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 the Hood to the Helm: Building Opportunity Through Strategy with Omar Hernandez
In this episode of Lawsuits & Lessons, host John Fagerholm, employment defense attorney and business advocate, and co-host Steve Cooper, comedian and veteran podcaster, sit down with longtime friend and entrepreneur Omar Hernandez, President of Global Urban Strategies.
Omar shares his powerful journey from growing up in Nickerson Gardens in South Central Los Angeles to serving in the U.S. Marines, earning his MBA from USC, and building a nationally respected consulting firm that has helped secure over $1 billion in grants for municipalities, school districts, and public agencies.
The conversation weaves together entrepreneurship, military discipline, marketing, government contracts, and the legal realities of running people-heavy businesses in California. Along the way, John and Omar unpack lessons on risk, hiring, prevailing wage laws, AI’s role in modern work, and what it really means to build something that outlives you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How Omar Hernandez used the military as a launchpad to education and entrepreneurship
- Why entrepreneurship doesn’t shut off, even during holidays
- The realities of building and scaling a service-based business in California
- How Global Urban Strategies helps cities and businesses secure federal and state funding
- Common legal pitfalls in government contracts and prevailing wage work
- Why hiring slowly and intentionally can save businesses years of pain
- The human side of leadership, legacy, and transitioning ownership
- How AI can support work without replacing experience, nuance, or judgment
- Advice for young entrepreneurs who feel stuck or overwhelmed
Hosts:
John Fagerholm — Employment Defense Attorney & Business Advocate
Website: defendmybiz.com
Steve Cooper — Comedian & Veteran Podcaster
Website: coopertalk.net
Guest:
Omar Hernandez — President, Global Urban Strategies
Website: www.global-urban.com
Subscribe to Lawsuits & Lessons on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
Every other week, John and Steve break down real business stories, real legal risks, and real lessons entrepreneurs can actually use — with just enough humor to keep it human.