Kevin Thompson

Unlocking Industry Innovation – Kevin Thompson

Kevin Thompson is the Co-founder and President of Thompson Burton, PLLC, one of the fastest-growing law firms in Tennessee. As an MLM attorney, he focuses on consumer law and regulatory compliance in the direct sales industry, helping entrepreneurs launch their businesses with secure legal regulations. Kevin was named Supplier of the Year in 2014 by the Association of Multilevel Marketing. He has led several efforts to improve the network marketing industry, including passing state legislation regarding anti-pyramid rules, denouncing inventory loading practices, and steering policies.

Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn

[1:59] Kevin Thompson talks about his entrepreneurial ventures leading up to co-founding his law firm
[8:38] How Kevin manages his practice and discovered his niche
[15:25] Navigating the decision to scale a law firm
[19:35] The impact of EO on Kevin’s leadership strengths
[26:44] Thompson Burton, PLLC’s future growth objectives
[31:05] How to become involved in EO

In This Episode

Launching a business often requires disrupting traditional practices, but scaling that disruption can present unique challenges. How can you continue to innovate while building a sustainable and collaborative business model?

Law firm co-founder Kevin Thompson recognized early in his career that traditional legal practices were outdated and required disruption. By focusing on autonomy, scalable systems, and specializing in niche areas, Kevin built his law firm from just two attorneys in 2012 to a thriving firm of 50 lawyers today. He attributes this growth to leveraging technology, fostering team camaraderie, and creating a transparent incentive structure that aligns with the firm’s values and vision. Kevin also credits EO for bolstering his leadership approach.

Tune in to this episode of The Decision as Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson talk with Kevin Thompson, Co-founder and President of Thompson Burton, PLLC, about developing a disruptive law firm through transformative leadership. Kevin shares his insights on creating a culture of autonomy, scaling efficiently, and using empathy to foster team alignment.

Quotable Moments:

“I would say a tagline for my life would be better than expected.”
“If you climb a ladder leaning against the wrong wall, it’s not great.”
“Success should be viewed in a much longer time horizon.”
“I’m willing to look like an idiot for longer than most people.”
“Mastery is a function of autonomy. You leave people alone to express themselves.”

Action Steps:

Embrace opportunities and show up: Showing up consistently and taking every opportunity seriously can lead to unexpected success. This approach helps you gain recognition and builds pathways to greater opportunities.
Leverage social media for professional growth: Kevin Thompson saw the potential of social media for professionals early on, using it to establish an online presence. This allows individuals to stand out in their field and reach a wider audience, a crucial step in overcoming the visibility challenges many professionals face today.
Adopt an innovative mindset: Kevin disrupted the traditional law firm model by questioning outdated practices and seeking more efficient ways to operate. This mindset addresses industry stagnation by encouraging continuous improvement and seizing new opportunities.
Build a volunteer army with autonomy and incentives: Recognizing the importance of autonomy and effective incentives can lead to a motivated and loyal team. This approach tackles the challenge of retaining talent by fostering an environment where team members feel empowered and valued.
Invest in mentorship and collaborative growth: Kevin’s emphasis on collaboration and learning from others highlights the value of mentorship and teamwork. By sharing knowledge and experiences, people can overcome their limitations and innovate.