Experience

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  Steven M. Bush, a Professional Corporation

  • Littleton, Colorado

  • Business Attorney Emphasizing Mergers, Acquisitions, Contracts, Franchises, Startups and Real Estate

    • Feb 2003 - Present
    • Littleton, Colorado

    Steve emphasizes business startups, commercial transactions, franchises, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate. Immediately prior to opening his current practice, Steve started and operated the Denver “Mr. Handyman” franchise and was awarded the Franchisee of the Year and Top Performer awards for the entire worldwide system. Steve sold his business in August of 2003 and now focuses his efforts on helping his clients effectively develop and execute plans for their businesses. Steve has been a contributor to professional and business magazines, and is a frequent speaker at business and professional seminars. Mr. Bush has been quoted in or has written articles for The Colorado Lawyer, The Denver Business Journal, The Boulder County Business Report, and Today’s Restaurant News, and other local and regional publications. Steve is the author of Introduction to the Exit Transaction, described as "A Step-by-Step Guide to Negotiating, Documenting, and Closing a Sale and Purchase Transaction for the Business Owner or Buyer."

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  Mr. Handyman

  • BUSINESS OWNER

    • Dec 2000 - Aug 2003

    Successfully started and grew Colorado's franchised business as the top franchise in Colorado and one of the leading franchises in the nation. Responsible for all planning, marketing, finance, and human resource functions. Received 2002 Top Performer Award and 2002 Market of the Year Award presented franchisor. Received 2002 Franchisee of the Year Award presented by the International Franchise Association.

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  MediaOne Group, Inc

  • SENIOR ATTORNEY

    • May 1998 - Jul 2000

    Counseled tax, public policy, and operational personnel for all state and local taxes and fees; including income, franchise, net worth, sales, use, gross receipts, business license, property, special franchise, excise, and utility taxes; unclaimed property reports; and franchise, utility, and communications fees. Created and implemented tax and compliance cost reduction strategies. Analyzed tax issues created by interaction between lines of business. Assisted business development group with due diligence reviews. Negotiated tax agreements with business partners and vendors. Represented the company's interests in dealings with government agencies and trade and tax organizations. Developed and implemented a system to identify and analyze proposed legislation that could impact the company's state and local tax positions. Drafted and implemented a statement of enterprise-wide principles to guide the company's legislative and regulatory lobbying efforts. Assisted tax, operations, and public policy personnel in identifying and analyzing state and local tax issues raised by electronic commerce initiatives. Assisted public policy personnel and tax and industry groups in lobbying efforts. Analyzed notices of deficiency and valuation and drafted protests, briefs, and other appeal documents. Retained, monitored, and coordinated efforts with outside counsel. Negotiated and drafted engagement agreements with law and accounting firms.

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  Arthur Andersen

  • MANAGER

    • 1993 - 1998

    Directed a staff of five professionals in a multi-state tax practice, assisting clients with compliance, planning, and consulting for all state and local taxes.

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  Colorado Department of Revenue

  • Denver, Colorado

  • Assistant Tax Conferee

    • 1990 - 1993
    • Denver, Colorado

    Negotiated and resolved tax disputes with corporate and individual taxpayers, including disputes involving income, sales, use, special fuels, severance, liquor, tourism, and highway taxes. Coordinated litigation tasks and provided litigation strategy and support. Performed special projects requiring legal expertise for the Executive Director and the Deputy Director, including managing the Hearings Section for a six-month period, soliciting proposals, negotiating agreements, and drafting contracts.

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  Colorado Office of the Attorney General

  • Denver, Colorado

  • Assistant Attorney General

    • 1983 - 1990
    • Denver, Colorado

    Advised and represented the Colorado Lottery concerning all aspects of its operation, including procurements and contract negotiation and writing, all legal planning and problem solving, all personnel matters, and contact with legislators. Advised the Colorado Department of Revenue in administrative, personnel, and legislative matters. Coordinated activities of outside counsel representing the agendies in civil rights and other tort litigation. Litigated corporate and individual income, sales, use, special fuels, severance, liquor, tourism, and highway tax disputes. Advised and represented the Liquor Division, the Compliance Section, the Motor Vehicle Division, and the Motor Vehicle Dealer Licensing Board for all legal needs.

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  Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company

  • LAW CLERK

    • Oct 1980 - Nov 1983

    Performed legal research, drafted pleadings and discovery documents, and drafted legal memoranda on business and regulatory issues. Assisted attorneys in preparing for trials and administrative proceedings.