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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E786-E787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF RUPERT M. BARKOFF
______
HON. DOUG COLLINS
of georgia
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the
life and work of Rupert M. Barkoff, a leader in Atlanta and the
franchise business community.
Rupert M. Barkoff was born May 7, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to
Martha and Samuel Barkoff. He graduated from the Isidore Newman School
in New Orleans and later went on to graduate from the University of
Michigan Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan Law School.
After graduating from law school, Barkoff moved to Atlanta where he
practiced law for 46 years with Kilpatrick Townsend and established
himself as a prominent and beloved member of the firm. With his
creation of the Fundamentals of Franchising program and book, Barkoff
transformed the way in which lawyers new to franchising are introduced
to the business model.
Known for his generosity of spirit and knowledge in franchisor and
franchisee practices, Barkoff taught a franchise law course at the
University of Georgia. He was devoted to his students and took a
personal interest in each and every one. He even made a point of
meeting with them individually to discuss their interests and mentor
them toward their goals.
[[Page E787]]
Barkoff was not only a mentor to his students, but also to so many
involved with the franchise bar. Countless lawyers admired his
leadership in guiding them through the franchising business model.
Those who had the pleasure to work with Barkoff will remember him for
his gentleness, intelligence, and great sense of humor.
As an early pioneer of franchise law, Barkoff laid the fabric of
franchising in Atlanta. The Southeast Franchise Forum, of which he was
a founding member, is a regional organization in Atlanta as part of the
International Franchise Association, established to foster professional
relationships throughout the franchise community and to enhance the
reputation of franchising through the exchange of information, ideas
and solutions.
Our home state of Georgia is a thriving franchise hub containing
26,500 establishments, creating 275,800 jobs, and producing $22.7
billion in economic output. There are 345 franchise companies
headquartered in Georgia today, and Barkoff directly contributed to
this economic boom in our city by ensuring these well-known brands
operated with the highest standards of compliance in franchising.
Rupert will always be remembered by his family, friends, and
colleagues as a trusted friend, a great mind, and a devoted family man.
His children and his grandchildren, who affectionately called him
``Umps,'' cherished the many Michigan football games they attended
together. He is survived by his wife Susan, his two sisters, his three
children and their spouses, and his many grandchildren, nieces and
nephews. Our condolences go out to Rupert's family and friends.
____________________
