A Partnership Built on Trust and Transformation
Mike Powers, owner of Alliance Partition Systems LLC, engaged with Equinox just before heading off to a conference overseas. Little did he know, the COVID-19 pandemic would take hold while he was away.
As the shutdowns started and uncertainty loomed, from halfway around the world, Mike leaned into his new relationship with legal, knowing that even though he was half a world away, he had the legal and risk management support to keep his business steady to weather what was coming.
That unique experience laid the foundation for a lasting partnership. Even from afar, Mike felt the confidence of having a legal team on the ground, ready to step in.
Since founding Alliance Partition Systems (APS) in 2007, Mike has focused on building not just a successful drywall company, but a place where people are proud to work. His vision: to become the largest drywall contractor in Washington and Oregon, without sacrificing culture or quality.
By 2020, that vision was accelerating. APS had landed major contracts with clients like Sound Transit and state agencies, but rapid growth brought legal complexities. Government compliance, contract negotiations, and a global pandemic collided, testing the business at every turn.
APS didn’t just need legal advice. They needed a strategic partner and leaned further into their relationship with Equinox.
“As a growing company navigating foundational changes and industry challenges, we were seeking a legal counsel service that really personalized our needs,” said Mike.
Turning Legal Challenges Into Business Growth
Running a business is demanding enough without worrying about the finer details of the law, right?
For APS, keeping pace with evolving compliance rules in employment and government contracting, hiring and retaining talent, managing subcontractor agreements, and smoothly handling unforeseen disruptions were critical but overwhelming responsibilities.
On top of that, the legal fees and uncertainties that come with engaging with traditional law firms only increased the pressure.
For Mike, the stakes were high. Risks like falling out of compliance or being locked into disadvantageous contracts could threaten the company he had worked so hard to build.
Equinox’s Role in Driving Cost Savings and Confidence
Mike didn’t have to tackle these challenges alone. Equinox stepped in as more than just legal counsel—we became a steady, strategic partner to Alliance Partition Systems.
- Strategic Legal Guidance
Mike’s vision is to be the largest drywall contractor in Washington and Oregon without sacrificing culture or quality. Knowing that vision, we could help Mike and his team identify and build infrastructure to tackle both the opportunities and risks in the company’s growth plan, such as understanding the competitive landscape, weighing the benefits of growth through acquisition versus organic expansion, and planning for regulatory and employment compliance in these new areas. - Proactive Risk Management
Together, we prepared APS to face challenges before they became problems. Whether it was staying abreast of employment law changes, analyzing new subcontractor agreements, or tackling compliance hurdles, we had the team’s back and kept them ahead of the game. - Navigating HR Challenges and Leadership Development
Equinox helped navigate HR challenges such as ensuring smooth transitions when employees weren’t aligned with strategic goals and streamlining the onboarding process for goal-driven team members. In addition, Equinox provided guidance to equip new leaders stepping into managerial roles where they now supervised former peers. - Foundational Team Training
We provided practical training on wage and hour compliance and core employment law and contract basics, equipping the team with the knowledge to avoid common pitfalls. - Simplified Legal Support
Legal advice doesn’t have to be intimidating or costly. With a fixed-cost, reliable system in place, Mike and his team could budget confidently without the guesswork of mounting legal fees and have access to a legal team without worrying about costs.
Reaping the Rewards of a Legal Partnership
With Equinox’s support, Alliance Partition Systems came out stronger than ever.
“Equinox has helped us navigate company growing pains and successes, and through a global pandemic. Their ongoing support brought us confidence and clarity within our teams and with our customers,” said Mike.
Here’s how the partnership made an impact:
- Cost Savings
By empowering the APS team to reach out to legal (rather than avoid it), APS was able to stop doing its own legal work, saving valuable time, while getting quick, relevant advice. - A Stronger Foundation
With the right legal tools and advice, APS was set up for continued growth even in the face of industry and global challenges. - Prepared for Government Audits
APS was fully prepared for government audits, with every required document ready, organized, complete, and confidently submitted. For Mike, it was a moment of deep appreciation, knowing that nothing was left to chance during regulatory scrutiny. - Confidence in Every Step
Mike doesn’t hesitate when business decisions come up. Why? Because he has a team that knows him and his business, empowering him to act boldly and strategically.
Mike summed it up perfectly when he said, “It’s not often you want to call your lawyer first, not out of fear, but out of confidence. That’s exactly what Equinox delivers.”Lessons for Businesses Seeking Growth and Protection
- Team Up with Trusted Advisors
Don’t go it alone. Having a legal partner who understands your business gives you the confidence to face challenges head-on. - Knowledge is Power
Legal compliance and strong foundations don’t have to be overwhelming when approached strategically. - Invest in Growth
Long-term partnerships, like APS with Equinox, help you make smarter decisions and scale with confidence. - Be Prepared for the Unexpected
Whether it’s an unforeseen pandemic or a tricky contract, having a proactive and responsive legal team can save you time, money, and stress.
In the words of Mike, “We’ve grown to trust our Equinox partners and have leaned on them for big and small projects, almost all of which resulted in successful outcomes.”
These principles helped Alliance Partition Systems thrive. And here’s the best part? They can do the same for your business.
Close the Gap Between Challenges and Opportunities
Running a business may come with its share of challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Equinox, we’re here to help you make smarter decisions, grow with confidence, and take on whatever comes next.
Is your business equipped to handle growth with confidence? Are legal complexities holding you back, or worse, costing you opportunities?
With Equinox as your strategic legal partner, you’ll make smarter decisions, mitigate risks, and unlock the full potential of your business.
Take the first step toward building a stronger foundation. Take our Business Health Assessment today or set up a discovery call and experience the power of law working for you.
