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Turczyn turns dreams into business

By: Jane Pribek//September 17, 2014//

Turczyn turns dreams into business

By: Jane Pribek//September 17, 2014//

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Melissa Turczyn,  associate,  Michael Best & Friedrich LLP,   Madison
Melissa Turczyn,  associate,  Michael Best & Friedrich LLP,  Madison

There’s nothing more rewarding to Melissa Turczyn than when a client texts her a photo of a check.

That check is the culmination of an initial financing round, typically lasting 90 days, during which Turczyn is on the client’s speed dial.

“When they’re going through financing, they’re kind of like a baby bird. I work closely with them. I keep them close in the nest,” Turczyn said. “Then, the minute they get money, it’s time for them to fly away; to grow their companies and spend the money wisely.”

In 2007, the creators of Michael Best & Friedrich’s Venture Best practice group tapped Turczyn to become its first associate. She has since help launch dozens of successful businesses and now co-chairs the group.

Among her numerous client success stories is EatStreet, a tech company that sells software to restaurants for online food ordering. The company got its start in 2010 when its owners were completing their undergraduate degrees.

Turczyn was instrumental in helping the company receive $2.5 million in its first major investment round in January 2013, and another $6 million earlier this year.

“Melissa is more than just a lawyer to us; she’s a part of our team,” said Matt Howard, EatStreet’s CEO. “I’ve had many late-night phone calls with her, and she’s always there to help.”

Mary Turke, managing partner of Michael Best’s Madison office, said Howard’s comments are typical.

“Clients really love working with her. She’s approachable and she’s smart,” Turke said. “But also, Melissa is in a specialty area, the startup world, where it’s mostly men. Melissa doesn’t let that faze her. She knows her stuff, and she just goes out and does it.”

Turczyn said her clients make the work a pleasure.

“They’re high-energy, and a lot of them are my very good friends,” she said.

“Entrepreneurs are just a lot of fun to be around,” she added, explaining that she’s convinced their brains are wired in an unusual, wonderful way. “Some people see a problem, get annoyed by it, then go around it. Entrepreneurs can’t let go of a problem. They have to figure out a fix. Then they find an investor who agrees with them, and turn it into a successful business.”

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