story by Lucy Price
Tough winters in Pittsburgh, a busy work season, and a long commute brought Tom Fitzsimmons and his wife, Jodi, south. Just before a post busy season vacation to Myrtle Beach, Tom reached out to a recruiter to explore some new options. As it turns out, the recruiter worked with WebsterRogers and they were looking for someone with the level of experience that Tom had. The first day of their vacation turned into a day of interviews and the rest is history. Tom joined WebsterRogers in 1996 and has been with the firm for 22 years.
WebsterRogers serves individuals and businesses of all sizes, but Tom’s interest and expertise have always been in working with medium to large commercial clients, employee benefit plans, and not-for-profits. “When you have experience working with the same type of clients, you tend to encounter a lot of the same concerns,” shares Tom. “What inspires me is being able to share and leverage my experiences to help our clients.” Tom has held numerous positions over the years. His current role as Vice President presides over the firm’s finances. “What excites me most about this new role is the partnership with our President, Amy Urquhart, and our management committee,” explains Tom. “We have a team that is passionate about our people and our clients. I expect to see great things in the future of the firm.”
As far as Tom’s specialty goes, first and foremost, he is an auditor. He explains to us what an audit is and why it is important. “In an audit, we examine various documents and business records to support the recorded transactions and account balances reported in the financial statements. We also review and evaluate internal controls all under very specific guidelines. Audited financial statements provide business owners, board members, and stakeholders confidence in the financial statements they are relying on to make business decisions. In addition, an audit may help detect deficiencies in internal controls that could lead to fraud. The information from an audit can help businesses avoid cash flow issues and better plan for the future.” Tom explains how valuable the process is for both the clients and for WebsterRogers. “We get involved at every level in the business. I love going through this process with our clients and coaching them through various challenges.”
While Tom often helps clients overcome obstacles, a memorable moment is when he helped a business client obtain a financial loan in order to expand their facilities. Tom shares, “I was able to get involved and lead them through some crucial conversations with the bank and provide insight that got everyone comfortable. This expansion was critical for the client. Seeing it all come together and the finished facility was truly gratifying.” Tom’s ability to gain his client’s trust is in part due to how he treats people. “My mother taught me to always treat people with care and respect; everyone is important,” he said. A philosophy he keeps at the forefront of his business practices.
Tom has had the extraordinary privilege of experiencing the evolution of WebsterRogers over his 22 years with the firm. They have grown by seven offices, including one in Myrtle Beach and one in Florence, to a total of nine locations. “Adding those offices has enabled us to serve clients along the entire coast of South Carolina through the Midlands,” says Tom. “With the physical expansion, we have probably added another 90 associates. As we have added people, we have also been able to add new expertise in specific areas they didn’t have before. Those capabilities have enabled us to better serve not only our individual clients but to also continue to take on more and more complex engagements.” While many changes have been made throughout the years, one thing has always stayed the same – the people. “The people of WebsterRogers are what I enjoy most about the firm. It was the founding partners that led to my decision to not only join WebsterRogers but to build my career with this firm because of who they were. I enjoy working and developing our young associates and working as a team to help a client. I truly believe the people of WebsterRogers make the difference.”
Tom Fitzsimmons earned a BS in Accounting from Penn State University. His wife, Jodi, oversees Revenue Cycle Management for McLeod Physician Associates. Together they have 15 nieces and nephews. Tom is a member and former President of the Florence West Rotary Club and a McLeod Fellow.
With one deadline behind them, WR is still working diligently on client projects. Given the new tax laws, they have been planning with many of their clients since late last year as there are a myriad of changes impacting individuals and businesses. Taxpayers are impacted in different ways. Fortunately, WR has the expertise and experience to navigate the most complex issues.