challenge of keeping the lights on. There are a lot of lawyers in New York so it’s fierce competition. We kept tight control on overhead to make sure we could pay our bills. At the same time, we worked hard to build our reputation. We found the best marketing strategy is a job well done. Our primary sources of clients have always been past or existing clients and referrals from other lawyers. I see so many lawyers who rush clients off the phone unless they’re billing them, or who make clients feel like their case is unimportant. I often get retained by clients who were unhappy with their previous lawyers. My philosophy has always been to make every client feel like their case is my most important one.

Matt Weik: Everyone has a “survival phase” where they seem to be more linear rather than growing exponentially, what was your defining moment and how did it come about that truly blew up your business?

Rick Collins: I started out doing defense in typical criminal matters – narcotics sales, robberies, burglaries. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t my passion. About six years into my practice I decided to devote myself to working exclusively with the community I felt most connected to and comfortable with. I had been a competitive bodybuilder and a personal trainer in my life outside the legal profession. I decided to learn everything I could about the laws surrounding anabolic steroids and dietary supplements. I found my passion. Twenty years later, I’m the happiest lawyer I know. I love helping my clients. I love going to work.

Matt Weik: Everyone talks about how difficult it is to run a business, yet still have a family life and time for yourself. How do you personally find balance?

Rick Collins: It’s simple. Love what you do and balance will find itself. I have to tell you though, that building a business takes an enormous amount of time and effort. Not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur. But if you find what you are passionate about, what truly excites you, it won’t feel like work. You’ll put in the long hours because you love what you’re doing.

Matt Weik: What key pieces of information would you give to someone who’s looking to start their own business?

Rick Collins: Pick something you love to do and strive to be the very best at it. Everything else will fall into place from there. You’ll enjoy doing the work, so the necessary sacrifices won’t be so painful. You’ll enjoy blogging, speaking and writing about what you do, so marketing and networking will come easy. I think that the narrower the niche, the better your chances at becoming the “go to” person in the field. Finding a specialty within your field, and learning it backwards and forwards is a great way to distinguish yourself from the competition. Then have some patience and let your reputation grow.

Matt Weik: Should someone be in need of your services, how can they get in touch with you?

Rick Collins: I’m easily accessible. If you need me, just call 516-294-0300. Some people keep me on speed dial just in case. Or email me at [email protected]. You can follow me on Twitter @RickCollinsEsq or on Facebook @RickCollinsOnline. Or check out my website at http://www.rickcollins.com/.

Matt Weik: Thank you, Rick, for not only the time, but your continued support and work in the industry!

Rick Collins: Thank you, Matt!

If you liked this interview I did with Rick Collins, check out the other content I’ve worked on with him below:

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