In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, Jamie Seeker sits down with Kyle Bachus, co-founder of Bachus & Schanker, LLC in Denver, Colorado. From his early inspiration as a 17-year old arguing in a mock Supreme Court, to founding one of the most respected personal injury law firms in the region, Kyle shares what it really takes to build a values-driven business — one rooted in justice, service, and heart.

But this episode goes far beyond business. When Kyle’s own mother was tragically killed in a crosswalk accident, the work he had done for decades suddenly became deeply personal. That loss redefined how he practiced law, inspired his bestselling book Unthinkable, and drove him to create a victim-centered approach that supports families through grief — legally, emotionally, and practically.

Through humor, humility, and incredible insight, Kyle opens up about taking risks, betting on himself, and building a team culture grounded in empathy and excellence.

📝 Show Notes & Themes

Guest: Kyle Bachus

Organization: Bachus & Schanker, LLC

Location: Denver, Colorado

Website: kylebachus.com

🔑 Topics Discussed:

• The moment a teenage Kyle realized law was his calling
• Launching a law firm with $13,800 and a handshake at a Denver bar
• Early business planning decisions (and the creative hustle behind them)
• Betting on yourself: entrepreneurship without a safety net
• Staying grounded in your “why” through rapid firm growth
• Experiencing personal tragedy and the impact it had on his practice
• Writing Unthinkable and redefining client advocacy in wrongful death cases
• The power of empathy in law and leadership
• Kyle’s perspective on legacy, service, and what it truly takes to be a business owner

💬 Memorable Quotes

“I had $13,800 from a home equity loan. We wrote the deal on a napkin at a bar and I got paid $500 a month for the first six months. That’s how we started.”

– Kyle Bachus

“Would you want to hire you? Honestly. If everything was on the line, would you hire yourself? If not, you’ve got work to do.”

– Kyle Bachus

“I was always a fixer. But some problems can’t be fixed — they can only be felt, shared, and supported.”

– Kyle Bachus, on losing his mother

“What was I going to regret more? Doing this or not doing this?”

– Kyle Bachus, on starting his firm

“You have to be willing to lose to win. You’ll never be successful if you think every day will go your way.”

– Kyle Bachus

🎁 Key Takeaways

• Business is personal. The best leaders bring their whole selves to their work, even in grief.
• Start scrappy, stay smart. Launching a business doesn’t require perfection — it requires passion, resourcefulness, and grit.
• Build with empathy. Growth doesn’t mean losing your values — it’s a chance to embed them deeper into your culture and client experience.
• Legacy isn’t what you leave behind — it’s what you build while you’re here.