Name of Owner:
Michael B. Hamar
Year you opened for business:
2006
How would you describe your business?
Solo practice law firm
Briefly describe your typical client/customer.
A small business owner or a closely held company seeking help on contracts, transactions or estate planning for the owner(s).
What is one thing most people do not know about your business that would surprise him/her?
I have international law and Fortune 50 experience and handled a $100 million financing.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in your district/community?
Ghent has the feeling of a small town and business owners know each other.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in Hampton Roads?
There are still untapped market niches ignored by many that allow for unique opportunities. (e.g. LGBT and Hispanic markets)
What challenges do you face as a business owner?
The bad economy and collapse of the housing marketing have greatly reduced real estate work.
What’s in store for your business in the future?
I’d like to associate another attorney to better serve my clients.
What could local government do to help small business owners in your business district (besides lower taxes)?
Provide a more welcoming atmosphere in terms of accepting diversity and tolerance.
What is one thing your business district needs?
Ghent is pretty open to diversity and accepting of others. Now the region needs to do this.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I believe Hampton Roads can have a great future, but political and business leaders need to change failed policies. Doing the same thing tat hasn’t worked and expecting a different result is idiocy.
