Lawsuits & Lessons
Join John Fagerholm, a veteran California employment defense lawyer with over 20 years dedicated solely to defending employers and entrepreneurs from the state’s complex labor regulations. With more than a thousand employer-defense cases under his belt, he knows the laws inside out, and he’s not afraid to tell the stories that hit hardest.
Alongside is Steve Cooper, the award-winning host of CooperTalk and The Coop Tank, known for his unscripted, organic conversations with top entertainers and business leaders. With over a decade of podcast experience and a background in stand-up comedy, Steve brings wit, warmth, and a keen ear for storytelling.
Together, John and Steve tackle real employment law challenges, from harassment and retaliation to wage disputes, with sharp insight and unexpected humor. Expect true case stories, expert advice, and a conversational tone that keeps it both professional and entertaining.
Perfect for business owners, legal professionals, or anyone curious about workplace law, Lawsuits & Lessons delivers clarity, protection tips, and a few laughs along the way.
Lawsuits & Lessons
From Hardship to Hospitality: The Entrepreneurial Rise of Sean Tipton
In this episode of Lawsuits & Lessons, host John Fagerholm, employment defense attorney and business advocate, joins co-host Steve Cooper, comedian and veteran podcaster, to sit down with lifelong entrepreneur Sean Tipton.
Sean shares his journey from a challenging childhood to building a multimillion-dollar healthcare company, and now, developing Oak Fire Ridge — a stunning social and sports club in Texas that blends hospitality, community, and design. Along the way, the conversation explores resilience, risk-taking, and the realities of building businesses that last.
The trio dives deep into entrepreneurship, law, and leadership — from founding Airrosti to navigating bureaucracy, managing legal challenges, and defining what true hospitality really means.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How Sean Tipton turned early adversity into entrepreneurial drive
- The story behind Airrosti and its rise to industry success
- Why hospitality is more than service — it’s participation
- What makes Oak Fire Ridge a new model for social and sports clubs
- Legal insights on permits, liquor licenses, and business regulation
- Why risk and fear often fuel great entrepreneurs
- John’s take on bureaucracy in California vs. Texas business environments
- How empathy and integrity shape great legal partnerships
Hosts:
John Fagerholm — defendmybiz.com
Steve Cooper — coopertalk.net
Guest:
Sean Tipton — Entrepreneur and founder of Oak Fire Ridge
Website: oakfireridge.com
Subscribe to Lawsuits & Lessons on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube for more real-world stories of entrepreneurship, law, and leadership. Every other week, John and Steve bring the lessons — and the laughs — straight to your feed.