• Partner's Perspective: What Would Teddy Do? Cowboy Up, Get Back to Nature, and Break Out of the Box
  • C. Ryan Maloney Published in PileDriver Magazine
  • PPP Blog Series by Jimerson Birr Helps Navigate SBA-Backed PPP Loans
  • Blog Highlights
  • Curiosities, Ruminations and Various Eccentricities of Firm Biz

Connect With Us  
PARTNER'S PERSPECTIVE
Austin B. Calhoun - What Would Teddy Do? Cowboy Up, Get Back to Nature, and Break Out of the Box
Many of us have gotten “boxed in” by a creeping combination of technology, deadlines, routine, and an easy-indoor lifestyle. I believe I have. As a result, our mental and physical health is suffering, and we are not living our best life. We seem to be losing our zest for the adventure of life and, sadly, we are missing out on the great fortune of living in the greatest country there has ever been. I often find that I have slowly slid into that box. If you find yourself sliding into monotonous malaise or a dissatisfaction with your current lot in life, then find inspiration from the great Teddy Roosevelt to “cowboy up,” get back to nature, and break out of your box.

"We have fallen heirs to the most glorious heritage a people ever received, and each one must do his part if we wish to show that the nation is worthy of its good fortune." - Teddy Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919), often referred to as Teddy, was an American politician, statesman, conservationist, naturalist, historian, and writer who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909. If you have not read biographies of Teddy Roosevelt, may I suggest that you do. 

Teddy Roosevelt assumed the presidency at the young age of 42 and he remains the youngest person to become president of the United States. He is generally ranked as one of the five best presidents. However, he had a very hard path to get there, and only made it through his willpower and a heavy dose of nature and cowboy persona.

Teddy was born a sickly child with debilitating asthma, which many thought destined him for a sedate existence, but he overcame his health misfortune by choosing a strenuous lifestyle to power through his ailments both mentally and physically. He leveraged his mental strength and keen interest for nature and adventure into a “cowboy” persona defined by a robust masculinity of his own intentional creation. After beating his early-life health troubles, life seemed fit to deal him another crushing blow: his wife and mother both died in the same night. Such tragedy could debilitate the best of us. But Teddy, yet again determined to win at his life, overcame the devastation and psychological toll of the tragedy by operating a cattle ranch in the Wild West. He became a real cowboy. He cowboyed up.

“I do not believe there ever was any life more attractive to a vigorous young fellow than life on a cattle ranch in those days. It was a fine, healthy life, too; it taught a man self-reliance, hardihood, and the value of instant decision...I enjoyed the life to the full.” - Teddy Roosevelt

His time getting deep into wild nature as a cowboy changed his life. He became a man in full. Teddy eventually left the Wild West and continued his adventure that resulted in him forging a great presidency. But he didn’t lose his inner cowboy. For instance, he formed and led the Rough Riders, becoming a war hero while fighting the Spanish army in Cuba on horseback. And he never lost sight of nature, which was a bedrock for filling his soul with joy and giving him the power to endure and inspire even in the hardest of times.

“It is an incalculable added pleasure to any one's sum of happiness if he or she grows to know, even slightly and imperfectly, how to read and enjoy the wonder-book of nature.” - Teddy Roosevelt

“The lack of power to take joy in outdoor nature is as real a misfortune as the lack of power to take joy in books.” - Teddy Roosevelt

There is a lot to be said for the power of nature to lift your spirits and charge your mental capacity for greater things. Teddy Roosevelt is a prime example. Getting out to spend unadulterated time with nature, experiencing the vast beauty our country has to offer, and even letting out your inner cowboy, can break you out of the box created by the tasks, deadlines, rules, expectations and stress the world tries to handcuff you with. To get out of this box, one simply has to get out—to step outside and seek adventure in the great outdoors. Turn to nature to nurture your mental and physical health, and seek adventure to find peace and happiness along your journey.

I recently had this opportunity and seized it, by spending a full day on horseback in Montana, driving cattle in the hills. You should know that I am by no means a real cowboy. My hands are as soft as they come. But my trip to Montana revealed that I have some inner cowboy that wants out. With the glorious Big Sky yonder, and the natural Montana flora on vast hills beneath my horses’ hooves, I could feel my spirit being recharged—it just felt right. A part of my psyche that gets little attention during my routine work-a-day suburban life was being awoken by the adventure of simply riding a horse in nature, and even facing down-charging bulls. It felt good. I felt more complete.

Alas, I have not been back. And that awoken part of me has withered again. Nature has called since Montana, but I have not answered. That’s on me. Will I cowboy up to break out of my box again? Or will I continue to accept the mundane life that our present world thrusts upon us from many sources? Here’s hoping that I make the choice Teddy would make. Yeehaw! 

“Life is a great adventure…accept it in such a spirit.” - Teddy Roosevelt
Very Truly Yours,
Partner C. Ryan Maloney Published in PileDriver Magazine
PileDriver Magazine, the official publication of the Pile Driving Contractors Association, has recently published partner C. Ryan Maloney's article "Five Key Subcontract Terms That Every Subcontractor Needs to Negotiate."

The article details essential contract terms, including scope of work, payment terms, change orders, force majeure, and termination.

