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Steve is a founding partner of Beck Reed Riden LLP – Boston's newest litigation boutique. BRR lawyers have years of experience at large law firms, working with clients ranging from Fortune 50 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation – including contract, copyright, trademark, unfair competition, and healthcare litigation – as well as labor and employment, trade secrets, noncompetes, and alternative dispute resolution. We are experienced litigators and counselors, helping our clients as business partners to resolve issues and develop strategies that best meet our clients’ legal and business needs – before, during, and after litigation. Specialties Employee-lawsuit defense (including discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage & hour), noncompete litigation, employee-raiding litigation, labor relations.

I was born in New Jersey, but have lived most of my life in the Boston area. I have studied the Middle East and still maintain a strong interest in the region. I practiced law in prominent downtown law firms for 18 years. I have three great girls (who are all too old to be called girls)

Wayne Johnson – Senior Executive GROWTH – TURNAROUND – DIVERSIFICATION – VALUE CREATION My expertise is moving businesses forward—identifying opportunities, creating strategies, and leading execution to drive stalled organizations to vibrant growth. My experience spans multiple industries and the full range of business challenges from start-up to turnaround, exit strategy, and ownership transition. Career Synopsis: • CEO/COO, Plymouth Quarries, Inc.: Delivered annual growth in a declining industry; pioneered new product line that grew to 20% of revenues. • PRESIDENT, Marane Oil Heat, Inc., and Marane Oil, Inc.: Led a turnaround and divisional divestiture; orchestrated an ESOP; grew revenues 50% in 2 years and sold the company at double its purchase price. • DIVISION MANAGER, Oxbow Corporation: Scaled up business from zero to $750 million revenue in less than 4 years. • STRATEGIC PLANNER, Texaco, Inc.: Helped develop the company’s first computer-simulation model and futures-trading activities; advanced through marketing, market analysis, and general management positions. I earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from the University of Hartford. I am an instrument-rated pilot and an avid cyclist, having completed the 192-mile Pan-Massachusetts Challenge eleven times.

My practice focuses on representing owners of small to medium-sized privately held businesses. Most particularly, I deal with growing and expanding companies that have legal transactional needs. Strong sub-specialties are in purchases and sales of businesses and business and/or generational succession planning.

I enjoy working with small business owners, esp. regarding (a) Business purchases & sales; and (b) Dispute resolution issues, including dissolutions without litigation. As a creative planner, I add value by listening to all sides and advising clients accordingly.