September 2019 marks my 25th year in business! There have been many challenges and many joys, but not a day goes by that I think of how grateful I am for having a career I love in the court reporting business. Let's take a look back at the 25 years:
How has the industry changed in your 25 years of business?
At Susan Frye Court Reporting, we pride ourselves on keeping up with the latest and greatest advancements in technology to serve our clients well. We are seeing more videoconference depositions and depositions via Zoom. This provides either attorneys or witnesses a way to participate in a deposition when travel is not possible, for example. Another change we have seen is that at our office, most transcripts are only being delivered electronically. We are, however, happy to provide paper transcripts to anyone who still prefers that method of delivery. I understand this. I still like to hold a newspaper when I read it!
What advice would you give someone starting their own business?
Most importantly, talk to someone who has already done it and been there. The best advice you can get is from someone who has gone before you. Also, surround yourself with supportive people like you might find in networking groups. This has been something that I have done only more recently but have found very beneficial.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced with business ownership?
There are many hats that you wear when you’re a small business owner. You need to know a little bit about a lot of things! I’ve learned a lot just through trial and error. That being said, being a small business owner is a privilege.
Why do you enjoy being a business owner?
Many things come to mind, not the least of which is you are your own boss. That being said, being a business owner comes with a lot of responsibility. If you have employees, you want to make sure they can provide an income for their families. Being a business owner can also provide flexibility, and I do like that. If I want to help a family member with something during the day, most days I can do that. I can also work on invoicing, payroll, calendaring in the evenings if I want.
Why did you decide to open up your own court reporting agency?
Many people already know the answer to this question, but if not I’ll share it again. My twin boys were 14 months old at the time I started my business, and I wanted to have some flexibility. I worked for another court reporting firm at the time. What I really wanted to do was open a clothing store; however, I’m married to a banker, and he said, and I quote, that will never happen! Smart man. Retail is a very hard business to be in and has only gotten more difficult over the years. He said, “Why don’t you just start your own court reporting business. That’s what you know.” So I said, “Well, I guess I could do that.” And the rest, as they say, is history! Such a blessing this business has been to my employees, their families, and to mine as well.