Click here to read the full article via PileDriver.
Jimerson Birr Blog Series Helps Navigate SBA-Backed PPP Loan Recovery and Modification
The Paycheck Protection Program is a $953-billion business loan program established through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act that aimed to keep the economy afloat during the trenches of the COVID-19 pandemic by providing SBA-backed loans to American businesses. As lenders across the country are finding out, properly recovering debt or modifying the terms of these loans can be complicated, which has sparked many questions from collections departments. Jimerson Birr's banking and financial services industry team published a concise three-part blog series on this topic to clarify the most important considerations and best practices for lenders to properly recover or modify their PPP loans.
Jimerson Birr Legal Blogs
Are you keeping up with the latest information in business and law? Jimerson Birr publishes weekly blog posts covering topics from construction law, real estate development, sales and leasing law, banking and financial services law, community association law, and everything in between. Click here to subscribe today and stay up-to-date on the latest legal news from the industries we serve:
Real Estate Development, Sales & Leasing Industry Legal Blog
Should I Hire an Attorney When Purchasing My Next Home?


As a real estate attorney, I am often approached with the question of whether it’s necessary to hire an attorney when purchasing a new home. After all, there is no requirement in the state of Florida that a homebuyer needs to be represented by counsel. Plus, there are several other professionals involved in the home buying process—the realtor, the home inspector, the loan officer, and the appraiser (if financing is being sought)—that should be looking out for a buyer’s best interests. While it is true that these professionals will be operating on behalf of the buyer, it must be stated that their roles are limited based upon their expertise, be it sales and marketing, determining the structural integrity of the home, or establishing a fair market value for the property. But what happens when a question arises regarding the contract? This is where hiring an attorney can be invaluable. Expert guidance can be provided should a question arise during the home buying process that other professionals are not equipped, or licensed, to answer...

Click here to read the full blog post.

Community Associations Industry Legal Blog
Is My Condominium Subject to the Marketable Record Title Act?


Chapter 712 of the Florida Statutes, commonly known as the Marketable Record Title Act (“MRTA”) was enacted in 1963 with the goal of simplifying the transfer of property by extinguishing certain covenants and restrictions after thirty years. This poses a challenge for homeowners’ and community associations as it can inhibit their ability to govern the community, collect dues, and enforce restrictions. While condominium associations are generally not subject to MRTA, there are certain rare circumstances when a condominium is subject to MRTA. This blog will discuss those limited circumstances and how your condominium association can protect its covenants from extinguishment...

Click here to read the full blog post.

Construction Industry Legal Blog
What Should Construction Contractors Do When a Property Owner Files For Bankruptcy?


A bankruptcy filing by a property owner can bring a construction project to a screeching halt, and create a serious risk of substantial losses for the contractor, as well as subcontractors and suppliers. This article will provide an overview of what happens when a property owner files for bankruptcy and what contractors and subcontractors can do with their construction lien rights in bankruptcy to try to protect their interests...

Click here to read the full blog post.

Banking & Financial Services Industry Legal Blog
Can a Lender Pursue Debt Collection After a Charge Off and 1099-C Issuance?

When account owners have an account that reflects a negative balance, the lender is faced with a myriad of options and obligations with regard to the pursuit of that debt. The first consideration that lenders (banks and credit unions alike) often face is when, and if, to conclude that the account owner does not intend to, or is not able to, clear the negative balance or loan deficiency. When a lender declares an account charged off, the account has become so delinquent that it is considered to be a loss, and it is written off the creditor’s books for regulatory or taxation purposes. Once that conclusion is made certain regulatory filings are required to document the charge-off depicting a high probability of loss. Generally, if debtors owe a debt to a lender, and the lender cancels or forgives that debt for less than its full amount, the debtor is treated for income tax purposes as having income and may have to pay tax on this income by virtue of a 1099-C filing from the lender....

Click here to read the full blog post.

Communications & Media Industry Legal Blog
Five Things You Need to Know About Obtaining Discovery From Mobile Electronic Devices

The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure allow any party to request from another party production of relevant electronically stored information (“ESI”) if the ESI is in the custody and control of the producing party.  Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.350. “Custody and control” not only includes desktop computers, but also mobile devices such as laptops, tablets and smartphones. As more and more information becomes stored and accessed through these mobile devices, it becomes that much more important to understand the nuances associated with obtaining discovery from mobile devices. Here are five general points that anyone participating in the discovery process needs to know before going forward...

Click here to read the full blog post.
Firm News
Curiosities, Ruminations and Various Eccentricities of Firm Biz
January JB FOR ME Highlight Reel
We started February by supporting Wear Red Day, the American Heart Association’s annual campaign to promote heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among Americans, and Wear Red Day challenges us all to take better care of our hearts. On top of wearing red, we enjoyed heart-healthy snacks like dark chocolate, healthy popcorn, pears, and hummus. 
Wear (Various Shades of) Red Day
Samantha was sure to save a mimosa for her office neighbor
It’s not every day we get mimosas and pastries delivered to our desks, but when we do, we savor it! As a law firm, we work hard to deliver for our clients—and we do the same for our team. On top of competitive pay, great benefits, and a killer office, we also put on mini “JB For Me” events like this to help bond, make the work day fun, and take a load off.
Rick and Daphne at the Jimerson Birr Chili Cook-Off booth
On Thursday, February 17, Jimerson Birr had the honor of participating in the Associated Builders and Contractors – Florida First Coast Chapter’s 8th Annual Chili Cook-Off. On top of enjoying chili made by businesses and contractors from around the First Coast, we had a great time meeting new friends, reconnecting with old ones, and even raffled off a bottle of bourbon from our private barrel. While our chili—an excellent “3 Pepper Bliss” recipe made by our own Rick Denny—didn’t make the podium, it nonetheless tasted fantastic, and we enjoyed it the next day in the office.


If you think JBFORME may be for you, view our recent openings as our firm expands.
Easily Share this Newsletter

Wells Fargo Center, One Independent Drive, Suite 1400, Jacksonville, FL 32202
P (904) 389-0050 | F (904) 212-1269 | E info@jimersonfirm.com


Copyright © 2021 Jimerson Birr, All rights reserved.