Cutting through the noise in business formation since 2009
I’m Jake Lawson, and I’ve spent the last 15 years helping entrepreneurs make smart decisions about business formation—not just fast decisions, and definitely not profitable-for-me decisions.
Here’s my story: I started llciyo.com because I was tired of watching good people get terrible advice about forming LLCs. Too many entrepreneurs were getting burned by formation services that prioritized upsells over outcomes, or influenced by flashy marketing that promised “bulletproof asset protection” and “instant tax savings” that simply don’t exist.
Why I Do This (It’s Not What You Think)
I didn’t start as a business formation expert. I started as someone who got bad advice.
Back in 2009, I was launching my first real business venture. Like most entrepreneurs, I knew I needed an LLC, but I had no idea where to start. So I did what everyone does—I Googled “LLC formation” and picked a service that looked professional and promised to handle everything.
$800 later, I had an LLC in the wrong state, a registered agent I’d never heard of, and a stack of expensive “add-ons” I didn’t need. Worse, when I tried to open a business bank account, I discovered my formation documents had errors that took months to fix.
That experience taught me two things:
- Most business formation advice is designed to generate revenue, not help entrepreneurs
- The information entrepreneurs actually need isn’t complicated—it’s just buried under layers of marketing and legal jargon
So I started researching. A lot. I read state statutes, compared formation services, tested different approaches, and documented what actually works vs. what sounds good in sales copy.
What Makes llciyo.com Different
No affiliate revenue from formation services. I don’t make money when you choose expensive formation packages, so I have zero incentive to oversell you.
No upsell pressure. I’ll tell you exactly what you need and what you don’t. Sometimes that’s a $50 state filing. Sometimes it’s a more comprehensive service. Always, it’s what actually serves your business goals.
Real experience with real consequences. I’ve helped over 1,200 entrepreneurs through business formation, including cleaning up mistakes from other providers. I’ve seen what works, what fails, and what causes expensive problems down the road.
State-specific expertise. I don’t give generic advice and hope it applies to your state. I research state-specific requirements and provide guidance that actually works in your jurisdiction.
My Philosophy: Smart Formation, Not Fast Formation
The business formation industry sells speed and convenience. I sell strategic thinking.
Here’s what I believe:
The right state matters more than the fast state. Forming in Delaware sounds sexy until you realize you need to register as a foreign LLC in your home state anyway. I’ll help you choose based on where you actually do business.
Simple usually beats complex. Most small businesses need basic LLCs, not multi-tiered holding company structures. I’ll recommend complexity only when it actually serves your goals.
Asset protection comes from operations, not formation location. Nevada LLCs don’t provide magical asset protection if you mix personal and business finances. I’ll show you how to actually protect your assets.
Tax savings come from legitimate business activities, not entity tricks. There’s no LLC structure that eliminates taxes. There are legitimate strategies that minimize them. I know the difference.
My Track Record: 1,200+ Entrepreneurs and Counting
Since 2009, I’ve helped entrepreneurs across every state and dozens of industries:
- Tech startups in Silicon Valley that needed Delaware incorporation for VC funding
- Real estate investors in Texas who needed asset protection strategies that actually work
- International entrepreneurs who needed US entities for market access
- Professional service providers who needed compliant structures for licensed businesses
- E-commerce businesses that needed multi-state sales tax strategies
I’ve also cleaned up hundreds of formation mistakes:
- LLCs formed in the wrong state that required costly corrections
- Professional LLCs formed as regular LLCs (invalid in most states)
- Single-member LLCs that accidentally elected corporate taxation
- International entrepreneurs who paid for services they couldn’t legally use
What You’ll Get From llciyo.com
Honest assessments. I’ll tell you when Delaware doesn’t make sense, when Wyoming is overkill, and when your home state is actually the best choice.
Strategic guidance. Formation is just the beginning. I’ll help you understand ongoing compliance, tax elections, and growth planning.
State-specific accuracy. Generic advice doesn’t work when states have different rules. I provide guidance that actually applies to your situation.
Real-world context. I understand that entrepreneurs need practical solutions, not theoretical perfection. My advice factors in real budgets, real timelines, and real business goals.
My Credentials and Approach
Education: MBA in Finance, University of Texas at Austin; Certified Tax Consultant (CTC)
Experience: 15+ years in business formation and tax strategy; former compliance consultant for small businesses
Specializations:
- U.S. LLC and Corporation formation (all 50 states + DC)
- Tax strategies for domestic and international entrepreneurs
- Annual compliance and ongoing business requirements
- Formation service evaluation and comparison
Professional network: I work with attorneys, accountants, and formation services across the country. When you need specialized help, I can connect you with professionals I trust.
Why I Named It llciyo.com
“llciyo” combines “LLC” with “for you”—because that’s exactly what this is. Business formation advice designed specifically for your situation, not for generating maximum revenue for formation companies.
Every piece of content on this site starts with a simple question: “What would actually help this entrepreneur make a smart decision?”
What Others Say
“Jake saved me from making a $5,000 mistake. I was about to form a Delaware LLC for my local consulting business in Ohio. His analysis showed me why Ohio made more sense, and he was right—I saved money and avoided complications.” —Sarah M., Management Consultant
“I’ve worked with Jake on three different business formations over five years. He’s the only advisor who’s ever told me I DIDN’T need something he could have charged for.” —David R., Serial Entrepreneur
“As an international entrepreneur, I was getting conflicting advice from everyone. Jake cut through the noise and gave me a clear roadmap that actually worked.” —Maria L., E-commerce Business Owner
My Commitment to You
I promise three things:
- I’ll tell you the truth, even when it’s not what you want to hear
- I’ll recommend what you need, not what generates the most revenue
- I’ll provide guidance you can actually use, not generic advice that sounds good but doesn’t apply to your situation
Business formation isn’t complicated—it’s just been made complicated by an industry that profits from confusion. My job is to cut through that confusion and help you make decisions that actually serve your business goals.
Ready to get started? Browse our state-specific guides, read our formation service reviews, or reach out with questions. I’m here to help you build something great.
—Jake Lawson
LLC Formation Strategist
Founder, llciyo.com
Work With Jake
Need personalized guidance? I offer strategic consultations for entrepreneurs who want expert advice tailored to their specific situation. Learn more about consultation services.
Have a question? I read every email personally and respond to as many as I can. Contact me directly.
Want updates? I publish new state guides and formation strategies regularly. Subscribe to updates to stay informed about changes that might affect your business.
llciyo.com is an independent resource focused on providing honest, strategic guidance for business formation. We are not affiliated with any formation service providers, which allows us to provide unbiased recommendations based solely on what serves our readers’ best interests.