From the Hood to the Helm: Building Opportunity Through Strategy with Omar Hernandez

Описание: 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

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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.