When you own a family-business, virtually every financial decision that you make can have a long-term impact on both your business and your family.   On Thursday, April 1st, our guests, Dan Merkel, Founder, Southern State Insurance, Inc. and Josh Hirsh, Managing Director, Studley will share their insights on two key areas that are sometimes over looked—risk management and property leasing.

Without proper risk management—your entire business and all of the wealth that your family has built can disappear with one uninsured loss.  Dan Merkel will help you understand how to develop a comprehensive risk-management strategy that must be part of your overall business and succession planning.

Managing your real estate holdings and negotiating lease terms can be complex.  As a family-business owner you must also consider the impact a long-term commercial lease can have on your successors.  Josh Hirsh will help us navigate the commercial real-estate waters from a family-business perspective and will help us understand the opportunties available during these volatile times.

Our Guests:

Josh Hirsh, Managing Director, Studley

Josh joined Studley in June of 2000. He began his career in commercial real estate as a financial analyst focusing on acquisition and disposition strategies. His expertise includes evaluating the cash, GAAP, and book impact of a variety of real estate lease structures. As a broker, Josh works with both corporate clients and law firms on ensuring that his clients achieve both optimal financial results as well as flexibility to help manage a variety of human resource issues.

Josh is an active member of the American Israel Chamber of Commerce where he advises early-stage Israeli technology companies on various strategies for entering the market. He is an active member of the Northside Youth Organization where he has both coached baseball for the past several years and contributes as an active member on the park’s long-term planning committee. He is also working with Kate’s Club, a local non-profit, on a variety of fundraising and public awareness initiatives.

In 2009, Josh was recognized by the Atlanta Business Chronicle in its annual “40 under 40” list for his contributions and leadership in his company and community.  Josh graduated from Indiana University with a degree in real estate finance and Japanese.       Josh Hirsch, Studley – Telephone – 404-5043-0015

Dan Merkel  CIC, Sr. Account Executive, Southern States Insurance

Dan’s client base consists of but is not limited to manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, construction, real estate, professional, not for profit public and private companies.  His specialties include liability, property, workers compensation, vehicles, equipment, umbrella, professional liability, cargo.

Dan is married and the father of two girls.  He lives in Alpharetta where his is a very active member of his community.  He serves on the board of directors of several organizations and recently graduated from the Alpharetta Public Safety Academy.

After more than 18 years in the property and casualty insurance businesses working with business owners and helping them manage their insurance cost and exposure. Dan has worked with almost every type of business you can imagine. He has an advanced degree from the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) which has given him great insight and expanded knowledge of insurance. Dan Merkel, CIC, Southern States Insurance – Telephone – 678-715-0415